#of a guardian because at the end of the day he dragged his kids into a business that could potentially get them killed -

[mad-hunts]

so uhhh... my little angsty tidbit for y'all today is that one of barton's reoccurring nightmares is that he, in his mind, failed to protect one of his kids the same way he failed to protect julien. so do what you will with that information

[originalaccountname]

along with the "was Chuuya or Oda more important to Dazai" debates (stupid question, why compare the impact of completely different relationships), I often see arguing over who was worst or better for him.

Putting aside for a moment that these are little imaginary guys in a fantasy setting that are vehicles for the story and themes and therefore their words and actions and their consequences are all meant to carry the story and themes, so applying 1:1 real-life logic is meaningless,

It's both. It's both, it's both it's always both. This is Bungou Stray Dogs, things are always messy and good things come from from the worst situations and good intentions create horrible dilemmas and things are unfair and people make mistakes and there is always love and perseverance and growth anyway.

Meeting Chuuya and having to fight through the events of Fifteen together gave Dazai the slightest drive to keep going, even if his reasoning ("to witness death from up close") was dubious.

Chuuya in Storm Bringer saw Dazai as a reflection of all his doubts and weaknesses. That hallucination in the lab, "you're like me, your birth was a mistake"? Those are Chuuya's insecurities projected on Dazai's passiveness that Chuuya can't stand. Dazai to Chuuya is what happens when you give up and stop fighting, and so Chuuya tends to see Dazai in a grimmer light, make a bigger monster out of him than he really is.

But Chuuya also serves as Dazai's wake up call (cue Dead Apple soundtrack) and keeps him from slipping too far. Yes Chuuya punched Dazai square in the face, but it was because Dazai was seeing an ally's death as an opportunity for him instead of a death. And it worked! Because Dazai then got into action not 2 days later to start on ending the conflict that had already been ongoing for over 2 months!

Meanwhile, in the world of death Dazai put himself into, Oda's single most important principle was not to kill. And he was such a strange man, near-impossible to guess, simply because he was so uniquely weird, even a bit stupid at times, which made him interesting to be around. He became a good friend (yes friend, not mentor or guardian) that always remained non-judgmental and asked almost nothing of the genius boy.

But Oda also saw himself as someone unworthy of criticizing anyone else. He had many thoughts about Dazai's behaviour and how he saw he was hurting, but wouldn't consider himself as someone who could do something about it. So he said nothing and did nothing while Dazai self-destructed. But he cared! When Dazai provoques the Mimic soldier into shooting him, Oda is scared! He just thinks he has no right to step in Dazai's head like that, and they come to an impasse.

And his last words. They may sound harsh, and really, they are, but they came from his own experience and were meant to force Dazai to reconsider his choices right now. It was the first time Oda spoke out on Dazai's issues, and he had limited time. No, there isn't gonna be a magic solution that will fix him one day. The time Oda was the most content was when he was taking care of the kids, that's why losing them was so hard. Saving people feels good and keeps you going. So he told Dazai to go do that, or things would only get worse. He knows his friend better than anyone else, and his friend suffers the same aimless life he was trying to escape himself.

Chuuya and Oda were both people Dazai found interesting and dragged into the mafia with him. They were both among the few people that weren't intimidated by his high mafia profile. They both involuntarily fed into his self-destruction, and they both did things that saved him in the long run. They both helped and destroyed him in different ways on their own time and it was messy and sometimes good and sometimes bad...

... but it's always both.

[huh-1260]

What if Time hadn't experienced the War of Era's yet? Okay let me explain this weird what if, so like with some people's head cannons, Wind goes in the middle or the end of Linked Universe. But like, so when Wind gets dragged to the War of Era's, Time gets dragged too, and with shenanigans, Time is back to 11 year old self (or how ever old you think Young link is at the end of Majora's mask) separated from Wind by a day late.

But you might be thinking, wait but what about the Fierce Deity marks on Time's face? Claim. Fierce Deity claim on his grumpy son to protect him. (Fierce Dadity all the way baby!) So like when Wind or now Tune starts treating Time like a kid, because Wind doesn't know that Mask is Time. Commander Link (or well baby Warriors; I heard he wasnt actually a captain) ends up as Mask's saving grace from certain things, as baby!Warriors is protective, but not to the extreme point because he too is a child soldier. (So like Time can now relate to Wind with being babied, and is prepared to protect young Warriors from everything even himself with the help of Fierce Dadity on his side)

So daurung a fit of child rage, Time yells "I'm an adult stop babying me!" And of course Tune goes serious, pinches the bridge of his nose, and all mysterious says. "If you're really an adult then your ready to hear this" And then explains the second most traumatizing thing a guardian gave give their child. The birds and the bees.

Tldr: Wind gives Mask the "talk" even though Mask is a de-aged Time who has all of his memories and still is actually a 30 something old man.

Time did scream when Wind explained it, he never wanted to hear it again. Don't worry Baby!Warriors did wrap him in his scarf for comfort.

Shit I might post art of this brb

[midnight-talescape]

PLEASE IM BEGGING U CERULEDGE SMUT PLEASE

𝒰𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓈𝑒𝓇𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 (𝒞𝑒𝓇𝓊𝓁𝑒𝒹𝑔𝑒 𝓍 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇)

Tried to do a knight Ceruledge x bratty princess reader

He can speak because I thought he was a legendary for the longest fucking time. Literally only realize he wasn’t when I was doing research for this smut.

Took me so long to figure out how to deal with his sword hand :’)

Warning: pokephillia, etc, etc you get the point not for kid

Genre: filthy filthy smut

Word Count: 4.1kish

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“Well this is a unfortunate turn of event.” You mused as you look out the broken window and into the pouring rain,

It was a normal day as any other, you were to travel to the neighboring kingdom for a diplomatic mission and then come back.

Should have only taken a day at most.

Keyword should have.

On the way back you had suffered a attack from a unknown source and in the chaos of the moment, you had managed to get separated with the rest of your guards.

Saved for one.

“Ceruledge, you can’t stay outside the entire night, you know? It’s just a little skin, it’s not the end of the world.” You called out as you poke your head out of the door and motion for him to come in.

The rain has caused both of you to be soaked to the bone, well just you really, Ceruledge is perfectly fine.

And much to his dismay, there was no clothing for you to change into and unless he want you to get sick, you had to take off your clothing.

Which left you in nothing but your undergarments.

He had left the room as quickly as he possible could, once that conclusion has been reached to save your dignity.

Not that it matter since you’re now calling him back in. He shook his head, careful not to turn around and look, as he tried not to think about what you look like right now. How you look in your undergarment, and the soft body under it—

No stop thinking like that! You’re his charge! His liege, his royal highness, his master, the person he desperately wants, crave, needs— FUCK!!!

He smashed his head against the pole in frustration.

He. Should. Not. Be. Thinking. Of. You. Like. That.

Maybe he should walk into the rain. The rain will calm him down. And if it doesn’t, then he certainly deserves the pain that comes from the downpour of water.

“Ceruledge, are you seriously planning on going into the rain? You know you’re going to get hurt, right?”

You ran out and grab his arm, stopping him from going any further into the rain as you drag him back into the cabin.

Ceruledge froze at the touch of your hand, his body trembling as he looked towards the rain once more. Silently regretting everything in his life that has led up to this moment.

Your hand on his arm had sent a undeniable thrill through him. It was a foolish feeling to have, but he couldn't deny that for one delusional moment, he thought about pulling you into his arm and never letting go.

But that thought was quickly shoved down, as he met your gaze once again, letting you pull him back into the cabin.

He needed to be more discipline, to have better self control. Maybe if he pushed himself harder, if he went to the brink of exhaustion, he'd be able to escape the thoughts that seems to control his mind.

Maybe.

His armor clanked softly as he sat in a corner, arms crossed over his chest as he stared blankly at the wall. Trying his best to not look at you. He didn’t even bother to dry himself, continuing to drip water onto the floor.

He deserved it for having such perverse thoughts.

He was suppose to be your guardian, your servant, and your sword. He was to be your everything and anything except for your lover.

You walk up to him once you notice that he’s just letting himself stay wet. His eyes downcast as he stay still, his posture revealed nothing. But you could tell he was uncomfortable with all the water on him.

“You’re literally a fire pokemon, Ceruledge. Please remember that and realize that you’re currently soaking wet.”

You said huffing in annoyance as you wipe his face with your damp sleeve. Doing your best to dry him up with what you had. Which was the equivalent of basically nothing.

“Do you like being in pain? This has to hurt for you, or really really uncomfortable. I don’t like you being hurt or uncomfortable...”

Ceruledge didn’t move as you continued to ramble while wiping him down. Acutely aware of your soft skin and warm scent as you take care of him.

He could feel your concern, the worry in your voice and he hated it. He hated that he was making you worried.

You shouldn’t be worried. And least of all worried about him.

A knight who deserve to be punish and stripped of his honor for craving you.

His eyes fluttered, before he hesitantly stop your arm with his sword, careful to not hurt you.

“Your highness… please it’s nothing, I can take care of myself.” He said softly as he heat up his body and get rid of all the water on him,

He would have done it to your clothing as well… if he hadn’t accidentally burned your shawl and will rather not risk the rest of your clothing.

“Then do it, don’t make me order you to take care of yourself.” You said with another annoyed huff before letting out a sneeze and shivering,

The cold was getting to you and it was obvious if you don’t get some warmth soon you will get a cold or worst.

You let out another sneeze before holding out your arm towards him and saying matter of factly, “I’m cold, Ceruledge… hold me while I sleep.”

Ceruledge frowned at your word, his eyes flickering with concern, as he look at the clothes that he was unable to dry for you.

You were shivering, and his heart ached. You should be warm and comfortable, safety hidden away, where you can be protected and cared for.

Not here.

Cold. Shivering. And alone in a rundown cabin with a knight that have less then honorable intentions.

Everything in his body scream at him to obey your command. To wrap you in his arms, to keep you warm and safe as you slept.

But he couldn't.

He shouldn't.

He would lose control, he know he will.

He won’t be able to keep his hands off you and he will end up ruining everything, he'd destroy the trust you have in him.

"No, your highness." He manage to choke out, "I cannot. It would be improper, it would be... scandalous for me to hold you as you sleep, even for a single night—"

He trailed off, his voice wavering. It was like the very air around him was thickening, oppressive, stifling. He could feel the heat radiating from his face, could feel the armor and swords that’s a part of him, a reminder of what he is, and what he is not.

"Beside i’m all metal and fire, it will be uncomfortable. What if I hurt you with my blade-"

You sigh in exasperation before taking matter into your own hand. Walking forward you wrapped your arms around his waist, pressing your face into his chest and effectively stopping his nervous ramble.

You cannot deny the fact that, like he said, he was quite hard and uncomfortable to hold. But his warmth easily overshadowed that little problem as you let out a little hum, your body finally stop shivering.

“Shut up. You’re really warm and i’m cold, now be quiet and hold me so I don’t die from the cold. If you want, I can make it a official command for you to hold me.”

Ceruledge tensed, his body going stiff when you wrapped your arms around him. His eyes widening in shock, as he felt the softness of your skin against his hard metal.

He shouldn’t be touching you, he shouldn't be this close to you. He shouldn't be enjoying this warmth that was being shared between you.

And yet, he did.

His arms wrap around you, pulling you closer, feeling the curves of your body as he tightened his embrace, trying his best to shield you from the cold.

"Yes, your highness..." he muttered softly, trying to keep you close, keep you warm.

He could feel the edge of his blades, pressing against you, digging into your skin. He cursed the fire inside him, his armor, his sword. Everything that set him apart from a human and other pokemon.

He couldn't even hug you properly.

Still, as he felt your body melt against his, dragging him to sleep on the ground with you in his arm, his resolve wavered. The whisper of your heartbeat and breathing against his chest, the smell of you, it intoxicated him.

He closed his eyes, desperately trying to shut it all out, to focus on keeping you safe and not your soft body pressing against him.

He was glad you can’t see his face, otherwise his eyes would have given away his longing. His thoughts. His desire.

He know he shouldn't be thinking like this.

But he didn't know how to stop.

And a part of him wasn’t sure he want to.

It wasn’t long until you was squirming in his arm, trying your best to get comfortable, while unintentionally teasing him.

But when he tried to stop you, his face red and his body trembling with need, you look up at him with a pout,

“It’s not my fault… i’m use to sleeping on bed made from altaria feathers.”

He immediately felt a wave of guilt wash over him.

You deserve everything in the world. The softest warmest bed, but all he could give you right now is the hard surface of his armor.

And yet he had the audacity to try to stop you from moving.

How could he do that to you? What if you get hurt from his blade when he’s stopping you?

You were so soft, unlike the metal armor that covered him. You’re too delicate, too fragile compared to him.

"I’m sorry, your highness.” He whispered, not daring to meet your gaze. He could feel the heat in his cheeks, the blush spreading as he stop moving and allow you to continue squirming in his arms.

He could feel his cock growing hard, threatening to come out of his slit and press against your body.

No. Not now.

Not when you’re trying to sleep, not when you trust him, not when he’s supposed to be protecting you.

He squeezed his eyes shut, grinding his teeth, he want you, he want to do things he shouldn’t. He want to make you his.

He want to… love you.

But you deserve better.

Someone better then him.

As he mentally berate himself, filled with self loathing, he didn’t notice you looking up at him.

Seeing his guilt, you almost felt bad for teasing him.

Almost.

You already know that if you don’t make some drastic move, he’s never going to tell you how he felt.

Just staying in the shadow and looking at you filled with love, yet not making a move.

Thinking of that you grind your teeth in frustration.

As the royal heir you really shouldn’t had to do this. Ideally you had hope that if you waited long enough he will confess to you.

After a decade? That boat had long since sank, this time you’re taking matter into your own hand.

As he continue to try to ignore you, you smile mischievously before leaning up and placing a quick kiss on his cheek.

Ceruledge’s body tensed, his eyes widening and his heart skipped a beat as you kissed him, your lips soft and gentle against his cold metal exterior.

The kiss was gentle, innocent, but it did something to him. His whole body had tingled from the contact, and he want more. He want you to kiss him again, to feel the warmth and softness of your lip once more.

He could feel his body reacting, his cock throbbing as he bit his lips, trying to stifle the moan that threatened to escape his lips.

He was a knight, he’s not suppose to react like this. He shouldn’t be affected by something as small as a kiss.

But you kissed him.

His highness kissed him.

He couldn't help but revel in it. His body shaking slightly, that kiss had thrown him off balance, the sudden surge of emotion flooding him.

He should have push you away, but he held you closer to his chest instead. His breathing grow ragged, and his heart beat faster, as he try to hide how much he wants you.

“Y-your highness...” He stammer out, his voice shaky, “I-I’m sorry…”

“What are you sorry for? I kissed you.” You wrapped an arm around his neck pulling his head down and placing a kiss on his lip, “Do you not like me, Ceruledge?”

The second kiss sent a wave of heat through Ceruledge’s body and he could feel his grip on you tighten, as he struggled to stifle the groan that threatened to leave his lips.

He couldn’t speak, couldn’t say anything as you pulled him down, his mind going blank as your lips met his over and over.

This wasn’t right. He shouldn’t be enjoying this, but he did.

He couldn’t bring himself to push you away, to deny your kisses.

He felt his body trembling, your kiss, your touch, your warmth, it was overwhelming.

He wanted to reply, to tell you that he like it, to confess everything. But he couldn't. He wouldn't.

His arm, clenched tightly around you, as he tried to control himself.

Trying to think clearly.

Trying to remember his duties.

Trying to remember why he shouldn't be touching you, kissing you.

He couldn’t.

All he can remember is how much he want you, how much he crave you, how much he want you to be his.

He should have been an example, a paragon of honor and loyalty, but here he was, kissing you, wanting you. His cock slid out of his slit and press against your stomach, demanding release, demanding satisfaction.

He want you to be his, he want you, he want it all. The smile, the kisses, the warmth, the pleasure, he want it all.

He want you.

He’s lost.

He has always been lost.

Since the day he met you.

He’s lost in you.

He’s a knight, a protector.

A protector that has and will forever crave for you.

His master, his liege, his everything and anything.

He will crave you till his love and desire burn him to the ground.

Till he’s nothing but ashes and bones.

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Ceruledge groaned, his breath ghosting over your wet entrance, as he lapped up your nectar. His tongue swirling and stroking the sensitive bundle of nerves, making sure to not miss a single drop of your sweet nectar.

The taste of you was heavenly, he could feast on you all day, but he knew he can't. He need to fulfill his duties, he need to protect you. But the taste of you, the way you moaned and the way your body trembled, it was making it hard to remember that.

He felt his cock pulsating, throbbing, as he continued feasting on your cunt. His eyes glowing brighter, the fire in his eyes burning, the heat fueled by your taste, and the way you quivered as you call out his name.

He swallowed the last bit of nectar in his mouth, giving you a affectionate smile as you let out a muffled whine. Your body dazed with pleasure, leaving you vulnerable for him.

He placed soft kisses on your inner thighs, before gently pushing you onto the ground, and spreading your legs apart, his eyes never leaving you.

You try to focus on him, and your eyes widen when you saw something flickering between your legs. His cock was engulfed in the same blue flame that adorned the top of his helmet, it flicker and dance against your entrance.

“Ceruledge… is your cock on fire or am I fucking hallucinating?”

“You're not supposed to swear, your highness. It’s unbecoming of you." His reprimand was soft,

"My apologies, your highness. I’m afraid I can’t control it when I'm... excited." He explained the lust still clear in his voice as he bit your leg softly. As if wanting to punish you for your foul language, before aligning the tip of his cock with your cunt, ready to slide in.

"I'll be gentle, I promise."

He whispered, trying to reassure you, before he pushed inside you. His cock including the flame pushing past your wet folds, stretching and filling you with every inch.

A low rumble escaped him, "Fuck." He swore, his shadow grip your hips tightly, keeping you in place as he thrust inside you at a rapid speed.

He had been craving you for so long and now that you’ve given him this chance. He won't let it go to waste.

“Hypocrite…” you whine softly, before letting out a sweet moan as he filled you with his cock, “C-cold! Why is your cock so cold for a fire type!”

You continue to complain and wail as he thrust into you, using it as a way to distract yourself from the pain of taking him in so deep inside you.

Ceruledge chuckled softly, his thrusts becoming more and more forceful as you whined.

"It's because of the curse energy, if it was pure fire, it'd burn you."

The flame on his cock was a constant reminder of who he was, it licked and played with your insides, the sensation unique. Like the sensation of fire searing through ice, like the duality of his nature.

He could feel your body trembling, his hold on you tightening. His thrusts becoming more insistent, more violent, as he watched your face contort from the pleasure and pain. His heart swelling at the sight of you beneath him.

He could see the tears forming in your eyes. You were always so sensitive, crying and whining at the smallest cut, yet here you were. Taking in his cock, all pretty and stuff…

He felt his control snapping at the thought, his body moving of its own accord. The roughness of his movements sending a wave of pain and pleasure coursing through your body.

“!” Your body arched as you let out a muffled moan, your eyes widening as you clench tightly around his cock, orgasming again as you pulled him down for a needy kiss.

Ceruledge growled, feeling your body arch, your walls clenching around him, squeezing his cock, as you came.

He tried to regain his composure, he didn't want to hurt you, but the sight of you crying, of your body stretched around him, the way you kissed him back, he couldn't help it.

He tasted the tears falling, the sweet and salty flavor mixing with your unique taste. He kissed you with feverish heat, his thrusts becoming rougher, deeper, faster, each one driving him closer to the edge.

He could feel the pleasure building as he thrust into you, the flame on his cock flickering brighter, as the pleasure mounted. Soon he felt something snap within him, he roared, his mind drowning in the pleasure.

He came inside you. His cum thick and gooey, coating your insides and filling you up, as the flame in his eyes erupted. The entire room lit up in the blue flames, the fire consuming him, as he buried his face in your neck, riding out the waves of pleasure.

"I'm sorry your highness..."

He muttered, he should have been gentler, but he couldn't help himself. He felt the need to claim you, to possess you, to have you all to himself, for however brief the moment was.

“W-what are you sorry for?” You pant out as you cling to him, your body still shaking from the orgasm,

The fire was beautiful, yet burning nothing. The blue flame only casting a ethereal glow on your face and body, the flame cold but not unpleasant as his body warm you up.

Ceruledge shook his head, his breathing ragged, the last wave of his climax still lingering, the fire in his eyes slowly fading, leaving behind the darkness of his pupils.

"For taking what wasn't mine to take." Ceruledge answer, he had let himself get carried away, he had let his emotions get the better of him, and now he felt disgusted at himself.

He was supposed to protect you, not defile you. He wasn't the noble knight you deserve, he was just a lowly being, drunk off lust, and unable to see anything beyond his desires.

You let out a laugh as you look at him, your eyes wide with disbelief and anger.

“You’re telling me this after you fuck me?”

You grabbed his neck and pulled him close to you “Ceruledge, if that’s what you think, then feel free to pretend like this never happened. I’m a royalty, virginity is the least of my worry.”

You glare at him, your eyes filled with angry tears, “I will marry some complete stranger the second we get back to the kingdom, like my father want and they can love me instead.”

Ceruledge blink, his heart clenching at the sight of your tearful glare. The anger and hurt shining through your eyes as you spoke, and he felt like a complete monster.

"No, that's not what I meant."

The thought of you with someone else, the thought of you marrying someone else, the thought of you being love by someone else... His eyes darken with anger. Suddenly he lean in, kissing you with a intense urgency.

He want you, he crave you and he’s jealous He didn't want to let you go, not to some stranger, not to some royalty, or to anyone else in the world, not ever.

"Don't say things like that, please."

He whisper, his heart pounding, as he pulled back. His eyes pleading as he look at you, filled with emotions he has hidden for so long.

“You’re the one who keep pushing me away!” You yell, crying again, this time not from pleasure but from frustration at how fucking stubborn he is,

Ceruledge flinch, the words sing, but it’s the truth. He had been pushing you away, all in the name of honor, duty. In the name of not wanting to hurt you.

"Fuck, your highness. What will I ever do with you…”

He cursed, feeling the weight of his feelings finally crashing down on him. “I love you, your highness. Since the beginning, the day we first met. I love you, more then the star loves the moon and more then a moth that loves the flame.”

He confessed in a torrent of rampaging emotions, the fire in his eyes flickering, he could no longer deny his feelings, and his soul burn with desires that has been surpassed for far too long.

“Y-you love me?” You repeated tearfully as you look up at him,

Ceruledge nod, his gaze meeting yours, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, as he confirm your question.

"Yes I love you, your highness."

He had no right to love you, to desire you, but he did. And now he had to face the consequences. But he wouldn't regret saying it, not anymore.

He lean in, closing the distance between you, his lips pressing against yours, his kiss gentle, passionate, as if he was trying to make up for lost time.

You lean into his kiss, the tear almost immediately stopping, as you let out a soft content sigh.

“Let’s get marry when we get back… Father already have the wedding ready.”

Ceruledge eyes fill with confusion at your word. His eyes finally focusing on how smug and proud you look with yourself.

He let out a choked laugh, as understanding flash in his eyes. Leaning down, he press his forehead against yours.

“You planned this, your highness?” He asked but his voice made it clear he already knew the answer,

“No… okay maybe a little…” you answered meekly, before adding quickly, “You wasn’t going to confess otherwise!”

Ceruledge laughed, the sound rumbling in his chest, as he shook his head, his gaze soft as you admitted the truth.

"So you did all this just to hear me say those words, hmm? How manipulative of you, your highness."

His tone light, as he spank your ass with his blade, earning a surprise yelp, the skin quickly becoming swollen and sensitive.

"Well, it seems that you deserve some punishment for your deception..."

His lips brushed against yours, one last kiss, before he started to move inside you. His hips rolling, as he started to fuck you again. Slow, deep, and loving, as the fire in his eyes flickered, burning brightly.

The night is still long after all…

[scarisd3ad]

A really cute 'n playful Carl x fem reader cuddle sesh in his room? Like with reader laying on his chest (or vise versa) And they're playing with each other's hair, giving sweet, gentle kisses and being all adorable and in love 🥺.. (bonus if Rick walks in on them asleep together, gets Michonne and they're both standing there for a minute like 'awwww young love 😭❤')

Promptober day 22 - cuddles

Pairing - Carl grimes x reader

Warnings - none

A/N - this is the same reader from day 7 so Glenn and Maggie are like readers guardian/parents.

Promptober ‘23 masterlist

Main masterlist

Taglist

Carl's and i's hands are interlocked as we walk into his house. our footstep are cautious and quiet just in case one of his family members are home right now. It's not like we were going to do anything bad. It was just embarrassing at our age to be caught doing anything romantic. "Dad?" carl calls out into the house as he lets go of my hand. "Michonne?" no answer, so he grabs my hand and drags me back to his room.

I've never really been in his room, ever. Most of the time we hung out outside away from the others, so they wouldn't catch us. No one knew about us, as far as everyone else knew we were just really good friends, and nothing else. Well, that was the truth until a few weeks ago when we kissed and there was no going back after that.

I sit down on his bed as he kicks his shoes off. "soo what are we gonna do?" I ask. I was clueless about the whole relationship thing. The world ended when I was twelve and at twelve, I hadn't even held a boy's hand yet, and ever since then there wasn't time for a boyfriend or to even have a crush until now. I didn't know what boyfriends and girlfriends did when they hung on. I barely even knew how to kiss. "Just hang out," he says with a smile, "like we do all the time," he adds as he sits down next to me. My heart pounds against my chest as he grabs my hand. No matter how many times he holds my hand or kisses me, it always makes me flustered.

We end up on his bed, laid down, with his arm wrapped around me as he read a comic book. He carefully wraps and unwraps my hair around his finger, leaving the strand in a weird-looking curl. I'm nervous, and i think he can tell because he looks down at me before pressing a kiss to my forehead. My head lays flat against his chest so I can see what he's reading. We both end up falling asleep, arms wrapped around each other, and legs tangled together.

knock, knock, knock

We both quickly wake up and turn around, eyes wide in panic. We're both met with rick leaning against the doorframe with a tiny smirk on his lips. "dad get out!" carl shouts as he gets up off of the bed. He pushes rick out of the room and slams the door shut. I sit up so my legs are dangling off the bed. I didn't know if rick would tell Glenn and get me in trouble. I didn't know if what we did was worthy of getting in trouble for, but despite that fact, it still mortified me.

"I think I should go," I whisper as I wrap my arms around my body. "yo-you don't have to go, I don't think my dad cares that much anyway," I shake my head. "Glenn's probably worried I should go," I whisper as I walk out of Carl's room. ricks in the kitchen like he was waiting for either carl or I to come out. "Are you going to tell Glenn?" I ask my voice quiet and meek, terrified of what his answer was going to be. Glenn was always going to see me as that terrified little 12-year-old he had found abandoned on the streets of Atlanta. I just knew if he found out about carl and I dating he'd probably try to kill carl.

"Why would I?" Rick furrows his brows as he stares at me. "I just-I just don't want Glenn to know yet," I whisper as I cross my arms over my chest. He was overprotective, especially when it came to boys. I understood to a certain degree I was like his daughter. He's known me since I was 12, but he needed to let go a little. Rick walks over to me and places a hand on my shoulder. "Its alrigh' kid, tell him when you're ready."

Taglist

@leonkennedylefthand @maexyn @truecobblepot @mfnqueen1 @zoey5252 @nezukos-number1fan @bxbyyyjocelyn @dr3amyk1ng

[randoimago]

Day 9 - Fake Dating

Fandom: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Character(s): Link

Type of Request: 31 Days of Oc-Trope-R

Note(s): The requester wanted Reader helping Link fend off his suitors and I love this idea so much. Also, I make Link talk a tiny bit in this (like only a few words at a time) Also Also I felt so bad for Paya while writing this ngl (sorry Paya!!)

You blamed it on how nice he is to everyone. Oh, you need ten apples? He's doing it. One hundred crickets to impress a girl? Done. It's insane what he'll do (you're still annoyed that you watched him cut grass for hours to get the crickets to only actually give the guy ten).

But then he was going to Karkariko Village next. He seemed nervous as you two traveled on the new horse he tackled and won over. Usually, he liked using his Sheika sleight, but you both quickly found out that you are not transported with him, and he had to hurry to get back to you before the Guardian shot you. It was not a fun time.

"What's wrong, Link?" You ask as your arms are wrapped around his waist while he directed the horse. He's quiet for a bit as he ponders the question. Or maybe he heard you and was choosing to be quiet like he sometimes does. A sigh is heard from him as he looks over his shoulder. You did not realize how closely you were holding him and tried to put some space between you.

"Be my girlfriend," he says. No lead in, no 'hey I have a favor', just a flat-out proposal and your jaw dropped. Link quickly realized his mistake and pink crossed his cheeks as he shook his head. "Pretend! Pretend to be my girlfriend!"

You had a million questions and were starting to ask before Link filled you in. Apparently almost every girl and woman (some men too) in Karkariko village has a crush on Link. Well, maybe not Impa, but that's still a large number. And Link does not know how many excuses he can give so he wants you to pretend to be his girlfriend just to keep them off of him.

And you agreed.

You don't know what came across your mind to agree, but you did. You and Link talked about things like how you started dating or other couple questions that might be asked. It was a bit weird, but ended up being fun? Mostly because he's a dork and you teased him quite a bit when he talked about how he didn't realize a lizalfo tail couldn't be used as food for some reason and a fairy had to save him after eating the dubious food.

When you make it to the village, you don't quite understand what Link needed help fending off. The people seemed nice, some kids wanted to play tag (and you found it adorable how Link did so), and there was a shrine that Link stole the apples from. It wasn't until you and Link went into a shop that you realized.

"Why hello, Link, here to fill up your quiver?" She practically purrs and your jaw drops at how much confidence she has while Link pushes you forward.

"Um, actually, we would like some arrows please," you say, and she glances to you in disappointment at you being between her and Link, who she still tries to eye as a piece of meat.

"And you are?" She asks, her tone a bit bored, but you can tell she tries her best to be nice to a new customer. Even if you're a bit annoyed with how she's treating you.

"His partner," you tell her, and she pauses as Link breathes a sigh of relief. She glances between the two of you and, without thinking, Link holds your hand.

Sure, he's held hands with you before. Mostly so you didn't fall off a cliff or when the wind was really bad. But this context felt different. Well, you're fake dating so it really shouldn't be that weird, but the issue is that you liked it.

You hear her mutter something about "typical men breaking a woman's heart" but you ignore it as Link buys up about every arrow in the store. You thank her as he drags you outside and sighs.

"'Fill up your quiver'." You are so quick to tease him, and his face goes a dark red as he puts his hands over his face to hide. You're interrupted from your next teasing as you hear a gasp and you glance over and see a, well, a very pretty girl.

"Hello Paya," Link greets politely to the girl while continuing to hide his face and her face gets redder than his is. And you realize that she likes him too. It's difficult not to realize it as Link gives you a look for help and you smile gently at the girl, Paya.

"Hi," you say, and she looks to you in confusion as her eyes glance between you and Link and how close you stand together. And you watch as her heart seems to shatter, but she keeps giving a smile. Your own heart aches with her reaction.

"Hello, I'm Paya. It was nice seeing you again, Link." It was sweet how she greeted you if only tears weren't forming in her eyes as she quickly walked off and Link sighed, muttering that he'll have to talk to her later.

You keep walking through the village with Link, continuing to be his fake girlfriend but the smile on your face felt faker. Your mind kept going back to the shattered look on Paya's face and you imagined yourself in her shoes. Link is your friend; one you've traveled with for so long. How would you react if he suddenly showed up with someone he looked really close to? You didn't like those thoughts.

Eventually you and him walk out of the village, going to where the fairy shrine is so he can catch some just in case. And you see the shining lights surrounding him and how handsome his face looks as he glances in the pool of the fountain. And you realize your "just friends" thoughts are full of crap.

You're silent as you two walk away from the fountain, following the path to a little overlook. Link sighs in relief as he sits on the ground, taking a break from the excitement while you stay standing and overthinking.

"What's wrong?" Link asks and you hate how perceptive he is. Or at least, when it comes to you, he seems overly preceptive. You force a smile and sit next to him.

"I was thinking of Paya, she looked heartbroken," you tell him and Link sighs at that.

"I know." Is his reply and you can hear the heaviness in his tone, as if he also feels guilt, but he doesn't say anything afterwards. Nothing about telling the truth or even hoping she'll be okay. You know earlier he said he'd talk to her, but you don't know what that entails. The only thing you're thinking of right now is, you don't want to end up like her, the poor girl.

"It'd be unfair if she learned that we are lying about dating," you say and Link glances over at you, giving a slow nod. "So, we should actually date." His eyes look like they'll pop out of his head.

"What?!" You wince at his reaction and are about to apologize and start to think 'maybe I will end up like Paya' but then you see the massive blush on his face again.

"Well, we've traveled together for so long and-"

"Let's date." He cuts you off from the long speech you're about to give to explain your feelings. You're a bit annoyed by how quickly he recovered, but that goes away as you sigh and lean against him, something you did as friends but now it feels different, but a good different.

[strawwritesfic]

Joel x Female!Amputee!Reader: (Don't) Hold Your Breath [Ch. 3]

Summary: You’ve made a lot of monumental mistakes in your life. Cutting your arm off isn’t even at the top of the list. Now you’re about to learn a lot of life lessons at the hands of your savior and her brute of a guardian–and they’re not about to let you learn them the easy way either.

Challenge: "#32 in His Rulebook" by Edible Heart Monster on Lunaescence Archives

Rating/Warnings/Tags: M (post-The Last of Us; excessive swearing; sexual references; violence against children; infected children; references to abortion; references to cannibalism; references to starvation; references to riots; implied domestic abuse; implied grooming; implied sexual relationship between an adult and a minor; death of a parent; violence; gore; blood; gun use; ableism; amputee!Reader; enemies to lovers; not canon compliant)

Pairings/Relationships: Joel/Female!Reader; Tommy/Maria; Reader/Male!OC; Ellie & Reader; Ellie & Joel; Ellie & Maria & Tommy

Tag List: @imaginesfire

Master List (with important note!)

Rule Number #3: Try not to get yourself killed. God, are you that stupid?

It soon became clear that despite her situation, Ellie was anything but depressed. Your first day behind on her on the back of Callus Two showed you that much. You found balancing with only one arm no easy feat, and she wouldn’t quit harping on your struggles. But during the long spaces of time wherein you hadn’t had to grip her desperately to stay upright, she chattered like conversation was going out of style—which, you supposed, it had.

Ellie seemed happy to ramble on about just about anything, so long as she had a captive audience. Before her endless stream of nonsense paused around noon so that she could follow a deer trail she spotted, you’d heard Ellie’s views on everything from descriptions of her last hunt to a summary of the last comic book she’d found. You listened with just about as bored an expression as you could manage. Why the fuck did she think you cared about her life? But she was the one driving, so there wasn’t much you could do. At least it looked like her nattering at you for hours on end appeased Joel, who you could have sworn you caught almost smiling once or twice.

When no one was willing to listen, she whistled. When she wasn’t allowed to do that, she read. It seemed an awful waste of pack space to let her bring magazines, and that on top of all the talking she did made you wonder why Joel had even brought her along at all. Surely the damn kid was just a liability. But whenever Joel was awake—which was, admittedly, most of the time—he glared at you every fucking time you threatened her. Hell, he even seemed to orient himself around her, like she was his sun, the entire damn center of his universe.

But you still couldn’t figure out exactly what the fuck the two of them were doing. You didn’t just drag children into those kinds of situations, not unless you were trying to repay some debt, or at least trying to look like you were. But Joel and Ellie knew each other—what was more, they seemed to like each other. Ellie called him “Joel” happily, not like a kid trying distance itself from a shitty parent. Besides, Joel was way too old to be her dad. But then, he didn’t act much like he had around girls that age.

So what did Joel gain from keeping Ellie around?

“Anyway, after that, it was a pretty simple job of untying the knot. Boy, Joel sure was lucky to have me around for that. Not that he thanked me for that rescue either.”

“Kid,” you said, not bothering to keep the haggard note from your voice. “Do you ever shut up? How the fuck haven’t you got you and your friend turned into fucking Clicker chow by now?”

“Because,” Joel said testily as his horse clopped up beside Callus Two, “she can actually take care of herself, and knows to keep her fucking voice down.”

Instead of bothering to respond to him, you glowered. Joel was, as of that moment, an unknown. He barely spoke unless he wanted to tell Ellie what a mistake you were. During those times Ellie had run off to chase after rabbits and left you alone with Joel, it seemed pretty obvious that he had to restrain himself from shooting you.

“Keep it up, Ellie,” he added with a nod in her direction.

“Oh, we have a guest party member that Joel doesn’t like, so I get free rein to do whatever I want?” She beamed. “I’m going to have to adopt people more often!”

“Don’t even think about it.”

With another scowl in your direction, Joel picked up Shadowfax’s reins, and the horses started to move again. You let a long breath of air out of your nose as you looked around. The forest was starting to thin. Judging by the direction your troop had been moving the past day and a half, you were now farther west than you’d started. What that meant, you had no idea. It was not as though state lines meant anything those days.

But it did mean that you were getting sick of traveling with Ellie and Joel. Owing Ellie so much was just another bur under your skin. As you stared around, you leaned farther back from her, farther and farther, until you could only see the sky.

The horse below you whinnied. That was the only warning you had. The very next second, it reared. Your arm scrabbled around Ellie; your breath came fast in your ears, but you certainly hadn’t regained any of your missing balance. Before the horse had even thought of setting its hooves back on the ground, you fell backwards, landing on your back with a single, loud expletive.

“See, now,” came Joel’s voice from somewhere above you. “Ellie would have known not to shout at something as simple as falling off a fucking horse.”

“Fuck you,” you growled as you sat up.

Your head spun, but through that haze you could see that Joel had stopped his horse right in front of Ellie’s. He stood on the ground while Ellie, still perched atop Callus Two, looked irritably between the two of you. Her expression changed when she caught yours, swiftly rearranging into one of vague concern.

“It was time to dismount anyway,” she said hastily, as though this fact would somehow make you feel less shitty.

In a trice, she had got her two feet back on the ground. As much as you loathed the idea of following either of them anywhere, your only other option was sticking around the edge of the forest, waiting to be eaten. You stood and attempted to appear haughtily unconcerned as you took several steps past them.

“Why bother with the horses if you can’t ride them all the way?” you asked over your shoulder.

“That’s none of your business,” said Joel, but Ellie ignored him:

“Safety precaution. We still have to get identified before they’ll let us, and we don’t want the horses shot out from under us while we’re too far away.”

“So we’re almost there?” you asked.

“Yeah, it’s that right there.” Ellie gestured to a building in the distance while she stroked Callus Two’s nose with her other hand.

“That’s a power plant.”

“And that’s where we live.”

Well, by then you’d seen plenty of other stupid-ass ideas. You supposed living in a power plant was one of the better ones at least. Ellie interrupted your staring by wordlessly holding out a trio of dead rabbits. Although the ends of your mouth pressed down, you took them just as silently, then went back to looking while the rest of the meat got divided up between her and Joel for transportation. Whatever Ellie had said to the contrary, her community didn’t look like much—not enough to give up your freedom for, at any rate.

“Ellie, I’m telling you, this is a bad idea.”

As usual, Joel didn’t bother to keep his voice down when he spoke about how much he didn’t want you there. Not that you could blame him. If it wasn’t for the fact that Ellie had taken your gun (“until you can show me you can use it responsibly”), you would have shot them. If it wasn’t for the fact you were pretty sure even the fucking teenager could wrestle you to the ground, you would have stabbed them with the knife Ellie kept lending you. Because that would have meant you didn’t need them. Joel had you pegged much better than the kid, which couldn’t have been more apparent than when she whispered back:

“No, it’s not. She hasn’t hurt us.”

“Because she can’t.”

“So, what were we supposed to do? Just leave here there to die?”

“Ideally.”

“Well, you know what, Joel? I—”

“You owe it to the world. Yeah, I know. Would you reel in the Messiah delusion for ten seconds? We don’t even know her name!”

Whatever Ellie’s response to that was, you lost it. Even just standing there exhausted you. If there was food and shelter and—most importantly—a break from Ellie’s voice ahead, you weren’t going to wait around to find it. Maybe the rabbits would provide you with enough of a toll to pay your way inside. Who was going to believe that she killed them anyhow? Fifteen-year-olds weren’t taught how to hunt small game.

The ground beneath your feet slanted downwards. The tilt, combined with the remaining after-effects of chopping off an arm, had you stumbling forward. But at least you were moving, without a horse or Ellie or Joel to carry you. You certainly hadn’t been capable of that much the day before. Maybe you would only have to stay a night! Then you could give Ellie her knife back, show her that you weren’t someone to trifle with, and then disappear again. After all, you’d already learned the hard way that civilization didn’t always engender civility.

Something ahead gleamed in the sunlight, causing your awkward loping to come to a halt. Your eyes flicked up toward the gate ahead. Surely they got stragglers out in the middle of nowhere like this. If anything, hunters would want to cut through just to see if they could collect anything useful. You did not, however, want to appear to be a threat. Getting shot through with bullets so close to relative safety would not be conducive to your plans to survive.

The gleaming got closer, then materialized into a chain-link fence. It didn’t look new, exactly, but someone had obviously gone to the trouble of scraping off some of the rust. A low humming emitted from the metal. Confused, you stepped closer still, hand outstretched—

—only to feel someone else’s massive hand clutch the back of your jacket right before they threw you forcefully to the ground. Stars popped across your vision, but not so distractingly that you couldn’t hear Joel’s angry snap:

“Are you trying to get yourself killed? Are you really that fucking stupid?”

Your face twisted once more into scowl, though you didn’t bother to sit up that time. Pain rocketed up and down your spine. If your missing arm didn’t kill you, the broken back Joel was going to give you fucking would. Be that as it may, your constant angry reaction to things only seemed to be giving you a reputation for not having any fucking clue how to live on your own. You didn’t even want to look at Joel. Giving him the satisfaction of seeing how frustrated you were would only make things, in your opinion, worse.

Ellie stepped into your field of vision, her eyebrows raised. “It’s electrified,” she explained.

That got you sitting up again. “No fucking way!” you said, almost too impressed to work in your regular note of sarcasm.

Without missing a beat, Ellie bent, plucked a piece of grass from the near-barren dirt, and then poked it at the fence. A spark shot up. A moment later, she held the blackened stub of vegetation out toward you.

You could not help widening your eyes. “You guys have electricity?”

“Most of us aren’t stupid enough to walk straight into the fence,” Joel said. “But if you’re all that keen to die, go ahead. Save me the fucking trouble.”

“What the fuck did I do to you, bastard?” you demanded hotly, mostly to cover the cold rushing through your veins at the thought of how close you had come to being fried. You weren’t about to tell fucking Joel thanks for saving your life, though.

He opened his mouth to reply, but he didn’t have the time to do so before two figures walking across the grass towards captured your group’s attention.

“Hey there, Joel,” a man said as he approached.

The humming, you noted, had stopped. If you weren’t so sore from falling so much, you might have tried to clamber over the gate before anyone could stop you. As it was, you couldn’t, and had to content yourself with observing the newcomers.

“Hey, Tommy,” Joel said shortly.

The other man didn’t look at him. This “Tommy” appeared younger than Joel, much less gray, and had longer hair. Still, his resemblance to Joel was unmistakable, even if the openly fond look he shot Ellie wasn’t similar to any expression you'd seen on Joel's face at all.

Behind Tommy stood a woman with a scowl drawn permanently into the skin around her mouth.

“Hey, Ellie,” Tommy said with a wink in the kid’s direction. “How was the trip?”

“Great!” Ellie grinned. “We got some rabbits.”

All eyes fell upon the rabbits sitting next to your shoes. Perhaps Ellie was afraid of explaining you because she jogged a few steps backward to take Shadowfax’s bridle and added:

“And a deer. A whole fucking deer!”

“That’s great, Ellie!” Tommy said enthusiastically. “Did you get it yourself this time?”

She looked a bit crestfallen at that. “Well…No. But I’ll fucking do it next time, mark my words!”

Tommy laughed and made to open the gate. “I’m sure you will.”

“If there’s a next time,” Joel said.

When you looked at him, his eyes bored into yours. Suddenly, the woman stood in the space Tommy had opened, her gun pointed straight at you.

“Is she a problem?” she asked, her voice cold.

Tommy frowned at you, but made no attempt to prevent the woman from shooting you.

“Yes, I’m a fucking problem,” you answered hotly. “I—”

“We brought a friend!” she cried into the tense silence.

You scowled more deeply still at the “friend” comment, but if it got you past the electric fence, you’d forgive it. After all, you hadn’t eaten since the day before your disaster of a hunting trip.

“Ellie brought a friend,” Joel grumbled.

Neither Tommy nor the woman moved. Ellie took a deep, shaky breath, then tugged you to your feet and forward. Their eyes fell upon your stump, then quickly shifted back to Ellie’s face.

“She’s hurt,” she said. “She can’t make it on her own.”

“I—”

“Shut up,” Ellie muttered.

Tommy and the woman’s eyes met, then Tommy shrugged. The woman looked just as happy about the situation as Joel did, but she took a step back before stuffing her pistol back into her halter. Joel shoved past you, and even Ellie was quick to take off after him. With your heart pounding in your throat, you snatched up the rabbits.

Although he did not smile, his voice remained casual as he made to lead you down to the power plant with only a soft, “Welcome to Jackson.”

With one final second look over your shoulder, you stepped past Tommy into Joel and Ellie’s mysteriously self-governing settlement. You wondered if it was the last time you'd ever breathe free air.

[layla4567]

Teach me ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Adam warlock x fem!reader

Summary: You were a guardian of the galaxy but when your team broke up you decided to stay in Knowhere attending to other types of tasks. Now Adam, Kraglin, Groot, Cosmo, Phyla, and Rocket are part of the new team. And while you help with Nebula and Drax to take care of the children, Adam has an eye on you.

Warnings: none

Word count: 3k

⋘ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎… ⋙

Since you left the guardians things had changed a lot. Although, well, it couldn't be said that you really "left" the guardians because you were still working in Knowhere, only now you were doing less dangerous missions. Now you were in charge of taking care of the rescued children and some animals as well. Your specialty was teaching them basic things like reading, writing, etc. Thanks to that, you were now nicknamed "Knohere's teacher" and you could only laugh sweetly when you heard it.

But you weren't the only one who helped with the care of the children, occasionally Drax and Nebula also gave you a hand, but you soon discovered that the children adored you more than the other two, maybe it was because you had more patience or instinct Motherly, you weren't sure. You still remember that time a girl approached you happily saying something that makes you smile to this day.

(flashback)

You left your room always well ordered and full of several different species of plants that you watered daily. Even though you no longer went on missions with the team, you still wore your special suit because it was comfortable and beautiful. You walked out the door tying your hair into a messy bun ready to greet the kids and teach them something new today. You were reunited with Drax and Nebula when a girl with close-cropped platinum hair and purple eyes approached smiling with a notebook in hand.

"Well?, are you ready to learn about animals today, Ulani?"-Drax said

The girl in response began to jump happily while nodding her head fervently.

"Good, Come with me and Drax so we can teach you.."-Nebula said as she took Ulani's delicate hand to gently drag her towards a room, but the girl stood stoically in her place as if she was bolted to the ground and looked at them with a frown.

"I don't wanna"

Nebula was puzzled looking at Drax as if asking for an explanation. He crouched down to be at the height of the little girl.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to come with Uncle Drax and Aunt Nebula?"

Little Ulani shook her head with a pout without breaking eye contact and then to your surprise she pointed a chubby finger at you.

"I want her to teach me"

Now Ulani was looking at you with those beautiful little purple eyes shining with enthusiasm while a big smile returned to her face. Nebula crossed her arms in confusion as Drax patiently asked why she wanted to study with you.

"Because she has a nice smile and she always draws pictures for me"

you couldn't help but cover your mouth to hide your laughter as you grabbed the girl by the hand and took her with you to study.

(end of flashback)

This is how all the children of Knowhere, especially Ulani, would visit you in your room so that you could teach them numbers, colors and other things that seemed to be fun and useful to them. Meanwhile, the new guardians kept traveling through space fighting aliens and all that stuff you used to do. Of course, the newest member that got everyone's attention was Adam, especially your attention. Several times when they returned from missions and went to work on Knowhere, you had noticed how Adam would look at you while you played teacher. Even sometimes when he stared at you and you noticed it and turned to see him, he quickly turned his head and looked in another direction pretending that nothing had happened.

You were heading towards some tables and chairs that were outside the Knowhere dining room with your bag with everything you needed: pencils, papers, etc. There were already four excited children waiting for you and clearly among them was Ulani. You had grown fond of the girl and she with you. She was the most energetic of all the kids you taught and was always the first to ask when she didn't understand something.

"Hello miss (y/n), we are ready!"

you smiled at such a cordial welcome and sat down in the chair next to them ready to teach them how to write. You took out a couple of papers and several pencils for them while you dictated a few simple words. They obeyed you, paying attention and copying the words in big, messy letters. While you was reading what they had written and correcting them, a somewhat deafening noise accompanied by a fresh blizzard that made the papers fly was present. Out of the corner of your eye you saw how the guardians' ship landed near you and Captain Rocket and the others came down from it. They got out and people came up to them surrounding them and cheering like they were rock stars. They was always received like this and it seemed that the mission was successful. Rocket thanked and retired to his room drinking from a glass with a straw, the others stayed greeting the people of Knowhere. You smiled admiring them from afar. Suddenly you couldn't help but see Adam, he was greeting an old woman listening to her praise while he gently held her hands, you tilted your head a little and an "aww" escaped your lips without even thinking.

Ulani noticed your sigh and raised her head from the paper to look at you. You had lost sight and smiled like a fool. The intrigued little girl followed your gaze and noticed that you were looking at the sovereign.

"They're amazing, don't you think?"

You shook your head in confusion with raised eyebrows looking at her.

"What do you say, little one?"

Ulani pointed to where the guardians were. "They, are the best warriors in the galaxy, especially that tall golden boy"

Your smile became small while Ulani smiled, it seemed that the girl knew how to hit the nail on the head or she just couldn't imagine that you had some kind of crush on Adam. You blushed, muttering a vague statement, you felt ashamed for having been caught red-handed. But just like that, you looked at Adam again only to find his gaze fixed on yours, now he was looking at you with a tender smile. You felt your ears redden and you smiled nervously greeting him with one hand, he returned the gesture.

When the class ended and the dictations were corrected and scored, you announced that the next class you were going to read them a story so they would learn to read. They squealed with excitement while you laughed in amusement. So much fuss caused the sovereign looked at you smiling delighted. You collected your things while you said goodbye to the children with a kiss on their foreheads. Adam put what he was doing aside and turned to you. You put your backpack on your shoulder and you were going to go to your room when you saw him approach you with a happy step, you felt butterflies in your stomach.

"Greetings (y/n), how are you today?"

Adam hugged you leaving you speechless, he always used to hug people including you but every time he did it you felt a roller coaster in your stomach, of course he didn't know

"Hello Adam, I'm very well thank you. In fact I just finished a class with the children"

"Yeah, I saw you guys. It looked like fun"

Thousands of thoughts passed through Adam's head and they were all about you. The sovereign couldn't stop thinking of you every time he went on a mission and when everything became dangerous and they were at risk of being seriously injured, he thought of you, and your sweet face filling his mind comforted him and gave him strength to continue. Go ahead and tell himself that he would finish the mission so he could see you again. And now seeing you educate the children his heart melted, your patience and the love you gave to those kids made him feel things in his stomach, he remembered that someone had told him what that was called… butterflies? Yes, that was it, he felt butterflies and he couldn't help it.

"The effort he puts into the education of these children is beautiful"

The words came out of Adam's mouth like a torrent, he didn't want to say them but they escaped. You looked at him surprised, not really knowing how to react. When he realized it, he looked down with regret and blushed, placing his hands behind his back and kicking an imaginary stone with his foot like a child would. At this behavior you giggled

"Thank you so much Adam, it's nice that you say that"

Now you looked down and they both blushed like two college teenagers. Why did you behave in such a foolish way when you were around him? Couldn't you act like a normal person? And why did he have to look at you with puppy dog ​​eyes all the time? He was about to say something when a scream interrupted him.

"Adam come here! the roof of a house fell again!"

It was Kraglin, Adam looked at me as if apologizing while you just nodded smiling. He floated away and you went back to your room with your pulse racing.

🍀💮🍀💮

The next day you woke up and remembered that you would read something to the children today, so you grabbed a children's book from a shelf, "Little Red Riding Hood". You were sure that the children would find that story curious. You smiled and left your room smiling with the book under your arm and your backpack hanging from your shoulder. You saw out of the corner of your eye that Adam was helping Rocket with some boxes. He looked at you and greeted you, you greeted him back and kept walking. Adam felt in the clouds every time he saw your eyes, that's why with a lost look he didn't realize that he had a box in front of his feet and when he wanted to take a step forward he tripped and fell with his red cape throwing on his face ahead and covering his head. You stopped, startled by the noise when you saw Adam lying on the floor and covered your mouth laughing in embarrassment. Rocket who was next to Adam did it too, but less subtle.

"HAHAAH, what's wrong Adam, did you want to kiss the ground?-Rocket exclaimed throwing his head back while slapping his knee.

Adam stood up quickly as he pushed the cloak away from his face with a flushed face as he watched you walk away shaking your head and smiling, surely now you thought he was a fool. You went to the usual place and you met your faithful student and two other children.

"Hi miss (y/n)! They are Ciro and Eber, they are my friends. I told them to come to hear the story!"

The two boys seemed more shy than their eloquent friend but they smiled at me with kindness and devotion. You greeted them gently and began to tell the story. You stood next to them so they could admire the drawings on the pages and continue reading with you.

"Once upon a time there was a sweet girl who loved her mother and grandmother very much. He helped them in everything he could and since he was so good on his birthday his grandmother gave him a red hood. Because she liked it so much and went with her everywhere, soon everyone started calling her Little Red Riding Hood."

you would read and point to the images, they would pay attention to you with eyes wide open. You never considered yourself a good storyteller, to tell you the truth, you didn't like your voice, but these kids seemed to like it. As you were turning the pages, you were pointing to the words so that they could repeat them slowly. You emphasized each letter and separated them into syllables to make it easier. Also, if they didn't understand something or didn't know what was mentioned in the book, you patiently explained it to them. Adam from afar looked at you curious and enthusiastic again, when he had finished his work (and after some reproaches from Rocket) the sovereign came a little closer to where you were to better listen to what you were saying.

"...The wolf sent Little Red Riding Hood the longest way and arrived before her at granny's house. So she pretended to be the little girl and knocked on the door. Although what he did not know is that a hunter had seen him arrive. "Who is it?", answered the grandmother "It's me, Little Red Riding Hood," said the wolf. "How good my daughter. come on, come on" The wolf entered, pounced on the granny and ate her in one bite. She put on her nightgown and got into bed to wait for Little Red Riding Hood to arrive."

A gasp came out of the mouths of the little ones who looked at the book with surprise, you smiled delighted by their attention. Adam seemed surprised and amused as well.

"..When Little Red Riding Hood entered, she found Granny different, although she didn't quite know why. "Grandma, what big eyes you have!". "Yes, they are to see you better, my daughter". "Grandma, what big ears you have!". "Of course, they are to hear you better". "But granny, what bigger teeth you have!". "They are for eat you better!!" As soon as he said this, the wolf pounced on Little Red Riding Hood and ate her too. His stomach was so full that the wolf fell asleep"

With each part of the body that Little Red Riding Hood named, you pointed to the eyes, ears and mouths of the little ones who laughed with amusement. But when the part came where the wolf ate Little Red Riding Hood, you growled as if you were the animal from the story and you began to tickle them and the children kicked their feet laughing happily. Adam also chuckled softly with a tender look. Ulani, Ciro and Eber were impressed by the story and above all by the way you told it, you gesticulated a lot and you knew how to interpret each emotion as if you were a theater actress. Suddenly the youngest of the children became serious and with a trembling voice said

"I don't think I like this story, the wolf is very mean"

You looked at him like a loving mother and caressed his cheek

"But don't be sad, the story isn't over yet"

This is how you reached the end of the story when the hunter found the wolf and filled its belly with stones, throwing it into the river, thus saving Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother. The children clapped happily and cheered, while you laughed lovingly. And again you promised them another story for the next morning, since it seemed that they adored it. You went back to pick up your things and Adam came over to help you.

"What a sweet voice you have to tell stories…"

You were surprised by his presence so close and his words charged with love that you awkwardly dropped the book you had in your hand. You and Adam reached under the table to pick it up when your hand accidentally touched his. They stared at each other for a few seconds until you looked away feeling your cheeks burn. You got up from under the table but not before Adam covered the edge of the table with his big hand so you wouldn't hit your head, he smiled innocently at you and said "careful". You thanked him, still blushing, and brushed an unruly lock away from your face, placing it nervously behind your ear.

"It seems that the children love that you read them stories…and I do too"

This last he said in a low voice, hesitating whether to confess it or not. You were getting redder, was he…flirting with you? It just can't be.

"I really don't think I have that good a storytelling voice.."-you whispered lowering your head

Adam stared at you stunned with a frown in confusion, did you really think that of yourself? The sovereign was about to reply "Oh if you could see yourself as I see you…" but he bit his tongue and didn't say it.

Since he didn't know what to say, you were about to leave when in an attempt to keep you longer he grabbed your wrist. your breathing quickened a bit

"Is it true that tomorrow you will read them a story again?" You nodded "Then I think I'll be there too, I want to hear you"

You smile perplexed, you were supposed to teach children to read, not adults, but you thought it was a tender gesture.

🍀💮🍀💮

As you promised, now you were heading back with another book in your hand, "The Little Prince". But this time you were a little nervous because you knew that among the children would be Adam, who was not a child. When you arrived at Knowhere Square there were at least 15 children waiting for you. You swallowed scared, you had never read for so many people. You thought that there would only be three or four children like the previous days but this time it was a whole contingent and not only that, now instead of reading in a small and private room or at a table outside the cafeteria you would have to do it in the middle of the square where people passed. Your palms sweated.

Nebula walked over to your side and looked at the children who were already sitting on the floor in a circle.

"I think you have a great audience today"

But you were pale and serious and you were squeezing the book as if it were going to fly away, Nebula noticed it and placed a hand on your shoulder rubbing it.

"Don't worry, I know you'll do well. I've seen how you read to them, you really do well and they love you. I'll be around if you need anything"

You nodded gratefully and when he left you sat on the floor next to them, you opened the book and were about to read but the words got stuck in your throat, unconsciously you searched for Adam with your eyes and there he was at the bottom of the room. He rounded sitting like a Buddha with his elbows on his knees and his hands on his chin, looking at you and encouraging you to continue. His presence gave you the courage you needed, you began the story with more relief and encouragement.

"isn't she fantastic?"-Adam whispered with a lovesick face to a boy who was sitting next to him.

- - - - - -

[jxsterr]

ghhghgb pre calamity zelink but zelda grows a quiet rebellious streak after her father forbids her from engaging with sheikah technology and link volunteers as her ‘grew up as a regular village boy so of course he’s a terrible influence’ sidekick so they sneak around and do all sorts of things kids their age do because they yearn to feel at least a little bit normal despite all the pressure on their shoulders. also because i’m still hung up on why the hell his royal cap was in her room

i’m a slowburn truther but hear me out

i’m talking about link soothing an upset and understandably frustrated zelda as she rants about how unfair being forbidden to engage in something she enjoys by suggesting they simply just sneak out and enjoy it anyway. by telling her that he knows the patrolling routines well enough from being around the other guards so often that he can evade them. that he’d take the brunt of it if they were ever caught and watches how stars burst in her eyes at the prospect. he tells her that if rhoam is willing to void her of any sort of hobbies, any kind of relief from the stresses of her duty that they will simply make it themselves

so they learn to sneak around. he takes her out late at night to marvel and prod at the inactive guardians, jotting down notes and making sketches of the mechanisms as he keeps watch for her. she sneaks into the guards quarters to see him whenever she’s been too caught up in prayers and duties for him to be around. he sneaks into her bedroom to sprawl out on her bed while she dishes the castle gossip idly or drags him into her study and miserably details her struggles at growing a silent princess herself. they essentially become each other’s source of respite

but you know what i eat up the most?? them having the thought that. damn. they’ll never get to experience what a lot of kids their age get to because of their positions and responsibilities. they’ll never get to experience proper physical affection from another person, or steal wine from the kitchens and deal with the consequences of being a little too overzealous with it, or even experience what it’s like to be kissed. they’re just two kids desperate to feel normal just for a little while

so they’re like fuck it. the world could genuinely end tomorrow so why not start ticking off the list. they’re two people stuck in a shitty situation against their own volition who’ve grown close because of it and trust each other with their lives. why not help each other live a little

so they do it. they let tentative fingers tangle themselves whenever they dare stand near, cuddle on zelda’s bed after a long day until they fall asleep by accident and have to figure out a gameplan to get him the hell out without being suspicious about it, steal a bottle of wine to take turns drinking from on the battlement between her room and her study and cough at how damn strong it is because they didn’t realise you had to sip it, and exchange lingering kisses behind the safety of her bedroom door because why not. they lose even when they’re playing good, so why not take a little bit of control of their lives and do something for them when the calamity could appear at literally any point. they may as well live every day like their last when there’s so much to lose and nothing to gain.

it doesn’t even matter if they catch feelings from any of it anyway because they can figure it out if they even get past ganon. nothing is for certain when her cursed powers refuse to answer her so what the hell does it matter. so what if it starts with kisses that only occur occasionally when they’ve stolen wine again and their hearts can’t seem to stay off their sleeves for long enough to realise just how close zelda is sat next to him. so what if they use it once while completely sober to reassure the other in a last ditch attempt to calm them down and it just kinda sticks. so what if it becomes a game of how many they can sneak in small fleeting moments where every second counts and they only just about avoid getting caught. it’s a little bit of fun and goddess knows they need something good for once

they’ll figure out what all of this means after everything—and that’s if there’s still anything to come back to

[bloody-bee-tea]

IntiMarch 2024 Day 8 - It'll be alright

The prompt for this was "Trust me"

Suguru thinks that his hand should be shaking. It’s coated in blood, warm and sticky, but the knife in his hand is steady, as if it didn’t just claim two lives.

As if Suguru didn’t just kill two people.

Maybe something is wrong with him, he thinks and remembers all the times the other kids in school have talked behind his back. Maybe they were on to something, if he can kill two people and not feel a single thing.

Suguru can’t quite tear his eyes away from the bodies on the ground, tracking the ever-growing puddle of blood and he takes a cautious step back when it comes too close to his shoes.

It’s useless, anyway; the blood is all over him already.

He finally drags his eyes away from the bodies, looking out of the room, remembering the two girls in the cage and he should probably get moving, get them out of there and then get the hell out of here, but he feels rooted to the spot.

Suguru doesn’t know what to do, isn’t quite sure how to proceed now and the uncertainty keeps him frozen to the spot, even though he can hear the girls quietly cry in the other room.

It’s enough to make him finally drop the knife, at the very least and he is just about to make his way over to the sink, getting at least the worst of the blood off him so he doesn’t scare the girls further, when his phone rings.

It’s Satoru; the stupid Digimon soundtrack is enough to clue Suguru in on that and he wonders why he never got around to changing that, even after Satoru set that for himself.

Suguru reaches for the phone and there it is, finally, the shaking of his hands; Suguru lets out a harsh laugh when he realises that it’s not because of the bodies on the floor but because he won’t be able to see Satoru after this and he wonders just what the hell is wrong with him.

He still accepts the call, because what else is there to do but he can’t quite find his voice immediately.

“Yo, Suguru, you up for take-out today? I don’t feel like doing grocery shopping,” Satoru’s voice immediately fills his ear and it’s so normal that it feels jarring.

“You never feel like getting groceries,” Suguru gives back, falling into their usually dynamic even though everything is so wrong and something about his voice must have tipped Satoru off because he goes suspiciously quiet on the other end.

Maybe it’s the shaking, that has finally spread through all of Suguru’s body.

“What’s wrong?” Satoru asks, his voice low and serious and just that question is enough to break Suguru.

“I’m so sorry,” he chokes out, suddenly feeling as if he can’t breathe and the shaking only gets worse. “I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to, I didn’t mean to, it just happened.”

“What happened?” Satoru probes, and he stays calm even in face of Suguru’s panicked rambling.

“I killed them,” he whispers out, clasping a bloodstained hand over his mouth. “I killed them both.”

And now he’ll never get to see Satoru again.

The silence on the other end of the line makes Suguru’s stomach drop, even though he should have expected it. Of course Satoru doesn’t know what to say to that; of course he wouldn’t want anything to do with Suguru going forward.

He’s a murderer now, after all.

“Where are you? Who did you kill?” Satoru wants to know and he doesn’t sound as shaken as Suguru expected him to be but maybe he just needs more time to process.

“The girls I tutor,” Suguru starts, “I’m here right now and their guardians—they—they keep them in a cage, Satoru, a goddamn cage, as if they are some animals,” he hisses out and he can feel that spark of anger in his chest again, the one that made him reach for the knife and not care for the consequences.

“Fucking hell,” Satoru breathes out. “Okay. Did you call the police yet?”

“No, I—” Suguru isn’t sure if he should mention that he was going to take the girls and run away even though this is Satoru but Satoru doesn’t give him the time to decide anyway.

“Good. Don’t. I’ll handle it,” he says as if that makes any sense and Suguru blinks.

“What?” he gets out because he doesn’t understand. There is nothing to handle.

Suguru killed two people. He’ll go to jail, probably for life. There’s nothing Satoru can do to change that.

“Suguru, trust me. Just—trust me, okay? Don’t call anyone, just send me the exact address. Do it now.”

Suguru still doesn’t know what’s going on but Satoru’s voice doesn’t allow any argument so he takes the phone away from his ear and sends his location to Satoru.

“Done,” he shakily says once he returns to the call and there’s a bit of rustling at the other end before Satoru is back as well.

“I’m maybe ten minutes away. Can you stay put for that long?” he wants to know and Suguru’s eyes fall back to the bodies.

Can he stay? Is he able to stomach the sight for another ten minutes or so?

“I think I can,” he finally tells Satoru and decides not to think too hard about if that makes him a worse person or not.

“Okay, good. Don’t do anything, alright? I mean, maybe go to the girls and talk to them but otherwise don’t do anything. Drop the weapon or whatever you used and don’t try to clean anything up, yourself included if you got blood on you. Just—don’t touch anything. I’ll handle it, I promise.”

“I don’t understand, Satoru,” Suguru admits because what the hell is there to handle. He can’t just magically make it so that Suguru didn’t kill two people.

“I know. I’ll be there soon. Stay put, Suguru, promise me.”

“I promise,” Suguru gives back, because what else is there to do?

Satoru is asking him to do something and Suguru will very well do it, even though it won’t change the outcome.

Nothing can change the outcome of what he did but like this he’ll at least get to see Satoru one last time. That’s better than nothing.

Satoru hangs up on him as soon as the words leave Suguru’s mouth and the beeping of the phone sounds unnaturally loud in the otherwise quiet room.

Suguru gives himself one more minute to breathe before he turns around and returns to the girls. They are both crying, though they are trying to keep quiet about it and Suguru gives them his best smile.

He’s not sure how effective it is with the blood on his face, but he has to try.

“Hey, it’s alright, nothing will happen to you anymore,” he says as he crouches down next to the cage.

He’ll have to go look for the key to it soon enough because the girls don’t deserve to be in this cage for even a moment longer, but Satoru said to not do anything and so he’ll do exactly that. For now, at least.

“You killed them,” Nanako says, because of course she knows.

She might only be eight, but she’s by far not stupid and all that blood is a dead give-away anyway.

“I did,” Suguru admits and shuffles a little bit away from the cage in case the girls are frightened even more by his presence. “They can’t hurt you anymore now.”

“Will you?” Mimiko speaks up, almost hidden behind her sister and Suguru wants to get them out of there, wants to hug them and whisk them away so they can be happy, far away from all of this.

He doesn’t move a muscle.

“Will I what?” he asks instead and Nanako glares at him.

“Hurt us,” she clarifies and Suguru instantly shakes his head.

“Of course not. I would never.”

“Then why don’t you get us out of here,” Mimiko cries out and new tears fall down her face. “We just want to get out of here.”

“I know, I know,” Suguru soothingly says. “And you will, very soon. But—a friend is coming over, he’ll—” Suguru doesn’t even know how to finish that sentence.

It’s not as if Satoru can help, but Suguru has to say something.

“He’ll be here soon,” he finishes weakly and tries not to wilt under Nanako’s accusing glare.

“Don’t you want to help us?” she asks, making big eyes at Suguru as if that could change his mind and it might even have worked if there wasn’t a knock at the front door.

“That’s my friend, give me a moment,” Suguru rushes out, getting up from the floor and wondering just how fast Satoru got here because it hasn’t been ten minutes yet.

Suguru doesn’t hesitate to yank the door open but when he comes face to face with a police officer on the other side he freezes.

“Oh my, he really wasn’t kidding,” the officer says and shoulders past Suguru into the apartment.

Suguru is unable to do anything, as his heart plummets to the ground when he realises that Satoru called the cops on him.

It’s the smart thing to do, really, the right thing, too, but Satoru had told him to trust him. That he’d handle it, and Suguru breathes out a shaky laugh.

This is certainly one way of handling it.

“You killed them with the knife?” the officer wants to know, sticking his head out of the room with the bodies, before his eyes find the girls in the cage.

He lets out a low whistle.

“That’s most definitely a motive right there, good for you,” the officer says and smiles at Suguru.

“What is happening?” Suguru weakly gets out, because nothing makes sense anymore.

This officer is not acting like Suguru expected him to, mostly because he’s not yet in handcuffs and back up hasn’t been called.

“Oh, the brat didn’t explain?” the officer asks and just as Suguru is about to open his mouth to ask what the hell that means, Satoru spills into the apartment, breathing harshly as if he ran all the way here.

“Fuck, I’m late,” he pants out and the officer laughs.

“You could have explained a thing or two, your guy seems ready to keel over at any moment!”

“Suguru,” Satoru sighs out and comes over to stay next to him, one hand grasping his shoulder, clearly uncaring about the blood on the fabric. “I thought I’d be here before him. I’m sorry.”

“What’s going on?” Suguru asks again, because no one has explained a single thing to him yet and Suguru’s head is spinning.

This day is certainly not going how he expected it to when he woke up this morning.

“That’s Mahito,” Satoru says with a nod to the officer. “He—well, he’s on my family’s payroll.”

“On your—” Suguru can’t even finish the sentence, too confused by everything and Satoru tugs him to the side.

“Suguru, listen. You know who my family is. You don’t get to be one of the top clans in Japan without at least some shady business. We have people everywhere.”

“You—never said,” Suguru weakly says. “You don’t talk to your family.”

“I don’t,” Satoru gives back. “That doesn’t mean I don’t know what they are doing or who to call to cover up a murder.”

“Ah, but this’ll cost you, you know,” Mahito says with a bright smile. “You’ll have to go back for this, at least for the holidays.”

“I don’t care,” Satoru harshly says. “Can it be done?”

“Satoru, what does he mean it will cost you?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Satoru says to him as if that would make Suguru worry any less.

Satoru seems to get that, because he sighs when Suguru continues to stare at him.

“I can’t break with the family and then use their connections on a whim, Mahito is right about that. I’ll have to go back for at least some holidays now.” Before Suguru can protest, Satoru turns towards him. “Don’t even try. It’s worth it. If it means you walk free for this, then it’s worth it. I can sit through some dinners if I know you’re waiting for me to come back home.”

“Fuuuuuck, Jogo was right,” Mahito mumbles in the other room. “Now I owe him money.”

“For what?” Satoru asks, not taking his eyes off Suguru. “Jogo is our contact in the fire department,” he lowly explains to Suguru while they wait for the answer.

“You two are totally an item. I bet that no one is crazy enough to fall for you but ugh, of course the murderer would be,” Mahito carelessly says and Suguru feels sick when he realises that the murderer in question is he.

“I mean—we’re not—” Satoru stammers out and that gets Suguru to focus again, because it’s rare to see Satoru lost for words.

And Satoru might be right, they are not, but Suguru guesses covering up the murder of two people, and using connections of his despised family to do so, might mean something.

“Yeah, I guess you do owe him money,” Suguru says and threads his fingers together with Satoru’s, not caring that it gets Satoru’s hand all bloody as well.

Satoru doesn’t seem to care either, because he squeezes Suguru’s hand, even as he goes red in the face.

“You don’t have to,” he mutters under his breath as if Suguru is doing that for any other reason than the fact that he wants to.

“I want to, though,” Suguru replies and then drags his attention back to Mahito when he comes back into the room.

“So. Get Shoko to examine the bodies and the girls, Dagon to do the forensics, Higuruma as his defence attorney and Kenjaku as the judge and he’ll walk free, no worries. I mean the cage alone is enough to put him on probation but as long as you make it seem as if they attacked him first—” Mahito trails off with a shrug. “Get the kids to testify to that as well and you’re clean.”

“Geto-sensei has always been so good to us,” Nanako suddenly cries out. “We were so scared when he was attacked for trying to help us.”

“He just—” Mimiko chimes in, interrupted by her sobs “—he just wanted to get us out when they came up behind him with the knife.”

Suguru’s mouth drops open, because that is not at all how this went, but when Mahito laughs and the girls stop crying it starts to make sense.

“See? Easy. Very good, girls, do that in front of the right people and your ‘Geto-sensei’ will be fine.”

“They—sure seem cunning,” Satoru mutters, but there’s a relieved smile on his face. “Things will be fine.”

“I—Satoru, I still murdered two people,” Suguru can’t help but to whisper to him. “Are you—okay with that?”

At this point, he’s really more concerned for Satoru than himself, because now that the first shock has settled, Suguru realises that he doesn’t much care about killing these two. They deserved it, for what they did to the girls and Suguru is not going to regret it. But Satoru—

“Rightfully so, it would seem,” Satoru carelessly gives back with a shrug. “Suguru, I don’t care. As long as you’re still by my side, I don’t care. Hell, I’d probably murder someone too, if it means you’d stay so who am I to judge. And covering this up is really the least of my worries.”

Suguru can’t help but to go warm all over at those words, because even though Satoru hasn’t outright said it yet, Suguru can hear the confession plain and clear.

“I love you, too,” he quietly gives back, just for Satoru to hear and leans in for a quick kiss.

It should probably feel more wrong, with two bodies right next door and the two girls still in the cage, but Suguru wouldn’t change it for anything.

“And I want to keep them,” he then adds, which makes Satoru sigh.

“I suspected as much,” he gives back, because he knows Suguru well enough it seems. “I’ll call Utahime. She’s our girl for anything regarding child protection services. She’ll make it happen.”

Satoru doesn’t seem to mind the fact that Suguru wants to adopt two highly traumatised kids any more than the fact that Suguru killed two people and it might just make Suguru fall in love harder.

“Thank you,” he says, beyond grateful to have Satoru in his life but Satoru only shrugs because he’s incapable of handling sincere gratitude.

It’s kind of funny to watch him squirm and it makes Suguru smile.

“There you are,” Satoru mutters when he catches sight of that smile and leans in for a kiss. “It’ll be alright.”

Suguru leans into the kiss, because he knows that it will be. As long as Satoru is there with him, everything will be just fine.

[triscribeaucollection]

Can’t Breathe In

(SO. What if, way back during Infinity War, the group on Titan fighting Thanos managed to get the gauntlet away from him? Say, for example, Peter yoinks just a tad harder at the right moment, pulling it and the four already-retrieved Stones off. There’s still the problem of keeping them away from the purple bastard, so Strange opens up a portal back to Earth, tosses the kid, the gauntlet, and the Eye of Agamotto through for good measure, before he and Tony and the Guardians do their level best to put Thanos down for good.

One thing leads to another, all roads converge in Wakanda, and there ends up being a knock-down drag-out free-for-all fight between the present Avengers and the remaining Children of Thanos for six Infinity Stones in one room (Shuri having just enough time to cut Vision free of the Mind Stone before shit hits the fan).

Stuff is exploding, containers are breaking, half a dozen all-powerful artifacts tied to the foundations of Existence are flying through the air, and a certain Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Doofus manages to grab two at once.

Things get... interesting, after that.)

---

Peter is so screwed.

Even if he survives, even if he manages to change enough things to save the day for everybody else, he is so screwed, because he did the one thing Doctor Strange explicitly said not to and at this point it’s definitely going to kill him.

Just. Slowly. Because that’s Parker Luck for you.

Panting through the pain, Peter manages to finish scrawling out the last of his future-notes, doubled up at the very bottom of the page. Then he promptly drops the pencil and grasps at his head, whining faintly.

Some of it’s definitely a residual after-effect of accidentally grabbing two Infinity Stones at once and super accidentally activating them. The rest is a miserable combination of adjusting to no longer having his powers, adjusting to once again having asthma, and of course the bout of bronchitis his thirteen year old body happened to be dealing with when Peter’s sixteen year old mind got dropped into it.

Zero out of five stars, do not recommend.

A hand knocks on his bedroom door, and Peter barely bites back an instinctive whimper. “Y-yeah?”

“You okay in there, kiddo?”

And there’s the other thing. Ben is still alive.

Ben is alive, May isn’t a widow, and Peter really needs to make sure they both stay that way.

But he also needs to warn Mister Stark about everything that’s coming.

“I- I guess,” Peter says miserably, and it’s enough to make his uncle open the door and step inside. The kid’s heart stutters just at the sight of him: familiar concerned expression, rumpled well-worn clothes, brown hair that’s only just started to turn gray around the ears.

“Well, you must be feeling a little better, at least,” Ben mutters, glancing between Peter at his desk and the abandoned bed. “I’m ducking out to run a couple errands, kiddo, shouldn’t be gone too long. Want anything?”

He takes as deep a breath as he can manage at the moment. “Actually- yeah. Could you drop off a letter for me?”

Ben raises an eyebrow, mouth quirking up a little at one corner. “A letter?”

“Mmhm.” Peter reorganizes his papers real quick, then folds the four sheets in half before taping them closed. On top goes a post-it note, and one final scribble: for FRIDAY or Happy Hogan, please.

...after a moment’s consideration, ‘please’ gets underlined an extra time.

Ben’s second eyebrow has risen as well by the time Peter turns back, holding out the makeshift envelope. “Where am I taking this, kiddo?”

“Manhattan. Stark Tower.” He can see the startled blink, and hurries to go on, “It’s really important, Ben, please. If I could take it my- myself-” His lungs choose that moment to induce a coughing fit, and Peter practically doubles over as his whole body shakes.

One of Ben’s large hands settles between his shoulder blades, rubbing up and down until Peter can breathe again. “Okay, buddy,” his uncle murmurs, gently tugging the papers free of his grasping fingers. “Okay. Stark Tower. I can do that. Might take me an extra hour, though- are you going to be okay by yourself?”

Rather than speak and irritate his poor throat, Peter raises a thumb’s up.

Ben grins, just slightly, and ruffles his hair. “Go on back to bed, then. I’ll top off your water cup and head out.” A+ plan. Truly phenomenal. Peter drags himself out of the wobbly desk chair and shuffles over, dragging the same blanket he’d brought along with him in the first place. Toppling over onto his old mattress is easy; so is making an unintelligible noise of gratitude when Ben sets down a refilled plastic cup. And from there, Peter slowly... drifts... off.......

...only to lurch back upright in a panic, mere minutes later, because he addressed the notes to Friday.

FRIDAY, the AI who doesn’t exist yet. Instead of JARVIS, the one who does.

Several curse words drop from his mouth, as Peter scrambles to try and find his- his phone. Which he does not have yet. Because it was a Congrats On Starting High School present after he turned fourteen. Because of course.

Nothing for it, then. As miserable as he feels, Peter needs to get dressed, go after Ben, and swap out the incorrect post-it for a properly addressed one.

When asked, he will very much blame his current fever and illness to explain why he didn’t go out into the living room, and use the landline they still possess at this point in time to call his uncle and fix the error. But that’s later, and this is now, and Peter fumbles for his jeans and a mostly clean t-shirt.

---

Ben Parker would like to claim he isn’t a terribly gullible person. Nor a distrusting one, either. But this feels like a delicate balance between the two, as he takes the subway to cross from Queens over to Manhattan, and then walks a couple blocks to a particular nigh-infamous building. ‘Stark Tower’, ‘Avengers Tower’, either way, the gleaming structure easily attracts attention, even when you aren’t a rubber-necking tourist.

The sheaf of papers crinkles in his back pocket.

If Peter weren’t so sick, Ben probably wouldn’t be humoring him like this. Then again, if Peter weren’t sick, he’d more than likely have found a way to sneak off to Stark Tower himself to deliver the mysterious letter. Taking a deep breath, Ben steps through glass doors, and does his best not to hunch his shoulders or otherwise look nervous around so many people in business attire.

Even so, his thrift store outfit and old leather boots draw at least a few stares.

The young woman at the desk he goes up to at least smiles welcomingly, and Ben does his best to return the expression. “Hi there. This is going to sound weird, and I apologize in advance, but my kid’s sick and begged me to drop off a letter for him.”

“A letter for whom, sir?”

“Ah-” Ben pulls the folded papers from his pocket, miraculously managing to avoid losing the post-it note on top. “-Friday or Happy Hogan? He wrote down both their names, but I’m afraid I don’t know who either is.”

The woman’s face does something complicated when she sees the taped letter, but thankfully doesn’t laugh or scoff. “Well... Mister Hogan is Mister Stark’s head of security, but I’m afraid I haven’t heard of anyone named Friday who works here.” Something chimes on her computer screen, and she glances away to tap a quick reply.

Ben can’t help but blink. “Security? Huh. I would’ve figured a scientist or something...” Well, to be completely honest, he figured a feverish Peter would write directly to Tony Stark, considering how many Iron Man posters occupy the kid’s bedroom walls. But a security man just makes no sense at all.

“Pardon me, but what was your name, sir?”

“Parker. Ben Parker. Uh, like I said, I’m really just humoring my kid while he isn’t feeling well - I understand if you can’t actually get this to Mister Hogan-”

“On the contrary, sir,” a British voice says out of nowhere, making Ben jump. “I have already taken the liberty of summoning the appropriate individual to meet with you.”

He stares at the young woman, who looks startled but not nearly as confused. “That was Jarvis,” she quickly explains, “Mister Stark’s AI. Jarvis runs most of the building’s automatic functions, but- he doesn’t usually speak to guests without prompting.”

An uneasy feeling creeps up the back of Ben’s neck.

‘Jarvis’ doesn’t talk again, and the young woman directs him to wait by the end of the welcome desk for whoever’s coming down to meet him. It’s awkward, to be sure, especially as more people idly glance in his direction.

But then an elevator dings, and Ben turns, and shock overwrites literally everything else.

“Mister Parker?” Tony Stark asks, walking briskly towards him. Behind his glasses, the man’s eyes dart to either side of where Ben is standing, and they flicker slightly with something he would almost call disappointment. “Hi, welcome, sorry to startle you, but we’d better have this conversation in private. Jarvis said you’ve got a letter?” Wordlessly, Ben holds it up. Stark huffs, quickly plucking it from his fingers, but doesn’t bother to do anything besides tucking it into the breast pocket of his suit jacket. Then he claps a hand on Ben’s shoulder, and steers him straight into the waiting elevator. “How’s Peter?”

The shock is still going strong. That’s the only explanation for why he blurts out the single word response, “Sick.”

Stark’s head snaps around. “Sick? With what? How bad is it?”

“Bronchitis,” Ben barely manages to say, most of his brain power currently occupied trying to reconcile the fact that Tony-Iron-Man-Stark apparently knows his nephew. “Not- not too bad, this time. How do you-?”

“J, you downloaded the kid’s medical files, right?” Stark asks the open air. 

“Yes, Sir,” the same disembodied voice as early rings out. “This would be Peter Parker’s fourth bout with bronchitis in the past three years. Records indicate he is taking appropriately prescribed medication and has been home from school for the past two days.”

“Good, that’s good.” Still, Stark’s expression is twisted unpleasantly, and Ben can only stare in a sort of detached fascination. “Double check that our pharmaceuticals division doesn’t have anything better for him, J.”

“Of course, Sir. I also need to inform you that we have received confirmation from Prince T’Challa of Wakanda, and reassurance that his family is taking the necessary precautions.”

“About time Pink Panther got back to us. Anything from Fury and our super-duper wonder spies?”

“They have yet to emerge from the secondary conference room. Mister Barton’s only communication at this point has been to request another round of takeout and coffee, as it looks to be, and I quote, ‘a long-ass day on top of a long-ass night’, Sir.”

Stark snorts. “Got it. Approve whatever he and Nat want. Anyone in the lounge?”

“Negative.”

“Right, take us there, then.” Sighing, the celebrity finally turns to actually face Ben. For a long moment, he only stares. “It’s different, seeing you in person. Good different. Peter actually say anything about the letter?”

“...no,” Ben manages to answer. “No, and I don’t- no offense intended, Mister Stark, but what the hell is going on?”

“Tony, please.” A flash of genuine pain crosses Stark’s face, before he returns to the bland observing expression. “And none taken. I’ve had a lot of people ask me that question since two this morning.”

The unease returns, this time in Ben’s stomach. At 2am, he and May were woken up by Peter shouting in his room - a fever dream turned nightmare, or so they assumed.

He doesn’t particularly care for the coincidence.

“So tell me, Ben Parker: do you believe in time travel?”

---

Peter is so, so screwed.

He left the apartment without his key. Without his shoes. And the longer he attempts to keep shuffling down the city sidewalk only in his socks, overwhelmed by noises and smells and the bright sun overhead, the more it becomes abundantly clear:

He messed up.

Majorly messed up. On top of his other major screw-up, and the more he tries to squint at street signs without the glasses he also forgot at the apartment, the more his head pounds and his nose runs and his chest hurts.

Eventually it’s just- too much. Peter coughs weakly into his elbow, and scoots into the first alley he can find.

---

Once, not so long ago, Ben didn’t think aliens or superheroes existed outside of books and movies. Time travel isn’t that far a leap in comparison.

But the more Stark keeps talking, the less Ben takes in, overwhelmed by a couple of things the celebrity breezed over, which stand out all the more for his lack of emphasis. First and foremost: Tony Stark cares about Peter. Knows him. Likes him. Invites him on weekend visits to work on personal projects. Illegally hacks medical databases to double check that the boy is getting appropriate medication for his current illness. Ben might actually laugh if it weren’t for the second thing:

He’s going to die.

Stark doesn’t outright say that, of course, but he tip-toes around the fact that he knows Peter well enough to care about him, and he knows May well enough to be wary of lying to her, but today is the first time he’s ever laid eyes on a living, breathing Ben.

Peter is going to be a superhero. May is going to be a widow. Peter caused some kind of magical accident that sent the Avengers back in time three years. May is going to be a widow. Peter apparently wrote out four pages of notes about incoming disasters for nothing, because Stark and his teammates have been scrambling for the past ten hours to prevent all of it and more.

May is going to be a widow.

Eventually, Stark must realize Ben’s only absorbing every fourth sentence or so, because he abruptly finds himself pushed down into a sleek leather chair, glass tumbler in hand. He doesn’t bother to check exactly what kind of alcohol he’s been given; it burns going down, and that’s good enough to restore some clarity to his overwhelmed mind.

First thing’s first. “Peter has superpowers?”

“He will. Probably. We know when and how he gets them, at this point it’s just a matter of making sure he’s in the right place at the right time. If he still wants- I mean, I’ll be honest, I’d probably sleep a little better knowing the kid isn’t swinging around Queens stopping muggers in the middle of the night, but I also know there’s only a point oh two chance he’ll willingly avoid becoming Spider-man again.”

Ben nods, swallowing down his initial reaction to that word-vomit. “Okay. Okay- next question.”

“Shoot.”

“How do I die?”

Stark promptly winces. “...alright, poor choice of words on my part. Look, Ben- can I call you Ben?” He nods. “Thanks- look. I don’t know all the details, but Peter definitely will, and between the two of us I can guarantee you won’t this time. Hell, I’ll get you a nano-tech bulletproof vest if I have to, but we’re going to make damn sure you live to a ripe old age no matter how many burned casseroles May tries to fix for dinner. Alright?”

Something in the back of Ben’s mind whispers that it can’t possibly be that simple, but he’s willing to take the other man’s words at face value for the moment. “Alright.”

“Sir? Captains Wilson and Rogers have returned, with two guests.”

“Hot damn. Okay, Ben- just hang tight for a minute, I need to say hi to Ruby Tuesday and her delinquent brother, and then we’ll see about getting Peter up here, yeah?” Ben doesn’t have a chance to respond before Stark is up and moving, heading for the elevator just as it slides open.

Captain Rogers is apparently that Captain Rogers, and Ben’s eyes widen so much he half-wonders if they might actually fall out of his face.

Steve-Captain-America-Rogers steps out of the elevator, face tired but triumphant, dressed in civilian clothes rather than his iconic uniform. That’s definitely The Shield slung across his back, though.

Behind him comes another man, dark-skinned with short hair, rolling his eyes as he finishes saying something to the people behind him. Both young, on the thin side - the girl’s hair is long and dark, the boy’s shifting from a similar color to silvery-white in a way that doesn’t look like a dye job. He’s nervous; she’s relaxed. Stark approaches them with stiff shoulders and a careful smile.

“Tony,” the girl says warmly, and half the tension drops away from Stark’s frame.

“Wanda,” he replies, stopping short of arm’s reach. “You’re okay?”

“I will be. I have Pietro again.” She reaches out, and catches the boy’s hand where he meets her halfway. “Ultron?”

“Shut down for good. Never even got the chance to wake up and cause trouble.”

The girl lets out a low, shaky sigh, squeezing her eyes shut as she nods. “Good. That is- very good. Vision?”

“We’ve got him. Sort of- no body for him to land in like the rest of us, obviously, but Cho’s putting one together, and there’s a copy of his consciousness tucked in with Jarvis right now.”

“One moment please, Miss Maximoff,” the AI says. A moment later, what sounds like the exact same voice speaks again, but with a great deal more emotion. “Hello, Wanda.”

“Viz,” she replies, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “You are alright?”

“I am much better, now that you’re here.”

Well didn’t that sound adorably sappy. Some small sound must escape Ben’s mouth, because a moment later the girl, Wanda, is looking right at him with a frown. “Who is this?”

“Ben Parker,” Stark promptly answers, shifting in place to make a sweeping gesture. “Better known as Spider-man’s uncle. He came to drop off some notes from the kid, who apparently didn’t realize we all got swept back in time thanks to his stunt with the Mind and Time Stones. Speaking of whom- Jarvis, have we got eyes on Underoos yet?”

“Yes, Sir. But I am afraid Peter Parker is not in his Queens apartment.”

Like a storm blowing out a candle, Stark’s face turns immediately grim. “Beg pardon?”

“Facial recognition picked him up eight blocks from his home building, moving slowly. Approximately nine minutes and thirty-four seconds ago, he entered an alleyway without any available security cameras. To my knowledge he has not yet emerged.”

Ben couldn’t say when exactly he got to his feet, but he suddenly finds himself standing next to Stark, hands clenched to keep from shaking. The other man meets his panicked gaze, and a flicker of understanding passes between them. “Show us, J.”

A holographic screen pops up. Footage plays. Ben barely pays any attention to Captain America stepping closer, too focused on the little figure helpfully highlighted by Jarvis.

(Peter isn’t even wearing shoes.)

“What, did he feel the need for a Delmar sandwich?” Stark grumbles, before the image zooms in. It becomes abruptly clear that Peter isn’t feeling suddenly better - his face is tight with desperation, mouth open to breathe, and every few steps he pauses to lean against a wall, eyes screwed shut. Ben feels a vice grip squeeze his heart, especially when his nephew staggers between two buildings, disappearing with his head down, arms tucked in close.

“Yeah, he’s not doing so hot,” the other man beside Captain America states.

“Understatement of the year, Wilson. Alright, everything else is on pause, I need to go get him-”

“I am faster.”

They all turn to stare at the boy still standing halfway behind Wanda. Even she looks surprised. “Pietro?”

He shrugs, a small nonchalant twitch, belied by the concern in his eyes. “I am faster. Show me a map from here to there, and I can pick him up without attracting attention.”

Ben glances at Stark. The celebrity offers back a flat smile, face carefully blank. “I mean, he’s not wrong. Speedy Gonzales here could probably run to the other end of Long Island and back in a couple of minutes.” There’s a moment’s hesitation, and then- “Your call, Mister Parker. He’s- your kid. First and foremost.”

...after a long, painful moment, Ben turns back towards Pietro. “Please.”

---

It feels like his life is just one big mistake after another.

Arguing with his uncle, distracting him at exactly the wrong moment, and paying for it with a funeral. Ignoring Mister Stark’s orders, almost causing all those people on the ferry to die. Not pushing harder to get a message through to Happy, almost allowing the plane to be stolen.

Grabbing the first two Infinity Stones to go flying past his face, in a room full of aliens trying to steal them and Avengers trying to protect them. Peter can still feel the burning in his hands, like catching a pair of electrified cables except dialed up to eleven, and every time he tries to take a deep breath it just gets worse. Not even the spider bite had caused him to hurt this much.

Wind whistles, short and sharp. A train going by- or maybe just a single car? No, wait, that didn’t make any sense-

“You are Peter, yes?”

Slowly, agonizingly, he manages to peel one eye partly open, and squints at the guy crouching in front of him. Familiar, but- not in the way that meant Peter had seen him somewhere before. “Y-yeah?”

“I am Pietro Maximoff,” the guy says. “Tony Stark and your uncle are upset you left home.”

Ah.

Well. On the one hand, Ben clearly made it to the Tower. On the other, Peter’s probably going to be in a lot of trouble for this. On the third- on a metaphorical third hand, Peter hurts. He can’t even bring himself to say so to this guy, Pietro- Maximoff, does that mean he’s related to Wanda- and instead whines, hands pressing tighter against his head.

“I am going to take you to them,” Pietro goes on. Peter lets his eye squeeze shut again, and jerks his head in a short, shallow nod. Hands carefully drag him out from his hiding place between two dumpsters, and then he’s being picked up, cradled close like a much younger kid. Normally he’d protest, insist that he’s sixteen- or thirteen- but honestly, Peter can’t bring himself to care.

There’s a distinct lurch, and a thousand sounds bombard his ears, horns and voices and wheels turning and doors opening and it’s way WAY too much too many too soon-

-and he checks out.

---

Ben doesn’t quite stare at his watch the entire time Pietro’s gone, but it’s a near thing. Steve Rogers takes a moment to introduce himself, along with Sam Wilson and Wanda Maximoff, but thankfully none of the Avengers try to force any strained small talk. Stark barely makes a sound at all - he keeps on staring at the blue-tinted holographic screens, eyes glued to the replaying clip of Peter stumbling into that alleyway.

It’s a relief when Pietro blurs back into existence in front of them, Ben’s actual physical nephew held securely in his arms.

But only for a split second.

Because Peter looks awful.

In the time since Ben left their family’s apartment, his kid has somehow managed to slide from pale to almost ghostly white, tremors wracking his entire body. He doesn’t react to Ben or Stark calling his name, eyes screwed shut and fists pressed hard against both ears, breathes coming short and shallow.

“Jarvis, vitals,” Stark orders, gesturing for Pietro to set his burden down on the nearest sofa. Peter whines when the young man lets go, but Ben slides right in, one hand carding through his nephew’s hair while the other presses flat against his scrawny chest. He doesn’t pay attention to whatever the AI relates to Stark; there’s just Peter, and his ragged breathing, and his pounding heart.

“Okay, kiddo,” Ben murmurs, soft but hopefully loud enough for the kid to hear. “We can make it through this, and you’re going to get better, if only so I can ground you until you’re eighteen.”

Peter’s next breath comes out more like a huff than a gasp, and one corner of his mouth turns up, just slightly.

“Only eighteen?” Stark leans a little over Ben’s shoulder, not quite intruding though it’s pretty clear he’d like to. “I’d make it twenty-five, at least.”

“M- Mis’er S’ark-”

“Hey, kid. Fancy seeing you here, when you should be tucked up at home in a nice warm bed. What’s the idea, huh, giving me and your poor uncle a matching pair of heart attacks?”

Peter coughs weakly, eyes still closed. “Wrote- wrong. Fuh-friday, not- Jarvis.”

Ben sees Stark stiffen in the corner of his eye, and holds back a sigh. “Friday’s the name of another AI?”

“Back-up for Jarvis,” Stark mutters. “I would’ve switched to her in a few days, if we were still following the original timeline.”

That manages to make Peter’s face scrunch up with confusion. “-what?”

“We all came back in time, kid. Whatever the hell you did with those Stones, they picked up every Avenger plus a few bonus people and tossed our minds back to the good old days before we’d even heard of Thanos. Possibly those Guardian idiots too, but we haven’t been able to make contact with them yet.”

“Oh,” Peter croaks, finally cracking his eyes open. “Good?”

Rather than answer, Stark sucks in a startled breath, and Ben feels his stomach swoop unpleasantly. From the abrupt silence behind them, where the others had been murmuring amongst themselves, he figures everybody’s equally stunned.

Peter’s eyes are glowing.

The kid just stares upward for a moment, obviously aware something’s wrong. “...Mister Stark? I don’t- feel so good.”

To Be Continued...

[dark-elf-writes]

Little Harry crawling around in UA’s vents. Little Harry giggling in them and people thinking the schools haunted. Little Harry attaching to snipe’s leg and making him drag him around. Harry adoring koda and laughing at something a snake said to him.

Little Harry sitting in on hero classes while Aizawa and Hizashi are teaching.

Harry with the whole hero’s ethics course practically ingrained in his brain by the time he gets to Hogwarts. Harry making choices based on the philosophies of pros while still being a kid.

Harry with a skewed sense of what’s a normal thing a child should deal with because while his guardians are great, he’s constantly surrounded by hero’s that take the weight of the world on their shoulders

Harry playing the comparison game (compared to what 1A went to only risking my life a few times isn’t that bad) and ending up glossing over his own issues

Harry not really being able to communicate with his family at hogwarts because while hedwig is amazing, she just can’t fly over 5,000 miles consistently without getting hurt.

Little Harry riding on Aizawa’s shoulders. Little Harry stealing the sleeping bag for a nap in the middle of the day. Little Harry being celebrated whenever he shows signs of his “quirk” rather than vilified for it.

Little Harry who could probably pass all of UA theoretical hero classes but he time he’s ten because he’s sat through so many of them and made Shouta explain them now that he can finally ask questions. Little Harry who isn’t afraid to share his opinions of what a hero should be no longer content to keep his head down and pretend he’s not there.

Little Harry who sees everything 1-A and his new family is going through and internalizes it all. Who is determined to be a hero in his own way. Who isn’t scared to face the villains he knows exist in the real world.

Little Harry who knows he’s special. Who know magic exists. Who knows what it means to be a hero by the time he gets to hogwarts. Who won’t be cowed or content to follow along with someone else’s plan just because someone claims it’s for their greater good.

[serialadoptersbracket]

Round 2, Match 57: Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu vs. Yondu Udonta

Submitted kids:

Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu: Zhang Chengling, Gu Xiang, Liang Jiuxiao, arguably also Cao Weining and Gao Xiaolian

Yondu Udonta: The entire MCU guardians of the galaxy gang

Propaganda under the cut!

Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu:

1, Wen Kexing: “Look this man shouldn't be adopting kids because he's kinda evil and also the leader of an army of criminals and outcasts, a position where he killed his way to the top at a young age, BUT when he was still just a kid he found Gu Xiang and knew that if he didn't take care of her that she would die and became her father/brother/master (it's complicated). And then many years later when he's off doing his revenge quest he basically ends up adopting Chengling who is freshly an orphan which was kind of Kexing’s fault (it's complicated), but Chengling doesn't mind that his new dads are a little evil (his other dad is Zhou Zishu who basically created the CIA in fantasy ancient China). And then Gu Xiang falls in love with Cao Weining which puts Kexing into protective father mode and he goes all overbearing father-in-law on Weining, but he comes around when he's sure that Weining will treat her right. And then when Weining's family/sect turns on him, Kexing becomes one of the few people left he could call family (also with the rest of the group).”

2, Zhou Zishu: “former assassin who literally just wanted to drink himself to death in peace but then in the span of like 2 day he suddenly obtained 2 kids and a husband(stalker)???? poor man Did Not want this and proceeds to spend the next few weeks/months in denial about it before finally coming to terms with the fact that he cares about all of them (not that he's gonna tell them that) and then he gets a son-in-law too??? the universe really refused to let him die alone and miserable and decided to drop and entire family on him out of nowhere”

(Mod note: Full propaganda list coming soon!)

Yondu Udonta:

“My boy Yondu may be a pretty bad father but damn is he trying his best. Man kidnapped some kid to (unknowingly) send him to his death then felt bad about it and kept him. Then said kid dragged a bunch of pathetic little guys into their silly little found family and now they're THE found family ever.”

[qedart]

For the Time Travel AU: life Pete and Tom ever make it to the skies, do they get new callsigns or will they somehow still end up at Maverick and Iceman respectively?

(I love your artwork btw, including the Mando stuff.)

First, thank you so much. I’m so glad that you’re liking the series and my other stuff :D

Now, regarding the callsigns - it’s so funny that you ask because this idea was bouncing around my head just the other day haha.

Full disclosure, I’ve got no idea at the moment. I’m not even sure if we’ll be following the kiddo’s that far down the line (but then again, this series started as a joke about Ice making a dig at Mav and being reminded of ‘the chomp’ and now we’re 14 parts in, so who knows?). 

That said, I definitely don’t think they’ll end up with Maverick and Iceman. By the time they’d be getting call-signs Mav and Ice are either still in the Navy or fairly recently retired, so they still sort of own that legacy. 

Now, for what they could end up with, I mean, the options are endless. 

Thing 1 and Thing 2 or Twiddledee and Twiddledum for the lols variation. 

For serious options:

I thought maybe Icarus could work for Pete. Probably intended as a warning or in a sorta mean-spirited ‘you’ll burn in some day’ way, but I feel Pete would take it as a challenge and run with it (‘So you’re recognising that I’m gonna fly higher than all of you? Good to get that out of the way early.’)

Tom I’m sort of torn between Angel and Duke.

Angel as a carry on from Ice’s ‘Guardian Angel’ status, because that’s one of those things that’s just consistent with those two.

Duke, doesn’t tie in quite as nicely, so follow me here haha. I was thinking Prince initially, as a kind of tie in to the COMPACFLT being perceived as his father/uncle/family, so he’s almost the heir to that legacy, but that just wasn’t really clicking. Duke however has the same connotations, while also being a bit of a nod/dig at Mav (depending on who’s involved in them getting these callsigns) and Tom’s relation to him as well (and also, perhaps, as a warning as well, because the kid is picking up some Maverick tendencies already. 2 or 3 years down the line who knows how much that influence has taken effect lol). Personally I think Tom would take it on with a huge amount of pride, even if it’s intended maliciously (especially if it was intended maliciously). Duke Mitchell is essentially family at that point. His reputation was dragged through the mud for doing the right thing at the wrong time/place. Both Mav and Pete suffered terribly because of that, and now people were still trying to use his name to shame or ridicule or warn people off. To hell with them. He’ll take that name, he’ll wear it like a badge of honour, and he’ll force people to respect it. 

Sooooo - long rambling response, sorry. To put it simply, I’ve got lots of thoughts and feelings but nothing’s concrete. Thanks for asking though!!! It was definitely good to get it all down into words. 

[4seasonsofart]

What are the ship dynamics of Thorunte?

We are starting off with my newest and favorite one, which is t4t Thorfinn and Canute. Both of them being transmascs in the Viking Age just makes so much sense and is wonderful. I also love writing about queer characters, as there is not enough representation in the media. Canute is not cisgender. Let's just be honest with ourselves. I go more in depth about it in this post, if you would like to go read that.

We have Witch Thorfinn and Christian Canute. Canute being Christian is canon, and War Arc Thorfinn is enough of a little gremlin to be a witch. (Bjorn taught him all about witchcraft, by the way. He enchants his berserker mushrooms.) Canute is absolutely appalled at how Thorfinn ends up being a witch and is supposed to be protecting him. He always carries a cross necklace around his neck and holy water under his royal cape. He hides behind Ragnar anytime Thorfinn is near because he fears what may happen.

To be fair, Thorfinn has threatened to curse Canute a number of times, so it is a given at this point. Although he never would because Askeladd would never allow him a witch's duel to honor his father's passing into the beyond.

We have flirty Canute and flustered Thorfinn. This would be more along the lines of when they are in Season 2 because Season 1 Canute would not have the gall to flirt with S1 Thorfinn. (Thorfinn would probably punch him.) However, Season 2 Canute, with his new status as the king of two kingdoms, would definitely have the willingness to flirt with Thorfinn. Thorfinn is kind of clueless the entire time and is confused by the fluttering of his stomach and the pounding of his heart.

Early War Arc naive Canute and guardian Thorfinn will always be one of the most amusing to me. Canute just has to deal with this dude who hates him while simultaneously being attracted to him. Canute doesn't have the confidence to speak with him and is unable to protect himself. So Thorfinn always has to make sure he doesn't fall over himself and act like a fool. 'Anything for a duel with Askeladd' is just an excuse Thorfinn uses. It's more of 'anything to pretend that I'm not attracted to that stupid princess.'

Askeladd notices how Thorfinn is always around the prince, despite claiming his hatred for the young noble. 'Ah, young love, just like Bjorn and I.' Askeladd thinks.

Slave Arc, King Canute, and slave Thorfinn are when you see the tables flipped. Suddenly, Thorfinn is lost amidst the seas of his trauma. (In this au, we are just going to say that Canute is keeping Thorfinn as a slave. One of his servants.) Canute is torn, as he is unable to stand how defeated and sad Thorfinn looks. What happened to his fiery and angry kitty boy?

Eventually, Canute slips from his duties and tries to make amends with Thorfinn. It helps Thorfinn a little, as he is plagued with Asleladd's spirit and constantly tormented. He rolls around in his sleep and has blood-curdling nightmares. It's only when Canute sneaks into his chambers and speaks sweet nothings that Thorfinn is finally able to be lulled into a peaceful sleep.

It becomes normal for Canute to end up in Thorfinn's chambers just so he can sleep. Thorfinn is healed, and his warm spirit comes back to him. Canute declines any possible suitors, as he sees Thorfinn getting better. One day, that man will rule along with him and be his king.

In a modern high school, we have nerd Canute and Emo Thorfinn. (This one is separate from my other modern au. They aren't related, and Canute is whatever gender they want to be.) Canute is top of his class, class president, and neurodivergent. He does drag in his free time, and his father hates him in general. Oh yes, modern au Canute has worse daddy issues than canon Canute.

Thorfinn is someone who is more alternative than emo, but Askeladd just calls him 'emo bitch.' He is a guitarist and the main singer of his band, Vinland Rockers. He is working towards becoming a tattoo artist and illegally tattoos kids at the school as a side gig. He makes a ton of cash from it, and Askeladd (his adopted father) doesn't care as long as he doesn't get arrested.

Thorfinn ends up getting Canute into detention, and they have an entire enemies-to-lovers arc. Canute comes out of the closet and happily does their drag as Thorfinn gets tutored by Canute.

Thorfinn gives Canute their first tattoo.

Shout-out to: @kelolololol

[nie7027]

So because I'm in the mood for spooky stuff I'm once again here posting an idea for a supernatural fic but this time I'm making it Hetalia (YAY LETS GO BACK TO THE ROOTS)

I came up with this like months ago (in June) when I was barely getting back into hetalia(because of PRIDE) but left it there until I realized Hey this is perfect for the season and also who I am kidding this research paper isnt getting written anytim- ANYWAY HERES MY FIC IDEA JUST AS I TOLD IT TO MY BESTFRIEND!

For reasons Italy and Germany (it's important that Japan isn't with them) are playing with sobrenatural stuff and Veneziano ends up accidentally breaking something that triggers some kind of guilt curse and becomes haunted by the ghost of HRE seeing him sneaking around and of course freaking the hell out.

It's most probably Japan's old stuff they are fucking around so it makes sense its magic/spiritual and that they want to keep it a secret. (Also guilt onis are very in tone with japanese mythology).

Italy being Italy doesn't talk with anybody about it (HE WONT DARE TOUCH THAT THEME) and just gets scared outta nowhere and whimpers and cries and is miserable to the point he isolates himself in his house.

Nobody knows what's up with him.

Nobody except Germany.

Germany of course gets worried and suspects it has something to do with they thing they did as it was then when everything started but he's not surewjy or how so he tries to reach out and eventually goes to Italy's house to drag him out himself...except...

Except when he gets there he sees a child.

And not just any child. Lol nop

He sees a child version of himself.

Germany is rightly confused.

What is a child version of himself doing there???

He tries to chase the boy but he is unable to catch him and also Italy still doesn't answer to him so he decides to keep coming both to try to talk with Italy and to figure out what's up with the kid.

And finally on one of those days he goes he hears an interesting conversation...

Roderich (Austria) and Erzebeta(Hungary) being the closest thing Italy has to guardians strong arm their way into his room (obviously Hungary is the one who does most of the work) and force him to talk to them so Italy reveals he has been seeing HREs ghost

Hungary and Austria are like 'BUT THATS IMPOSSIBLE ITALY! YOU KNOW HES..." and yeah he knows he's dead. He knows France himself killed him (Austria and Hungary looking super uncomfortable during the whole conversation) but he's there, following him and everytime Italy sees him his heart constricts and he can't bear to look at him.

Austria and Hungary get outta there believing Italy's is having some kind of late response to repressed trauma. That he's having hallucinations.

And it makes sense!

Of course they know the boy has been developing feelings for the German and they also know how much he loved HRE... It can't be easy to fall in love again after going throught something like that

And OH GOD THIS WAS LITERALLY THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD EVER ACTUALLY TALKED ABOUT HRE WITH ITALY AFTER HIS DEATH* AND FUCK THEY DONT EVEN KNOW HOW HE KNOWS HE DIED....

Of course Italy would try to find out, of course he would do his research... canonically-sh it was France who told him but italy also has his own historians and he looked into it until he couldn't anymore and FUCK THEY CANT BELIEVE THEY REALLY FELL FOR ITALYS CHEERY FACADE AND HAPPILY LET HIM DEAL WITH THAT ON HIS OWN.

THEY WERE YOUNG YES BUT THATS NOT AN EXCUSE

No wonder Italy is having issues...

Especially when taken into account that Germany...

..they never were sure... and-

NO ERZEBETH

THE PAST IS IN THE PAST.

THERES NO POINT IN DIGGING UP OLD CORPES.

HRE IS DEAD. HE WASNT THERE TO HELP HIM AND THATS ALL THERES TO IT -Roderich argues, practically screams, the guilt still gnawing him in his insides

All they can do is help Italy go through his issues now.

Germany of course only hears the last part of Italy's conversation with Hungary and Austria before he has to hide so he only learns that yes its the kid, his child self, the one that's causing Italy to suffer so much and

FUCK

Fuck

He knows

(Kinda? )

He knows he had a troubled childhood but he really wasn't expecting just the sight of him could cause Italy so much grief...

In fact... why is his child self even haunting Italy in the first place? Shouldnt he be haunting himself?

Germany tries to confront the child, he chases and chases the child and it's not until he corners him and orders the child to get away from Italy that he gets a reaction

"ITALY IS HIS!" The child screams with all his might

"He won't ever leave Italy!" and "Who does he believes he is to try to separate him from Italy?!" are some of the things the child keeps screaming

And boy Germany might not remember much of his childhood but he's pretty sure Prussia had never told him he was such a brat

But at least this brings a little more of light on the issue.

Germany isn't dumb, he knows himself.

He's aware of his... complicated feelings towards the italian. The memories of a failed valentine date coming to haunt him...

BUT

He also knows he can be a little too selfish and ambitious.

A war mongering state fully capable of starting wars just to get what he believes is his.

A fact he isn't proud of himself

Fully capable of hurting others.

A fact that causes him a lot of guilt to this day.

So, he concludes, his child self somehow became aware of his own feelings for the Italian, latched onto them and is doing what he knows best.

Chasing after the Italian. Unwavering, unstoppable. Hurting him in the meantime

But what's he's supposed to do now?

The child won't leave Italy's side.

He doesn't know how to get rid of him.

He could try distancing himself from Italy.. see if the child somehow also senses this and gets away from the italian... but he isn't sure.

But he can't think on any other option

Now Germany believes he's the one being haunted and that Italy's suffering because of him.

In the meantime Japan as all the other countries is confused as to what the heck is happening.

Suddenly his friends started acting strange with Italy locking himself in his house and Germany looking more and more stressed every day

Of course he found the broken vase in his house, the one talking about a guilt oni.

But canonically Japan doesn't remember magic was an actual everyday thing in the ancient times.

To him is just another of his many relics.

The only thing that made special this case was how well preserved it was despite it being really old, back from his young days he barely remembers

From when he was still under china's care.

But Japan doesn't have any other clue.

All he knows is his friends started acting strange after they visited his house and that the vase is somehow related so he has no choice but suck it up and go ask China.

China whos ancient and remembers everything, even the times when magic was real, immeditaely recognizes the vase and goes OH NO.

"So... Who did you say was closest to the vase when it broke?" China nervously asks.

"I don't know. I wasn't there when it broke" Japan calmly responds, unsure why that would be important. "It could be either Germany or Italy. They both were there."

China who knows he's is in front the remnants of the broken guilt oni container yelps: "Germany?! FUUUUUUUCK"

China also isn't very willing to talk about what's happening with Japan.

Talking about the jar would mean talking about magic with Japan, and THAT would mean talking about old times they both would rather ignore ever happened.

China knows this is also part of the guilt oni doing but fuuuuck he really doesn't want to talk about this.

And because the guilt oni/curse spreads like an illness, infecting everybody that's gets close with guilt and feeding from it, growing and growing until there's no more...

There's another player in this.

Prussia

Prussia who doesn't regret what he did.

Prussia, who, if he were put under the same circumstances would do it again and again. 1000 times over if it was necessary.

Prussia whose only regret is knowing it would break his little brothers heart (and maybe even more) to learn the truth

Prussia who one day comes home to find his little brother clearly trying to hide how much he's freaking out and after hours and hours of pushing and poking finally manages to get him to spill the truth

And when Prussia hears from his brothers lips that Italy is being haunted by his child self he's running out the house as if being chased by the demon himself screaming about ghosts and how super scary that is.

And don't be mistaken.

Prussia isn't a bad brother.

He's an awesome brother who will support his brother in his time of need but first....

This is too risky.

WAY TOO RISKY

As much as he loathes the idea of poor little ita chan suffering he loathes more the idea of what could happen to his brother...

No way I'm hell he was going to take that chance.

He would rather never see Italy again than to lose his brother.

If he couldn't do anything back then when he was powerful much less now than he is barely more than a mere mortal/a shadow of his former self.

And here Gilbert/Prussia is exaggerating.

As much as it would break Germany to know he wouldn't disappear, he's too solid of a state for that...

But Prussia was there.

Prussia saw the last days of HRE. He watched him agonize and no way in hell he's going throught that again.

No way in hell he's abandoning his brother. (No way in hell My boy doesn't have trauma over this)

No, Prussia will deal with this on his own.

He will fix it, just like he has done before.

He will fix it before anything happens and he will be there for his brother once all this is over.

But first he needs information

So, knowing Erzebeta and Roderich had been able to speak to ita chan, he goes and sneaks in Austria's house and has his worst fears confirmed when he hears ita chan has been hallucinating with HREs ghost.

Except now he's the only one who knows that that isn't an hallucination and that both Italy and Germany can see him.

And if Hungary catches him sneaking around and demands to know what he's doing there he will only say that that he was there to execute a surprise attack on the uptight austrian.

And Hungary tries to bring up the card of long formed warrior bonds to get him to talk about that , that that shall not be talked about and he would divert the theme and laugh to her face

Because this is something he is planning to take to his grave.

And that's what I got so far.

*it's my head canon that HREs death became something of a taboo topic in the house. Everybody knew but nobody dared to speak about it. Hungary and Austria never found the way to sit down with Italy and talk with him and Italy while he was still in Roderich's house never asked them not wanting to hear it coming from their mouths, preferring to be in negation and pretend he's still waiting for him to come back even though he knew it wasnt going to happen

Eventually the truth will have to come if they want to get rid of HREs ghost but aint no way in hell Prussia will reveal it so Italy and Germany (and others) have no choice but to face the demons of their past and discover it themselves

The whole every country has a deep seated guilt and the guilt curse will spread like an infectious illness was a nice surprise for myself.

They way it touches on everyone ...

Italy and Germany dealing with the ghost (the lover Italy lost, the reminder that Germany really know who he is and what he is capable), Austria and Hungary's not being able to save HRE nor help Italy. Japan and China having to deal with their broken relationship...

PRUSSIAS EVERYTHING.

God just thinking about Prussia also facing HREs ghost, the failure to save him, to what could happen to Germany if the truth comes out... the ANGST IS SO GOOD in this one.

Even France and Romano (and therefore Spain) could enter into the game with Romano feeling guilty with not knowing how to help Italy despite being his brother and heck even the potato dumbas seemed to know more about what was going on with his brother, as always romano being the last to know his own brother... and Spain is just there watching romano suffer knowing he's partly responsable for the distance between the Italy brothers and once Hungary and Austria learn it was France who told Italy about HREs fate they will eat him alive.

Except France won't stand for that.

1 it was centuries ago when France told Italy that! It's not his fault what's happening to Italy now and 2 Italy deserved to know! He loved him! They loved each other! He wasn't going to stand there and keep quiet for centuries just like Austria and Hungary did.

He wouldn't stand for such disservice to love .

And Frances is obviously being dragged down by the guilt of causing HREs death. France might be Prussia's best friend but i highly doubt Prussia would let him know what really happened with HRE considering the circumstances... Then again even if it hadn't been Frances fault it really is the thing Prussia is the most secretive about.

He himself could have told France that HRE died. Specially because if HRE was super weak and had too many enemies that wanted him dead it would be convenient for him to spread the rumor of his death and who better than France, who both had struck the fatal blow and was connected to every part of the world and had such a stronghold on knowledge after his revolution, to do it.

Once the truth comes out i really need a scene of Germany approaching Prussia and asking him to tell him how was he before... when he was... How was he back then?

And Prussia who has never talked about this with anyone.

Prussia who for centuries kept all that happened to himself.

A burden to never share.

Who even now that the truth is out still doesn't want to talk about it relents.

Because it's his brother who asked. And he will always do whatever Germany asks him

"Truth be told he isn't that different now from how he used to be" he says his heart breaking a little when he sees the brief glimpse of desolation crossing Germany's features.

"He isn't that different but he enough for it to matter. To be another person" Prussia ammends quickly. No way he isnt aware of Germanys identity crisis.

"He has always been serious. Too dutiful for his own good. But... he wasnt as guarded as he is now. It was easier to know what he was feeling.... Even the foot soldiers knew about his crush on little Italy" Prussia says snarking while recalling the last part

And yeah that.

Germany is really surprised to know it turns out he has loved italy his whole life... Then again if he thinks about it it isn't really that surprising. It makes sense

It makes sense even if he's now avoiding the Italian as much as he can since the truth got spilled.

Germany can't help it. He doesn't think he would be able to tolerate it if he sees disappointment in the italian eyes, yearning for a person who doesn't exist anymore.

"Try as he might he wore his heart on his sleeve... And that was part of the reason for his downfall." Prussia keeps saying, wondering not for the first time if Germany had unconciously developed the way he had as a defense mechanism. "More feisty, easily flustered."

"Unlike Germany who was a well behaved boy, HRE wouldn't listen to Prussia... Not in the sense that he would ignore him/dismiss whatever he said but rather than unlike Germany who did whatever Prussia asked him to do without question HRE would have to ponder it. HRE would have to consider all the options and act according to what he deemed best....He had to. He was the head of the empire. He was in charge of all of them... Highly capable and yet so weak. A fragile constitution" Prussia says with finality.

They were nearing on hard topics he really REALLY didn't want to talk about. The brief talk already taken it's toll on him and as much as he owe it to Germany he had already pushed himself too far in one day.

Germany understood it. They had time.

Despite Prussia's worst fears that have been proven wrong... they had time after all.

A huge relief washin over prussias entire being, the relief of putting down a burden he had carried for so long.

They could keep talking about it later

And here the mic drops.

So... how do you like it?

It's good to be back 😎