#sorry i signed off on this hoping at least one person who doesn't follow me already will see it lol

[fobnsfwdoodles]

Hiiiiiii I've wanted to paint this literally forever!! :3 My insta is MarcoAveryRoseArt if you want to see more paintings and this will be available as a print on my Etsy! 🐻💖🐻

[cometcon]

I've been getting increasingly pissed off at stuff like this with Helluva Boss for a while now so I'm running out of room for patience and giving the benefit of the doubt.

I'm not Deaf/HoH but I do have audio processing disorder and I have been involved with the Deaf/HoH community through learning Auslan and needing some of the same accommodations in my life so it's becoming increasingly apparent just how much they get short-changed by a society that does not care and has to be pressed constantly for the bare minimum of accommodating anyone other than the expected default abled demographic.

I'm sorry but while having a character who signs was fucking amazing to see even as a Hearing person

and it's been genuinely great to have the last episode of Season 1 with actual subtitles and all of Season 2 up to this one having actual subtitles

SEASON 1 STILL HAS FUCKING AUTO-GEN

We have to read T R A N S C R I P T S to understand what's going on in the entirety of Season 1 except for the final episode because while Hearing people who aren't affected by needing actual subtitles seem to think autogen and otherwise having to engage with just a transcript is good enough, news flash, IT ISN'T. Autogen has been getting better but it still fucks up (if your accommodation doesn't bring everyone up to speed with the same access as abled people your accommodation isn't good enough) and if your video is older like Season 1s are then they're FUCKING AWFUL. Even good autogen takes more energy to engage with than proper subtitles making it still more difficult than it needs to be to engage with a video.

This has annoyed me for a while but I was hoping they just needed some time to sort out someone to go make subtitles and put them up.

At the very least I figured ok, they're at least putting proper subtitles up for Season 2. Took them until OOPS came out to do it if I recall correctly, but they did it. Strange they stopped at the end of Season 1 but ok, whatever. Give them time.

Nothing has changed. It's been 3 years and nothing has changed.

Then The Full Moon dropped directly after Mammon's Magnificent Musical. I was expecting there to be proper subtitles since Season 2 now is being given them upon release.

...

So basically fuck anyone who needs proper subtitles.

This

is officially lip service to look good, not proper representation.

You can't follow this with fucking autogenerated bullcrap pretending to be accommodation.

I saw someone sending an ask in an hour or so ago to another blog to talk about The Full Moon and mentioned offhandedly in it that they had to look at the transcript to catch a line they wanted to understand and talk about.

I'd been hoping they would just put the subtitles up maybe a day or so later at least.

IT'S BEEN A WEEK.

Vivzie doesn't care about Deaf/HoH people. She chucked the kid in for brownie points. And hey, sure, brownie point rep is better than no rep, but it isn't actual representation and really doesn't deserve that much praise if you immediately follow it up with a fucking AUTOGEN ENGLISH ONLY EPISODE.

Sincerely, fuck you too.

EDIT: There are proper subtitles on The Apology Tour, so I'm glad for that at least. It came out like two weeks after The Full Moon meaning it had to be in production at the same time so idk why they could put subtitles on release for TAT and not TFM, but whatever. And hilariously (read: mystifyingly and infuriatingly) enough, THE FULL MOON STILL ONLY HAS AUTOGEN AS OF THIS EDIT BEING TYPED ON THE 25TH OF JUNE 2024. Why? Why is it the only one without subtitles in S2? Why is S1 still all auto-gen even now, right up until the Kesha-song episode? Spindlehorse continues to confuse and annoy me with their flipflopping on their supposed caring about accommodation.

[kitstoleurjob]

Day 2. Chase (lee!Ace ler!Deuce)

Ace + Deuce Can be read as either romantic or platonic

Side Note: Aaaaaaaaaaa so this is my first ever public fic!!! I'm not exactly the best writer and apologies if they seem out of character. Happy Tickletober!!!

THIS IS A SFW TICKLE FIC!!!

"Gah! Deuce! I said I'm sorry, okay!"

"Yeah well sorry isn't getting my head back!"

Earlier that day, the first year pair was hanging around the kitchen, grabbing any and all snacks for a movie night with Yuu and Grim. "Hey, Deuce. You wanna grab a couple tarts? I found a whole batch for the unbirthday party tomorrow." Ace held up a large tray of fruit tarts that Trey had made.

"I wouldn't if I were you. Don't you remember last time you stole a tart? Just put those back, we can just grab something else." Deuce replied, going through a cabinet.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just, hold this for a sec so I can go through the rest of the fridge." Ace rolled his eyes.

"Sure, fine" Deuce grabbed the tray from Ace, watching to make sure he doesn't steal any other party food for the day after.

"Trappola, Spade, what in the queen's name are you doing?!" Riddle stood in the doorway, his arms crossed as his eyes narrowed at the two of them.

"Shoot- Heyyyyyyy housewarden!" Ace waved, a worried smile on his face. "Just, uh, grabbing a snack! Yep! Nothing wrong here, so you can be on your way."

"Then why is Deuce holding the tarts for tomorrow's unbirthday party? Do you really expect me to believe such nonsense?" Riddle eyed the trey Deuce held.

"Housewarden, this is all just a misunderstanding, I swear. We were just grabbing some snacks for a hangout later with Yuu and Grim, honest," Deuce tried to explain.

"Enough of this! Rule 53, 'You must replace anything you steal' and I can obviously tell that neither of you plan on replacing any of the food you're to be taking." Riddle gripped his staff, an irritated look on his face. "Off with your heads!"

So now, Ace was running wildly around the Heartslabyul dorm while a not-so-pleased Deuce quickly followed behind. "This isn't fair! You're on the track team!" Ace panted after a couple minutes.

"Yeah, well neither is getting us in trouble! I'm sure Yuu and Grim are going to expecting us to bring something since they're hosting, and now we have nothing!" Deuce huffed.

The two of them continued these shenanigans for a short while longer until Ace had the bright idea to run into some random room hoping someone could help. Unfortunately, the room Ace chose happened to be his, and his two other roommates were currently out of the room.

"Fuck-!" Ace gasped as he now realized he was trapped. He backed up slowly with his hands in front of him as some form of "defense". His eyes darted around the room looking for any chance of escape before he suddenly hit a bed, falling to a seat on it. "Now c'mon, Deuce- we can be civil, right?" Ace pled.

"Yeah right. This has been one too many times where you've dragged me down to get a punishment that only belongs to you." Deuce cracked his knuckles and grinned.

"Wait Deucey I'm sORRY- wahahahit!" Ace shrieked as Deuce began to sporadically squeeze Ace's sides. "Fuhuhuhuck you-!"

"I don't think someone who's sorry would say that to the person they're apologizing too," Deuce teased, switching his tactics to wiggling his fingers under Ace's arms, bringing out another wave of laughs.

"Gah- Deuhuhuce! Nahat thehehehere!" Ace giggled, bringing his arms down to protect himself, which proved useless as Deuce's fingers were trapped there. "Plehehehease!"

A couple hallways down were Yuu and Grim, looking for the pair of - now late - freshmen. "Grah, where are they?! I'm startin' to get hungry, y'know..." Grim complained, his stomach growling."

"I'm sure they're around here somewhere..." Yuu reassured, looking around for at least a sign of where they could be. That's when they heard the sound of... laughing? from a couple rooms down. They walked over and peeked in the doorway to see quite a silly moment. They walked back out of sight from the two boys and picked up grim. "Let's just leave them to it for a bit. I'm sure Trey can make something for you real quick."

[celemee]

"it should have been you" hurt prompt.

Heyooo! Thanks for the delightful prompt. I'm sorry it's sat in my inbox for ages. How would you feel about some Cullbastian? With the added spice of my sorry ass Inquisitor William Trevelyan getting his heart stomped on?

@dadrunkwriting

----

Nobody had expected The Prince of Starkhaven to come in person upon the acceptance of his offer of aid. Least of all Cullen.

Surely the word of his involvement had reached Sebastian's ears; Josephine knew the man to keep well informed of all the movers in Southern politics.

The very same Josephine had insisted upon his attendance of this formal dinner. Bad etiquette for the commander to skip negotiating matters pertaining to forces.

So here he sits, in his scratchy formals, eating food that tastes like ash. Laughing at jokes that don't quite register. Ignoring William's insistent hand creeping up his thigh.

Sebastian, on the opposite side of the table, radiates warmth and confidence. Lips stretched in a wide smile, revealing perfect teeth. Precise in his words, meeting Josephine toe to toe.

"Why don't we get out of here?" William whispers into his ear when no-one's looking.

Cullen's stomach coils — his eyes squeeze shut.

It's not that he doesn't love William. He does.

But had there ever been a real chance... Had life gone differently, had the circumstances not been stacked against them...

"Commander, are you feeling all right?"

Cullen snaps from his thoughts. It's Cassandra who speaks, but he finds Sebastian gazing at him with concern, a hint of regret in his eyes. And as always, his heart skips a beat.

"Quite fine."

William squeezes his hand, smiling charmingly at Sebastian: "The Commander has caught a flu, but he is too proud and hardworking to admit it."

Cullen plays along, and the dinner continues in much the same manner. Laughs are had, plans are made, input is offered and requested, and maps are marked. Signatures signed.

At last, their plates are empty and beds call — Cullen follows William out of the dining hall. Only to be caught by Sebastian.

"A word, Commander?"

William lifts a brow, but seems to read the room. He shoots Cullen a private smile and bids Sebastian goodnight, then turns on his heels and leaves.

Silence stretches as Cullen's colleagues vacate the room, each eager to rest. It's only once they're alone that Sebastian speaks.

"I shouldn't have come here," he starts quietly. "I didn't realise you were..."

Cullen says nothing, biting on the inside of his cheeks.

"...spoken for."

His eyes close at the words. "Am I to understand you came here for me?"

Sebastian shuffles on his feet, looking away. Before he speaks, he clears his throat and nods. "I thought... hm... that now would be a good time. To be together."

A sad smile curls Cullen's lips. His throat constricts, strangling his voice unusable. He does the only thing he can; pulls Sebastian against himself. Wraps his arms around him.

"It should have been you," he whispers, a mountain of regret falling upon him. Truer words he's never spoken. It's always been him. It will always be him.

Sebastian nods into his shoulder, ever understanding. Holding on tight, as if making every moment count.

"I never thought..." Cullen trails off, shaking his head. "No, I didn't believe you'd still feel something for me, after all this time. And William... well, William is a force of nature."

"You should be with him." Sebastian pulls out of the embrace slowly and regretfully, swallowing. There's a sheen in his eyes that probably mirrors Cullen's own. "He needs you."

They stand there in the light of the torches, their eyes speaking in the wordless language perfected so long ago in empty corridors and Chantry halls. Everything that was, and what could have been hanging between them.

"What if I need you?" Cullen asks at last, his voice softer than a whisper.

Sebastian takes his hand, holding it between his own. A spark of hope in his eyes.

"Then come to me after all of this is through. Come to me as a free man."

Cullen sighs, squeezing Sebastian's hand. He's waited for years, and he'll wait for as many more that's needed. But when Sebastian turns to leave, Cullen's heart has never been heavier; the world could end tomorrow.

This could be the last time they meet.

[echoedcrosshairs]

Dark Redemption: Kamino Lost - Part I

Summary: After Crosshair joined the empire you went looking for him and eventually found him but he wasn’t the man you remember, temporarily free from the empire Crosshair has to figure out whether he’s staying to make amends or rejoin the empire 🖤Smut with an Angsty Plot🖤

Warning: Cannon typical violence, Order 66, Pinning, former established relationship, emotional turmoil, eventually smut

Word Count: 4.2k

Masterlist ~ part I ~ part II

Shots wrung out in the distance and you felt the platform shake. Staring out the window of the Havoc Marauder dark black plumes cascaded into the air ushering the beginning of an era without clone troopers, the beloved home of hundreds of thousands now a watery tomb in the depths of Kamino. Taking your feet off the dash you went to the ramp door, your legs threatened to buckle when you reached the platform looking out for any sign of your squad. Seeing the green streaks in the distance continuing to fire you knew there couldn't have been a chance and you probably the only person left alive. Your hand went to your mouth covering to try to contain the sobs trying to rip out of your chest. Please let me they got out. Minutes felt like hours ever slicer of hope fading but they finally arrived all of them safe.

Your eyes found the familiar stranger, gone were the colors of his upbringing replaced with the mourning color of the reaper. Every connection to his prior life erased hollowed to the creature of death the empire had created to take his place. Once bright eyes matching the pigment of his daily coffee now flat and lifeless. Crosshair, the name associated with one man who pick off enemies from ten klicks or better now stood as a weapon of the Empire.

Desperately you want to hold onto your animosity towards him for what he's done, part you of clung to the hope that it had been the chip. You saw the moon cratered scar the side of his head and the empty expressions on his brothers faces, you knew he was gone. Your stomach twisted, electing to sit on the ramp as they all turned their backs to you staring at the ruins of their long ago home.

"We should leave before the Empire's scouts show up," Tech said looking out and up towards the skyline.

"You comin' with us" Wrecker asked optimistically turning to Crosshair.

"None of this changes anything," Crosshair said looking at his former brothers as he coaxed calm into his features burying his rage and betrayal for pointing their weapons at him for saving who they cared about more than him.

"You offered us a chance, Crosshair, this is yours," Hunter offered hoping he would change his mind or at least appear to consider it for a moment but he had always been the most bullheaded and unrelenting person.

"I made my decision," Crosshair's rough voice cut you from your thoughts forcing you to stare at him.

"We want different things, Crosshair. It doesn't mean we have to be enemies," Hunter said trying to give him an understanding look before the four of them headed towards the ship finding your broken expression, guilt riddling their features.

Echo grabbed your shoulder jerking his chin towards the ship, "I'm sorry," he said letting go following his squad up the ramp.

You stayed their watching Omega still standing behind him, silently observing him without a fear in the old about what he was capable off.

"What?" Crosshairs lip twitched turning around to look down at her.

"Thank you for saving AZ," Omega said standing alone staring at him.

"Consider us even," Crosshair said looking up at Hunter knowing he meant between them before his eyes found yours. His stare lasted for a split second before he couldn't bare to see the pain in them, it destroyed him that you didn't understand and that you saw things just like them.

"You're still their brother, Crosshair, your my brother too," Omega said gloomily turning around joining you on the ramp, "She loves you," she added quietly.

Tech called your name, "I can not shut the ramp until you are inside."

You stared at his back, he wouldn't even look at you. You marched off the ship putting your hands on your hips glaring at him. "What," he said still staring out at the smoke, a piece of him crashing down into the ocean to be forgotten forever.

"Get your farking ass on that ship or I am staying here until we either die or the empire picks us up. I don't care if you stay with them afterwards or not."

"Why do you care?" he said flatly.

"I don't know who you are, but Crosshair and I use to mean the stars to each other," the tears tried to choke you as you pointed at the no longer standing city, "Crosshair died on Kaller but now I'll never get the answers to what they did to him afterwards. I can at least honor his memory by making sure whatever they did with his corpse breaths another day," the tears staring following by the only thing in your voice was pain and rage, "Get on the ship." He didn't look at you but he spun around and marched on board. You whipped your face on your sleeves as you straighten your back and followed after them. The pained expression on Hunter's face told you he heard every word and personally felt every cut of the words. You saw the darkly armored figure sitting in your usual seat. Fingers ghostly over the seat remembering when you first met him and how it felt like life time ago. Tech called your name again a few times before you blinked and looked up at him, "Corellia," you responded to his question of now what.

"What's on Corellia?" Omega asked once you finally sat.

"CT-9904 can safely make it back to the Empire if he chooses, it wouldn't be hard to falsify that pirates came looking for salvage, picked him up and dropped him off looking for a reward. There's plenty of them and bounty hunters there. It's logical," you responded letting your hands continue to skim across the seat remembering the banter and snide remarks before looking at Omega's seat where you use to sit in because it was a perfect line for both of you to flick toothpicks at each other. A smile trembled on your face before noticing the shadow in the corner studying all of you, your face flat lined over his scrutiny.

"Why didn't you say his name?" Omega inquired curiously.

"She is referencing that our or specifically her Crosshair is not the Crosshair sitting with us therefore making a distinction between the two, at least that is what I am assuming," Tech offered.

Hunter nudged you to follow him, you stood up following the sergeant out of the cockpit, "Are you sure about this? What if he turns you in to the Empire?"

"I've already been captured by the Empire and didn't break, but this time don't come for me."

"Oh?" you heard Crosshair voice ask.

"I went looking for trouble and found it," you swallowed before heading into the bunk room.

"She went looking for you, she found the regs instead," Hunter stated once he heard you climb into your bunk, "You may think we abandoned you but she never did. Not for a moment, Crosshair."

Hunter sighed and headed back to the cockpit leaving him to stand there. He heard Crosshair walk into the bunk room, pulling out his vibro blade playing with it eavesdropping.

Crosshair found you tucked into his bunk holding onto one of his old shirts staring at the wall that was now littered with photos of the squad especially ones of the both of you, various missions to when he was giving you shooting lessons. His eyes narrowed at the semi intimate one of the both of you kissing in 79's on a date, he'd never seen the photo and saw how it pulled out suggesting it was usually tucked behind the photo in-front of it wondering who took it.

"I know your there," you breathed taking your eyes off the memories to look back confirming his presence lingering against the wall, tucking the last photo of both of you together on shore leave right before order 66. You climbed out of the bunk pulling the privacy curtain shut feeling to emotionally exposed while folding your arms over your chest, "Something you need?"

"You looked for me," it wasn't a question but a statement, he put a tooth pick between his teeth, "Didn't like what you found," another toneless statement, "Why not let me go?"

You slumped against the wall of the bunk shaking your head, "Tech said you let them live on Ryloth faking trying to shoot them down, I wanted to know if there was anything left of him in there."

"And?" he hand went to his hip waiting watching as you went toe to toe with him staring into his eyes.

"You have his mannerisms," your hand fluttered to his hip, your thumb grazing the corner of his mouth next to his tooth pick then up to his eyes, "but I don't recognize the person in your eyes anymore," your hand flopped to your side, swallowing fighting the urge to touch him any further or try to recognize him in this creature, "I don't know what hurts worse wondering how much of it was you or the chip making you or remembering how long I have left until I hopefully get to see him again," you turned crawling back into the bunk, the tears no longer able to be held back, "Hunter.. can you grab me a water?" you whispered knowing it was going to be a bit before the tears were going to stop.

Hunter grabbed one of the canteens from storage slipping pass Crosshair has was just standing against the wall of the bunk room. He pulled back the curtain putting his body between you and Cross's eyes handing you the water and a package of tissues, "We're a couple hours away from Corellia depending on the Empire's movements through the sector, do you really want to go through with this?"

"I have too."

Hunter nodded, smiling when Omega wormed her way between him and climbed into the bunk yanking the curtain closed. She looked at all of the photos, "You know he's out there right?" she whispered.

"Someone is," you whispered back pulling one of the photos so both of you could look at it closer, "Did you meet him before the chip?"

"As a baby, I was in the lab where they were enhanced."

"So your older then them?"

"Yeah. What was he like?"

"Snarky, humorous, witty, banter at every turn. A little short tempered."

"He seems the same to me."

"He's not," the smile on your face died as you put the put the photo back, "I barely recognize him."

"He barely recognizes us too."

You looked at her, for being so young she was always so insightful, "Go hang out with your brothers," you nudged.

You followed her out of the bunk staring at him sitting on the floor with his head down gnawing on his tooth pick. You sat a few paces away on the floor in front of him, "CT-9904," he looked up squinting before relaxing, "Yes?"

"Who are you?"

"CT-9904," he squinted not understanding the meaning as you told him, "Crosshair."

You sighed frustratedly before tapping the side of his side with the scar and asked again. "Crosshair." You nodded and got up, "That's what I needed to know." Walking into the cockpit it fell silent as you took his seat as he silently shadowed you placing himself in your chair. Your fingers tapped on the chair's arm rest, "What happened on Kamino?"

"Well Crosshair lured us into a trap in the training room, killed his squad to what I assume was to approve the point of his sincerity then asked us to join the empire and then the empire opened fire on us and with Omega's insight we navigated our way out as the building started flooding," Tech summed up.

"You forgot almost drowning," Wrecker asked.

"Ah, yes and then running into the aquatic life while running through a lift tube. Now I believe that is everything."

You eyed him, "Imp killed imps to try to make more imps, interesting backward strategy," you mumbled.

"I was showing loyalty," he snarked back.

"Not to the squad you had," you countered.

Omega watched as it slowly turned into a shouting match, "Is it always like this?" she whispered to Hunter who was also watching intently, "unfortunately." Hunter took out the ear plugs from his bag and handed them to here, "put them in," he waited until she put them up before getting up, "Go fight in the bunk room, Omega is a child."

Both of you argued all the way to the room about loyalty, "Loyalty? Where was your loyalty to me!" You shouted, "Not once did you ever look for me, ask for me. Where was your loyalty to me, Crosshair!" You shouted. Your throat fell raw, rawer then you realized you said his name. Your jaw clamped shut and you couldn't look at him, "Where was your loyalty to me CT-9904," you correctly, "Your loyalty was ever only to your brothers, I always knew that deep down. It was always them," you sat on the lip of your bunk looking at the pictures, "Crosshair died on Kaller," you whispered hoping one day that if you repeated it enough you would finally believe it, "I'll get you home and then we're even." One by one you plucked the photos off the bunk wall in the heavy silence. You grabbed the small photo box with so many more memories and placed them inside. You packed all of your belongings in your weapon kit leaving the tiny box of pictures on the bunk and put it back against the wall, his weapon kit that you shared. You returned to your bunk looking at the forlorn expression on his face. I wish your decision would have been me. He was bred for war, sculpted out of ice for combat and the fires of bell for survival... this is who he is. I don't think I was ever truly an option after seeing him now but after this I don't think I can stay here, to many memories in these walls whisper their secrets in the dead of night reminding me of what I lost. After this maybe I'll join Rex's group, it'll put my skills to use and maybe I can help some other poor soul going through what I am. The thought started the tears, but this time no sound escaped besides the barely audible thunk of them landing on the durasteel floor.

"I did ask," is all he said. Your eyes shot over to him, he was back against the wall using it to support himself, "I assumed you died defending the Jedi, you always had a soft spot,"

"My only soft spot was for Crosshair, you kriffing Hutt spawn."

"Stop talking about me as if that isn't my name," he snarled, "I didn't die on Kaller either, I am right here."

"You did too me," you snapped back breathing trying to collect your thoughts, "You didn't even try to come back after having your chip removed, you started following orders, you became everything you hate. A reg. When have we ever followed orders especially so blindly without thought like the unthinking droids we fought against?"

"I am superior then a reg, I'm not going to waste my life running from my purpose-"

"Your purpose? Killing whatever innocent you get pointed too like a droid? You were a soldier of the Republic! Fighting for freedom and democracy not fear and tranny! If your purpose is being a monster you already accomplished it."

"This is who I am."

You stared  at the box with half the mind to blast it to bury the past once and for all, "is it or is it who you got told to be?" The calculating on his face not changing nor words sprung from his mouth in answer, "I could have spent Crosshair's whole life pretending he loved back but.. I don't know about the husk of him before me."

In a few swift footsteps Crosshair bridged the gap between both of you grabbing your hands holding them in your lap as he knelt, the gesture wasn't aggressive but he saw Hunter out of the corner of eye his hand resting on his holster trying to stay out of sight purposefully failing. Crosshair's lip twisted upward before returning his attention back to you, letting himself stare at you further then he previously allowed letting himself to relax even if it was a temporary moment. He saw everything in your eyes the pain, the loneliness, the honesty, the sincerity of your words but also the fear of him. He dropped your hands, "His brothers had his loyalty but only you ever had his heart," he whispered, standing up forcing the softness to fade back into the collected demeanor of the ruthless soldier of the Empire, "Stop saying I'm dead." He walked back into the cockpit shoving Hunter into the frame making sure you heard that he was there. Crosshairs mind was swimming with questions and rage as he felt the prickling eyes of brothers as he tried to figure out what he wanted and what he needed. I was created for a purpose to bring peace to the galaxy once and for all, the clone war is over but the war for peace is not. After a while of debating his purpose and what he's been order to do his mind drifted to you. The words may have cut him down piece by piece, it was the tears that had effected him the most. He summoned the photo that tried to hide in his mind the memory of his old life fuzzy, you had just finished teasing him about his choice in scarfs on cold days when he was in his basic and he wanted to silence you the sensation of you ghosted his lips and hands. He made a small strained growl before putting a fresh toothpick in his mouth ignoring the stares or that Tech had even swiveled in his chair to look at him. "Stop gawking," Crosshair snipped turning his attention to the door away from them.

"You're angry," Omega appearing at his side forcing him to remember what happened when his chip activated before they had experimented on him.

"How perceptive," he said not looking at her, "go away."

"You only got on this ship because of her, show her that," Omega said before taking her place leaning against Gonky playing on Tech's datapad.

Crosshair took off his glove to stare down at war callous blood tainted hand, his eyes trailed the familiarity of his hand the scars his thin fingers remembering battles but how gently they love in moments of privacy. He slipped the gloves back on, the weakness made him feel sick; a sickness his training yelled at him to eliminate. I’m not ‘Crosshair’ anymore just CT-9904, the thought made his hands clench, She is right, where was my loyalty. He found Hunter leaning against the outdoor wall of the bunks waiting to see what he would do.

"We'll be reaching Corellia shortly."

I guess it will have to wait, Crosshair sighed thinking to himself.

~ Before Kamino Lost ~

Hope had a way of twisting the reality of a situation. Your leg drummed against the durasteel floor processing what Tech had told you about their most recent encounter with the formally known brother named Crosshair. You've broken bones before but that was nothing compared to breaking in your chest. You stared at the squads partially shaved heads, your eyes lingered on Wrecker as you fully understood the dangers of the chips.

"I'm going after him," you announced, it's not Crosshair it's the chip, you told yourself, Wrecker the big excitable softie wouldn't dare hurt his brothers or Omega, that's how much of an effect the chips had. It had to be the same with Cross.

"Crosshair-."

"He's expecting the rest of you," you said your eyebrows knitting together, "to him it's like I no longer exist maybe it'll shock him enough to give me an in."

Hunter and Tech exchanged glances knowing damn well you were going to do this with or without their permission, "What are you suggesting?" Tech asked breaking the silent conversation about whether they should aid or not.

"Drop me at a base, I'll cause enough chaos to get their attention and hopefully their dumb enough to bring him to me."

"That is a ridiculously stupid plan," Echo scowled, "Even Wrecker makes better ones."

"Stupid enough it might just work," Tech replied, "However you are aware we may not be able to get you out and there is a possibility of being killed in action before you even get to see him?"

You laughed awkwardly, "I know, I accept those risk for him."

"Why didn't you join him and the empire?" Omega asked.

"Crosshair would never have joined the Empire unless he was forced too, for that I am sure."

"Would you have?" Tech considered, "If he had of his own free will?"

"I don't know," it was the honest answer but it was one all of them seemed to accept, besides Tech knew you were the closest to the aloof sniper and had the sneaking suspicion you would have to keep Crosshair safe. Even being partners he didn't often publicly treat you any different besides the latest hours of the night and morning when everyone was supposed to be asleep or microscopic shore leaves. Echo hadn't been fond of the plan but was the first one to hug you as you landed in the Imp hot zone and Omega being the last.

"Are you absolutely sure?" Hunter said putting his hands on your shoulders, you patted his hands with a grim smile, "I'm absolutely sure, Hunter," his grip released on you as you walked down the ramp quickly hearing it close behind you.

You didn't even bother with a weapon just a small explosive, you primed it as you got closer to the gate. Heart was speeding as fast as pod racers trying to survive the death course, possibly even putting light speed to shame. Tossing it after your shoulder, you saw the approaching Regs letting them get up close and personal, "You're going to take me to CT-9904 or else," the shock of the explosive set you all flying and that is the last thing you remembered before waking up in a ceil with a brown haired man replying your capture on a holo.

"Ah you're awake, welcome back to the land of the living," the man said looking at the half conscious person in the cell across from you, "More or less, I'm Admiral Rampart."

That's when the truth finally started setting in. The gruesome truth about what had happened to Crosshair, who he had become and what he was capable of. It was sick but Admiral Rampart enjoyed watching you break down as he showed you holo after holo of Crosshairs missions from the probe droids watching him. Day or night it no longer mattered in the grand scheme of things, it was almost round the clock torture. Admiral Rampart came back for his usual update videos of Crosshair trying to get you to divulge where Clone Force 99 was, except this time he was silent as both of you watched the familiar tall and lean form walk pass, glistening from a fresh shower paying neither of you attention.

"See he walks by without even realizing you are here or cares," Rampart laughed cruelly playing a holo of another one of Crosshairs missions and the carnage at his feet, "Tell me where Clone Force 99 is and I'll order him to talk to you, your eyes say so much more then your mouth," he added gripping your jaw, "especially when you look at him."

You stared at him in silent defiance, he sigh tossed your face away and your body followed it crashing into the wall next to the toilet, "At this rate you'll die long before him," you heard Rampart say excusing himself from the cell, "Maybe I should order him to execute you himself." Your stomach mangled itself over the poor excuse for a refresher, whether it was because the drugs, the lack of food or seeing the horrendous things he did you couldn't tell, maybe knowing that who he had become would, could kill you. Crosshair could never... but this isn't Crosshair this is CT-9904, whatever horrible things they did him after the chip activated. Spite kept you alive. After surviving longer then they anticipated they made the mistake of letting you catch a glimpse of him in his full black entire, helmet on, fire puncher slung across the back then they made the mistake of transporting you to a different facility. You knew the true meaning of love but the Empire had shown you what hate truly was and that was going to be there last mistake.

"Thought you could use a hand, not that I have a free one to spare anymore," Echo chuckled but his face remained solemn as he took in your beaten shape.

"We have to go," you heard the familiar smooth candace of Tech's voice around the corner, "I assume you didn't learn anything valuable but I did after we encountered him on Ryloth."

~

[super-unpredictable98]

All Shook Up | Killing Bono AU

Chapter 2: Shaking Things Up

Warning: Strong language

(General Masterlist) | (All Shook Up Masterlist)

The next morning was cold, but Joyce was all ready to show the McCormick brothers what she could do. She put on her best outfit, did her makeup and hair, all while Gloria watched from afar with the most judgemental look on her face. 

"So, you like the malnourished one then?"

"What? No! I'm auditioning for their band, they are about to get signed with a super hot label and I wanna be in on it."

"Oh, so the cleavage, the sexy lipstick, the short skirt with fishnets... that's all for the audition. You're definitely not interested in that kid."

"I- I'm not not interested. He's cute."

"Oh my God! You slept with him!" Gloria gasped. "That's why you were home so late! You were getting down and dirty with the neighbor!"

"I was not!" Joyce exclaimed. She wasn't a prude or a virgin by any means, but because of her upbringing, she wasn't able to be as free as her roommate. Her parents always taught her that nobody wants to eat a candy bar that everyone has already touched and licked, so she was more discreet about who had tasted her candy. "I was actually not, he was totally high on cocaine, drunk as a skunk, I didn't think it was right, you know?"

Gloria nodded, she had to agree. Sex with someone in that state sounded horrible, she knew from experience. 

"So when are you planning on sleeping with him?" She asked.

"I don't know if I'm gonna sleep with him! If it happens it happens, I don't have any plans."

After carefully tuning her bass and placing it back in its case, Joyce made her way across the hall to their door. She knocked, but there was no response. She tried again, once more nobody opened the door, in fact it was so silent, it didn't seem like anybody was home at all. 

She frowned and thought about going back to her flat, but she couldn't stop thinking about Ivan, something must've happened for him to break a promise. At least she hoped so, they barely knew each other, but from their brief interactions, she didn't take him for a guy who would make a promise only to break it the next day. 

Hours passed and she was still sitting in front of their door when the two brothers finally came, both looking like hell. 

"Fuck! Joyce, I'm so sorry I- How long have you been here?" Ivan yelped. 

"Ever since the time we scheduled for my audition."

"You told her she'd get an audition?" Neil hissed, angry that his brother went over his head.

"Yeah! I think she'll be good," he argued. "But it doesn't matter anymore, the fella we were negotiating our contract with was kicked off the label and so were we. Literally, we were thrown out of the building."

"I'm sorry it didn't work out," Joy frowned, almost losing the last bit of hope she had in her to make it in London. 

She was about to get back to her flat and watch as Gloria made fun of her for being so naive and trusting, but instead, Ivan took her hand to stop her. "Hey, since you're ready and you're here, why don't you audition anyway? We'll have to start over with the band, so it's like a fresh start."

"You still want me to?" She asked.

"Course, we still need a bass."

"Okay then."

Joyce followed the two brothers inside and set everything up. They did as well, preparing to play something and see how she would fit in with their sound. 

"Do you have any preference?" Ivan asked, getting his guitar. 

"Um... I'm sure you guys know U2?" 

"NO!" Neil shouted like a crazy person. "We're not playing U2!" 

"Shit, okay," she nearly jumped back. "Sorry, I didn't know you were not a fan. Maybe Queen then? Another One Bites The Dust?" 

"Brilliant," Ivan smiled, trying to make up for his brother's exaggerated reaction. "You wanna sing too?" 

"Yeah, of course," she stood in front of the mic.

Joyce started playing and they quickly followed. Even Neil had to admit she was good, she had good rhythm and she played the bass well, but the real surprise came when she opened her mouth to sing.

"Steve walks warily down the street with his brim pulled way down low. Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet, machine guns ready to go. Are you ready hey are you ready for this? Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?"

Her voice was an explosion that filled the entire room, it was full and deep, raspy but without straining. Ivan gave Neil a wide-eyed look and Neil simply rolled his eyes, not ready to admit his little brother was right about something. He took pride in making the decisions for the band, even if most (if not all) of them turned out to be wrong.

"Jesus..." Ivan breathed once the song ended. "It's like you're the lovechild of Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin! Are you kidding me right now?" 

"Thanks," Joy smiled shyly, looking away from him so she wouldn't blush. 

"Yeah, it was okay," Neil nodded with a sigh. "I mean, might not be the right fit for our band but-"

"Not the right fit? Neil are you going insane or you still drunk?" Ivan chuckled, still agape. "You dragged me all the way from Ireland, I believed your bullshit and now we're right back where we started. If you're serious about getting signed then you have to let Joy in! She's our best chance to make it big."

"Can you read sheet music, Joyce?" Neil asked. 

"Yeah, what do you have?" She asked, taking his notebook. 

"Can you sing this?" 

"The sun is shining on the sea today, you're living your life the easy way. You left behind, the world again. So be a tourist, hear the call-"

"Fine! Fine, you're in!" He grimaced, hating how great his song sounded in her voice. "But we'll be singing too, don't think you'll get all the solos just cause you can sing!" 

"I didn't expect to, thank you so much, you guys!" Joyce squealed, clapping with excitement. She couldn't believe it was actually true, she was sure they could be great, she believed that more than anyone, even Neil. 

To celebrate joining the band, Joy suggested going out for a drink, but none of the boys wanted anything to do with alcohol after the night before. Instead, they settled for some fish and chips, only... Ivan had other plans.

"Hey, Neil!" He hissed while the girl brought her bass back to her flat. "You gotta say you don't feel well or something, say you don't wanna go."

"What? Why?" Neil barked.

"Because I wanna go out with her."

"Have you thought about, I don't know, asking?"

"I am asking!" 

"Not me, you twat! Her!"

"Well I did, but I was way too high to remember, just please please stay home? C'mon, please!"

"Fine... not like I wanna spend time dicking around with you two. I have to write some more material to show to the labels."

"You're the best brother in the world!" Ivan shook Neil by the shoulders just as Joy came back. 

"Yeah yeah," he huffed. "Hey, so I'm a little under the weather, you know? Still kinda hungover, you two go."

"Maybe we should all stay and talk about the band?" Joyce asked, but Ivan was already halfway out the door. 

"Nah, he'll be fine. Neil is a real grumpy arsehole when he's hungover, it's dinner time anyway."

Gloria watched as they made their way down the stairs, and that stupid knowing grin on her face made Joy want to kill her. It's not like that was a date... right? Of course not. It was a friendly band hangout.

Ivan insisted he should pay as a welcome treat, even though he probably had way less money than her. He just couldn't be that type of guy who wouldn't pay on their first date. In his mind that was a date... right? Of course it was.

"We only need a drummer now," he murmured, covering his chips in vinegar. "Do you know anyone?"

"Not really, I haven't made any friends since I arrived."

"Why did you wanna leave the States?" He asked. "They have a pretty big music scene there. Why didn't you move to LA or something?"

"I always liked London, all my favorite musicians are from England... well, except Bono."

Ivan shook his head with a smile. As much as his brother resented their friend, he couldn't bring himself to feel the same way. The bastard was talented, it's not like he didn't deserve it. 

"We went to school together, back then when we still called him Paul."

"You're kidding!" Joyce grinned.

"No, I swear! I'd say ask Neil, but I wouldn't if I were you. I sorta auditioned for his band once, but it didn't work out."

"So you could be in U2 right now?" 

"I suppose, if things had been different... we only played together once, it wasn't really a thing."

"So you're happy with our band?" Joy leaned over the table without even realizing it. 

"Yeah! Even more now that you're here to shake things up."

She thought for a moment, not noticing when Ivan also leaned closer, their faces only inches apart. He was ready for a kiss, he thought that's what she wanted, but she simply laughed. Shit, she has such a cute laugh... he thought.

"This should be our name."

"What?"

"Shook Up! You're not the McCormick brothers anymore."

"Y-yeah! That's a pretty cool name," Ivan cleared his throat, embarrassed and hoping she didn't notice how eager he was. 

"So, will you kiss me now?" She asked with a smirk.

Tag List: @seanfalco @elliethesuperfruitlover @firstpersonnarrator @salvador-daley @totallyeve

[bluemusickid]

Hello! It's been some time!! Missed y'all, hope you missed me too!! I haven't been active but I have checked the tags sometime and am more active on Twitter (w my boo @carpediemm-18 💕🤌)

I am pretty sad to see most of my friends leave, and ik how much of a tough decision it must've been. The fandom has changed considerably and tbh, like most, I don't really care about the whole "relationship" and while i've been enjoying it like a really long Reality TV show/season, there are a few things I feel like talking about, which as a Desi and a Hindu, I was pretty sad to see v few people acknowledge.

First off, let me preface by saying that I feel sorry that her nudes leaked. Intentionally or accidentally, no one should have to go through that, at ANY point of their life, for ANY reason. My heart goes out to her for that, and I hope she has been able to recover from that.

But, I have seen so much discourse about her and her friends. Especially in the context of racism. When I first saw those pics, I was disappointed and hurt. Not because I expected any better from either party, but because in this day and age with a lot of exposure to global policies and discourse, being ignorant is a wilful choice.

I saw her picture with a bindi, and honestly, it seems like they were pretty openly mocking Hindu culture and customs. The bindi, the mudra, the sticking out of the tongue? Yeah, all VERY prevalent signs of mocking, or at the very least, emulating what they've seen in media; which again, is not a proper representation of what our culture is. I have seen people say that "oh, well, when people come to India, don't they dress up in traditional attire and click photos? If that isn't a problem, why is this?" That isn't a problem because you are in our country, learning our customs in person. We are welcoming you to our world of traditions in a proper way, which isn't cultural appropriation.

In addition to that, her friends were very openly saying vile, antisemitic and fatphobic things, not too long ago. You might argue, oh that was a long time ago, they were young, they might've changed and so on. And I agree, I would defo give them the benefit of the doubt in such a case. But most of these tweets are from like 2014/15/preeeetty recent if you think about it. I am close to her age, and even as someone who is not from The West, at that age and in that time, I knew that stuff like this is INHERENTLY wrong. Bear in mind, even if they were in their teens at the time, it's not like it was the early 2000s or something. In 2014, you should know better than to quote Ad*lf H*tler. Heck, even my 12 year old cousin doesn't do that, and he's a complete edgy teen extraordinaire.

I come from a place where colorism is still very much prevalent, and to see people from the West pick and choose what they "like" about Eastern philosophies is disappointing and quite frankly, disgusting. You can't claim to "follow Buddhist principles" and continue associating with such vile people. You don't even have to call them out, but you can distance yourself from them.

I haven't said anything about Chris because he's a grown-ass man and if at this point he continues associating w such people, he's a manchild dicko. But Alba has the chance to change, and she should think about getting better friends when she can. Breaking off a friendship in your 20s is MUCH easier than realising and regretting your mistakes in your 40s.

With that, I sign off.

[jurassic-park-inthe-world]

This Is A Wild Game (Of Survival) (Escape Plan Pt. 2)

Third Person POV

Gray and Emma Mitchell had just escaped their older brother, Zach, and were running around exploring. "Look!" Emma pointed towards a beaten path and decided to follow it. Tiptoeing past bushes and other types of plants, they followed the trail and saw a camp of sorts. Emma pulled out a pocket map and hummed. "That's the raptors, according to the map." She folded it and slipped it into her pocket. "Let's get closer." "No, wait!" Gray yanked her back. "Raptors are really smart, Emma. And I don't think we can be here." "Why not?" Emma asked hotly. "They're dinosaurs, they're in a cage, Gray. Come on, quit being a sissy." She strolled forwards, and Gray sighed, catching up. "But wait! I saw a sign on the fence back there." He pointed back the way they'd come, but Emma wasn't listening. "So what, Gray. I wanna see the raptors. And then I promise we can go. Just...don't get us caught." She crept forwards, peering through bars. "Wow, look at them!"

Four raptors, at least six feet tall, were prowling the cage, hissing and growling at one another. "that one's blue." Gray pointed to the obvious Alpha female, a gorgeous raptor with blue streaks on each of her sides. "Wow...she's beautiful." "And dangerous." A voice spoke, and the kids turned, staring, at a man. He had short brown hair, green-blue eyes, and was dressed in a brown leather vest, a blue, long-sleeved shirt (though the sleeves were currently rolled up), and brown pants and boots coated in dust. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" He asked, stern but not mean. Gray gulped, "W-we're just looking at the raptors, we're sorry." Instead of answering, he stood next to them, watching the raptors. "They're smart, you're right about that. They'd tear you to pieces before you saw them coming. Listen, I want you to stay away from here, okay? If something goes wrong, you can't be here to see it, got that?" "What could go wrong? Aren't the fences meant to keep them in?" "Yeah, but like many animals--monkeys, elephants, the like--Raptors can open doors." The silence after those words was heavy. "Wow." Gray muttered, eyes wide. "What's your name?" Emma asked boldly, and the man smirked. "Owen Grady." "I'm Emma, this is Gray. Zach's our older brother." Owen frowned, a strange glint in his eyes. "I think I know you. Your aunt's looking for--"

Suddenly, there was a shout. "Code 19, Code 19!" People began to run along the catwalk, yelling incomprehensible codes and numbers. "What's happening?" Emma asked, moving closer to Gray, who whispered back, "I don't know." "Inside, now!" Owen shouted, pushing them to a little shack. "Stay in here for right now, okay? 'll be right back!" He shut the door and they heard him running off. "I'm scared," Emma whispered.

MEANWHILE...

"What do you mean you lost them, Zach?!" His aunt shouted down the line. "They ran off on me, so don't snap, okay?! I wasn't looking, I was on the phone with my Mom!" He shouted, earning a few looks from the others inside the Innovation Center. It was awfully echo-like in here....

Lowering his voice, he said, "Look, I can find them, I do know where they went." He shut his eyes tight, hoping his aunt believed his lie. "God, Zach, please bring them back," His aunt moaned, and before she hung up, he heard her say, "Karen's gonna kill me." Mom's going to be mad for sure, but she doesn't have to know, Zach told himself, starting a search. He asked several ride employees about his siblings, but most of them had 20,000 people to deal with and didn't remember just two kids. Which was, admittedly, fair, but it wasn't making things any easier.

Groaning, he moved on, arriving at the Gyrospheres. The employee, a kid not much older than Zach, with shaggy brown hair and, to be frank, a rather dumb look, was the winner. "Oh, yeah. they're about this tall?" He held his hands out, at different heights, which resembled Emma and Gray's exactly. When Zach asked where they went, the \boy shrugged, jerking his thumb to the hamster balls behind him. "One of these. Just jump in this one, okay?" He stopped a ball, ad Zach got in, and away he zoomed.

GRAY AND EMMA...

"Triceratops." Emma pointed, marking it down in her little notebook. She was keeping track of all the kinds of animals the park had. So far, she had a Triceratops herd, Stegosaurus herds, Apatosaurus herds, a T. Rex, the Velociraptor pack, a huge number of Procompsognathus (commonly just called Compies), a Dilophosaurus pack (just three of them), a Pterosaurs flock, and a Parasaurolophus (duck-billed) herd.

"Do you think there's some we haven't found?" Emma asked as gray steered them on. "Not sure. Look, another Pterosaur." The huge mammal swooped overhead, towards the water, and they watched it catch a huge fish. "Cool!" Emma crowed, jotting down the wing structure, the speed, the aerodynamics, the angles, and the way it caught the fish. "I'm gonna be the best paleontologist ever!" She yelled, her voice echoing around the ball.

"Hey, watch the volume," Gray teased, and she laughed. "Hey, go there." She suddenly pointed to a broken gate, and Gray hesitated. "It says Restricted, though."

And, true to his word, the broken gate had a black, red, and white sign that read RESTRICTED: NO ACCESS ALLOWED. ONLY AUTHROIZED EMPLOYEES!!

"It's alright, go." She gently tapped the steering stick forwards, and they sailed through the gate.

ZACH POV

This was insane.

I was no closer to catching my siblings, and apparently, from the frantic phone call Claire had tried to give me, there was a new dinosaur on the loose, a very, very dangerous one, and God, where the hell were they?!

I saw a broken gate and thought, what the hell. Appearing on the other side, I gasped, jerking the buckles off. The Gyrosphere, the only one there, had been knocked over so hard that little sparks were coming from the bottom, meaning it had no power. I raced forwards, seeing a giant, jagged tooth in the plastic. A dinosaur tooth.

No. Oh, no. I felt my knees crumple. Were they eaten, or did they escape? Screaming caught my attention. "Go away!" I heard Emma scream, and another shout. "He bit me!" Gray yelled, and I raced towards their voices, following it around a curve in the road. Dead ahead, two velociraptors were jumping, trying to get the kids. they were 25 feet up in a tree, screaming, kicking at the raptors to keep them away or possibly hurt them. "Astop it!" Gray wailed, kicking at another one. I had to do something!

"HEY!" I shouted, and the Raptors whirled, focused entirely on me. Okay...bad idea.

"Come on, come on!" I shouted, picking up a slightly-heavy rock and throwing it full-force at a raptor. It hit her in the shoulder and she shrieked, angry now, but she was hurt. "Stop it, stop it!" Emma screamed, and for some reason, the raptors froze, like they were robots attuned to sound and commands. They turned, looking at my sister. She had hopped off the tree and was flaring at the animals. "Leave my family alone!" She shouted. One of the raptors, a really pretty female with blue streaks, jerked her head like a wince, and the raptors turned and ran, gone in seconds. "Are you guys okay--are you nuts, even?!" I shouted, grabbing Emma and Gray's arms. "Ow, watch it!" Emma shouted and I turned, fast enough to drop gray's arm and clutch her shoulders . "no, you watch it. You're lucky you're not dead, Emma Jean." I snapped, and she gulped. I only used her middle name when she was absolutely fucked. "I had to call Aunt Claire to see if she'd seen you, and of course that got her asking, and I told her you ran off! If you two ever disappear again, I will not look for you again!" My voice echoed, and a flock of small birds whistled and took flight at the volume. The kids stared at me, and I sasw hurt in their eyes. I sighed, groaning into my hands. "I'm sorry. I was just scared, okay? I'm not mad." I pulled them to me, hugging them tightly. "I love you guys. I do. But you scared the shit out of me." "Sorry, Zach. But we wanted to explore. And..." She hesitated. "I told the raptors to leave, so we won't be eaten, at least." "Why do you think they listened to you?" Gray asked as we started walking back to the park. "I dunno. I told them to leave, and they looked at me, said okay, and left." "Wait, wait, wait, they said okay?" I asked, frowning.

Emma looked up at me. "Yeah, they agreed to stay away and left." Me and Gray shared a glance. "Okay." (Turns out, according to Dr. Wu, yeah, she could talk to Raptors. Great).

[cursedzucchini]

I'm so sorry for this, but i gotta get this cursed idea out of my head. (Also im following DC - disregard canon)

So basically when ra's was just some guy several hundred years ago, who wanted to he immortal for one reason or another. He was looking into the possibility of ghosts and found a ghost king summoning circle. His goal was to force the king to make him immortal, or at least tell him a way, but when he sees Danny, he decides to try another way.

He befriends Danny and kinda genuinely starts liking the guy. Stuff happens and they start dating (at this point ra's stopped being ass obsessed w immortality, but instead shifted his obsession to Danny). Ra's isn't as crazy at that moment and made sure Danny perceives him as his best self. Danny at his part, is just glad his new friend/bf doesn't want the secret to immortality.

Danny, after few years of relationhip, trusts ra's enough to tell him his true name (something which can be used against him) and shows him the infinite realms. Ra's is amazed and they're kinda vibing. Like it's not healthy relationship, ra's lying about so many things and Danny's kinda hoping their issues w way too different opinions work out.

It's not until ra's starts growing old, everything goes to shit. He starts seeing the signs of time on him, and that makes him once again obsess with immortality.

Now personal headcanon of mine is that loving fiercely and obsessively is something all Al ghuls have in common.

So ra's doesn't just leave Danny to go and get his immortality (at this point i feel like he figured several ways, but didn't want to destroy his relationship w Danny), no. My dude decides "hey, my partner is the ghost king, meaning if i become his official lover, I'd get some of that sweet sweet immortality juice myself. And i wanted to marry him anyway, so"

So yes. Ra's uses the true name to marry Danny without his consent and tie his being to him.

And when Danny feels this, hes mad. Bc not only did someone he actually loved betrayed his trust with the true name thing, in the confrontation about all of this, it turns out most of their relationship was a lie!

The argument that follow all of this is huge. Ra's doesn't understand what he did wrong, and Danny's pissed off (maybe he was preparing something for ra's so they could stay together to make it more painful). It ends w Danny storming out of whatever place they lived in.

Ra's angry and feels betrayed too. They finally managed to make their relationship official and Danny's angry???' he destroys the place, and everything that could remind him of Danny.

So when some tired ghost comes in, asking him to sign the divorce papers? No he's not gonna do that.

The ghost was ready for that and told him he could take anything in exchange (Danny was heartbroken and pissed off at that moment, he wasn't really thinking). Ra's was playing with the thought of saying Danny's core, but... that would be for nothing. He wanted to be immortal after all.

So he says that cool ecto pool Danny showed him few years back. And ghost, who was really fucking tired and wanted to quickly get back home, was like "aight"

Thus ra's al ghul got his lil toxic pools.

Six hundred years forward, and suddenly the justice league has an Eldritch god on their hands ranting about their "stupid fucking ex, taking the nice pools in the divorce"

---

My personal hc for this prompt is that Danny found out Abt ra's having the pits, by someone mentioning how unfair it is that red hood gets another chance at life.

Also idk but the idea of ra's heading Abt this, taking out the newest iphone and calling batman like "hey I'm gonna have to warn u, a crazy guy might appear and say some bs Abt me stealing his pools, tHATS NOT TRUE IT WAS A FAIR GAME AND IF HE DIDNT WANT ME TO TAKE THEN, HE SHOULDNT HAVE DICORCED ME D:<"

Idk man just batfam/jl in the middle of them fighting Abt this.

(Damian & Talia would def grow up hearing stories about him and would kinda look up to him, bc ras only told them the cool stuff he did, not the time he stubbed his toe and accidentally created something like a mountain idk)

This is so dumb aight I'm out, I'm so sorry-

situation is - Oh bollocks, it’s my ex. But instead of Constantine and King Shark, it’s Danny and Ra’s Al Ghul

[furiousofpanda]

SORRY FOR ANY ERRORS OR ANYTHING ITS 12 AM AND IM TIRED AS SHIT BUT I STILL PULLED THIS OUT MY ASS

Short story between Wake (POV) and Grym (wip character who I haven't drawn yet)

Let's be real here, most characters I'm about to mention are concepts in my head I have yet to draw out even though I already have whole lore and even voice claims for them.

I'll give an introduction of Grym and the place it take place in after this story.

_____________________________

"I'd like to meet you some day," You said, laying on the dark void of a barrier that separates you from the only one you can consider a friend and looking into the dangling static sky of clockwork mirrors and your island.

"I'd ..ike .o .oo" the muffled voice came through. You haven't had company like this in a long while, and even though the voice was hard to hear, it was better then the gutting silence in. Plus, guessing from your previous conversations Grym is just looking to get away from Jitter, Haddock and Xate for as much as he can.

"Ho.. wha.ev.r ..u do going fo. ..u?" He cuts through your pandering thoughts or well, his awkward silence.

"Whatever I do is crumbs if I know, it's not like I came with a job description." Wake said with a lighthearted sarcasm. "It's just the usual."

There was a long pause

"Pardon?" Grym says, you can probably guess that he's yelling on the other side.

"ITS GOING GOOD!" you yell, Grym matches your energy with a responded loud and clear "yay!"

You both continue chattering loudly until Grym gets called by a deep bellowing rumble of a voice of who you assume is Haddock, where Grym and you yell loud goodbyes through the void built.

You sit up, the mirrors don't seem to be following a pattern but slowly move down in their own rhythm to near where you now have sat up, usually some mutiverses would crack or shatter under the pressure of the void's hands pulling the mirrors through, making a loud crash or crunch, but you found an area that had multiverses with lots of success signs which leads to opportunities like this where you can talk to Grym and learn about him and what's beyond your prison. You sometimes wonder if your really bound here, but since your memory problems started occuring, you can't remember how to enter worlds. So yo do what you do best, and push yourself off the void, twisting and turning shape gracefully in a zero gravity space, collecting back together to speculate a doomed multiverse that caught your eye. Not doomed due to an anomaly as as small bit of you hoped but just something normal to watch, something you can't interfere with even if you tried.

________________________

Okay you may be asking

"What the fuck did I just read??"

Let me explain a good chunk of it so that if I make more but longer stories like this that are better written you'll at least get it.

In my cannon there is a space outside of universes and multiverses only accessible to the incomprehensible or likewise. There are no gods, no demons or angels, but something thats just all of it combined. Its more like eldritch beings and the slightly anonymous being cryptids to an extent.

Nonetheless there are rankings based on these factors

1. Type (what job do you do?)

2. Incomprehensibility

The higher up the rankings the more dangerous they are to know about, definitely a cognitive hazard for those who aren't eldritch-sorts themselves.

I'm not going to go all over them but simply the relevant ones at the moment, otherwise we'll be here literally all week

Rank doesn't determine personality, status, or form, there may be minor identifying things but typically any of these can appear as any shape or form. Lower ranks usually can't change their appearance while higher ranks change too much and/or to some capacity cannot simply be observed even by an eye of a "god"

Each area is formed for the purpose and personality of the rank that belongs there. Most Ranks such as Watchers, Caretakers, Pawns and Jury stand alone, locked in their own Zones, while all other ranks share their zones, Ranks who stand alone usually are introverted to some extent or are horrible with communication, but have jobs at sorting the multiverses that exist from the ones that are being worked on and are maybe hue successes, sorting out dead and forgotten worlds, ones forgotten by the creator and community.

Rank 0 - Oracle

Harmless to the mind, these beings are gifted individuals who have abandoned their old lives to live solitude outside the fabric of the multiverse. They are the only ones any class is able to visit, as they are able to observe any level without effects and see (or sometimes send) individuals into the past or future of specific multiverses/timelines. When they do send them back it's more like a memory, as the individual sent back is a ghost, unable to be heared or unable to touch anything in the past or future (to prevent timeline issues).

Oracle grounds are usually underneath the Guardians (Rank 20) that are separating the creators of the worlds and are typically seen as a the first line of passive defense. Don't think these dainty creatures are passive, theyvan see straight through you, knowing your intentions. If you plan on passing through the gate, they will put you unconscious even if a creature is unable to go unconscious and send them back to the multiverse they originate from or belong, which if it's another lower than guardian rank trying to trespass, will get the same treatment, sent back to their zone.

I'll explain 1 -3 later, they are still in development conceptually

Rank 4 - Watcher

Watchers are like physical moderators who catch and delete harmful anomalies, particularly ones that harm other multiverses, as in-multiverse anomalies are completely fine as long as they don't hop multiverses at a time and start breaking Multiverses down. Thus with such an important task, Watchers are usually able to take on any sort of form, but they must play by the universes rules that they have entered unless they have located and are fighting off the anomaly. This is more of a forced thing as all watchers are physically unable to use anything out of the ordinary depending on the ordinary of that world, unless they have located the anomaly, then these restraints are suddenly lifted. Location is knowledge of where (and/or when if time travel is involved), maybe not pinpoint but if they have a faint idea, it unlocks that multiverse lock temporarily. Once the anomaly is deleted or patched, the being is summoned back to their post.

Wake is a Watcher, but most watchers nowadays use their abilities to hive-mind duplicate themselves to watch while doing other things or be to places at once, wanting a more Mortal-inspired lifestyle.

Rank 5 - Weavers

Weavers and Puzzleworkers (rank 6) work together, even though most Puzzleworkers are invisible to the Weavers the work in the same area

Once a multiverse passes the test of time, the are sorted by if the multiverses have been unscathed or if they are cracked. Cracked means it still can shatter but it also has the potential to fix itself. Unscathed ones are put in picture frames hung by the same goop that the test of time was made of, the reason Weavers are nicknamed Weavers is because the make sure the goop doesn't run thin, making sure good universes don't fall and get forgotten. Of course some fall here and there unnoticed but Weavers tend to the top while puzzleworkers handle the bottom.

Grym is a Plage-doctor-esk faced character that harbors a not so fandy outfit with a cloak on top that have gold buttons down the middle. The outfit itself is stained black with the void's color other than Grym's body himself. He has legs sometimes but seems to prefer moving around with an octopus like lover body.

His voice claims is "Let time pass through" or whatever that song was that sounded like Kermit was singing it, yeah his vc is fuckin Kermit and I love Grym as a concept sm

Rank 6 - Puzzleworkers

Not going to completely cover this cause I'm getting tired of writing this and I'd have to explain the few I skipped over to have this one be fully understood, as Puzzleworkers are essentially like beings that have a body but it cannot be processed by the brain or even if without a brain, the aren't ment to be seen, so the look invisible or like a silhouette if anything. They're jobs are to pick up the broken pieces of the multiverses that have shattered and either attempt to piece it together to a whole or if there is too many missing pieces, melt it down into something new, where the concepts are sent back to creators in hope that eventually the aspects of the broken worlds gets used in some way.

That's it I'm tired, but feel free to ask questions cause I'm nowhere near done

Idk if y'all are even interested in my oc sheit so oop

[hirokari]

this is stupid.

wc: 0.8k | g: enemies to more, fluff, gn!reader | w: none!

The hour is nearing midnight, an hour Lu Guang should definitely not be awake. He sits on the kitchen counter, ignoring the cold that pricks up the material of his sweats as he stares at the landline and scratches his chin out of habit.

"Just give them a call, it's not like anything would go wrong."

He supposes Xiaoshi is right... for once. This is stupid. A call wouldn't hurt, would it? Though, he thinks one with you might make him so tingly it'll give him a cardiac arrest.

His tea has long been turned cold, given how long he'd been contemplating and staring at the phone. It was how he knew you liked; earl gray with warm milk and a spoon of honey. You'd told him that when you'd gone out— his roommates dragged him into it, really— for brunch with him and Xiaoshi and Qiao Ling. He likes to think you told him personally, but he knows not to get his hopes too high.

Lu Guang breathes slow, tickling the back of his hand he'd been covering over his mouth for a while now. He doesn't know how long he'd been like this-- he finds it ridiculous.

This is stupid.

He hops off the counter, the cold of the floor foreign to his feet.

This is very stupid.

He reaches for the landline, tracing a finger down the spine of the handset.

This is very, insanely, stupid.

Lu Guang lifts the phone into his palm and brings it up to his ear. Having left the handset, his fingers now settle to fiddle with the cord, twisting his forefinger into each coil.

This is stupid, but he supposes it's too late to back out now.

Lu Guang dials your number into the landline, head void of thoughts, throat void of sound. Each tone after he presses the corresponding numbers ring in his ear through the handset.

It rings once. Twice. Thrice. A beeping sound follows, then silence.

Of course, what had he expected-

"Hello?" Your voice is quiet, hushed into a groggy whisper. The boy nearly jumps. Hand clawing to the material of his shirt, Lu Guang can't help but pause to render the fact that you, the one person who valued sleep more than everyone— even Xiaoshi— had woken up to pick up his call.

"...Hello? Who is this?"

Of course you hadn't an idea who called. He used the apartment landline, for crying out loud! "Oh, um, I didn't think you'd pick up." A short but evident hum emits, "What brings you to my calling, Lu Guang? Doth thy require my aid at such an ungodly hour?"

As stupid as you sound, Lu Guang can't help but find you cute, clearing his throat with tinted cheeks. "Did I wake you? Sorry,"

"No, actually, I was working on my paper. It seems great minds are restless at midnight." You jest, and he assumes you're settled back into bed hearing the sounds of sheets shuffling. He laughs a little, "It seems we do."

"So, what's up? What's the occasion?"

"Oh, I couldn't sleep, is all. Thought you'd help a little, you never fail to bore me anyway." Teases Lu Guang with the smallest playful tone. The hour is much too late to think straight. "Oh? Lu Guang and jests? Who are you, foe?"

"Sorry, just really tired. 'm probably not thinking straight right now."

"No need to apologize. I like it when you kid. Shows you're at least a bit human." Your word plants a small smile across the boy's lips and he can't help it, but he doesn't mind at this point.

"Could you... could you talk? I just need a little noise right now." Asks Lu Guang. His fingers pull at the cord in a timid manner, probably a tad embarrassed of the request. "I completely respect if you wouldn't be up to it, though, I'm just being stupi-"

"You aren't stupid, Lu Guang. Trust me when I tell you that you're one of the most cunning and intelligent people I've known. Ever."

Lu Guang, stunned, stays silent, the only sign of his presence for you to comprehend being his breathing into the phone. Laying your palm flat out against the skin of your forehead, you seethe, "Sorry, that, uh, came out of nowhere. "

There isn't a doubt in Lu Guang's being when he thinks you're blushing just as much as he is right now, and he grins a little at the thought of your blood-rushed face pressed into a pillow.

"You want me to talk?"

"Yeah, please."

"Okay, mmm, I'll tell you about the fat cat I found some blocks away from campus. I was walking home that day, I distinctly remember it being a really cold and windy day, but I still wanted to have some boba."

Though Lu Guang didn't earn that much sleep that night, he'd learned a lot more about you. Sure, the whole thing was stupid, from calling his supposed campus rival at midnight to actually conversing about things you both genuinely enjoy until the sun had greeted him through the window, but at least he was doing something stupid with you.

a/n: ladies and gents, and non-binary legends, this is my attempt at e2l with lu guang. ahahahahaha T_T

a/n 2: writing this in my hot ass room sweating my balls off im sorry if this sucked

© hirokari, 2022

[littlegodzilla]

Hello! I am new to your blog and I really loved your writings, can you write Daryl Dixon smut where Daryl and Reader were sworn enemies since before the world ended (because of their family feud). When Rick and the gang looking for a shelter after the Greene farm burned down, he heard the Reader screaming for help Rick saves her life after the walker almost bit her. that's when Daryl sees her again, but they still hate each others guts. When they found the prison and ended up being their shelter, Rick assigned her to go on run with Daryl, but during the run they kept fighting (insulting each others families) until he had enough and he cornered her against the wall and roughly kisses her and they start to make love on the abandoned Cabin (make this scene hotter 🔥🔥👉👈), they apologised for hurting each other and Daryl revealed that he pretending to hate her in a whole time instead he was in love with her same as the Reader.

Hi Anon!

Sorry if I was late, but here I am!

I hope you like it as much as I did writing it. I really liked your idea and AngryDaryl is always fine with me.

Fighting.

DarylDixonxFemReader.

Anon Request Warnings: fight, bad language, insults, SMUT. Words: 3800 Summary: Daryl and you have known each other for many years before the apocalypse, your families have never gotten along, and neither have you. Now you have to live together to survive, but the fights haven't changed. Taglist: @phoenixblack89 @browneyes528 @pncnsc @lilythemadqueen @twdeadfanfic @purple-serenity

"Help!" you yell trying to get away from a Walker, but your foot gets stuck in a hole resulting from a removed root and you fall flat on your face. "Fuck!" You groan in fright, you want to get back up, but the dead man falls on you ready to bite you.

Your eyes fill with tears knowing what your end is. It will bite you or devour you, you don't know which of the two terrifies you more, the point is that you will end up turned into the same being that is chasing you, killing and eating other innocent people. Anger takes over you wanting to fight the Walker. You've been through so much, you can't believe you're really going to die like this now.

You open your eyes wide when you hear a gunshot not too far away, the corpse above you stops moving at the same moment the shot breaks the air, falling on you, its rotting blood staining your clothes, not that it's clean, but at least it smelled better than it does now.

But you're alive, and you're not going to complain.

Luckily that guy was just skin and bones, so it's not too hard for you to push him aside ready to get back on your feet and run. You don't know who saved you, you're grateful, but you've also learned in this new world that a person with a gun doesn't always mean help. At least not without expecting something in return. You are about to leave when you hear hurried footsteps. You turn quickly discovering a dark-haired, blue-eyed man, he raises his hands in a sign of peace and puts his gun away.

"I'm not going to hurt you" He assures you. "Are you all right? I saw the Walker follow you and..."

"I'm fine" You cut him off wanting to leave as soon as possible. "Thank you."

"Are you alone?" His curiosity puts you on guard again, as you thought, a pervert.

"And what does that matter to you?"

"No... It's not what you think. I'm traveling with a group, there's a child and a pregnant woman with us... I wanted to know if you knew of any place..." He tries to explain and frown.

A child and a pregnant woman, you may have misunderstood things.

You don't know of any place where you could take shelter, where that woman could rest and eat properly, nor have you seen anything nearby that could be considered a shelter without it being infested with the undead. Still Rick, as the man has introduced himself, welcomes you into his group. At first you hesitate, you don't want to be a bother, if they themselves are short of supplies one more mouth isn't going to be of any help, however you have some supplies in your pack that would perhaps make a few more days on the road easier for everyone.

You walk to their little settlement among different ruins on one side of the forest, Rick tells you a bit about the group they are, a varied bunch, you are a bit surprised when he talks about a grumpy hunter and the image of your childhood neighbor comes to your mind and you shake your head. Surely that pair of rednecks are dead by now, your mind has to stop reminding you of them.

Your surprise couldn't be more absurd.

"Ya?" his voice sounds stunned, hoarse and growl-like, even his mouth is unhinged from surprise. You're no better.

"Dixon?" you stammer, watching as the rest of the group looks at you like it's a tennis match. "Are you fucking kidding me?" You say angrily and sarcastically.

"You two know each other?" Rick also asks in surprise, he should be relieved but seeing how your faces are transforming from surprise to anger, he doesn't know what to do.

You both look at Rick at the same time, Daryl hisses like an animal to turn around walking away from where you are. You cross your arms and shift your body weight from one foot to the other weighing whether you should really stay. You don't want to bother them, you know that if you stay things with Dixon won't be okay, they never have been, since you were kids you've always been in a continuous war.

Your neighborhood wasn’t the best, far from it, there was always some altercation, shouting, police. Every day there was something new to tell and unfortunately it was almost never something good. You kids grew up far away from your homes, far away from the problems of adults to engage in your own guerrilla warfare. You have always been several years younger than the Dixon brothers, but you have always known how to defend yourself. You had to learn to do it, like everyone else.

At first Merle just kept you from playing with them, playing big in front of other kids, trying to impress the girls, Daryl at first was nice, he played with you. It was fun, but when he started to grow up and Merle was around, Daryl became like the rest of the kids. Insults, shoving, he had even thrown your dolls over the fence of one of the abandoned houses where there was always a huge dog that wouldn't stop barking.

The affection between children had turned into hatred and as the two of you grew up things didn't get better, because he learned to behave like Merle's personality, you grew up as a woman and the older Dixon started to harass you like a horny pig, which usually ended up turning into a war throwing stones at each other's houses.

You remember your entire childhood full of wounds, bruises, missing teeth and shouting the Dixon family name whenever you discovered a new mischief at your doorstep.

"Stay." Rick asks you pulling you out of your own thoughts. "We don't have much, but we know from experience that going through this new world alone, is suicide."

You don't want to stay alone, you're a coward that way, because you don't want to die. You mull it over for a few more seconds before nodding your head taking your pack off your back offering them several bags of ration food you had found at a small base on your way to somewhere safe. You try to take the first step with Daryl, you walk over to where he is sharpening his arrows, you can see that he detects you as he clenches his jaw, but he doesn't move. You hold out a bag of food to him, but he shakes his head.

"I ain’t wanna yer fuckin’ food."

"Then die, asshole." You bark, but throw the bag at him hitting him in the head and turn around to go back to the rest of the group.

You find the prison, finally you have a safe place to stay, that same night all of you prepare a barricade in the courtyard outside the prison, after killing the Walkers that were there and closing the doors to prevent more from entering, you make a fire preparing some food that you still have. The big ration is for Lori, she needs more nutrients than anyone else, although you are all going through the same hunger. Curious, you discover that Carol, a woman with boyish hair, very thin, somewhat reserved, but always close to Daryl, gets up and walks away from the group to go to the archer who stands guard over the bus blocking the main gate to the courtyard. You frown discovering that the man seems quite friendly and affable with her.

Maybe they are together...

Just because you now have a roof over your heads doesn't mean things get instantly better, Hershel has lost a leg, you've lost T-Dog, Carol is missing, you've run into a group of prisoners who don't make things easy for you, Lori has passed away giving birth to a tiny baby crying her lungs out, you need new supplies that aren't good enough to feed a newborn, Maggie has to take care of her father, Carl is in shock and Rick has disappeared.

"We need food for the baby." Glenn says pulling you out of your own state of bewilderment.

"I'll go." You volunteer stowing a knife in your belt, grabbing a gun.

"Daryl go with her." Maggie asks to the redneck,. "You guys with the bike will go faster, I need to stay here with the baby, find Rick..."

"Okay." He agrees biting his lip repeatedly, "Really, okay?

"There's a mall if you follow the highway, I don't know if there will be much stuff left there, but that's the best I can tell you." The girl apologizes apologetically. Daryl shakes his head.

"All right, take care of the baby and... Keep an eye on Rick." He asks them and turns to you, your body tenses up waiting for any comment from him. "Don't just stand there, come on."

The mall Glenn and Maggie were talking about is further away than you originally thought, you can't go that far, so Daryl changes course abruptly towards the exit that heralds a town. Behind his bike you hold onto his waist for the change and your body sticks closer to his. You feel him tense up at your closeness and you'd like to say something about it, but you're not comfortable with the whole situation either. He parks the bike at the entrance of the village gesturing you to get off, relieved you move away from his touch, even though the worst months are over, it's still cold enough to ride a bike without proper clothing. You rub your arms wanting to get warm as Daryl holds his crossbow and sets off towards one of the buildings. You are surprised because it is a daycare center. There you are likely to find everything you are looking for.

You just wish no one else had found it before.

Everything around is quite quiet, no Walkers are seen nearby, but you don't have time to check it out either. You hurry towards the door of the nursery and try to open it, but it won't budge. You curse pushing your body against the wood, but nothing.

"Open you stupid door!" you shout in frustration and kick it away.

"Hey Macgyver." You hear Daryl's voice far away from where you are, you turn your head and see him peeking out of one of the windows. "Are ya gonna stand there all fuckin’ day? We ain’t have all the fuckin’ time."

"Shut up, asshole." You growl going over to him to get in through the window he's leaning out of.

"Can ya handle yerself or do ya need help, princess?" he taunts you, you know he's stinging you on purpose.

"Get out of the way." You nudge him with your foot stepping into the nursery. Daryl watches you without stopping chewing on his own lip, but says nothing.

Between the two of you you look around the room for things that might be useful for the baby. Out of the corner of your eye you see how the man has approached a wall full of drawings of hands and caresses one that says "Sophia" you would like to ask, but it's none of your business, what Daryl does doesn't matter to you.

You open several cupboards to discover bottles, clothes, some diapers, but no food. You start to get nervous and having every time you move you bump into the hunter doesn't help temper your nerves.

"Can you stop doing that?" you growl when he bumps into you again, his pelvis against your butt.

"I'm ain’t doin’ anythin’, stop stoppin’ cold turkey, can't ya walk?"

"I know how to walk, but you keep hitting me and stepping on my ankles, asshole."

"It wouldn't happen to ya if ya walked normally and stopped stoppin’ every time a leaf moved."

"I'm looking for food for the baby!"

"In the hallway ya ain’t gonna find anythin’!" He hisses in exasperation.

"There could be Walkers!"

"If ya ain’t stop yellin’ anyone's gonna come!"

"Then you stop shouting!"

"Yer insufferable, woman!"

"Look who's talking!" You bark and tense your body when you see him scowl and clench his jaw, but he pushes past you, muttering something between his teeth.

In the kitchen you find what you were looking for. Cans of powdered milk, jars of different flavors, baby juice, more bottles and diapers. You leave the backpack on the counter and start to pick everything up in a hurry, being careful not to break anything, so that the powdered milk doesn't open by accident. You can feel Daryl's gaze on the back of your head, you hear a noise and before you can say anything Daryl pierces a possum with one of the arrows from his crossbow. You grimace as he holds it up like it's a trophy.

"You're not putting that shit inside my pack."

"It ain’t shit, it's dinnah." He defends himself.

"We don't need that, we have supplies at the prison, stop acting like a fucking Neanderthal."

"It's food! We may have supplies, but they won't be forever, we have to be careful."

"I said, you're not putting that thing in my backpack." You slam it down hard to make way.

"What the fuck is wrong with ya!"

You freeze in your own tracks, spinning around on yourself staring at him in disbelief and feeling anger boil in your stomach. Daryl scowls as well, possum in one hand and crossbow in the other.

"What's wrong with me!?! What the fuck is wrong with you and me?" you walk back towards him, punching him in the chest. "You've always been a dick to me!"

"That ain’t true!"

"That's true! Ever since you grew hair on your fucking balls you treated me like I was a fucking louse!"

"Ya were always pickin’ on me! Always after me like a limpet! Ya were insufferable!"

"You were supposed to be my friend!"

"I was never yer friend!"

"Of course not! Who would want to be friends with the son of the neighborhood drunk?" You spat angrily. Daryl roared letting his hands free and slammed you against one of the walls of the nursery.

We stood like that for a few seconds, staring at each other, our breath hitching in agitation from the shouting and fighting. Daryl's hands tighten on your shoulders keeping you glued to the wall. Your whole body is in tension, fists clenched waiting for any move on Dixon's part to defend you.

"Fuck ya..." He says with a growl, his eyes locked on yours.

"What are you waiting for?" you reply at once without really being aware of what you just said.

Surprise hits you both, he didn't expect you to respond, you didn't expect those words to come out of your mouth. You stammer wanting to rectify your words, but Daryl moves before you. His hands on your shoulders come down to your armpits, he lifts you into the air just enough so your feet don't touch the ground, his body presses against yours and his mouth presses against yours stealing a gasp of surprise from you, your knees dig under his ribs and he grunts lowering your legs to his waist.

You rest your hands on his shoulders to find balance as you wrap your legs around his waist. Daryl kisses you intensely, pressing your body against the wall, he holds you by the back of your neck and his other hand squeezes your ass. You sigh against his mouth again digging your fingers into his shoulders, your hips move on their own pushing against his pelvis feeling half hard already.

He gasps pulling away from your mouth, kisses your cheek, the line of your jaw moving down your neck. The hand at the back of your neck descends to your ass as well, squeezing it, massaging it between his huge hands. You close your eyes, throwing your head back against the wall, stroking his hair as his mouth continues to kiss and lick your neck.

"Daryl..." You gasp and he growls against your skin before pulling away from you to look at you.

Your feet touch the ground again, your breathing is still accelerated, you don't want to think about what's going on. Whether you should stop or not. You take off your shirt, staring at him, biting your lip. Daryl moves closer again, his lips pressed to yours, his tongue brushes your lips before tangling with yours. His hands roam your body, at first you had felt some nervousness in them, but now they caress you, squeeze, massage with determination, he even dares to lift your bra and squeeze your nipples.

You moan, but you don't stay still, your hand goes down to your half hard cock, you rub your palm against it feeling it get harder and harder at the same time he gasps and grunts pushing against your hand making you laugh low. Daryl breaks away again to look at you, his blue irises devoured by your pupils dilated by the desire invading them.

You take off his poncho throwing it on the floor, you do the same with his vest and tank top. Daryl lets you do it until your hands reach for his pants, but he stops you by taking you in his arms once more, your legs wrapping around his waist as he walks with you to a room with a padded floor, it looks like a room where children used to play or sleep. An exclamation escapes you as he kneels on the foam rubber floor and lays you down, leaving you under his body.

Your gazes meet again, there's something about her that makes you shudder, it seems like Daryl wants to tell you something with his eyes, but you're not sure what it is. You don't know how to decipher it. You gasp as he pushes against you, still with his clothes on. His cock fully hard, pressing against the fabric of his jeans, wanting to melt into you. You groan moving against him in turn, Daryl gasps against your face and your hands move down his chest to the edge of his pants unbuttoning them. You can't help a nervous giggle when you discover he's not wearing any boxers.

"Always so ready..."

"Shut up." He growls and bites your chin giving you goosebumps.

The two of you lie naked on top of each other, your hands never stop caressing every inch of his body, you squeeze his shoulders, claw at his back, your legs tangle around his lower back as you move your hips to rub your center against his hard cock. You hear him hiss against your neck moving in time with you. Again your gazes connect before you throw your head back with a long moan as you feel him push inside you, working his way inside you incredibly slowly feeling your entire pussy accept his intrusion squeezing against his hard length tearing gasps and snorts from him so he doesn't push inside you too hard. He stays still inside you for a few seconds that for you are eternal, you are grateful for it as it gives your insides time to accommodate to his length, you can feel him trembling over your body, taking all his self control. You caress the back of his neck and kiss him getting his attention.

"Move." You ask him and smile. "You're not going to break me..." You assure him.

His eyes flash with intensity, he places your legs over his shoulders and holding you by your thighs he begins to move in and out, slowly at first, searching for the right rhythm for both of you, but as you rest your hands on his legs to thrust your hips in time with him, an animalistic growl escapes his throat moving faster over you, thrusting deep, hitting that perfect spot inside you that makes you arch and moan high digging your nails into the skin of his knees.

The pleasure overcomes you both, its intensity leaving you dizzy for a few seconds, your pussy clenches tightly around his cock, lifting your hips, feeling him thrust inside you a couple more times before he cums as well with a hoarse gasp, hiding his face in your neck, breathing raggedly, both of you needing a moment to recover.

Sanity seems to return to you little by little. Daryl steps aside letting you move, he has felt how you have tensed under his body minutes after what you have done. He remains sitting on the rubber floor watching you reach for your clothes to get dressed, but he doesn't dare open his mouth, his eyes simply follow your every move as he bites his lip nervously. Your mind is a jumble, too many things swirling around in it at the same time. You shouldn't have let yourself get carried away, you and Daryl aren't meant to be together. The man has hated you since you were kids, you tried too, but as time went on...

"I ain’t hate ya..." Your thoughts are nipped in the bud with the hunter's voice behind you.

"What?" you turn to look at him, he still hasn't moved from where he was sitting, but tries to brush a skin off his fingers nervously.

"I never hated ya..." He confesses again and a wry chuckle escapes you.

"Of course not, tell that to all my lost dolls, or the broken glass in my house, or all the scratches from when we were fighting."

"I ain’t..." He wants to explain himself and at the same time lowers his head in shame. "I was... I was ashamed of how I felt... We were kids, ya suddenly..." He bites his lip not knowing how to explain himself. "From one day to the next ya had boobs and I... and Merle kept tellin’ me how hot ya were gettin’, as if I didn't see it... It pissed me off that he was lookin’ at ya like that..." She mumbles looking at the floor and you don't credit what you're hearing.

"Did my boobs make you stop talking to me and act like an asshole?"

"I couldn't get them out of my head and... fuck they've even grown bigger..." He protests again and you laugh shaking your head.

"My God, you're such an asshole, Daryl Dixon." You walk over to him and sit on his lap, Daryl trembles beneath you thinking you're going to tease him, but you take his hand and place it on your bare chest, his gaze locks on you, his pupils dilating again with desire and you smile. "They've been yours since day one, Daryl." You assure him and kiss him softly, feel his fingers close over your nipple and gasp. "All you had to do was ask."

The End.

I hope yu liked it!

I'll see you in the next story!

[youbloodymadgenius]

Ivarello (Modern!Ivar x reader) Chapter 4

Moodboard by @quantumlocked310

Ivarello’s masterpost here

A/N: This is my entry for @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie 500 Followers Fairy Tale Challenge. It's a retelling of Cinderella. Congrats again, darling 💖

A huge thank you to @mrsalwayswrite , who's a great beta reader and an even greater cheerleader 😂

A massive thank you to @quantumlocked310 , @vikingstrash and @serasvictoria . Thank you for agreeing to collaborate and for sharing your talent with me. Your moodboards are beyond amazing 🤩

In this story, Sigurd is alive. Ragnar and Aslaug are dead, but Lagertha didn't kill her. I took a lot of liberties with the show, I hope you won't mind.

Unlike the tale, there will be no magic involved. Not everything will be realistic, however. It's a fayritale, after all!

Let me know if you want to be tagged 😊

Summary: Orphaned five years ago, Ivar and his brothers have been living with Lagertha ever since. Now 16 years old, he wants to attend Harald's traditional Midsummer party, but obstacles stand in his way.

Warnings: description of car crash; orphaned kids; Sigurd being Sigurd; OOC characters.

Words: 2877

Additional note: This is the final chapter. There'll be an epilogue, but you'll have to wait a bit because there are a lot of challenges I've signed up for and I'm way behind schedule.

Enjoy 🙂

🛡⚔️🛡

Devastated and angry at the world. That's how Ivar is feeling.

Holed up in his room since the night before, and despite Lagertha incessant requests, he doesn’t plan to come out, not now at least. Come to think of it, he might as well decide never to leave his room again.

He can't stand the idea of facing his brothers. He doesn't want to have to tell them about his failure. He doesn't want to endure Ubbe's pity and condescendence. He doesn't want to see the look of triumph on Sigurd's face. The thought makes his stomach lurch while at the same time a murderous urge creeps into his mind. No, he definitely can't see his brothers.

Surprisingly, and unlike Lagertha, his brothers have left him alone, as if sensing that entering his room would be as moving into a minefield. Only Hvitserk had taken a chance earlier, cautiously poking his head through the door. His disapproving look obvious when his eyes had taken in the scene before him, Ivar's belongings scattered on the floor, some of them smashed into pieces.

"I got you a chocolate muffin from the kitchen, baby bro," he had explained, putting it on a nearby shelf, and it had almost brought a smile to Ivar's face. To Hvitserk, there's no predicament that can't be improved with comfort food.

"Look, Ivar," scratching his neck, Hvitserk had then said, "I don't know what happened and I don't want to pressure you. You tell me when you're ready, if you are. But I'm here, okay? Whatever the time of day or night, you don't have to be alone if you don't want to. If I'm upstairs, just call me, okay?" With these words, he was gone, the door closed.

Ivar can't get the events of the previous evening out of his mind. Like a waking nightmare, they are playing over and over in his head: how he had freaked out when he heard the beeps; the confused and then so disappointed look you had given him when he sputtered his need to leave; finally, his shameful escape into the night.

What could he have done? What should he have done?

He does know the answer. He should have been more cautious. He should have checked the time, asked for your number and just walked away.

On the other hand, what difference would it have made? He would still have no future with you, right? He would still be a cripple, and you would still be... you... perfect... too good for him.

So yeah, he had run away like a coward. He lets out a bitter chuckle to himself. Run away? Who is he kidding? He hadn't run away, that would have been too easy. Cripples don't run away. Without his cane – why the fuck did he leave it behind?? – he had pathetically limped away, stumbling, his feet sinking into the sand. He had still been on the beach when the battery had died. He had had no other choice but to crawl like a worm the rest of the way, silently praying to the gods that the darkness of the night would prevent you from seeing him like this.

Tears of despair run down his cheeks for the umpteenth time. He's used to feeling humiliated, but feeling humiliated and heartbroken simultaneously is really too much to take. He feels like he's dying from the inside over and over again, cursing himself for wanting to attend the party, for wanting to see you again. He should never have let his walls down, he should never have dared to hope. What was he thinking? He may have walked, and even danced with you, but at the end of the day, he still is a pitiable cripple with stupid, crooked legs, in love with a girl way out of his league.

If he's being honest, that's what hurts the most. He now realizes how delusional he had been. Holding on to a dead dream for years, he had not forseen the painful yet unavoidable reality check. And now, it's like he's been hit by a train. Because there's no denying it, dreaming of a life with you is no longer an option, not after last night. And even though it's almost unbearable, he knows now he has to let go of you, of the idea of you and him being together. As much as this mere thought is devastating, he has no other choice. He has to stop fooling himself, for his own sanity, if nothing else.

Giving a guttural cry, much like that of a wounded animal, Ivar doesn't hear when the front doorbell rings. Not that he would have reacted even if he had heard it, too busy wallowing in self-pity.

***

"Thank you for having us here on such short notice, my dear." Your uncle states joyfully, his eyes sparkling, as Lagertha greets him with a handshake and a tight-lipped smile. Even though you don't know why, it's obvious that she's not his biggest fan.

Your uncle, who doesn't seem to notice – or doesn't care, you're not sure – keeps giving her a beaming smile. "My niece here," he turns his head toward you for a short moment, "has a weird request. She met a boy yesterday, during the party. He lost something and my sweet Y/N has been adamant since this morning that she wants to find him and personally return it to him. We were wondering," he turns his gaze in the direction of the couch, "if it could be one of your wards."

There are indeed three young men, half sprawled on the couch, who get up as one when Lagertha gives them a stern look. If you vaguely remember having seen them before, a single glance is enough for you to know that the one you're looking for is not among them.

You're on the verge of saying so but your uncle doesn't give you a chance to. "See boys," he unceremoniously grabs the cane you're holding behind your back, "here is the lost item. A cane! Fairly uncommon, if you ask me. Anyway... Does this... thing belong to any of you?"

Since you know it doesn't, you're surprised when two of the guys both take a step forward. "Actually, it's mine," they say in unison, each of them only then becoming aware that the other is speaking.

Dumbstruck, you look at one then the other successively. They've got a lot of nerve! You know they're lying, and you would have known it even if these two idiots hadn't spoken at the same time. They just look nothing like your handsome stranger – if he's a stranger.

"Sigurd, you know it's mine!"

"Don't play dumb, you never use a cane, Ubbe! Whereas me, I do sometimes. Everyone knows artists tend to be eccentric, right?"

The blondest one – Sigurd if you heard right – points his finger at a guitar leaning against the wall and then winks at you, "I'm a musician, you know?" You don't even have time to roll your eyes as the other one – Ubbe? – yells, his nostrils flaring.

"Shut up Sig, you're so full of shit! You know I've got a sprained ankle!"

"A sprained ankle, no kidding? Who did a ten-kilometer run today, huh? It's not me! So, you are the one going to shut up, you fucking douchebag!"

It's almost funny to watch them arguing back and forth. If you weren't so pissed off, you'd laugh. But right now, you're mostly mad at them. Their blatant lies make your blood boil with anger.

Are they really thinking you're a complete idiot? That you can be fooled so easily? Who do they think they are? Who do they think you are? Some stupid chick ready to fall for their good looks? If they think that, they're kidding themselves.

"You're the fucking douchebag, Sig!! Don’t forget I'm the oldest!"

"And what's the difference, huh? You can't have all the girls, Ubbe! Keep fucking Margrethe and just let me be! Stop being a controlling asshole!"

"STOP!!!! BOTH OF YOU!!!"

Lagertha's shout is deafening and if looks could kill, these two morons would be lying dead on the floor right here, right now.

"Y/N, my dear," Lagertha gives you an apologetic smile, "I'm so sorry for that. I swear they usually know how to behave, better than that at least. Guess they don't know how to handle your striking beauty. Now sweetheart, tell me, is one of these two knuckleheads the one you were with last night?"

The silence that falls on the room after her question is so complete that you could hear a pin drop. Acutely aware that all eyes are on you, you shyly lower your gaze, shaking your head slightly, as you clasp your hands over your belly. You eventually speak, your eyes meeting Lagertha's, and you can see she knows what you're going to say. "No, the guy I was with last night is not one of them."

"How can you be so sure?" Sigurd's voice is soft and tentative now, and Ubbe adds, seemingly for once in agreement with his younger brother, "yeah, how can you? It was pretty dark after all."

You give them a smile. "How can I be so sure? You mean beside the fact that you obviously don't need a cane? Neither of you?" The third brother, who still hasn't opened his mouth, chuckles, giving you a thumbs up. "Look, I appreciate your interest, I really do, but neither of you are the one I am looking for. Therefore," you look at your uncle, "we should leave, don't you think?" Checking the time on your watch, you shrug. "What about the Eyvindsson family? Didn't you tell me about three brothers? We may have time to go and see them tonight if we hurry."

Your uncle nods, handing you back the cane. "You're right, Y/N, we should leave." Taking two steps forward, he grabs Lagertha's hand. "Sorry dear, we will waste no more of your time."

You're about to thank her when one of the boys clears his throat. "Ahem..."

Turning your head, you're surprised to see the third brother, the silent one, raising his hand. "I think I might know who this cane belongs to." Frowning, he glances at his brothers. "And you both know it too."

"Shut up, Hvitserk!" Sigurd spits, clenching his hands into fists. "Don't bring the fucking cripple into the conversation."

"Sigurd! Keep your mouth shut!" Lagertha glares at him for several long seconds then her face softens as she looks at Hvitserk, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What are you trying to say, Hvitserk? Do you think this cane belongs to your baby brother?"

Hvitserk nods. "I know it does, actually."

"Come on, Hvit, you're talking nonsense. It cannot be, it just cannot. That guy was standing. It wasn't our brother. Our brother wasn't there last night." Ubbe stubbornly insists, but Hvitserk just shakes his head.

"Of course, he was. I saw him. And don't bullshit me, Ubbe, you saw him too. With Y/N." Hvitserk states. That's when you realize that your palms are sweating and your pulse is racing.

Hvitserk keeps going, now speaking to his guardian. "I know what I saw, Lagertha. It was him. I don't know how, but he was standing, Ubbe is right. He was even walking. It may sound weird but I swear, it was him."

Lagertha nods. "I believe you, Hvitserk." A beaming smile spreads across her lips and she tilts her head. "I wouldn't be surprised if Floki had something to do with such a miracle. Go get your brother, Hvitserk, please."

Your heart leaps at these words, you're barely able to contain your excitement and as you let out a nervous chuckle, you cannot help but jump for joy. Needless to say, Ubbe and Sigurd seem much less enthusiastic than you.

***

Reluctantly following his brother, Ivar mutters under his breath, "you're pissing me off, Hvit. I'm fucking not in the mood for whatever you have in mind."

Hvitserk pays him no mind though, a small smile dancing on his lips. "Trust me, baby bro, you'll be in the mood."

Ivar wants to protest, or maybe just turn around and wheel back to his room but all at once the sound of your voice reaches his ears and he stops, frozen in place, his eyes wide open. He may have stopped breathing.

Patting his shoulder reassuringly, Hvitserk whispers, "It's Y/N, baby bro, but I have a feeling you already know. She's here for you, she was looking for you, Ivar. Go..." before giving a single push to his brother's wheelchair, his right hand on the backrest.

Ivar honestly doesn't know how he manages to wheel himself into the living room. What he does know, however, is that you're suddenly standing right in front of him. The heart stopping smile you flash him blows all the air out of his lungs, his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and the outside world – Lagertha, his brothers, Harald – ceases to exist.

A little voice tells him he should be feeling self-conscious with his hair all messy and wearing worn sweatpants, but he can't bring himself to care, not when you kneel in front of him with stars in your eyes.

"Here you are, finally," you breathe, gently placing a hand on his knee. Ivar didn't know until now that one could die of happiness, but that's exactly what he's feeling and he wouldn't trade it for anything.

Swallowing, he blinks several times. When he speaks, his voice trembles, his bottom lip quivering. "Hello Y/N, you were... looking for... for me?" He has trouble getting the words out, his nervous fingers fidgeting on his lap.

Grabbing both his hands in yours, you nod, your thumbs stroking his knuckles tenderly. "I was, yes, and for a very long time."

Shyly lowering his head, Ivar, almost feeling dizzy, can't wrap his head around your words. They're just too good to be true. "But... why?"

"Why?" You giggle, your laughing eyes lighting up your face, and he's positive, you're even more beautiful like this. "Isn't it obvious? I want to know more about you, what's your favorite color, what you eat for breakfast, where you see yourself in ten years. I just want to spend time with you, Ivar."

'Ivar' You've just said his name and it's like the sweetest music to his ears. He can't believe it. Wow. "You... You recognized me?" There's so much hope and joy in his voice, he cringes.

You shrug, your smile never leaving your lips. "I wasn't sure at first. You've changed a lot." Your hand cups his cheek. The sensation on his skin is so overwhelming he has to hold back the tears threatening to gush. Yet, he can't help but think you're speaking about his legs.

He grits his teeth. "Yeah... Standing tall can change a man."

"No! no, no, no," you retort without missing a beat, "That's not what I meant. In my memory you still looked like you did when we were ten, but look at you now, all grown up! Your hair was so short back then." Reaching out, you brush a strand of hair back and tuck it behind his ear before letting your fingers run slowly down and up his bulging biceps, your hand finally lingering on his forearm, "Plus, you clearly work out a lot. So, yeah, I thought it was you, but I wasn't sure. When we were dancing last night, I thought I'd ask you right after, but then you left and... well... I didn't have a chance..."

Ivar wraps his fingers around yours, a frown creasing his forehead. "About that, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left like–"

You shush him, holding a finger to his lips. "It doesn't matter, Ivar. You don't have to explain. All that matters is that I found you." Standing up, you lean forward and gently kiss his cheek and he feels like he's floating. Intertwining his fingers with yours, you whisper in his ear, "I reckon we got some lost time to make up, you and me. Can we go stargazing now?"

Hearing this makes Ivar's insides turn to jelly. Barely able to think, he is on cloud nine and wishes with all his heart never to come back down to earth again. But despite the daze, despite the fog in his head, despite the blinding happiness, he knows one thing: no matter how many stars he sees, you'll be the brightest one.

"Yes, Y/N, you're right," bringing your hand to his mouth, he gives it a kiss, "let's go stargazing."

And as he leaves the room, you walking alongside him with your hand on his shoulder, his heart filled with joy and wonder, he doesn't miss the thumbs up Hvitserk gives him, nor the scowl on Ubbe's and Sigurd's faces.

For a fleeting second, he thinks he should – he could – taunt them. They deserve to be laughed at, don't they? But then, he realizes he doesn't have time for that. The time for happiness has come, and it's far more important.

Giving you a beaming smile, Ivar inhales deeply before releasing a sigh of satisfaction. Yeah. Happiness. Happiness sounds good.

🛡⚔️🛡

Ivar’s taglist: @waiting4inspiration @honestsycrets @lisinfleur @saldelys @gearhead66 @inforapound @readsalot73 @milkkygirls @xbellaxcarolinax @shannygoatgruff @zuxiezendler @hecohansen31 @lonewolf471 @fuckindiva @tgrrose @didiintheblog @peachyboneless @pieces-by-me @funmadnessandbadassvikings @ethereallysimple @destynelseclipsa @cocovikings23 @xceafh @mrsalwayswrite @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @pomegranates-and-blood @jadelynlace @grimeundglow @quantumlocked310 @alexhandersen-marcoilsoe-fandom @adrille88

Ivarello's taglist: @not-another-viking-fanfic-blog @hashimily @prepare4trouble @supernaturalvikingwhore @funmadnessandbadassvikings @heavenly1927 @dini73

[opalesense]

more than friends

kaeya & gn!reader

2k words • ~15 min. read

summary: feeling down in the dumps on a lonely valentine’s day evening, you are met with a pleasant surprise from your close friend, kaeya.

warnings: just pure lovesick fluff!!  shy kaeya my beloved... <3

notes: i defrosted this draft from valentine’s day aahhh hope you like it!! ;^; p.s. shoutout if you can spot his canon voice lines in this hehehe

SITTING WITH MY BACK ON THE FOUNTAIN WALL and watching the rotating blades of the windmills in Mondstadt was not how I expected to spend my evening on Valentine's Day.

   To be honest, Valentine's Day was never that big of a deal to me.  For the past few years, I always considered Valentine's Day to be a day where vendors could get a boost of profit by exploiting the gift-giving aspect of the holiday and selling their wares to cheesy couples who wouldn't know any better.  Why was there a dedicated day to be sweet to your significant other?  Couldn't special gifts be given at any other time of the year?

  Despite my indifference to Valentine's Day, I couldn't help but feel a little lonely this year.  My back purposely faced the couples of Mondstadt who would walk by now and then on their way to their dates and instead I had windmills to accompany me along with a book to pass the time.  I figured my evening stroll outside wouldn't make me feel so disappointed in myself, but I was proven sorely wrong.  I couldn't even look at other people today without feeling sorry for myself.

   "[Y/N]?" a familiar voice drew closer behind me, interrupting my lament and startling me.  "What are you doing here all alone?"

   I turned my head to see my close friend and neighbor Kaeya approaching me, carrying a small leather pack along with his sheathed sword on his waist.  I realized he probably finished his shift at the Knights of Favonius headquarters and was just about to head home.  The sight of him eased some of my worries knowing that despite my usual solitude, at least I would talk to one person today.  "Just reading a book," I held up the cover of my book for him to see.  He gave a small nod to the title as I put it back down into my lap.  "How did you even spot me here?"

   "I can see you from my office," he pointed at a window on the wall of the headquarters, "You chose quite an odd spot for reading, dear friend. You must be uncomfortable on the ground like that.”

   I nervously laughed, not wanting to admit that I sat behind this fountain to avoid looking at how much fun everyone else was having.  My gaze turned to the sky, a vibrant orange that now began fading into a shadow of dark blue sprinkled with stars.  Dusk was approaching. “I suppose it is getting a little late for reading, now that I think about it.  I think I might head home now."

   "Allow me to accompany you on your walk home.  I’m headed that way, after all," he quickly offered as I began to prop myself up to my feet.  He held out his hand to help me on my way up, the sudden physical contact sending a shiver down my spine.  As clearly touch deprived as I was, my hand quickly pulled away once I was standing and dusted off my clothes, which were wrinkled from sitting for so long today.

   "You are too kind, Kaeya," I grinned, earning a grin back from him.  Maybe this is my loneliness speaking for me, but I swear that smile might have made my heart skip a beat.  Although I may have had a crush on Kaeya for the past few months, there was no way I’d ever let those thoughts resurface now.  I've done a good job of repressing the feelings for so long, whether I was around him or not.  At least, I thought I did.

   As we walked, it suddenly dawned on me that the feelings never truly went away.  They were persistent for months, despite being suppressed.  He was my closest friend for quite some time now.  So maybe it was a sign that it was meant to be...

   Chills ran down my spine at this realization.  And once the truth had settled in, the feelings I thought I had managed to stow away suddenly flooded my mind in a storm of emotion.  The more we talked during the walk home, the more eager my heart was to open up and let the thought of him fill the cavernous, lonely void inside.  My eyes nervously turned to our feet, which stepped together in perfect sync.  My attention darted to the hand at his side, which I ached to touch once more.  The more I tried to fight this longing, to forget about it and keep it isolated, the more it fought back in an effort to stay alive.

   "[Y/N]?" his sultry voice snapped me out of my delusion.  Do NOT let your emotions take control of you, I scolded myself.

   "Sorry," I shuffled my feet towards his figure, which had stopped a few meters away.  The world seemed to stop when I was lost in thought, and with each step I took towards him, the world slowly resumed from where I mentally left it.

   "Is something wrong?" he asked, now concerned.  "You know you can talk to me."

   "No, no.  I'm fine," I gripped my book, fighting the urge to break in front of him.  "I'm just a little lost in my thoughts."

   "Well then, what's on your mind?"

   "Kaeya, you won't make fun of me if I’m being honest with you right?" I started to speak without thinking.  No, no, no!  What are you about to say?!

   "What makes you think I would?  C’mon, [Y/N].  We joke around a lot but you know I'm good with secrets."

   What are you doing?!  Don’t fall under pressure like this!

   "Well...  I’ve felt quite lonely today.  A little part in me hurts to see so many people enjoying Valentine's Day, knowing fully well that I live alone and spend most of my days alone...   I guess what I’m trying to say is that it was very kind of you to go out of your way to talk to me today, Kaeya.  It means a lot more to me than you know."

   The silence that followed that regurgitation of thoughts was lethal.  Kaeya didn't even stop.  We just kept walking.  I ignored the instant regret that pounded the walls in my head.

   "So you didn't have any plans today?" he asked, as if he had just ignored everything I told him.

   "Not at all.  I was taking a stroll to find a good reading spot for today but seeing so many couples together...  I guess it was like pouring salt into the wound.  That's why I was sitting turned away from everything, if that answers your question from earlier."

   Now you've just told him too much.  If he didn't already think you were sad and lonely before, he definitely thinks so now.

   "You shouldn't isolate yourself like that, [Y/N].  We could've– forget it, actually," he chuckled and rested his hand on the back of his neck as we finally approached our residential complex.

   "Hey, spit it out!" I nudged him with my elbow, "I poured out my thoughts for you, don't get all shy now.  It's your turn."

   We stopped at my front door, exchanging small chuckles.  The space between us was killing me. If only I could get enveloped by his warm embrace now... No!

   "How about I tell you later?  Meet me here in around ten minutes."

   "What?!" I scoffed, "Now you’re just toying with me."

   "Ten minutes," he gave me one last grin and a short wave before jogging away towards his own house.  I shook my head as I turned the key to my door, feeling the slamming of my heart against my ribs and the sloppy mix of awe, nervousness, and regret boiling in my stomach.  His smile was frozen inside my mind like a photograph capturing a memory. It hurt to like him this much.

   A knock on my door ten minutes later pulled me away from tending to my plants on my balcony.  I set the watering can down and rushed to the door, straightening out my clothes once more before opening it.  Contrary to my expectations, Kaeya stood in the doorway with a shy grin, his hands obviously hiding something behind his back.

   "I thought you were joking when you said ten minutes," I scoffed and crossed my arms, looking up at him to meet a pair of soft eyes.

   "Still don't have plans for tonight?" his eyebrows raised with the question.

   "No.  What, are you about to take me out on a date or something?" I said in jest.  He chuckled and uncrossed his arms behind his back with slight hesitation before revealing a dainty bouquet of calla lilies tied with a silver ribbon.  My jaw dropped slightly in shock with the sight of the charming white petals.

   "I am, actually," his voice was gentler and sweeter than usual.  "These are for you."

   He motioned for me to take the bouquet, which I gladly accepted.  The subtle fragrance reminded me of his own scent, which made me smile.  I secretly wished my entire house would smell like this unforgettable aroma – this unforgettable man.

   "[Y/N]," his words were laced with hesitation, "I have been waiting weeks to tell you this but...  you are constantly on my mind.  Whenever I see you my heart jumps and..."

   He chuckled with nervousness.  That grin never fails to make my chest light up.

   "...and I know you're not going to believe me because you say I smooth talk everyone, but I promise you, [Y/N].  I know you see that I’m nervous right now – that doesn't happen to me with anyone else.  This feeling hasn't gone away for months.”  Instant regret suddenly painted his face, which I quickly took notice of.  I stepped closer to him and lifted my hand to gently cup his warm, blushing cheek.  It was my way of telling him to keep talking without interrupting him.

   "[Y/N]..." he blushed more at the touch and sighed, "you are so special to me and... I’ll get straight to the point. I want to be more than friends. I really mean it.”

   He stuffed his hands in his pockets and waited eagerly for my response.  I was no longer thinking properly.  My heart had taken over my mind, and for once, it was for my benefit.

   "Kaeya," my voice cracked with a million emotions at once, "you have no clue how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.  I am so in love with you it makes me sick," I admitted lightheartedly.

   He laughed with relief, taking another step closer to me and shrinking the space between us.  He lifted his hand to grab mine and intertwined our fingers together.  The mood shifted from nerve wrecking intensity to reassurance and gentleness the instant our palms met.  He caressed my hand with his gloved thumb for reassurance, chasing all my troubles away.  "I promise I will never let you feel alone ever again."

   We stood there staring into each other's eyes for a few moments, exchanging so many mutual emotions in mere seconds.  A blush began to creep up my face as well when he gave my hand a squeeze accompanied with a proud smile.

   "Well, now that we're both blushing messes in love with each other, how about we finally go out tonight?"  Our friendly dynamic finally returned to clear the thickness in the air once he broke the silence.  "I have to admit, I was feeling a little lonely myself and was just going to drink at the tavern with some of the other Knights tonight.”

   "Not anymore, I hope?"

   "Definitely not.  I’d rather spend the evening holding your hand and taking a stroll through the city so everyone knows I’m finally yours."

   This man sure knows how to say the right thing.  I glanced at the bouquet in my arms, partly to hide my reddened face but also to ask, "Could I put these in a vase first?  They're beautiful, by the way. I really love calla lilies.”

   "Oh yes, of course. But they’re not as beautiful as you, cutie," Kaeya said with no reluctance.

 There's the flirty Kaeya that I know.

 I let out a shy laugh as he let go of my hand, the loss of touch making me pout.  As I turned to put the flowers away, he leaned on the doorframe and let out a deep breath.

    "Well, I'll be here.  Don't make me wait too long, now."

[bbq-hawks-wings]

Chapter 316: BBQ is capable of critiquing BNHA and… Oh boy.

Let's start this off properly, Horikoshi's typical quality of writing has been diminishing in recent chapters, but this week it was so different that it didn't even feel like Horikoshi was the one who wrote it.

To be clear, I'm not blaming Horikoshi for the issues I'm about to bring up. The man is criminally overworked, usually doesn't even get the final say in what makes it in the final drafts, and even in his other rough patches he's still produced decent chapters that hold up amongst the grand scheme of things. This feels like something else is going on behind the scenes, and while I have my suspicions on who/what might be the culprit behind it, I choose not to share it at this time because if I name names some people might go off on a crusade, and that's not what I want.

I just want to be clear that I'm not blindly firing off shots in the dark, but despite my frustrations I want to wait to see if this gets resolved down the line, and while I do I can complain about the specific reasons this chapter left such a bitter taste in my mouth.

Buckle up, buttercups, because we got a lot of points to cover.

Where's the Gun?

Not a literal gun, but I mean Chekhov's Gun. It has always been a staple of Horikoshi's writing and the reason so many of his long-standing plot lines have paid off so well.

Chekhov's Gun is a writing principal that if you see a gun on the table in the first act of a play, it will be used in the murder that happens in act 2. Basically, the author should include details that are relevant to the story and not betray the audience by leading them in one direction and at the last minute pull the rug out from underneath them to go in another direction.

Horikoshi has done this to phenomenal success in the past. Just as one example, he dropped hints about Nomu being human experiments early in the series but held off explicitly stating it for a while. He hinted at the loss of Shirakumo in the main narrative and that he was important to Aizawa and Mic as well as approved it for Vigilantes so when it was revealed that Kurogiri was Shirakumo's body, not only did it narratively make sense but it also pulled in Eraserhead and Present Mic's emotional stakes into the battle with the Doctor, and then when Ujiko reveals he was after Aizawa's quirk the whole time it made the payoff for Mic punching him in the face all that much better and brings the weight of his crimes and the impact they have on the victims full circle.

That's 3 different guns paying off in the long run: the Nomu, Shirakumo, and both Mic and Eraserheads' personal arcs past the loss of their childhood friend and that they could finally finish processing their grief and avenge him in full righteous fury instead of chalking it all up to cruel chance.

He has left details, some particularly innocuously, in plot lines like the Touya Todoroki reveal, Hawks' backstory, Shigaraki's blood connection to Nana Shimura, even with Mr. Compress's backstory, and more. When re-read, these details become more obvious and usually leaves us with a greater sense of satisfaction in the plot knowing that twists and turns were not only planned, but built up to and hinted at for us to find so the payoff is that much better and it feels purposeful instead of just shock factor.

None of that happened this chapter.

Lady Nagant has zero business being in this plotline. She was never hinted about before this arc, and her existence does nothing to tell us about the plot moving forward or the world that they're trying to change. Nothing her existence provides actually has any bearing on the universe or tells us anything we don't already know. But that's not how she was presented.

In the beginning we're given a glimpse of her helping Overhaul escape from Tartarus. The focus on her was odd enough to begin with as a new character, and the fact that she didn't look like she fit the profile of someone who belonged in Tartarus was like a flashing neon sign saying, "Pay attention! This new character is important!!!" She then shows up later with Overhaul in hand to attack Deku out of the blue. We get her talking about how she thought Overhaul might be useful and her disillusions with Hero Society. We catch her mannerisms with eery similarity to Hawks only to find out immediately after she was a senior colleague in the HPSC. Never once to my knowledge has Hawks referred to any of his senior colleagues as a "senpai" - not even his fellow heroes - and when he catches her in midair, he uses the words, "Don't die on me, senpai!" as if she's near and dear to his heart.

The entire character arc is set up for her to have known about Hawks and grapple with her desire to help people and her fear of re-creating what she hated, and this also set up Hawks to be the successor who succeeded where she failed and helped bring her to a place where she could be a hero without guilt again. What actually happened?

They're strangers.

They have never actually met before, and while he seems to know a lot about her, she doesn't even seem to have any idea of who he was - at least as far as being another hero under the thumb of the HPSC. So ALLLL that setup, all that gesturing, and all of the potential themes that would be right at home in an arc like this goes completely out the window.

Her story doesn't tell us anything new. The HPSC bad. We knew that. They're not above throwing innocents under the bus to achieve that goal. We knew that. They preyed upon young hopefuls with powerful quirks with the intent to maintain the status quo. We knew that even if the fact that Hawks isn't the only one now makes more questions than answers. We know that these young heroes can never say no under threat of steep, life-shattering consequences. We knew that already.

So what does Lady Nagant even bring to the table?! The entire "you're just a puppet doing what you've been told" angle is a little tired and out of place in this point and time with actual anarchy in the streets (not to mention hypocritical considering she was a blind puppet following orders and offers zero actual solutions that supposedly fall in line with her heroic nature), and it could have been left to any number of other villain characters who could have executed on the theme better - you know, like Shigaraki who's justification this entire time has been, "hero society doesn't make people safe, it just makes them feel safe" from the moment of his inception.

So from that angle she's unnecessary.

Her presence messes with the continuity of the series as well. If Hawks is supposed to explicitly replace her, that would mean that he wasn't just a fluke find on the commission's part and grabbed to mold into their own special superweapon; and that also would mean that her killing of the former president was before he was discovered which should put her at least in her forties. If this isn't the case, and he was meant to simply replace her in a "special agent" case, that still begs the question of how many more gifted children the commission preyed upon and are still out there.

And maybe the worst kicker for me is that something stinks. The way the art in this chapter is presented, if you completely blanked out the speech bubbles, is the same setup I had before - Hawks reaches out to his former mentor and pulls her from the brink of despair with a moving message about why he never gave up hope in being a hero who could actually make a difference.

Again, this is not what we got. He claims he knows her, and it's implied to have been a deep, personal character witness; but at best he only knows about her from secondhand sources. Even his reasoning as to how he never lost hope doesn't vibe with his character.

We have gotten so many cool one-liners for Hawks, but there has always been a consistent tone and imagery with them.

"Those who can fly, should."

"I don't belong in a cage."

"I'm free of my shackles."

"Can I be a shining light, just like him?"

What we got was, "I'm an optimist to a fault" which was the wording the official release went with and was by far the best iteration I have seen, but even this falls short of being truly in character for him and answering her question properly.

@mikeana made an edit of the titular panels for us Hawks stans this week with dialogue we and a few other friends felt was more fitting not only with the imagery of the chapter itself but internally consistent with the specific expressions Hawks uses in his heartfelt, personal dialogue. I just tweaked it a little bit more to fit what I was going for in our original conversation.

Which brings me to another concern.

2. What's the point?

There was no use for Nagant in the series as she's been presented so far. But more than that, Hawks has no business in this fight to begin with. He literally did nothing to earn this emotional moment, and this should have been Deku's moment.

We were teased in an interview with Horikoshi that Hawks was going to get a special moment as an important end-game character as a "shining light" of hope for others to follow as well as promises for Ochako to have another moment in the spotlight to make a difference.

If this was Hawks' shining light moment, it wasn't necessary, and it does nothing to move the plot forward or develop characters in any true or believable way. It just happened because plot. This should have been Deku's victory through and through, and even he is the reason BOTH Hawks and Nagant made it out alive instead of painting the street below them.

Deku's victory was stolen from him, too. It sours the other promises made to us about other characters moving forward, as well, if this really was Hawks' "Shining Light" moment.

By the way, did you forget about Overhaul? Me too!!! What was the point of getting our hopes up about reintroducing this beloved character with the implications this was a major arc setup to have him scream about pops and then get detained with no clues about what's going to happen to him besides, "Say you're sorry to Eri, and you get to see pops"?!

All this posturing and clumsy narrative flailing only actually succeeded in getting Deku in front of AFO again for plot when we already know Mr. Potato Head could summon, show himself to, or find Deku at any time he wanted. But instead we get this time skip with a bunch of heroes completely mended walking into a big, spooky mansion for AFO to evil monologue at Deku for… *counts*

FOUR PAGES!!!

Only to then give him the "I want YOU!" point over a pre-recorded message and the final nail in the coffin to me that something is off.

3. Ex-pu-LOOOO-SHUN!

It's become almost a game among friends to count how many explosions have happened since the end of the war arc - and specifically fake-out explosions. In the end of 311 we get All Might's car attacked via explosion and Deku cornered by Nagant only for All Might to be fine in the next chapter. In 315 Lady Nagant herself explodes in a blaze of glory to once again not be dead.

Gee! I wOnDeR if aLl the heroes were AcTuAlLy cornered and KiLlEd in that explosion in the mansion!

None of us do. They're fine. We're going to see it first thing next week. The shock has worn off, and it's repetitive and annoying at this point. There is no cliffhanger despite how the framing might try to tell you otherwise.

It's BAD WRITING.

The writing has been moving far too quickly and clumsily with no explanation in sight, and even character interactions are being cut short to the point of them being meaningless and empty.

This doesn't even feel like Horikoshi's bad writing. It feels like someone else is trying to call the shots and rushing him through these final bits of the series, and he's run out of things he's previously set up for months and months to reappear so someone is trying to get Dabi-reveal levels of attention with arcs and storylines that don't have the build-up to result in a satisfactory payoff.

4. At least it can get better... I hope.

Maybe those who share my suspicions or know what particular suspicions I have are with me in believing that this is a temporary disappointment and we haven't seen the last of the writing that's captivated me for years. I don't blame Horikoshi for these glaring faults that all came to a head in this chapter.

It CAN get better later, and I think it WILL- we just probably are going to have to wait for it. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the Hawks panels we got, maybe edit the last few chapters to be more in line with something more like the BNHA I know in a "fix it fic" fashion so I don't groan in anticipation of how long it might take us to get there.

See you all next week, hopefully on a much brighter note.

[yeongwvnhi]

ᴸᵒᵛᵉ ᴬᵍᵃⁱⁿ

Pairing - Baekhyun x fem reader -> exes to lovers | Genre - Angst, fluff | warnings - none | taglist - @twancingyunhoe @trashlord-007 @tiddy-boys | synopsis - when Baekhyun and you broke things off a year ago, it felt alright, but you came to the painful realization that nobody could ever replace him or love you like he did | word count - 2.1k | thanks to @tiddy-boys for beta-reading ♡

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It's days like these, rain hitting the window in harsh taps and angry wind blowing, when the nostalgia hits the hardest. After all, you were always one to dwell on the past. It's just what you do. 

Every day felt the same after the two of you broke things off. You don't even remember why exactly you even ended it in the first place. The pain still sits deep, coming to haunt you when you least expect it. 

Rainy days like those just trigger the nostalgia, the memories and bygone feelings. 

It's 12pm when you check your phone, yet you're still laying in bed. The lack of motivation due to this sudden wave of sadness is something you're not experiencing for the first time. 

And it's killing you slowly. These feelings are eating you up from the inside out. 

Without even realizing, tears are running down your cheeks in even, salty streams. 

"Why am I even crying…" You mumble and lift your arm to cover your face, trying to make it stop. "God, I'm so pathetic" 

You try to manage to stop your tears, wrist harshly rubbing your eyes. After a minute or so, you succeed in stopping them. 

instead pick up your phone, unlocking it and opening Instagram. 

One peek won't hurt, right…? 

His name at the top of your searches seems to be mocking you as you hover your finger above it. Should you really do it? What if he found someone new and his profile is filled with couple pictures? Or what if he feels nothing and is glad to be alone? What if, what if, what if…

"Fuck it" you hiss and tap on his username, his profile popping up after a brief second of loading the page. 

He… hasn't posted anything for a few months, his last post being from October last year. 

Oh for fucks sake… is this a good sign or not? It could mean he's been seeing someone new, but it could also mean he's just been living his life like usual. 

So many possibilities, yet no resolution seems to be in sight. 

"This is so annoying, oh my gooood" You groan and smack your head into your pillow, laying sprawled out like a star with an annoyed pout on your face. 

"It's been a god damn year," You grumble, "why do I still feel like this?" 

The sound of your fist hitting the mattress of your bed is dull, not the way you wanted it to sound. "I hate this, UGHH" The frustration in your voice is for sure loud and clear, accentuated well by the 'ugh'. 

This whole situation is stressing you out. "I need a shower.." You mumble, absent-minded, as you fling the covers back and swing your legs over the edge of your bed. 

—

Despite the gloomy weather, you decided to take a walk outside. The rain still hasn't let up, droplets of it occasionally hitting your face. 

"Why is it so cold today? It's already spring…" You mumble quietly to yourself, eyes strictly trained on the path in front of your feet and head held low. 

You're so lost in your thoughts, you don't see the person headed your way. 

And apparently, the person doesn't seem to notice you as well. So your shoulders collide and you stumble, umbrella falling out of your hand and fast quick steps to regain your balance. 

"I'm so sorry! Are you al-" The man rushes to apologize, but his words get stuck in his throat as he takes in who he just, quite literally, stumbled into. 

Rain has hit you mercilessly, soaking you from head to toe within seconds as you stand there, paralyzed. "Baek…Baekhyun?" 

His eyes are wide and mouth slightly open in shock as he doesn't know what to say or do. 

He hasn't seen or talked to you in at least nine or ten months for sure. What is he even supposed to say? "Yeah… it's- it's surely been a while" he dumbly answers. "Ah! Your umbrella!" Baekhyun rushes to pick it up and hold it over your figure. 

But the damage is already done. 

You're shivering, dripping with water but still you've a tiny smile on your lips at the sight of him. 

You delicately take hold of the handle, fingers gently enclosing around the man's hand. 

He doesn't move to let go, just standing there and staring into your eyes. "I-" 

You cut him off by mistake with a sneeze, the cold creeping in deep. It feels like your bones might freeze, grasp around both Baekhyun's hand and the handle of your umbrella tightening, muscles contracting to desperately stay warm. "S-Sorry for interrupting you" You say, teeth clattering and eyes averting. 

"No no don't worry about it!" He insists, "but we should get you home, your hand is cold as ice, Y/N" 

"Ah… you're right" You nod and he flashes you a warm smile. 

"Do you still live in the same apartment or did you move?" Baekhyun asks, back to being concerned about your wellbeing now. 

"I- I still live in the same place" You reply, your free hand holding onto your jacket for warmth, but in vain. 

"That's too far away, my place is way closer" He objects and gently pulls you along, "come on, let's get you freshened up before you really get sick" 

You only manage an awkward nod and let him lead you along, a surprisingly pleasant silence engulfing you two. 

—

Baekhyun unlocks the door to his apartment and firstly puts both of your umbrellas away, taking off his wet shoes in the process and you follow along. 

"Come on, I'll show you the bathroom" He says and you tag after him. 

He opens the door, turns on the light and quickly pulls out two towels for you. "You can just use my shampoo, I don't have anything suitable here for you, sor-" 

"Thank you" you break his rambling. "You wouldn't need to do this, so thank you" 

Baekhyun smiles softly, although his eyes tell a different story. "I'll bring you some clothes in a bit, okay?" 

"Mhm" you nod and give him a curt bow before he leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. 

You waste no time in stepping out of your soaked clothes and into the shower. 

You set the water to a nice warm temperature and rinse off the cold first, feeling relieved. 

Then there's a knock. "Hey Y/N, I'm putting some clothes on top of the washing machine for you now" he announces before opening the door, doing as he said and then leaving just as quickly as he came. 

"Still the considerate guy he always was…" You mumble with a sad smile, old memories coming back to haunt your mind with sweet images of the two of you. Him always knocking before he'd enter a room you would be in to announce himself. 

You loved that about him, he was always mindful of others and you're happy to see it hasn't changed at all. 

—

You finished quickly and put on the clothes he gave you. Some boxers and a way too big on you, black shirt. You dried your hair as best as you could with the towel he gave you and made sure you don't look like a lion by patting down your hair a bit. 

"Baekhyun?" You timidly call out after opening the door a bit. 

"Yeah?" He replies and you hear his footsteps approach. "What is it?" 

"Uhm- Where to put my wet clothes?" You ask. 

"Oh- Hold on, I'll put them in the washing machine" He says with big eyes and opens the machine for you to put them in. "I'll dry them after they're washed so you can change back, alright?" 

You nod quickly and thank him quietly. He opens the machine and you put your clothes inside, him doing the rest. 

"So, uh-" 

"Do you want some water?" He quickly asks, ears flaring red as he avoids your eyes. 

"Sure" you squeak back and follow him into the kitchen. He gets a glass out of a cupboard and fills it with water before handing it to you. 

You nip at the liquid as Baekhyun leans against the countertop adjacent to you, eyes taking in your figure. 

He missed seeing you in his clothes, you always looked so good in them. He just missed you in general. 

The reason why the two of you broke up a year ago? 

Baekhyun remembers it all too well. 

It was a work related thing actually. The two of you worked in different shifts and barely saw each other, yet alone had time for any couple stuff. 

Free days? Spent alone or arguing about never seeing each other. 

And at one point you had said to just break up. In that moment Baekhyun felt like he was hit by lightning, body stiff and eyes wide. He couldn't believe what he heard. Baekhyun felt anxiety cursing through his veins as his brain processed your words.

You had told him that you wouldn't hate him, but that your situation at that time just didn't allow any dating. The two of you never had hard feelings about the outcome, but it was hard to suddenly go back to being alone. 

And now you're here, in his apartment, wearing his clothes and smelling just like him. He can't believe this is happening. 

"Uhm, so" You speak up after setting the glass down on the other counter behind you. Your hands come up to grab the surface besides your waist and you avoid the man's eyes. 

"Yes?" Baekhyun can't help the hopeful hint in his voice as he urges you to continue your thoughts. 

"How has life been for you?" 

A chuckle escaped his lips at your question, shoulders jumping up and down in the process before he answered. "It's been rather boring but nice, if you get what I mean? I found a different job and work from home now" 

You nod quietly, "I've also found a new job and my shifts are less hectic" 

"Have you… found someone new?" 

You halt at his inquiry, gears in your mind temporarily stopping and he seems to take the lacking answer the wrong way. A frown pulls at his normally friendly and soft expression, making him look grumpy and bothered. "I see" 

"No, no! I- I haven't found anyone!" You quickly say, "I just… I couldn't move on" 

His expression changes to a sad smile, although he's kind of glad you're still somehow his. "Me neither" 

You scoff lightly, a cheeky smirk suddenly on your face. "No wonder, nobody could put up with your annoying ass anyway" 

"Hey!" He exclaims in shock. 

"I'm joking, I'm joking!" You insist, holding your stomach and laughing. "You're bearable most of the time" 

"That doesn't make it any better!" Baekhyun whines and you laugh out loud, hand flying up to cover your mouth. 

"Still the cocky little girl you've always been" He fires back and you snort. 

"Like you're one to talk" You roll your eyes at him and he exhales through his nose. 

His hands grab you by the collar of his shirt you're wearing and unexpectedly pull you into him. You squeal, hands shooting up to brace against his broad chest and you look up to be met by his cocky smile. "You never knew when to stop, no change at all there" he playfully nags. 

"Shut up" You weakly fight back. 

Baekhyun chuckles and you feel the rumble drumming against the palms of your hands. "How come you haven't moved on?" 

You lower your head, hands fumbling with his shirt. "Well… I came to the conclusion that just nobody could replace you. Nobody could love me like you did…" You mumble against his chest and Baekhyun feels a smile creeping up on his face. 

"I felt the same" He whispers back and his arms move to pull you into him more by your waist. 

After hearing that, you look back up at him with big eyes. "Really?" 

He nods and flashes you a bright smile. "Even though we fought a lot and barely had time for each other, I never stopped loving you" 

"Shut up" You almost whimper and move your hands to pull him closer by the back of his neck, lips meeting in the middle. 

Baekhyun's eyes almost fell out of their sockets before he came to his senses. 

One of his hands found its place on the back of your head as he moved his lips against yours with fervor. He greedily breathes you in, not wanting this to end as moves his mouth against yours. 

You shiver when his tongue meets yours and that's when you draw the line… for now. 

He chases after you for a second and you chuckle, dazed eyes meeting yours. "Slow down tiger" you say and peck the corner of his mouth. 

"Okay, okay" He smiles and pulls you in for a hug, "will you let me love you again?" 

"You bet"