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wangxianficfinder · 1 year

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Fic Finder

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1. Hello, I’m trying to find two fics that I read but can’t seem to find again

A) is the lan juniors mad at LWJ because they saw him being a women into his room and thought he was cheating on WWX.

B) is the one I don’t remember much of but the main plot was the lan family (LWJ,LXC,LQR) sticking up for WWX about the abuse he faces. I know it had jiang sect bashing, even for Fengmian & yanli, it was modern au I’m pretty sure and the Lan sect was like A hospital or rehabilitation center I don’t remember. I remember it ends with WWX leaving the jiang household when he married LWJ. I think wen qinq and wen ning made appearances too.

1A)

FOUND? was the woman actually wwx? If so could be A Flower in Bloom (or Wei Wuxian Crashes a Party) by UmbrellaMartialGod (E, 30k, WangXian, Post-Canon, Crossdressing, Humor, Fluff and Smut, Established Relationship, Festivals, Dancer WWX, Insecurity, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Porn with Feelings, mild possessive behavior)

I don't remember the name, but could it be the fic where lz and wwx stumble upon an unknown abandoned temple on a nighthunt, and end up getting a blessing from a god (initially mistaken as a curse?) That turns wwx into a woman temporarily so that they can have a kid together, and the god liked to do this for married gay couples. But then jc and jl see them in caiyi (haven't talked to wwx in months) and get mad cause think lz has a mistress and is disrespecting wwx?

FOUND? In Sickness and In Health (And In Strange and Unexpected Times Too) by purplemonster (E, 28k, WangXian, Fem!WWX, Mpreg, well technically not mpreg since he’s a woman, Fluff and Smut)

1B)

FOUND? To Speak Up by Vrishchika (M, 6k, WangXian, Modern AU, Child Abuse, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Not Jiang Clan Friendly, Not Madam Yu Friendly, Not JC Friendly)

FOUND? Step by step by apathyinreverie (T, 12k, WangXian, Modern AU, JFM and YZY Bashing, not particularly Jiang family friendly, Guilt, Fluff, past angst, Flashbacks, Protective LWJ, Soft WWX, adorable a-yuan, Friendship, Family, Getting Together, Established Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Domestic Fluff)

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2. Hiiiiii thanks for everything you do ✨✨ I’m looking for a fic where LWJ is an angel and WWX was his partner but he is believed to be dead (after a mission??) but he is actually in the burial mounds with (WN and WQ??) and A-Yuan and he give him his « light » to save him??? Also something is trying to kill him or the wen. It’s a bit confusing I’m sorry can you help ??? 🥺✨ @ihaveasoftspotfora-yuan

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3. Hi! I'm looking for a fic where wwx is a ghost and lwj moves into his house, wwx doesn't expect to be seen or heard so he starts normal haunting routine just to find out lwj CAN see and hear him bc family affinity, they end up falling in love but one day his ghost gets yoinked out of the house bc he actually wasn't dead, just in a coma? Does someone know which one this is? I have searched here but there are so many ghost and ghost related fics I can't find this one 😭

FOUND? one good thing by Yuu_chi (T, 26k, wangian, modern, ghost wwx, fluff & angst, happy ending, alarming number of rabbits, Podfic available)

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4. Hi! I am looking for a WangXian fic on AO3 that (honestly I don't remember much because I read it a long time ago) but it was a gathering of some sort and wei wuxian wasn't feeling that well ( u know when his magic is on edge), and something triggered it to go haywire so he started to run but like it had already gotten out of control n everyone was watching him in pain, trying to control, n how Lan zhan helped him. @nisooom

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5. Hello! Thank you for all your hard work! Currently on the hunt for a fic where wangxian are in a marriage of convenience but lan zhan loses his memory sort of (after surgery?) and after he goes back they start an actual marrisge and wwx is really happy about it but is also lying because they weren't doing all the coupley things before.@wryamihere

FOUND! voidable by sarahyyy (M, 2k, wangxian, modern, amnesia, misunderstandings, love confessions)

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6. Hi! Thank you for all your hard work!! I've been searching for MONTHS for a fic that follows the general first scenes of WWX's resurrection, except because LWJ is so quick to bring him back to Gusu, he assumes LWJ and MXY were secret lovers? Or assumes that LWJ likes him, and has to wrestle with what that means to him? If anyone knows this story, I am BEGGING for the link :'D

FOUND? Love Song In Reverse by timetoboldlygo (T, 237k, WangXian, Amnesia, Canon Divergence, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Falling In Love, Slow Burn, agressively mixing and matching novel and cql canon, No Homophobia, Mentions of Starvation, Parental WWX)

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7. Hello, please help me find this fic??

I only remember this one scene: WWX is thought to be dead i think? (It's after the events of the attack of the Cloud Recesses) LXC is saved by Wen Sibs while running away and meets the hiding WWX. After a few weeks/months both join the SS campaign with the head of WZL and WC.

FOUND! Light Source by abCEE (M, 31k, wangxian, canon divergence, not Jiang friendly, fall of lotus pier, no golden core transfer, sunshot campaign, established relationship, canon-typical violence, medical inaccuracies, no demonic cultivation, accidental baby acquisition)

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8. Hello! I dont know if I should label this as fic finder or ITMF or maybe both. its a fic where lwj and lxc compete for wwx's heart. i know that ive read one like this but i cant find it anymore [its a series where wwx died right, then when he came back, lxc said to lwj that if wwx chose him before, lxc will stand beside him (talking about the siege)]

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9. hello, i'm looking for an Avatar: The Last Airbender AU wangxian fic where LWJ is a fire bender and WWX is an air bender. LWJ can't properly control his fire bending causing him to hurt anyone who touches him and made touch-starved.

FOUND? Brightly Burning by Netrixie (Not Rated, 11k, WangXian, Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, No Yin Iron, Touch-Starved, Tiny Angst, Slow Burn, Pre-Relationship, LXC is a good big bro, Element control, [PODFIC] Brightly Burning by Netrixie by kealdrakemna)

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10. Hey again! I'm trying to find this fic from AO3, it's basically a Leverage AU where WWX and JC are/were hitmen (WWX is retired) who work for an organization headed by Madame Yu that uses a restaurant as a front. LXC and LWJ are thieves that were taught by their mother. LWJ and WWX are dating and they both think that the other has a perfectly normal life and job. LWJ pulls a heist on Wen Pharma and Wen Chao goes and kidnaps him in retaliation, then Wen Xu shows up and freaks out at him for Cangse Sanren and Wei Changze rescued LXC and LWJ's mother from whatever the AU version of her situation was (LWJ & LXC grew up on the run and separate from the Lan Family) -sorry for bothering you again and for the really long ask @aro-ace-from-outer-space22

FOUND! all the problems we could solve by Stratisphyre (T, 20k, wangxian, modern, getting together, fluff, humor, violence, meet-cute, identity porn, thieves au)

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11. Hello...I apologize for bothering you again. Please help me find this fic?

I think it may be a part of a series? In the fic WWX finds out that he has relatives from his father's side. Goes to meet them w/ LWJ. They are married I think? WCZ is the youngest of three sons. WangXian meet with WWX's grandmother and two uncles and cousins. Turns out they are famous and wealthy merchant family. WCZ left them to be a cultivator when he was a teen. They send so many things to Gusu after WangXian return home. And stop trading with Yunmeng or/and Lanling I think? @tinyfoxpeach

FOUND! Keep Holding On by abCEE (M, 316k, JC & WWX & JYL, wangxian, canon divergence, role reversal, YLLZ JYL, yunmeng sibling dynamics, good uncle LQR, sunshot campaign, PTSD, established relationship, angst w/ happy ending) wangxian meet wwx's family somewhere late in the fic and it's few chapters about it

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12. I am looking for a specific fic, where Wangxian time travel and it causes everyone else to become suspicious of their new found power and closeness. this leads to Jin Guangshan using a magical ball to spy on them, but it just turns out to be Wangxian acting all domestic and some hair brushing issues, until eventually Wei Ying catches onto the presence of the spy ball and ends the recording. I think there was some Lan Xichen POV about how he can't really read his brother anymore. please help.

FOUND? lan xichen is very concerned (and confused) by theninjacat (T, 3k, WangXian, POV Outsider, Time Travel, Canon Divergence, Sunshot Campaign)

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13. hello!! for the next fic finder, this is going to sound very weird but i have no idea where ive read this, all i remember is that it was jc pov's and it was very short(?), but i can be wrong. it started with jc waking up in cloud recess with something wet in his face, when he looks to the side, it was wwx's blood. after time traveling to the past, wwx decides to k1ll himself right there. its very morbid, i think? thank you <33

FOUND? could be this AngstyMDZSThoughts post

Just a side note for 13 please don't censor trigger words because folks who have those words filtered out will not be able to block them

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14. Hi! I was hoping you all could help me find this fic. I've been looking for days with no luck. The only thing I remember is that Wei Wuxian designed a tool for Jiang Yanli, possibly a hairpin or other headpiece, that utilized her energy so that she slowed down or froze fierce corpses. I think she uses it at one point when on a hunt with Jin Zixuan. WWX may have designed and created other tools in the fic as well. Thanks for any help! @lunathehungry

FOUND? Here Again (Spirits Rise, Unbroken) by TheDefenestrator (T, 74k, WIP, WangXian, Canon Divergence, Time Travel Fix-It, Slow Burn, Happy Ending)

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15. Hello again. I’m hoping to find a fic of someone transmigrating into Yu Ziyuan. WWX calls her “Spirit Auntie” and she works to help him overcome his fear of dogs by getting him a bunny named “Dog” and a puppy named “Bunny”. If it was deleted then, oh well. Thank you for helping anyway. @gwencaer

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16. hello im trying to look for a fic where wwx created a talisman that summons his sword to him? iirc he tested it with jyl. that's about all i remember tho. thank you for your help!

hello im #16 on the latest ff and i do vaguely remember wwx creating barriers for each sect? i think it was by runes or stones he carved on? but tbh with you, im not sure it's in the same fic i was asking about 😭 inventor wwx sounds about right, tho i did wonder if it was a time travel fic too. thank you for your help so far

I don't remember what fic 16 is exactly, but I know the scene OP is talking about and have extended info! The reason Wwx was making a spell to summon swords was initially to retrieve Su She's sword from the waterborne abyss, and it was later used to retrieve some of the swords for everyone trapped in the xuanwu cave! Was this also the fic wwx created barriers for all of the sects as some kind of reparation?? It was definitely not a time travel fic, but inventor wwx fic

I don't recall if #16 sword summoning talisman is part of the turtle shield inventor WWX one, but as I also can't recall the title/author, here's more details on the turtle shield inventor one: I'm pretty sure it's madam yu/JC critical, WWX gets named Turtle Lord or something for his shields, LZ gave WWX the special jade he needed to make the shield and then Madam Yu ordered him to give it to JC. I think LZ gave his CR token to WWX so he could create another shield...

no that's definitely a different fic I remember turtle shield fic much more clearly and it didn't have that. I meant barriers to protect the Sect strongholds, using a series of nodes at points using the sects' insignia as a map/blueprint, not individual shields for a person

FOUND? The Communication Effect by draechaeli (M, 187k, wangxian, JYL/JZX, MM/WQ, canon divergence, arranged marriage, no golden core transfer, not everyone dies au, wens live, adoption, pregnancy kink, consensual non-con, light bondage, fix-it)

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17. For the next fic finder - I'm looking for a fic where LZ (unintentionally) was harming wwx (I think mostly by reputation - maybe for seemingly being promiscuous or disparaging his demonic cultivation?) and NHS yelled at him. I wish I remember more but at this time I think i've mixed it up with like 4 wildly different fics. I mostly just remember writing the review that I was pleased someone had finally clued LZ to the harm he was doing and that I was excited to see him try to fix it. Thanks! @math-is-magic

NOT FOUND! Story-Shaped by lingering_song (T, 13k, WangXian, NHS & WWX, Post-Canon, Chief Cultivator LWJ, Inventor WWX, Found Family, Mentioned Character Death, Alcohol, Protective NHS, WangXian Endgame, Not JC Friendly, Not particularly gentry sects friendly overall tbh)

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18. hello! I’m looking for a WIP, abo, royalty au fic where the main pairing was lsz/jl with background emperor!lwj/empress!wwx. the summary was that o!jin ling had been warned away by jc from the royal fam his entire life bc of empress!wwx’s supposed role in jyl’s death, but, when he goes to the capital, meets and starts falling in love with a!prince!lan sizhui (to his own displeasure). in one scene, jl is going through his heat, lsz smells him and drops his sword running away. wwx and lwj had three kids, and one of the later chapters revealed that wwx was pregnant again. i’m pretty sure it’s been deleted/hidden bc it doesn’t come up in any of the relevant tags, but I’d be deeply grateful if someone has a link to it on the way back machine or something similar. thank you for your help!

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19. Hi, looking for the fic where LZ and WY are in college. Lan Zhan is engaged to Jin Zixuan, Wei Ying valets at a party at the Jins. He helps a drunk LZ who was attending it drive home and things develop from there. They don't know each other personally but do after that night. I read this fic once couple of yrs ago, can't seem to find it again. Pls help, thanks!

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20. For fic finder: It was set in canon era, WangXian. Golden cores were literal orb-like jewels that could be cut out of a cultivator’s chest, thus creating the opportunity for an illegal poaching trade. There was a scene where Wen Chao gleefully cut out Jiang Cheng’s, and I think he also took Wuxian’s. During the Sunshot Campaign when JC and LWJ get their swords back they also find the room of stolen cores, and are shocked to find WWX’s. Anyone know this one? Please!

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#wangxian #mdzs #wangxian fic finder #wangxian fic search #the untamed #wangxianficfinder #long post

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arisu-artnfics · 7 months

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“A trip to Paris” 3

Notes: Chapter: 3/12 Previous Next (First). Versión en Español

Also on: A03 || FF || DeviantArt || Facebook.

Chapter 3: “A New Fenton”

While their kids were in school, Jack and Maddie had been working diligently on a way to track Dani. They managed to isolate Danny’s ghostly signature and started adapting their weapons to avoid it. They also found a way to get the ‘Booo–merang’ to temporarily ignore Danny, while still following Dani’s nearly identical signature. It had been difficult, but having the device already keyed in on Danny’s signature and knowing that due to her clone nature Dani shared most of it, had really helped the process.

Now it was the weekend and Team Phantom was gathered in the Fentonworks lab getting ready to find Dani. Everyone was there, including Tucker and their newest member, Valerie, as they went over their plan.

“Okay, so I just have to throw the Booo–merang,” Danny grabbed the device, swinging it side to side as if he was going to throw it already, “and keep it from hitting me while we follow it? And it’ll take us straight to Dani?”

“Yes, and no, son... You use it but...” Jack tried to explain the plan, but couldn’t really find the correct words for why they were doing it like that.

“Dear, just let me,” Maddie shook her head with a smile and patted Jack’s shoulder, then took the device from Danny’s hands “Yes, sweety, you throw it, but you won’t need to avoid it.”

“But the Booo–merang has always targeted Danny, how is going to find Dani?” asked Jazz. She was a bit sceptical as her parents had a tendency to miscalculate.

“Well, as you kids know, we have started helping Danny deal with the ghosts more lately,” She and Danny shared a smile at that, “but we have also been gathering data from the fights and adjusting all of our equipment to ignore Danny’s signature.” Maddie pulled up several diagrams and schematics on the lab computer as examples of what she was saying.

The implication that all their equipment, all their weapons, had at one point been used against Danny served as an abrupt reminder to Valerie of all that she had done to hurt her friend. “Danny, I’m really sorry about all of this, I wish I’d known, I–”

“No, please don’t start again, Val. It’s okay, really. Like I keep telling my parents and everyone else, you didn’t know. I don’t blame you. Right now I just want to focus on finding Dani. Please?” Danny asked a bit desperately, the extra week of waiting was beginning to wear on his nerves.

“Yes, right...” said Maddie, a bit awkwardly. “The Booo–merang is now programed to find and track Phantom’s energy signature–”

A chorus of questions broke out from the kids and she had to raise her hand for silence. “Let me finish, please.” The kids all shared a look and then just nodded, allowing her to continue.

“When I say ‘Phantom’ I don’t just mean Danny here. All the clones Vlad created, including Dani, share the same base signature, although they are different at the same time. Vlad’s plan was to make a ‘perfect’ clone of Danny, or at least what he considered perfect.” The children shivered with disgust at that, Tucker even pretended to gag. Maddie could understand their reaction, after all, the Maddie Program made her feel like that and worse. “I know. Anyway… Vlad considered Danny to be nearly perfect, but not quite, so he made sure that the signature was slightly different for each in hopes that one of them would be the perfect son.” Maddie finished her explanation with a decisive nod.

“Therefore Danny and Dani are just different enough for a finely tuned tracking device to tell them apart.” concluded Jazz. She was getting that feeling from previous explanations but now it was more clear than before.

“That actually would explain why I found her instead of you when he tried to trick me into… you know,” said Valerie. She was still unsure of how to feel about everything that had happened. She may have found out about Vlad before everyone else in the world, but she was still trying to come to terms with how he had manipulated her. Trying to save the planet didn’t really leave a lot of extra time for introspection. And even after all that was over, she hadn’t had time to talk things over with Danny until this week when he came back to school.

“I know...” said Danny, nodding understandingly. “And, yeah, that’s probably what happened. Your scanner must have been slightly off in its calibration and it picked up Dani instead of me.”

“And that’s why Danny has to be the one to throw the Booo–merang, right? That way it targets the next Phantom signature, in this case Dani’s!” Tucker explained, having understood the plan from the beginning.

“Exactly!” Jack cheered. “You kids sure are quick on the uptake!”

“But Danny can’t transform into Phantom,” warned Maddie.

“Because it would get confused and target me rather than her, right?” Danny asked, but it was more confirmation than anything.

“That’s right Danny–boy! Your mom and I don’t understand why, but even after all the alterations we made, this one still likes to target you in your ghost form no matter what...” said Jack, a bit frustrated that the device still wasn’t cooperating fully.

“Well, at least we know that the next time something happens to Danny, we’ll be able to find him!” said Tucker. It wouldn’t be the first time they had done that themselves.

“Tucker!!” Sam and Valerie shouted at the same time.

Jazz just shook her head. She knew that Tucker was only teasing, like always. But, even she had used it for that herself.

Jack clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention, “All right kids, let’s go find Danielle! I can’t wait to meet her and talk to her about ghosts! Can you believe it? A new Fenton! Incredible!” He had already accepted her as his daughter in his heart, now he just needed to meet her to make it official.

They went upstairs and out the front door to where the Fenton Family Ghost Assault Vehicle was parked on the curb.

“Okay everybody, into the RV!” Maddie called. While the rest of the team piled into the vehicle, she turned to her son, handing him the Booo-merang, “Ready Danny?”

“All right, let’s do this.” Danny grabbed the device and took a few steps out so he would have room to swing his arm and let it fly.

Maddie and Danny jumped into the RV and Jack stomped on the gas, treads screeching against asphalt as they raced to keep up with the now airborne tracking device.

“I wish the tracker in my suit worked right,” Valerie grumbled as they put on their seatbelts. “Then I could help, too.”

When Valerie had learned about the Fentons trying to find Dani, she’d mentioned using the tracker in her suit to find her before, but when they tested it, it wasn’t working. After several rounds of troubleshooting, they discovered that Vlad had made sure that it only worked when he was using her. That idea made Valerie feel dirty in a way.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, Val. You know the Fentons checked it over and gave it the same treatment as the rest of their stuff and it's all good! Plus we’ve already got the Booo-merang, and we only really need one tracking device. It just happened to be the easiest to modify to follow Dani’s signature instead of Danny’s,” said Tucker, his logic helping to ease Valerie’s guilt.

When the Fentons learned that Valerie was in a similar situation to Danny, they really took her under their wing. They worked with her to analyse her suit and learn a bit more about how it functions. They tried to get the tracker working again, but they weren’t Vlad. They theorised that he had programmed in a temporary function to track Dani, and the deeper they dug into the problem, the more likely it seemed. If they had managed to fix her tracker, the plan was to use that one on their mission, but, sadly, it only showed and targeted Danny.

Now, thanks to the Fentons, Valerie has a fully functional ghost hunting suit modified to avoid hurting Danny and possibly Dani as well. All that was done during the Fentons’ time off from school. As much as she had wanted to use her new suit to help track down Dani, Tucker was right, they had the Booo-merang and that’s all they really needed.

“All right kids, everything is working perfectly!” Jack called from the front as the RV swerved, his eyes glued to the red dot on the console scanner rather than the road. “I’ve got the Booo–merang in my sights, but remember to keep an eye on it, just in case!”

“Sure thing, Mr. F!” said Tucker, gripping his seat tightly. He knew from experience that it was going to be a bumpy ride.

The only one new to Jack’s driving was Valerie. “I see why you don’t normally let your dad drive,” she said in a low voice that wouldn’t carry to the front seat. She glanced around nervously and was a bit surprised to find that there was more space in the back than she thought.

“Tell me about it,” Sam muttered in the same quiet tone, making sure that her seatbelt was firmly in place. “Even after all the times we’ve ridden in the GAV with Mr. Fenton, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to his driving. I wish Danny could’ve just flown us.”

“Agreed. Next time, Little Brother, you fly us,” said Jazz. She was more used to her dad’s driving than the others, but she would never be alright. She was still wondering why their mother couldn't drive them this time or how their father was allowed to have a licence in the first place.

“You know, I would love to... but I also don't want to get hit with that,” Danny pointed in the general direction of the Booo-merang before going back to holding on for dear half-life. By now all the kids were leaving marks on the seats with how hard they were holding on, though Danny’s marks were the stronger ones among them.

“It can’t be that bad, can it?” asked Valerie, worried about how hard it would hit Dani. She wanted to help her as much as anyone in the car, but not if that means really hurting her.

“No, it isn't,” said Tucker, sounding both very sure about it and very annoyed.

“What do you know about it?” As far as Valerie knew, the Booo-merang only worked on ghosts, and she was pretty sure Tucker wasn’t a ghost.

“Let’s just say you do not want to be standing between it and Danny,” Tucker replied.

The RV hit a large pothole, becoming momentarily airborne, and Valerie’s stomach lurched. “Oh, I wish I had just used my suit!” she lamented.

“And I wish you’d taken me with you,” said Jazz.

“I thought you didn’t like flying,” Danny accused. “You’d rather walk because the wind messes up your hair or something.”

“No, it isn’t that. I just don’t want to use your energy when it isn’t necessary. I never said I don't like it.” Jazz retorted. It was an odd feeling, defying gravity like a ghost, strange but not bad, and certainly better than riding in the car with her dad at the wheel.

A surprised “Oh” was Danny’s only reply.

“My suit doesn’t drain me, Danny, it’s not the same situation. I can see why your sister would be willing to fly with me and not you,” said Valerie.

“I wouldn’t mind, Danny,” Sam said with a smile. “After all, if it’s just the two of us it wouldn’t take that much of your energy, and we could have some time to ourselves, it would be like a date...” It had been a bit of a rollercoaster since they officially started dating. Between the usual ghost interference and getting used to Danny’s parents knowing his secret on top of that, they hadn’t really been able to spend much time figuring out their new relationship.

“Yeah… ” Danny sighed wistfully. They’d enjoyed just a couple of dates like that already. When everything became too much with their complicated new normal, he had flown them away to a more secluded place where they could simply be, without all the pressure.

“Look kids, we’re about to cross the state line!” Maddie called loud enough so everyone would hear her. They had been driving for a few hours now, although it didn’t feel like it. The excitement of the adventure and trying to keep the Booo-merang in their sights, not to mention Jack’s driving, had been more than enough to keep things interesting.

“Really?” asked Danny. He had hoped that she wouldn’t be too far away, they weren’t really prepared to be gone for more than a day or two, and that’s what they’d told Sam, Tucker, and Valerie’s families.

“Uh, if I didn’t know better I’d say that we’re in Wisconsin,” said Tucker after a while when he noticed a sign that said ‘Madison: 100 miles’.

“Thanks Captain Obvious,” Sam snipped, rolling her eyes. “Didn’t you see the big sign that said ‘Welcome to Wisconsin!’ when we passed it?”

Valerie and Danny shared a glance as their friends bickered, before returning their eyes to the distance. This was a usual occurrence in their group, they’d get over it soon enough.

Maddie hummed in thought. “You guys don’t think that she would go there, do you?” she asked. She was starting to get concerned that Dani may not want to go back to Amity with them.

“Where?” Jack asked absentmindedly, more focused on the dot on the radar than their conversation.

“And the Booo-merang seems to be going slower now, too!” Jazz pointed out before anyone could reply to Jack. She pressed up against the window, taking in their surroundings from the, now much slower, car.

“It totally is!” Tucker agreed, also looking out the window. Now that the RV was slower it was easier to see outside without feeling nauseous.

They had just turned off the highway onto a much smaller road. They followed this new road to a small town where Jack ran a few stop signs before taking a sharp turn into what almost looked like an alleyway.

“THERE!” Danny shouted. “Dad, watch out!”

He leaned forward, pointing out the windshield to the street in front of them. There a familiar young girl stood frozen like a deer in the headlights before their speeding vehicle. Danny phased out of his seatbelt and jumped through the roof of the RV, shouting his signature catchphrase. He swooped down and pulled her to safety just in time, for even though Jack slammed on the brakes, it was a little too late to stop.

“Danny!” Dani cried, hugging him tightly. “I had it handled, you know. I was just gonna go intangible before it hit me. Although you guys really shouldn’t be driving in the alleyway in that big old thing.”

“That was so dramatic,” said Tucker, climbing out of the RV followed by Valerie, Sam, and the rest of the Fentons.

Just as Danny was about to make a witty retort, the Booo-merang made its dramatic entrance, striking him in the back of his head. “Ouch,” Danny complained, catching the accursed thing as it fell. He’d forgotten all about it in his excitement.

“I told you that would happen if you transformed, Sweety,” said Maddie. She approached the two halfas as Danny changed back into Fenton.

“I know, I know.” Danny rubbed the back of his head with a wince.

Dani quickly moved to stand behind Danny, using him to shield her from his mother’s view.

“What are they doing here?” she whispered. “I thought they didn't know about us...”

“Relax, Dani. They know, it’s okay,” said Danny, reassuringly.

“They do?” Dani peered around Danny and looked at everyone that was there, gaze lingering suspiciously on Jack and Maddie. “All of them?”

“All of us,” said Maddie with a sincere smile. “And we understand if you don’t believe that, or if you’re scared…”

The two adults kept their distance from the halfas. Dani had every reason not to trust them, and they didn’t want to push her. It had been hard for them to accept that they had been hunting their own son all this time. With everything they had said and done, they knew Danny had worried about how they would react to his secret. Why wouldn’t she?

“I’m not scared!” Dani snapped. She took a small step forward, standing tall as if to prove it. She didn’t let her guard down though, she knew Danny’s parents were hunters, ghost hunters. This could all be a trap, they might just be pretending they understood, tricking Danny so they could get to both of them.

“Hey, Dani,” Valerie said, quickly stepping in front of the Fentons to break the tension.

“Valerie?” Dani asked cautiously, her stance softening a bit. “You came too?”

She knew that even as a hunter, Valerie had helped her before. Maybe this wasn’t a trick after all. Dani knew that several people were there, but she had focused all her attention on the biggest threat: the Fentons. Now she took the time to really look at everyone else. Jazz, Sam, and Tucker stood by the RV, they waved awkwardly when they saw her looking.

“Of course I did!” Valerie smiled sincerely, bringing Dani’s attention back to her. She was glad that Dani recognized her without her suit and mask.

Before Dani had a chance to catch up more with Valerie, or even say ‘hello’ to the other teens, Maddie walked over to her, slowly and non-threateningly. She kneeled down next to the girl and hesitantly took her hand. The woman’s eyes flickered across her face.

“You look so much like Danny when he was your age… Well, now that we’ve established that you aren’t scared, I need you to be brave for just a little longer.” She took a deep breath, thinking of how to break the news. “Danny told us everything… including what he did to stabilise you. Unfortunately, it’s- it isn’t a permanent solution. We were hoping that if we found you, you would be willing to come back to Amity Park with us. We’ve been working on something that might help.”

“Oh...” Dani blinked, shock running through her as Maddie’s words sunk in. The Ecto-Dejecto hadn’t fixed her after all. And she’d been feeling so well.

“Hey, it's not like that!” Danny quickly cut in, “Yeah, they know you’re a clone, but even though you look like me, you’re your own person! I know you just met them, but they already love you.”

“I wasn’t worried about that!” Dani said, “But thanks.”

Danny rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “Oh. Well, uh, we’ve been working on a new way to help you permanently, and, well, all of us want for you to come-back-to-Amity-so-you-have-a-safe-place-to-stay,” he finished in a rush.

“For real?” Dani asked, eyes shining bright with hope. She had been so distracted by the absolute bombshell that she wasn’t as cured as she thought she was, that she was only just now registering the fact that they were offering a place to go, a home.

“For real.” Danny’s voice was gentle and a soft grin tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Dani felt a smile of her own stretch across her face as she jumped into Maddie’s arms, nearly knocking the woman over in her excitement. She reached out and found Danny’s arm, pulling him into the hug, too. “Thank-you-thank-you-thank-you!” she cried.

After a moment of hesitation, Jack joined them as well and then finally Jazz did too, and Dani had never felt so loved as she did in that moment, protected by her family’s embrace.

“Well, this has all been very moving,” a voice called out, interrupting their moment. They turned to see Tucker holding up a camera with a cheeky grin, he’d been filming the whole thing. “But can we go back home now?”

“Are you really so eager to be back in the GAV already?” Sam hissed.

“Uhhhh,” Tucker replied eloquently. He had not thought that far ahead.

Jazz wasn’t excited for the ride home either, especially if her father was driving, but she knew that finding Dani was the first step of thousands, and the sooner they got started the better.

“Ready?” Danny asked, offering a hand to Dani. He knew she would feel more comfortable with him, or maybe Valerie, by her side.

“Yeah...” said Dani, accepting the hand and walking with him to the RV. She knew who everyone was, but being around so many people after being on her own for so long was new and confusing. She was also beginning to wonder how they even found her.

“We should warn you, you won’t like the drive” Tucker whispered conspiratorially once Dani was close enough to hear. Danny shoved the Booo-merang into Tucker’s hands, he didn’t want that thing anywhere near him for longer than it had to be.

“Why?” Dani asked curiously, the RV was confusing looking but couldn't be worse than anything that Vlad had made, could it?

“You’ll see,” said Jazz with a sigh; it would be a long drive or a short one and a disaster without a doubt.

“Tell me about it,” Sam muttered, rolling her eyes. She sighed. She had come along because she knew this moment was important for both Phantoms and she wanted to be there to support them, but why Mrs. Fenton wasn’t driving would always be a mystery.

“All right kids, let’s get back home!” said Jack, ushering everyone into the Fenton Family Ghost Assault Vehicle. He couldn’t stop beaming, this whole thing had gone so much better than he ever could have hoped. He had found a daughter that he hadn’t even known existed until a few weeks ago, and now she was coming home.

Once all the kids were in their seats and buckled up, and Maddie had programmed the RV’s GPS to take them back to Amity Park, Jack took the wheel, announcing that he would get them back in no time at all. His passengers groaned and braced for another crazy drive.

Maddie settled into the rhythm of the road, letting her mind wander as she watched the scenery fly by. While Jack drove, she thought of her new daughter, safely in the backseat after all this time. She understood what Danny meant by her being her own person, but she couldn’t help seeing all the similarities between the two of them. Being a clone, and conscious of that fact, had to be hard on Dani, and as much as the scientist in her wanted to observe and study, the mother in her wanted to protect her even more. So, she sat there in the passenger seat, her wonderful husband at her side, and made mental notes of all the ways they could help Dani feel more comfortable. She thought of things they should do and things they should not, of all the ways they could interact with her.

The drive back to Fenton Works was much more relaxed than their trek out. They didn’t have to worry about losing track of the Booo-merang, or whether or not they would successfully find Dani. The kids chatted, laughing and joking the whole way home, an invisible tension gone from their shoulders. Even Jack’s driving couldn’t dampen their spirits, but they were still grateful to be back in Amity Park.

They tumbled out of the RV, stretching stiff muscles, and Dani wondered, not for the first time since the trip started, why she hadn’t just flown and avoided the drive. She figured it would have been rude to turn down the offer of a ride, especially since they were doing so much for her. Not only were they going to find a permanent way to stabilise her form, they had also offered her a home, a family. She had practically given up on having a real family, what she’d had with Vlad had been complicated at best and toxic at worst… So Dani accepted the ride, she accepted the Fentons’ kindness, and even though it felt strange... it was nice. She almost couldn’t believe how much her life was going to change in such a short period of time, but she was excited to see what her future holds.

Now that they were back at Fenton Works, everyone was pleased with how well the whole plan was going. They had found Dani without much problem and were even home in time for supper. It was unbelievable, almost too good to be true. All they had left to do now was stabilise Dani.

In the lab once again, Jack and Maddie began explaining the process to the group of teens. They would use the same scanners they had used on Danny to take Dani’s readings and compare their baseline levels. This would help them determine Dani’s exact condition as well as help them pinpoint what needed stabilising.

At first Dani was nervous about being down in the lab, and nobody blamed her; they understood that she, like Danny, had plenty of bad associations with this sort of place. However, after Danny demonstrated how the scanners worked and showed her some of the other inventions, as well as the safety measures they had put in place, she felt much more comfortable. Although it did help a bit that Jack was the first one to actually welcome Dani to the Fenton family with the kind of huge hug that only he could give. How could she be scared when someone like that was looking out for her?

They ran the tests, and, as they suspected, the delayed effects of the Ecto-Dejecto were starting to show themselves and her genetic structure was slowly degrading. The Fentons quickly made the final adjustments to the new stabilising agent using the information they had just gathered and administered it to Dani.

They all held their breaths as they waited to see if it would work. Eyes flickered nervously between Dani and the monitor displaying her vitals. After a tense moment, the readout on the screen began stabilising and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. It was working! Nobody could believe that it had actually worked. They had half expected that something would go horribly wrong, it seemed like something always went wrong in these situations.

Just as they were thinking that it was way too good to be true, twin ghost senses fogged the air and everyone groaned. They knew things had been going a little too well for their luck... But with their whole team assembled, whichever ghost it was wouldn’t know what hit it.

The two halfas shared a grin before transforming and flying up through the lab ceiling, the rest of Team Phantom grabbing their gear and racing up the stairs after them. They arrived on the scene to find none other than Skulker. The mechanical ghost was in the middle of a monologue about how his new weapons would make quick work of Danny and how he would soon have not one, but two new rugs to decorate his halls.

Before he could utter another word, he was dodging blasts from every direction. Jack, Maddie, Jazz, Sam and Tucker took aim from below, while Valerie joined the two Phantoms in the air. The hunter had become the hunted. It was just his luck that he had been the first ghost to appear since Dani’s stabilisation and he didn’t stand a chance, he was defeated in record time.

Jack and Maddie did learn a thing or two from the ghost’s short speech and they didn’t like any of it one bit, especially his plans for their children. They learned that this ghost knew about halfas, had known about Danny for a long time, possibly since the very beginning, and definitely much longer than they had. They could understand the thrill of the hunt, after all they were hunters themselves, but his obsession with their son’s, and now daughter’s, pelt was just gross.

By the time Skulker was safely back in the Ghost Zone it was getting very late (though the Fentons had been tempted to leave him in the thermos for a bit longer). It had been a long day and the ghost fight used up the last of everyone’s energy, so Valerie, Tucker, and Sam said their goodbyes and headed home.

The whole day had been full of surprises, full of changes, full of good things. The Fenton’s had gone from a family of four to a family of five. They had just adopted a child, a child that hadn’t existed a few short months ago, yet looked and acted like a twelve-year-old girl. They even got to see some of Dani's abilities in action. She wasn’t quite as strong as Danny, something he had suspected. Her powers were more like his had been at the beginning, when he’d first become a halfa. But she was young, and her family had no doubt that she would come into her own soon enough.

The Fentons were exhausted, but closer than ever. Jack and Maddie had a better understanding of why Danny was always so tired. Jazz learned that even her parents could learn and improve themselves when it came to ghost hunting and would actually be a big help to Danny. She also knew that all of this was really going to improve Danny’s mental health and quality of life. Having a support system that he could rely on would be so much better than doing it alone. Danny and Dani learned that even though they may have started out as basically the same person, and though they worked very well together, they were also very different.

They spent that Sunday filling out the last of the adoption paperwork. Thanks to Tucker, and a few favours here and there, they had thankfully managed to bypass a lot of the usual legal processes. The family’s next step would be talking with the Casper High administration about enrolling her in the next school year. Dani was still working on accepting the fact that she had a family now, and a soon-to-be-legal one at that.

The next morning, as they sat around the breakfast table going over their plans for the day, Dani asked, “So, Jack and Maddie will drive us all to the school, and then after you guys go to class, we’ll just be in the parking lot, just waiting, until it’s time for our meeting with Mr. Lancer?

“You know honey, you can call us Mom and Dad… If you want,” Maddie offered tentatively. She shared a slightly concerned look with Jack. They didn’t want to push her, she had only been with them two days after all, but they wanted to make sure she felt welcome, felt like a part of the family. And, although it might still be too soon for it, she and Jack couldn’t wait for the day she called them her parents. Jack had already started calling her ‘Danerincess’ or something like that.

Dani sighed, “I know… and I'm sorry… it’s just that Vlad… ” she said, frustrated with herself. She got why calling someone ‘dad’ was hard, but why couldn’t she say ‘mom?’ Maddie was her real mom for all that she cared.

“We know sweetheart, it’s all right… ” said Maddie. She, Jack and Jazz had learned that Vlad tricked and basically forced Dani to call him ‘dad,’ and that was so wrong on so many levels, especially when it was very clear that he didn’t actually care about her and the other clones, he was just using them.

“Hey, Little Sister, we get it. Everyone adjusts to things at their own pace. Just because I was quick to start calling you my sister, doesn’t mean it’s going to be as easy for you. And that’s okay,” Jazz said. Then added, “Of course, Dad was even faster…”

Dani grinned at that and the rest of the family burst into laughter. Jack had indeed started calling Dani his daughter as soon as she was safe and sound at home. He had also started giving her cute nicknames, combining ‘princess’ with her name in different ways like how he does with Jazz, as well as any other term of endearment that he can think of.

“Hey, I don’t see why that’s so funny,” Jack defended playfully. “She is my daughter after all!” A fact that he was very proud of.

“I thought I was your princess, Dad,” Jazz teased through her laughter.

“Of course you’re still my princess, Jazzy–pants! You and Dani-panini are both my princesses! Just because Dani here is also my daughter doesn’t mean I love you any less. I love all my kids equally, even you Danny–boy!” Jack said seriously, pulling each of his kids, one by one, up from the table and into a big hug. In this instance, he was very grateful for his size and being able to hug them all at once.

“Oh! Would you look at the time!” Maddie exclaimed. “Jack dear, let the kids go, we need to head to school.”

The kids groaned half-heartedly from Jack’s arms.

“None of that now,” she chided. “There’s only two weeks left before summer vacation and you two have missed enough days as it is,” she gestured to Jazz and Danny. And we need to get you registered for next year’s classes,” she ruffled Dani’s hair then started gathering the dirty dishes from their breakfast.

Jack let the kids go, sending them off to gather up their backpacks and anything else they would need for the day, and started helping Maddie wash the dishes. He knew that it would be faster for them to do it than to ask the kids, and Maddie was in a hurry.

Danny grabbed his backpack, rifled through the loose papers inside to make sure he had his homework, and then zipped it shut. “Two more weeks. Just two more weeks until summer vacation. Then no more school for the whole summer.” He had only just started back from his little vacation, but he could barely wait to be free from its confines once again.

“Wait, hold on.” Dani paused on her way to the front door.

Maddie finished washing the last dish and handed it to Jack to dry, then turned to face her daughter. “What is it sweetheart?” she asked.

“Am I really going to school next year?” Dani’s eyes sparkled up at Maddie, full of hope and happiness.

“Wow! Are we sure she isn’t Jazz’s clone?” Danny teased.

“Ha. Ha. You’re hilarious,” said Jazz. She carefully placed a notebook into her, much tidier, backpack and rolled her eyes. “Don’t pay any attention to him, Dani. I think it’s great that you’re so excited about your education. And going to school will also help you meet new people, kids your own age– Well, sort of…”

“Of course you’re going to school sweety. You’re a Fenton, and we Fentons value our education. Isn’t that right, Jack?”

“You got it, baby!” Jack placed a supportive hand on her shoulder.

“We’ll sort everything out with Mr. Lancer today,” she said, herding everyone out the door to the car. “While everyone else will know that we have officially adopted you, or well, that’s what the paper would say… We were thinking of telling Mr. Lancer the truth. Confidentially of course.”

“Is that really necessary?” asked Danny, stopping with his hand on the RV door until Jazz gave him a small push and they climbed in.

“Look I get it, Danny. I know you’re worried, but think about it... Mr. Lancer already knows about you. And he gave you a planning strategy, and it’s helping right?” Jazz asked him as she pulled on her seatbelt.

Danny thought for a moment before nodding, putting on his own seatbelt as Dani climbed in after him.

Jazz continued, “So it makes sense that he would help her in the same way, when it’s her turn, right?”

Danny pursed his lips stubbornly. Jazz was right, but that didn’t mean he liked it. He nodded again. “... I guess I see your point,” he finally said.

The drive to school was silent, for the most part, after that last comment from Danny. A sharp turn had the three kids clutching their seats and the sound of the other driver’s horn had Jazz thinking that she would be the one to drive her siblings to school next year. Her two “Danys.” She chuckled to herself.

“Are you okay with that now, Danny–boy?” asked Jack after a while. “With us telling Mr. Lancer about Dani?”

“Yeah… ” Danny said hesitantly, after a couple of seconds. Then more confidently, “Yeah! Jazz is right, right?” He smiled. The time that had just passed had helped him more than he expected and he was feeling much better about the whole situation.

“Of course I’m right,” Jazz’s teasing was automatic, then she softened to something more genuine, “but seriously Little Bro, it’ll be alright.”

“Yeah, you don’t have to worry about me, Danny! I’m a Fenton after all!” Dani grinned at him. She was so happy about that fact. That had been the easiest part of all of this, taking the name “Danielle ‘Dani’ Fenton.”

“Yes! Yes, you are!” said Jack enthusiastically. He kept his eyes on the road and drove the rest of the way to school carefully for the first time ever… well almost.

Maddie reached over and tugged the steering wheel to keep them from crashing into a car parked in front of the school. “Well, here we are!” Maddie called cheerfully. “Have a good day kids! Danny, Jazz, we’ll see you both after class. Come on, Dani, Mr. Lancer’s office is this way. It’s time to get you enrolled in school!”

“It is?” Jack asked. Maddie shot him a glare. “I mean, ‘It is!’ I totally knew that and didn’t get so focused on driving that I forgot.”

Maddie sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose with a look that said ‘You’re lucky I love you.’ Dani giggled, in just the couple of days she had lived with them she had already learned how forgetful Jack could be. Even when it was something he had just been talking about, for some reason he forgot about it as soon as something else grabbed his attention.

At that Danny and Jazz waved goodbye and said their ‘see you later’s to their parents and sister, and finally went to class. And, as promised, Jack, Maddie, and Dani made their way to Mr. Lancer’s office for their meeting with him.

Mr. Lancer was surprised, to say the least, to find out that the Fentons newly adopted daughter was actually a clone of their son and, of course, a halfa. He cursed in book titles the likes of which the Fentons hadn’t even heard of before, and at one point Jack covered Dani’s ears. Once they explained that it was Vlad’s doing, he went silent for a moment, before calmly saying how glad he was that that man was locked up.

He was also incredibly impressed by how quickly Tucker had managed to push the legal paperwork through. He was sure that being the mayor must have come in handy with that, as well as his existing computer skills, but it was still a remarkably fast turnaround time.

It wasn’t that hard to enrol a new student for the next year when it was not even summer break yet and there was plenty of space in the classrooms. A short while, and a lot more paperwork later, and Danielle ‘Dani’ Fenton was officially enrolled at Casper High, she would start her freshman year in the fall.

To be continued :D :D

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raisindave · 1 month

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[Chapter 49] Seeing the World Through Ballistic-Tinted Glasses

The air here was so humid it felt like you could drown on solid ground, though it might just feel that way when you compare it to your climatized opinions based on parched desert air. It forces you to reflect on just how dry that setting had left your skin, your hair, your nails, everything. This military base was remarkably more visually stunning than your last few, especially London's. Yellow brick and plaster in broad arching columns with tidy white trim, soft salmon-coloured bricks lined outer courtyards with manicured foliage and lemon trees. You heard another crisp salute over your shoulder before your pilot returned to taxi away your ride. Ghost seems to be familiar with this base, making his way toward a small red brick building on the far side of the landing strip just beyond a small patch of skinny palms. He always acts like you've been to these bases before as if you have any clue where to go.

Just before awkward confusion settled in, you caught a hazy view of those blond locks approaching from across the heated tarmac. The poor woman had her arm in a sling over a prim blue dress shirt. The closer she got, the more you noticed blooming red sunburns across her nose and cheeks, conveniently shielded by sleek bangs. It felt so good to see another familiar face, though it pulled at your heartstrings to see her injury. A warm and refreshing ocean breeze flooded your hearing, ceasing just before Laswell spoke.

"Good to see you, Lua."

"It's good to see you, Ma'am," you smiled. "I'm sorry to hear about your snowboarding accident," you mused sweetly, nodding to her cast.

"Waterskiing with my wife, actually," she quipped back, allowing you to share a polite chuckle. "I told her it was too windy to go out."

Of course, you both knew the actual context, being her mad scramble with Farah to evade certain death from raining hellfire. However it's not exactly easy, let alone secure, to communicate the truth about the impairment. It's still good to know she got out alive, even if she likely had the worst injury in the group. Her eyes were kind; they always were, even if you have significantly more reason to fear her than any of your teammates. This woman could disappear you and everyone you've ever known with a handful of phone calls, or she could probably make you the leader of a small city-state if she really wanted to. Her connections, her authority, could make a grown man weep.

"I'm sure you're eager to freshen up," she chimed, gesturing for you to walk beside her.

Truer words have yet to be said. Filth of multiple forms has made your skin slick and grimy, leaving you eager to shuck these scratchy clothes from your body. Making your way to those same red brick buildings on the far edge of the tarmac, you felt more at ease than you'd expected, considering your existential dread only hours ago. The sun was warm, you were surrounded by familiar allies, and you had the promise of a proper bed along with a much-needed shower. That, paired with the residual orgasmic bliss helped unwind long pent stress. Laswell had described it as an executive suite for officers, making you sigh in relief that you wouldn't be in bunks next to the based soldiers who saluted you as you passed.

Finally, a quaint but equipped room to temporarily call your own. White sheets and wooden furniture, even a hairdryer in the bathroom and a small cactus on the glossy wooden dresser. This felt more like a hotel than anything. A new thought crossed your mind for a moment, making your face furrow in thought as you realized that all your former luggage had been thoroughly destroyed. It's not like you can ask to send a jet back to Al Mazrah to gather your cell phone and the rest of your nicely broken-in hoodies. It seems like Laswell or the powers that be have already answered that question before the thought could be fully realized. Prying open the fresh black backpack that was laid on your bed, you hesitantly unravel its dark contents. It was a cornucopia of uniforms and tees, still swaddled in thin plastic wrapping, all exactly to your sizing. Even a cell phone in a sleek box, paired with a new dinky burner. It even held new undergarments and hair ties. They really thought of everything, all with that plasticy new car smell.

Passing the bathroom again allowed a brief glimpse at your reflection, which forced you to exhale sharply in laughter. Your fucking shirt was inside out. Of course it was. An obvious result of your scramble to dress. The thought forced your imagination to recontextualize lingering glances from Farah and Ghost, flooding you with a wretched combination of dread and humour. Hopefully, Laswell didn't notice, but something tells you that few things get past her. That thought filled you with additional dread. Standing in front of a rectangular mirror lets you take a more thorough inventory of your body's state as you separate dusty clothing from grimy skin. This career has a way of rewarding the ability to power through injury, teaching you to save dull pain from minor injuries until after you're on home base. Even if you're not technically on a home base, sunken cheekbones from an appetite overridden by horror and strained morals left you with apparent consequences. It's hard to say if the bruises were a result of the overall vitamin deficiency or if Ghost's grip on the soft flesh just above your hip bone was really that brutal.

You're really doing a number on your body, the one thing you're supposed to have control over. Anxiousness and guilt have consistently taken a toll on your body, no matter how many times you will yourself to do better on every mission. Tangled hair and dirty fingernails. It's still far better than the last opportunity you had to take a good hard look at yourself again; no bloodshot eyes or strangulation marks around your throat, nor a bloodied crush wound on your outer thigh. You'll feel better after this shower, and hopefully it will wash away this sinking trepidation.

Excusing the literal metaphor, hot water on your skin felt like much-needed rain in the desert. The water temperature couldn't get higher, the steaming heat was the only thing you felt could sufficiently purify the days of grime and sweat. That and the standard-issue bar soap that was so kindly provided. The initial protest that your nerves gave from the scorching water, let alone the strain on the poor metal showerhead was enough to make you think twice. But refused to capitulate. That familiar feeling of fingertips on your skin made your pulse quicken, even if they were your own. They just didn't provide that same electric feeling when they reached the same places as someone else's. Like a hexagonal wheel. It can get you there, but not with the same efficiency. Maybe it would've been wiser to take a cold shower.

A flash of purple caught your eye, an angle that hadn't previously been visible. A ring of teeth marks, and another. Harsh bites once left on your inner thigh had left physical memories across sensitive flesh. Threatening a devastating slip, you propped up your thigh to examine the injury further, letting scalding water trickle on the back of your neck. You couldn't help but grin. Yet another glimpse at the man under the mask. A perfect dental record, clear enough to get a fucking set of braces. Slightly rotated lower canines, but otherwise remarkably straight teeth based on your inexperienced dental opinion. You'd come to expect fangs, with rows upon rows of teeth like a shark or one of those lake eels. It makes you wonder if many of them are fake, considering how likely it is that so many had been knocked out in combat - or by someone who doesn't take too kindly to his constant brooding.

The thought made you chuckle, as did the idea of having an unintended glimpse past his defences, one that he was too drunk on lust to even consider. Here you are, a grown woman, giggling to yourself about dumb fucking bruises on your skin. It's more of a liability, frankly, as was the slightly reddened and blued skin on the back of your thighs as you twisted in the mirror to view the carnage. More injuries sustained during an active combat mission. You should get a medal for this, really. A shining Purple Heart to pin to your oh-so-decorated uniform's lapel.

Satisfied with the minor burns that bloomed over mercilessly scrubbed skin, you'd deemed yourself to be washed free from every possible atom of debris from your body. If the scrubbing didn't leave lingering pain, the phantoms of bruises across your behind did. Sitting to put on socks made sure to remind you of that. You were more interested in catching up with the rest of your teammates. They're alive, so you have that as a baseline. But the thought of gnarly injuries, worse than Laswell's, flickered in your mind as you donned a freshly creased grey hoodie.

Stepping into the cooled stone hallway, flimsy knowledge of Italian led you to believe the common room would be down by the southern wing. In this small guest suite barracks, they'd definitely be there. Footsteps echoed over weathered bricks and plaster walls coloured with thick, glossy paint. Every blink offered a new view down crisscrossing corridors and small meeting rooms, leaving the lingering impression that this complex could've been a monastery in another life.

There they were, just as expected. Gaz and Soap slung over a low sunken couch, facing a small TV. The two wore mirrored outfits, standard tees and pants, not dissimilar from the ones your pack provided. They sat reclined, focusing on drinking every pixel of the soccer game on the screen. If you thought that the kiss was lingering in your conscience, there was now a new elephant in the room that was invisible to everyone but you and Ghost. Who knows wherever he'd so hurriedly fucked off to, anyways. Luckily for you, their couch faced away from your current position, allowing you to loom over their shoulders.

It's hard to look someone in the eyes when you've just fucked your shared colleague. Twice. You could argue three times, but you got out of that one on a technicality. But Soap and Gaz would understand, surely. Your mind spun. Even if they found out, Soap almost fucked one of your friends on that drunken night at the bar on your birthday. He probably did, and you wouldn't put it past her. Or him. You fiddled with your hoodie strings. Gaz would probably bring up concerns about this affecting synergy on missions somehow, but that's easy to diffuse with the fact that there was no love lost or gained with your interaction with your lieutenant. Even if it clearly hasn't softened either of your hearts, you and Ghost could happily uphold your default ambivalence toward one another.

"Hey, Cricket," Soap glanced over at your approach.

"Howsit goin'," Gaz yawned, stretching his arms and crossing them behind his head.

"I'm alive," you sighed, nodding back at the two soldiers.

"How was yer' little vacation with LT?" Soap nodded, smiling from the corner of his mouth.

The question made your heart stop. You almost started a shambling flurry of 'what do you mean's before he turned to absentmindedly return to reviewing the game.

"I got to read some old books n' catch up on some sleep," you retorted politely, gauging their reaction from over their shoulders.

No response. There was a penalty kick that was about to be struck, and they'd both leaned forward on their seats.

"We almost killed each other a couple of times," you breathed, eyeing the two of them as they remained transfixed. "I was just getting close before help arrived and saved him."

Gaz barked a laugh, Soap remained aloof.

"Maybe next time," Gaz called over his shoulder, and you returned a mannerly grin.

Maybe next time. Those words have more implications than he could ever understand. It's relieving to know that it's back to dreadful business as usual, and these two chumps have made it out unscathed. They're almost shockingly unphased, where you assumed they'd have at least a few more questions about what happened with the bugged transmissions or the torture you inflicted.

They didn't seem particularly phased by it all. The questions stopped there. If it were your friends back home, this would have bred at least 35 follow-up questions and a formal investigation. These two are different; they're surprisingly easy to lie to. Well, it's not technically a lie. You could argue it's lying by omission, but they also didn't specifically ask if you copulated with Ghost in that bunker. Judging by how enraptured they are in the plasma screen, you could probably admit it all aloud and get a passive 'mhmm' in response at best.

"Oh, they want to see you in the office. Down the hall, second to the left," Soap finally spoke up with relieved breath after the goalkeeper successfully captured the ball.

A dutiful nod excused you, and turning to walk away made up for the explosion of panic that crashed into your system. It felt like when the principal asked to see you in the office after you cheated on a test. They wouldn't have let you freshen up beforehand if it was really bad. They wouldn't have given you a bag of clothes and a new cell. Every clicking footstep made your blood pressure spike, catching the passing glances of bustling packs of soldiers who must be reading your expression of worry. That distant chatter from shoutcasters on Soap and Gaz's game slowly dissipated as you approached the second door down the hallway. Ghost slipped out from the door before you, and your posture tightened.

The look Ghost gave you as you passed him in the arched stone hallway made your blood run cold. He held your gaze with an intensity that made you question its meaning. If only you could read minds. You suddenly became more acutely aware of every possible stimulus all at once as nervousness settled in. The feeling of your socks in your boots as they stepped through the threshold, the weight of your hoodie around your shoulders, the sweat pooling between your fingers. What could they possibly want?

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sinistershepherd · 2 years

Note

AAAHHH SORRY IM LATE I FINISHED BAND THINGS :D

Have there been times where one of the brothers may have found themself in a depressive episode? If so, Who helped them? Did the Daycare shut down temporarily? /nf

NO PRESSURE I’M LAUGHING MY ASS OFF BEST REACTION EVER THANKS <3

I’m so ready and I’m doing it in story-style HA

Moon didn’t really mean to drag everyone down like this. He just….sometimes gets these feelings, really extreme, foreign feelings that make him so outrageously sad that functioning becomes a chore. He doesn’t really talk to anyone about it, but his change in mood is usually quite obvious. Sluggish, numb. Distant, as if his mind has wandered across the world and has yet to make its way back.

Sun has trouble approaching Moon at these times, because he knows the reality is that there isn’t much he can say to ease what his brother is feeling. Moon has always been the less-clingy loner of the two, but Sun can’t help the feeling that he has to do something. Moon’s mood can rub off on Sun at times, and when the chipper jolly one becomes quiet and agitated, Moon, in turn, notices as well.

They notice each other’s pain whenever it happens. It bounces off one and sticks to the other, true proof of their bonds strength. Both would suffer in this feeling for a while, avoiding things that they would normally take very seriously- even, at times, the kids.

Moon watches as the security guards close the doors come 6am, as neither daycare attendant has shown face since the night prior. Guilt eats away at his bubbling emotions, weighing heavily on his shoulders in a way that makes him want to lay back down, even though he just got up.

“I haven’t seen them for a while.” Chica would be first to bring up the pairs absence, and Freddy would agree that, yes, their sudden disappearance is quite odd. Sure, the brothers usually kept to the daycare for security and cleaning and all those busying tasks…but they would come out to say goodnight to everyone before they fully retreated into their own bedrooms to recharge. Every night, when they could, they would knock on each individual door, give a small wave each, and ask how the other was doing.

Monty and Roxy remain silent. It is Roxy who appreciated those careless questions that most overlook, sometimes talking quietly with the duo about her insecurity issues and how hard it is sometimes to put on a brave face.

Her ears go back, lip twitching in an odd way that does not, for once, resemble her normal undying annoyance or attitude.

“A knock wouldn’t hurt, right? I mean, what’re they gonna do, ban us?” Roxy tries to sound nonchalant, but everyone knows what she means.

I’m scared for them. I’m not the only one, right?

“Those jolly jesters do liven the mood quite a bit ‘round here, ain’t no fault in checkin’ in.” Monty sways his tail, then curls it around his legs, raising it up towards his hands. He fidgets with the tip, carefully moving it between his oversized claws.

“Great! We should get going then, it’s getting late, and I don’t want to miss up on a chance to make sure they’re okay for the night!” Freddy exclaims, ears perking up as the others all come to the same conclusion. Chica gives her old friend a small smile, as if reading Freddy’s anxious mind. She knows he has trouble proposing ideas in front of the others.

The group travels, single file, towards the daycare doors.

The entire room beyond the shutter is dark and lacks the normal cheery music the play place is known for. Nothing but silence and a pitch black vale over everything around them.

The quiet unnerves the band. Some take steps back, while others shrink in on themselves. It feels like a ghost town, so empty and void of life.

Though, one shared thought transmits between the four…

They need us. Now.

————————————————————

They don’t reach out. They’re not known for reaching out, usually being the ones to provide comfort instead of having it for themselves.

“Moon?” Sun’s voice echoes around the room, and the lunar animatronic struggles not to flinch from the sudden noise. A pillow lays lazily over his head, nightcap strewn out over the comforter beside him.

“Hm?” Is all Moon can manage- a soft hum, dulled by days of solitude and sadness.

“We…we need to talk.”

Moon can feel tears prick at his eyes. Oh, what have I done now? I’ve been good, I’ve been quiet. I haven’t hurt anybody, have I? I’ve neglected the kids, but-

The realization hits, and he jerks upwards, startling his brother.

“I’m sorry!” The sudden exclamation further confuses Sun, but Moon continues before he can ask what he’s sorry for; “I-I didn’t mean to be so….so absent and just- wow, I’ve done it again, haven’t I? You…that’s why you’ve been so upset. Because I’ve been upset. I-I didn’t mean-“ The tone of his voice isn’t quite panic. Isn’t quite anything, really. Hopeless and desperate, guilt gnawing at his voice box in a way that makes Sun want to cry.

“No, nonono, Moon, this isn’t your fault. None of this is your fault.” Sun cuts in, stepping forwards with frantic hands waving as if trying to dispel his brother’s self-degrading thoughts. Moon stops, staring. Silent. He doesn’t understand. How isn’t it his fault? Sun is sad, the daycare is closed, everything is quiet and dreary and it’s…all because of this empty feeling that sits on him like an elephant.

Yet, just like everything else, that guilt fades into nothing. Numb, so numb. His expression falls away into carelessness, and all he can do is look down, away from Sun’s prying eyes.

“What’s wrong? You…you aren’t at fault for how I’m feeling, okay? You’re struggling too. I get that. I’m here, alright?” The bed shifts as Sun sits down, his gaze burning holes into everything that Moon has ever known.

But then, it hits. For some reason, all those feelings hit at once. All it took was three words that his processor managed to pick out amongst the other sympathetic nothings that Sun murmured.

Moon breaks down into sobs. His whole body shakes, lunging forwards towards his brother, clinging to him with trembling hands. Sun is stunned for a moment, but then, he hugs back. He pulls Moon close and tucks his head under his own, gently rubbing his back without a word.

It hits for them both, really.

I can’t say anything about it because I don’t understand it. I’m sorry and I don’t know why.

The door opens, startling them both. Moon moves to pull Sun down, shifting to lean over his brother’s shoulder in a protective manner despite the black streams still leaking down his face.

The band stands in the doorway in silence for a moment. All for of them stare, wide-eyed.

Roxanne breaks the silence first.

“It’s hard, isn’t it?”

Everyone’s eyes turn to her.

“That…that feeling, I mean. Kinda…kinda crushing, isn’t it?”

Both brothers nod. Monty looks away, Freddy’s ears droop, and Chica steps forwards with a worried expression on her face.

“Oh, you two…” She whispers, pulling her hand back before she can fully extend it, giving the brothers some space. Moon moves back, sitting onto the bed with a dazed look on his face.

“What’s going on? Is something wrong with us?” Sun asks, mild panic sinking into his tone.

“No! No, of course not! We just…we understand, is all. You two always check on us, so…I think we’d like to repay the favor.” Chica explains, but Moon shakes his head.

“Not a favor. It should be a given. You all…deserve someone to lean on.” He mutters, and then, Monty moves forwards, pushes past Chica, and grabs both brothers. He pulls them close, displaying a gentle nature that has never, and will never again, be his trademark. I’m this one moment, he isn’t a rockstar on stage with his crew and flashy lights.

He’s a friend.

“You two deserve it just as much as we do.” Chica smiles a soft, sad kind of smile. Moon struggles to hold back the tears that begin dripping down his face again. Chica moves forwards, as well, joining the hug from the side. Then Roxy, and Freddy, all piled close to the two daycare attendants, of whom start to let all that feeling out in the safety of their friends- no, families arms.

“Nothing is wrong with either of you. You’re just…more human than you think.” Roxy starts, then pauses before continuing; “For better or for worse.”

“We have issues too. I struggle with organizational anxiety and repeated action until it feels correct or acceptable. I…believe people call it ‘OCD’? Oh, and….social anxiety is also a big one. That’s why my meet and greets are held in my room instead of backstage or out in the main atrium.” Freddy admits, and, though his timing is off, Monty breaks out into a cackle.

“I’ve actually been talkin’ to staff, takin’ advice behind the scenes…IED. It’s an…anger disorder, categorized by ‘sudden outbursts’ or somethin’. Bipolar disorder also works alongside that, so that’s why I’m sucha mess, heh.” The large gator admits with a toothy grin to follow it up.

“I have ADHD! I also have numerous eating disorders, such as Pica and Binge Eating. I’ve known for a while, and often talk to staff about their own experiences with their own mental illnesses. I like to understand what they’re going through so that I don’t assume.” Chica chimes in, then the room falls silent for a while.

“I have depression. That’s…that’s what you two are suffering from.”

Roxanne’s voice seems so much louder than it is. Sun and Moon freeze, then their expressions fall into different states of despair and the worst, most unwanted type of realization one can feel.

“Depression? Won’t we be judged for that?” Sun’s voice raises into panic, and Roxy motions for the hug to break up so that the two can have their space.

“If you do,” The wolf starts, meeting Sun’s gaze with her own predatory stare; “Send them to me. There isn’t anything wrong with feeling stuff, guys. There isn’t good or bad feelings. There’s just…feelings. Categorizing them only makes you feel worse.” With that, she stands, and shrugs.

“But that’s just what I’ve learned. To each their own.”

Both brothers look around the room quietly for a moment.

“Thank you.” Sun’s face breaks into a smile, and oh, it is such a welcome sight. Then, the solar animatronic throws his arms around his brother with a big, goofy grin on his face. Sadness still lingers there, but the presence of those around him has already started to lift his spirits.

“Come on, Moony! Lets get your nightcap, maybe that’ll help!” Sun suggests gleefully, and Moon doesn’t move, or turn his head, or shift to get said cap from it’s current placement.

But a small, hopeful smile finds itself across his face. Something fills his chassis, but he can’t find the will to care about what emotion it is. It’s a feeling.

His smile widens.

It’s a feeling that can be saved.

Ending is inspired by this post made by my wonderful mutual!

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bad-blood-animal · 2 years

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Banquet of the Shivering Sharks Summary [tentative]

he dolls want to make a film so they give Hameln a video camera and tell him he gets to be the director. Literally no one is happy about this, especially Snow. Hameln says 'What's your problem? All I want to do is make beautiful videos and you're accusing me.'

Snow says they should just get it over with but to be careful because Hameln is a dangerous man. Hameln grabs the 'weird' shark robot from the dolls because [Dorothy] made it and throws it into the ocean and targets Rapunzel who was with a random dude on the beach. She dies and their blood attracts real sharks and causes an infestation. People on the beach are being ripped to shreds. Snow drops everything and runs to people to help them evacuate. But she notices Hameln is with the dolls getting close to the sharks and is angry. She tells Hameln to stop and he says 'No'. Snow and Hameln start to argue, Hameln is says 'If I stop now, I will miss the beauty as they all scatter for their lives under the glistening summer sun.' So Hameln and the dolls are left to fend for themselves. Snow hears Mermy screaming. Mermy is like 'look you two! Hurry!' and they see the sharks are beginning to split and multiply. Mermy points out that these are 'different' species they transform to. All the sharks are getting deformed. Snow realizes this seems.... familiar. SOMEONE is behind this. Some of the species are sharknadoes that can summon tornadoes and attack people, there are ghost ones that can get through anything, corn sharks that pop corn off their bodies to kill people and there's also zombie ones. Basically everyone is fucked. Snow wonders how Hameln can be so stupid. Snow is holding her head in her hands watching the sharks kill everyone; they seem unstoppable. She tries to gather everyone but Hameln is gone, they can't worry about that right now. She realizes he got eaten. Snow says it's up to them to stop them and Mermaid just sighs. No matter what they do they cannot beat the sharks. Snow winds up cornered and about to be eaten when a large flash shines and a voice tells them to watch out and for everyone to close their eyes. It's Dorothy, and she temporarily scared the sharks. She tells them to run. They all scram to a lab she has on the beach and she is like 'Oh, Akazukin? Are you seriously exhausted as well?" and Akazukin says yes because too much playtime isn't fun either. Dorothy leads them to a door in her lab and reveals more sharks being made, saying she needs them to help her with a hypothesis. Obviously they are angry. Dorothy says sorry but she tricked everyone and she wants them to fight her Frankenstein shark breeds using specialized weapons. Snow's chainsaw can cut through sharks even if they are ghosts and Dorothy is cheering and says it is a success. Akazukin and Dorothy are also eaten now. Mermaid says she wasn't very sad when it was the dolls or Hameln but now.... There's a giant shark and they can't beat it. Mermaid tells her she has to confront the shark anyway and Snow says they can't beat it without Dorothy. Now the army and stuff shows up and no matter what they use, the giant shark can't be beaten. Not even the tanks and missiles is stopping it. Mermaid said all they did was add to the tragedy, and Snow suggests they quickly watch a shark movie and get some ideas. As they watch the dolls shark movie collection, the sharks are now space warping and going into other places in Library and they're miserable having to watch all that. Then they see a scene... and their eyes meet. Now they have the key to winning this. So Snow finds something in the lab and Mermaid turns into a giant. And Mermaid starts beating down the sharks. Mermaid is okay with it because killing her sea friends is tragic and they have to finally end this. The remaining shark corners her, and using one final mega-punch, she punches them all in one blow and they explode in the sky and their remains glitter in the sun. The two give each other a job well-done as they look over the sea. Somewhere BGM is playing. End.

#SINoALICE

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snowraven007 · 2 years

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VHS: Sweetness in Horror

One-shot

Maybe more, who knows

Faith x Jess pairing, because they cute

"Jess !" I yelled when I saw her limping shape enter the room. I gasped for two reasons: the carelessness in the loudness of my voice, and the bleeding wound on my friend's shoulder.

"Help," She said before her knees buckled. I rushed to her side, eyeing the claw marks that tore her flesh. "How bad is it ?" She asked, panting.

"Nothing I can't handle. Try to slow your breathing," I responded, and whipped out the bandages from where I'd stashed them. "We don't have any disinfectant, so we'll have to make do with just bandages." I warned her, making an apologetic face.

She nodded, sweat beading on her forehead. "Just do it."

I gently removed her coat first, then helped her out of her t-shirt. She moaned in pain as the wet fabric pulled free of her wound. Slowly, I lifted her arm and placed her hand on my knee, so she wouldn't have to hold it up herself.

My heart was pounding as I started wrapping the bandages around the wound, accelerating every time she made a sound.

"There, all done." I said finally. I helped her up, but caught her just in time as she staggered. "Hey, you okay ?" I asked, peering at her pallid face.

"I'm just really tired, suddenly."

"How about we rest up for a little while, hm ?"

She sighed, the ghost of a smile on her dark lips. "That's sounds hella good, actually."

Wrapping her uninjured arm around my shoulders, we limped together into another room - hopefully safer, and away from the monster, at least temporarily. Carefully, I helped her sit against the wall opposite from the door, and sat down beside her.

I was shocked when Jess's head suddenly touched my shoulder. "Hey, did you faint ?" I asked, worried.

"No. Just...let me rest here for a minute." She muttered.

My heart was pounding against my ribcage. God, I hope she couldn't hear it. "I thought you hated me." The words flew out of my mouth so fast that I couldn't stop them.

She chuckled, to my surprise. "I always say I hate everyone, and it's mostly true...but that part was lie."

"How come ?" I asked softly, turning my face so that her blue hair was caressing my cheek.

"Because you aggravate me, with your faith in everyone and your constant positivity - it irks me." She explained, annoyance creeping back into her tired voice.

I pursed my lips, scowling. "But why ? I never did anything to you - I only ever tried to be your friend."

"I know, and I'm sorry." She choked out the word as if it was stuck in her throat. "It's just...you're so pure, Faith, and that's your greatest strength - your kind heart, but it's also your worst weakness."

I frowned, confused. "So...you said you hate me because of that ?"

She sighed. "No. It's something I both hate, love, and admire about you, but it also makes me angry because people take advantage of you - and you let them ! You're always giving second chances, even to scumbags who don't deserve it."

She paused for a beat. "But what I really hate is myself. Because you're everything I wish I could be - that my parents wish I could be...but I'm not. I never will be, and I have to live with that fact for the rest of my life. And I know it sucks, but I lash out at you because of that, sometimes."

"Oh, Jess..." I whispered, and hugged her. "You're wrong, you know. You're a good person. You care about others too - I've seen it, even if you try to hide that part of yourself."

Tentatively, Jess's uninjured arm touched my back. God, I hope she couldn't hear how loud my heart was beating..."Doesn't that just make me weak, though ? I do it because I'm scared of getting hurt, so I hide behind a mask of hate, when really I..."

She sounded like she was about to cry, so I just held on tighter. "It's okay to be scared. But I would never, ever hurt you, because I..." I bit my lip.

"Because ?"

"I'm not as innocent or pure as you think, you know." I whispered, voice quivering. "There's something about me that my parents would hate of they ever found out..."

She pulled back from my arms to look at my face. "What do you mean ?"

"I...I'm scared that...you would really hate me, this time, if I told you." My eyes watered.

She scoffed, sat up straighter. "Faith, haven't you heard a word I just said ? I admire you ! I wish I was like you, because you're the most amazing, wonderful girl that I know, and-"

"I like girls !" I squealed, squeezing my eyes shut. The moment of silence was excruciating, regardless of how short it actually was.

"...what ?"

"I like girls...as in, romantically. I like boys too, but...I like you the most." This is it. This is the moment where she'll hate me forever, and never look at me the same way again, I thought.

"Faith. Look at me," She breathed. I opened one eye, then both, and gasped as I saw tears rolling down Jess's cheeks.

"Jess ! No, I-I didn't mean to-"

"Fuck !" She exclaimed, rubbing at her eyes furiously, smearing her black eyeshadow everywhere. "Fuck, this isn't how it's supposed to go..."

I blinked at her, shocked. "What do you mean ?"

She exhaled, then laughed. "I...I like you too, Faith ! I have for a while, but I thought you'd hate me too - I didn't know you even liked girls, I never would have imagined !"

My eyes were so wide they threatened to pop out of their sockets. "Is this a dream ?" I asked, trembling at the surrealism of this moment.

She shook her head, her wild hair swinging with the movement. "Probably a nightmare, given the werewolf trying to kill us all." She grinned wide, making me laugh at the irony of our situation.

"Then we better go help the others, huh. Do you feel okay enough to move ?"

"I do...as long as you stay by my side." Fear flashed in her gray eyes, as well as hope.

I smiled, taking her hand in mine. "I will. I promise."

Maybe to be Continued...

#vhs #video horror society #jess #faith #assassin #healer #faith × jess #fanfiction #vhs fanfiction #faith x jess fanfiction #mine

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jiminschanelearring · 2 years

Text

Law of Attraction (1)

Rating: 18+

Genre: smut, non idol au, angst if you squint

Warning: misuse of a tie, thigh riding, slight degrading language, jealous Jungkook, sex dream, fingering, I believe that’s all

Word Count: 1.6k

Pairing: Jungkook x reader

Note: It’s finally done and unedited. Sorry! Also first time writing smut...

“You have to keep it down unless you want us to get caught, Y/N.” Jungkook whispered mercilessly as his finger glided against your glistening pussy. “You wouldn't want our supervisor to know how much a cock-hungry whore you are.” his cherry lips latched onto the crook of your neck, temporarily marking you with hickies. You never had claustrophobia but at that moment everything seemed to have increasingly become more confined as Jungkook made quick work by removing his fuchsia tie. Being stark naked in your office lounge room was not something on your bucket list but Jungkook was seething when Jimin sat with you during your annual lake summit retreat. You knew that it was merely platonic and Jimin has a wonderful spouse already. Again, Jungkook did not care. It was as it went into one ear and out the other.

“ You make it seem like I’m not doing my job when you zone out like that, baby.” His snide comment matched the curl of his slender fingers that are currently making you a stuttering mess. “I want you to cream on my fingers. Can you do that, baby?” His lewd remarks only make you clench his fingers even more. The hollowed breathing intensifies the never-ending sensation that was coursing through your body and he hasn’t even penetrated yet. That is what makes Jungkook so intoxicating. He can make you breathless with his words alone-his dick was just a bonus. All too soon, you feel your arms being tugged and tied together with the forgotten tie.

“I bet you were thinking about Jimin, huh? You wished it was him here instead of me?”

You softly pant. Every logical thought you could process shifted into a puddle that was currently being teased by Jungkook’s fingers. The immense pleasure raptures throughout your body, but almost as if Jungkook had a sixth sense he removed his fingers.

“Nah, I don’t want you cumming yet. I think you deserve to be punished for what you did today.” He teases you further with his fingers ghosting past your clit until he grabs your waist so that you are meshed together like ice sticking on a car window. You felt the outline of his clothed cock brush against your pussy and hungrily you made quick attempts to remove his belt; he chuckled when he saw how much you struggled with your tied hands. Allowing some grace, he stripped himself of the restrictive three-piece suit, but not long after his sight was set on edging you again. He sat down on a nearby chair, placing you onto his thigh. The cool flesh ,in addition to your rising body temperature, puts you into a brief delirium.

“Come on, Y/n. Ride my thigh.” A simple yet extricating request sent shivers down your spine. Gradually, you rode his thigh, whimpering as each time became unbearable to withstand.

You felt yourself reaching an orgasm, gingerly digging your nails in Jungkook’s shoulder.

“Jungkook! I’m about to cum.” you warned. He replied by engulfing you in another steamy kiss as you saw flashes of white conceal your vision.

“Awf, Awf, Awf”

Startled, you woke up hearing your dog, Georgie, barking and your alarm blaring beside you. It was all a dream. A simple ruse that your innermost thoughts conjugate into an imaginary occurrence. Jungkook. Couldn’t seem to get the man out of your mind. He was an associate where you both worked and everything about him was charismatic, persuasive, and diplomatic in a way, for he was a people person but also exuded a certain reserved nature. You found him mysterious yet charming. No wonder everyone in the office loved him-your friends included.

Namjoon and Jimin knew about your crush towards Jungkook and wasted no time in tormenting you every chance they could. Joon worked in I.T. while Jimin worked in H.R. and you as an associate. By chance, Jimin and Joon knew each other from university and you clicked with Joon after technical issues transpired. A precious bean in your eyes who sometimes loses your stuff but a great companion nonetheless and then there's Jimin. Quite literally your best friend. When Namjoon introduced Jimin, automatically you were lured to Jimin and his contagious laugh, so it was no surprise when you confided in them about your crush towards Jungkook. You saw the trio conversing amongst themselves about a new recruiter once before. They never went into details about the interaction but they assured that it was work-related discussions.

“It was about nothing important.” It still rings in your head profusely.

Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you text your assistant about any upcoming meetings you had that day. Jihyo was another friend you made while working and she was the sweetest person. Granted, she is your assistant but the point still stands.

____

“Did you receive my message, Ms.Y/n” Jihyo walked alongside you into your cubicle. She informed you of a breach in security that resulted in confidential information being leaked on social media. It was your job to diffuse the situation before it escalated. “Yes, I can confirm that this situation will be resolved by today. Can you please brew me a few cups of coffee please? It is going to be a long day.” She nodded before scurrying down the corridor.

You were just about to begin your research when you heard some co-workers gossiping beside you.

“Did you hear Dana and Jungkook hooked up last night?” one whispered.

“No way! I heard he was hanging with Jen all weekend. They even said he held her hand.” the other retorts.

Mind numbing gossip that always seems to circulate in this building. It never fails. Copious amounts of rumors whether it be about a cheating scandal or someone getting fired- news would spread. It was one of the many reasons as to why you have yet confessed to Jungkook. Pressure. Dreadful pressure that consumes you within. So, longing after him was an outlet that contains you. In addition, caffeine and busying yourself with piles of documents aided as well. Call it suppressing your emotions.

“Hey Jungkook, how was your weekend?”

There he was. Cladded in a custom made suit, freshly iron and pressed to fit his muscle build so perfectly. He was perfect. Perfection wrapped in a bulgy stature with gentle eyes. Jungkook made brief eye contact with you when he greeted everyone while heading to his desk; his desk is across from you, which results in you sometimes staring at him instead of working.

Compared to Brandy’s Cinderella, Jungkook would be a noble prince, walking down an elongated stairwell as his henchmen guarded their precious leader. Coworkers flock to him like commoners rushing to at least have the handsome sire glance at them And you would be lucky enough to even be included in this fairytale.

___

“Why can’t you just confess already?” Jimin inquired, furrowing his brows in confusion. “ The worst that could happen is he says he’s not interested.” Namjoon nods.

“It’s more complicated than that. What if I tell him and we get assigned a case together afterwards? It’ll be so awkward plus it’s best to keep a strictly professional relationship. You both saw what happened with Kai and Dawn.” We all shuddered at the memory. Who knew rotten lunch meat would leave a car smelling for months, but it’s a valid point. Office relationships hardly last, subsequently Jungkook is known as a loner, so it is useless to even try. .

“ True but Jessi and Key's relationship is going strong. They have been married 12 years now.” Joon interjected. “ Office romances can flourish. You just have to first put it out that you are infatuated with Jeon Jungkook.”

“I do. Y’all know I like Jeon Jungkook.” You mutter.

“ Does Jungkook know that?” Jimin smirks.

“Does Jungkook know what?” A voice appeared making you all turn,wide eyed when you see who asked.

Kim Taehyung. Also known as Jeon Jungkook’s best friend. Those two are inseparable, practically stitched at the hip which is why you’re panicking. What if he heard your conversation ? Would he tell Jungkook? Why is he smiling like that ? What did Jimin just say!?

“Y/n wanted to know if Jungkook was free for lunch? She really needs help with this case she was assigned.” Jimin quipped.

Tae chuckled.

“I’m sure Jungkook has no problem. Lemme take you to him.”

Taehyung all but yanked you over to Jungkook who was conversing with Jen. However, the pair quickly stop when they see you and Tae approach them as they cursorily wait for either of you to speak. Taehyung finally cleared his throat after what felt like a lifetime.

“Kook, are you busy during lunch?”

Awkwardness was the only word ideal for this situation. You didn’t know if it was you pricking at your blazer or Jungkook nervously laughing at the question-maybe it was both- but at that moment everything moved entirely too slow. “I don’t think so, what’s up?” He answered. “ Y/n here need some help on a case and wanted to ask you.” Tae smirks, tossing his arm around you. “ Right Y/n?”

Tell the truth! Please, do not entertain Jimin’s lie!”

“Yes, it has been a data breach over the Christmas break and would like some assistance on this case.” You lied straight through your teeth. Everyone who has ever worked alongside you knew that you could handle even the most difficult cases on your worst day, but the way Jungkook skin gleamed under these fluorescent lights made you reconsider keeping your crush a secret.

“Oh, I would love to help out .Is today at 1 okay ?”.

#bts angst #bts #bts ffs #bts imagines #bts ot7 #bts smut #bts namjoon #bts jimn #jungkook imagine #jungkook x y/n #jungkook x reader #jungkook x you #non idol au

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mirclealignr · 3 years

Text

Hope | t.s

tony stark x reader

requested by anon -> i hope you like it. it’s my first time writing for tony, imm sorry if it’s OOC and i hope it’s okay!!

prompt 71 from second prompt list -> “I’m not gonna wait around for you to decide whether I’m good enough for you”

warnings; angst to fluff, swearing, food mention - let me know if there’s anything else.

word count; 2000+

Tony Stark was a difficult man; there was no one who had met him that wouldn’t agree with that.

But it was your opinion that his complexity made him great, though being his closest friend may have led you to draw biased conclusions. However, having the privilege of knowing him as well as you did, also gave you unique insight into the man they all knew as Iron Man. Well, you knew him as Tony first, and to you, that’s who he would always be first.

It was strange to meet people who knew him only as Iron Man, to attend parties and events where he was invited as Iron Man. It was like no one really knew him, though you couldn’t tell if he preferred it that way. But if no one knew Tony, then you didn’t exist, and lately that’s exactly how it felt. Tony seemed to be getting wrapped up in everything and everyone that praised the new him. It almost brought a bitter laugh to think they really were praising a mask. The irony.

Recently, Tony had nearly forgotten you, had seen straight through you when you were right next to him, almost as if you were a ghost of a memory. Maybe that was all you were now. You didn’t dwell on whether you were a fond or less than fond memory, for all memories are doomed to be forgotten with time. So what did it matter how he remembered you?

It seemed that you materialised on an early evening during summer. Tony hadn’t had company in weeks—too busy working on his next suit—and was eager to finally leave Stark Tower and the stress behind. At first, he was unsure of whether to call you, but he knew he needed to and so dialed your number as he got into the driver’s seat of his car.

“Y/N! You free for dinner tonight?” He asked hopefully.

“Well, yes but-”

“Great, I’ll pick you up in an hour,” he interrupted, ending the call when he finished.

You sighed, throwing your phone down on the sofa and heading into your bedroom. As much as you wanted for things to go back to normal with your best friend, you couldn’t ignore the hurt that was eating away at you. He’d treated you like you were nothing but a common acquaintance who hardly knew him, like someone who only knew him as Iron Man.

Staring at yourself through the glass, you shook your head, putting your makeup back and re-entering the living room. You weren’t going to dinner, not when your heart was as broken as it was. It was his fault it broke this way, and he’d acted like it didn’t matter—probably because he hadn’t even noticed. But after a moment of thought, you realised he wasn’t all to blame. You were the one stupid enough to let yourself fall for him. Maybe if you weren't in love with him, it wouldn’t have hurt so much to temporarily slip into memory.

As naïve as it sounded, you really had fallen head over heels for your best friend—your famous best friend at that. He was a piece of work, but you enjoyed learning how to navigate him and everything that made him Tony. It was your hope that while you were learning about him in ways you never had done before, that he was doing the same with you. But before you had the chance to ask, you’d disappeared before his eyes, and your own.

And now here you were, tears rolling gently down your face as you stared at the blank TV, thinking about Tony instead of texting him that you couldn’t go to dinner. By the time you realised your mistake, it was too late, Tony was knocking on your door, ready for a dinner in the city with his best friend.

A quick deep breath, and you swung open the door, hoping your tears hadn’t made you red in the face or left puffy eyes. Tony’s light expression quickly dropped when he saw you in your bathrobe with your slippers on, but he didn’t say much when he realised you’d been crying.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, inviting himself in, pushing you gently towards the sofa to sit down.

“Nothing, Tony,” you lied, “Just sick, I forgot to text you.”

“Well that’s okay, I’ll order in and stay here with you. We could watch a movie?” he offered.

It was difficult not to fall back into his open arms and forget everything that had happened the past month or so. You never doubted that he cared about you, just that he took you for granted and was, for lack of a better word, a shitty friend sometimes. But holding firm, you shook your head in reply, searching thoughtfully for the words with which to confront him.

“Tony…” you began, still unsure of yourself.

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

It was impossible to pinpoint exactly what about that question that caused you to break. Your best guess was that it was because he was so oblivious, so ignorant to your feelings, but you’d never know for sure. Sitting for a moment before letting loose, you almost talked yourself out of it, but his silence was deafening.

“No, it isn’t. I don’t want to yell at you, but you’ve been a shitty friend, Tony,” you started, looking at him to see if his expression challenged you. It didn’t, which only made it harder.

“It’s like I’ve been invisible. It’s been almost a month since you’ve really spoken to me or asked how I was. It sucks, it really sucks and I’ve missed you. But it doesn’t mean you can just invite me to dinner as if nothing’s happened, which is ironic because the fact that nothing has happened is exactly the problem,” you tended to ramble when you were anxious, “And none of it would even matter that much if-” you stopped yourself, for not even your anxious rambling would let you reveal that.

“If what?” he asked, his face slightly somber.

You stayed silent, heart beating against your chest, hoping he might address the other important part of the situation. He shifted uneasily on your couch, taking his tinted glass off and setting them on your coffee table. His eyes seemed tired and sunken, probably from the non-stop work he was doing in his lab, but when he brought them back up to yours, they looked soft.

“No, you’re right. Y/N, I’m sorry. I was hoping to apologise over dinner, but I didn’t realise I’d hurt you this bad. I feel pretty stupid for not noticing, because I should’ve. It’s no excuse, I’ve just been so wrapped up in my work that I’d forgotten that I had people to check up on. I really hope you can forgive me, and if you want me to leave, I will,” he concluded.

It was comforting to know that he wasn’t so ignorant of his actions, that he knew he’d treated you poorly and was ready to reach out and apologise. It made the apology feel more genuine, and not just a reaction.

“No, I don’t want you to leave,” you admitted.

“Good,” he said, picking up his phone, “You still have that pizza place’s menu on your fridge?” he asked.

“Yeah.”

Tony stood up, heading over and pulling the menu from beneath the magnet. He knew what you liked and what you didn’t, so you trusted him to make the call and order. He returned to the couch a few minutes later and leaned back to get comfortable.

“So, what would have made it not matter to you?” he asked, making you cringe from the question being brought back to be answered.

“Nothing,” you lied again, and almost felt bad for it too.

“Come on, Y/N, don’t be like that,” he coaxed.

But this time, the break was bigger, the break caused yelling and sudden tears because you couldn’t bear to tell him. But you couldn’t bear to conceal it either. Tony had shaken you up and left you to bubble and fizz until you couldn’t take it any longer.

“God, Tony, let it be!” You shouted, throwing your arms up in frustration.

“Wha-”

“No! You just never know when to back off. I mean, do you really want to know? Do you? Do you really want to know that if it wasn’t for me being in love with you then the way you’ve been treating me wouldn’t hurt so much?” You bellowed, uncaring of the consequences that would inevitably follow such a confession, “And believe it or not, I’m not gonna wait around for you to decide whether I’m good enough for you,” as much as it felt like that was exactly what you were doing.

For the first time in your life you’d rendered Tony Stark speechless, but had no mind to revel in the achievement. It seemed odd that he’d never noticed, but then again, if he’d never wanted it to be there then why would he go out of his way to notice the signs?

“I hoped…” he began. It seemed as if you were both fond of false starts that evening.

“What?!” You snapped.

“I only ever hoped that- well because-” he struggled, and instead of it irritating you further, you softened. This clearly made him relax more and collect his thoughts before he tried to speak again.

In your anger, you’d walked away from the couch and were now standing watching him squirm, looking so small. He never looked small. He stood up too eventually, walking over to you, but careful not to come too close. He lifted his arms as if to touch yours, but stopped himself short and began to speak.

“I hoped for a while, but was so caught up in my own feelings that I stopped noticing yours. Idiotic of me considering yours were the ones I needed to watch out for,” he laughed, trying to ease the tension with his famous sarcasm.

But you hadn’t time to laugh while you were thinking of all the possible meanings of his cryptic confession. “What are you saying?” you asked, releasing the tension in your shoulders as you allowed yourself hope like he had.

“That I love you. I probably always have. I’m sorry it took us to get here before I could say it, I’m sorry that I’ve been such a dick lately, I’m just sorry,” he sighed, half defeated, but still exhilarated by the thought of reciprocated feelings.

“You what?” you breathed, still trying to make sense of his words.

“I’m in love with you too, Y/N.”

You stopped, it seemed like everything stopped. “You liar,” you laughed, “You fucking liar,” you accused, laughing harder than before, unsure of why it amused you so much to think that Tony could love you.

“You’re such a-” but you hadn’t any time to finish. Tony’s lips were locked on yours, silencing you and your venomous accusations. Not even your surprise could stop you from moving your lips against his almost as soon as he pressed his to yours. You’d waited too long and imagined it too many times to let it pass by when it finally happened.

You gripped his hair, pulling him down further and savouring every moment that he was yours, every moment that he was showing you he wasn’t the liar you thought he was. His hands traced up your back having slipped into your bathrobe, leaving shivers in its wake. It was delicate—he was gentle even in his passion.

The knock at the door had startled you both, and for a moment you hadn’t the faintest idea of who it might be, until you saw the pizza menu on your kitchen counter beside Tony’s phone.

“The pizza,” you giggled.

“I hate them,” Tony said, resting his forehead against yours.

“Hate them all you want, but they have the food,” you mused, flicking your eyes towards the door.

“You’re right,” he smiled, leaving you to retrieve the pizza and pay whoever it was outside.

When he broke the connection, you let out a long breath, tracing your fingers over your lips as they stretched into a wide smile.

#tony stark x reader #tony stark x you #tony stark fic #tony stark fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #tony stark x y/n #iron man x reader #mcu fanfiction

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nfcakes · 3 years

Text

DSMP!SBI (2/4) x Reader

A few weeks back I had wrote a little angsty drabble after hearing a song called "Little Lion Man" by Mumford & Sons. I love the SBI and I just couldn't resist, so here you are.

Warnings- Angst, A n g s t, pure a n g s t, oh and did I mention,,, angst? Implied Death, Decided to fuck up the smp timeline a bit because I can <3, ooc (slightly?) Technoblade, Abandonment? Sorta? S a d n e s s

Pronouns- She/Her (Sorry everyone else, I can rewrite this with different pronouns/a real plot if people actually enjoy this small piece of writing/request it.)

"Extras"- SBI!Family Dynamic, Sibling(Adopted, obviously) Reader, Dream XD x Reader (Platonic)

Plot- After the events of Technoblade's attempted execution, Reader decides to take her own revenge because the SMP has taken too much away from her and her family. She decides to go off to the SMP and cause havoc before running away to escape death. The catch though? In return for not dying like she should have, she has to go with Dream XD somewhere unknown. While running up a mountain to both get away from everyone else and meet the god, her brother(s?) find out, wanting to stop her from running away.

Letting out a gasp, the girl stuttered a bit at the sight in front of her. The cold wind nipped at her face as she stood on the mountain top, the clouds dark as a green and purple portal appeared in the otherwise dark night sky. Hands shaking, a pair of fingers clutched onto the Netherite sword desperately; almost as if everything would vanish should she let it go. Her eyes were wide, quickly filling to the brim with tears that threatened to spill over. This couldn’t be real, she had to be hallucinating. Her second oldest brother was dead, so why was a ghost-like version of him standing in front of her right now? Eyes tracing his every single feature quickly, as if trying to find some kind of flaw or proof that he wasn’t real. She couldn’t find anything and her mind began to spiral as voices in her head began to scream at her, telling her to pick between her two current options she had. However, a voice seemed to draw her from her thoughts and distract her, no matter how temporarily.

“(Y/N), come back! Please, don’t run away from me!” An almost desperate voice called out to her as he pulled himself completely up so that he could be standing on the mountain top as well. He wore a pig mask, his hair long and the color of pink cotton candy, though it was drawn together in a low ponytail that rested against his covered back. His crown was lopsided on his head, barely hanging on as his cape began to blow furiously at the wind that picked up speed. He looked like a God, a king, yet his current expression and tone was something that almost ruined that entire ensemble all together. His eyes flickered to the side for a moment as he could hear people shouting below them as they had, as he assumed, began to ascend the mountain in pursuit after them.

Instead of responding, (Y/N) inhaled sharply and stepped back slightly before glancing up at the portal in the sky. Watching as a large, god-looking figure descended from the portal she looked specifically at the white mask adorning his face, a “X” and “D” carved into its front. It outstretched its hand towards her, welcoming the girl happily to join him. The voices began to grow louder once again, some screaming at her to go with the floating creature while the other side begged her to return to her brothers’ warm and safe embrace. She was torn on what to do, trying to find any and every explanation; reason that she should go back home. But, she knew she couldn’t go back home, that this world wasn’t her home anymore. It could never be again. She had slaughtered countless before climbing this cold, snowy mountain and even if her siblings would forgive her, she had made a deal with the creature waiting for her to take its hand.

“Please, I can’t lose another sibling. You’re all I really have left.” The long haired man practically begged. Both his hands were outstretched towards the girl in a silent plea for her to come back home with him. Oh how desperately she wanted to, but instead she recoiled from him and stepped back again. A sad smile placed itself on her face and she sheathed her sword, swallowing dryly.

“It was not your fault, but mine and it was your heart on the line. I really fucked it up this time, didn’t I, my dear brother?” Laughing humorlessly, the pain was evident in her eyes as she reached out, taking the unworldly creature’s hand. Looking at its mask, she glanced back at her two brothers one last time, clenching her jaw tightly. Being lifted effortlessly into the air, she was grabbed more securely by the other. Turning her head away, she silently prepared for the new life that was awaiting her because she knew that there was no turning back now.

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soliverse · 3 years

Text

don’t call me - k.dy

(sequel to call me a fool. you can read this by itself, but some references would make more sense if you read the first part.)

reader x bestfriend!doyoung

genre: so much angst, slight fluff

warnings: none

word count: 3.85k

synopsis: Doyoung missed an important milestone in your life. Now, it’s your turn to miss his calls.

prompt:

Ghost Of You by 5 Seconds of Summer, part of the Heartbreak Hotel collab by @nct-writers

dedication to:

@hunjins for leaving witty comments during beta reading

@johnyusangel for being my guardian angel during beta and when I was dying over a migraine + Qian Kun

@hxneyy-latte for nursing me back to health lol

taglist: @kunrengui (sorry this took a while 😔), @leolo404 @byeolhyesisi @thesongofdragons

networks: @nctcreations @kdiarynet @kpopscape @kwritersworld @culture-cafe @neowritingsnet @neoswitchnet @czennienet @nct-writers

Every day, your routine starts with staring at your phone for a few hours before getting out of bed. You'd check in all of your messaging apps to see if any of them came from Doyoung. Sadly, there's none of it this morning.

You would drag your mopey ass out of bed and start the day with dread, questioning why he hasn’t replied to your last text. Then, as you brush your teeth, you would check once again to see if you missed anything while you are preoccupied with oral hygiene.

The inbox notifications would still say zero. And then you'd wait… and wait… and wait some more hours, even days before he replies back.

Every time Doyoung refuses to reply to your messages soon, you get this sudden urge to bang your head into a wall, cursing yourself for texting him in the first place. You will then start to question your life choices, why you even texted him in the first place when you knew this is bound to happen. And that you probably sounded too clingy, too cheesy for his liking. Your thoughts filled as to why he refused to reply as soon as he could.

You sighed and placed your phone back into your pocket and proceeded to go on with your day. The academy is about to open and you have practice for your upcoming recital the following day.

You kept your phone around your vicinity even as you practiced. It's a good thing that your vocal mentor isn't here to point out your mistakes, but you're trying to hit every note as clean as you can. A feat that is impossible to do when you're completely distracted by something.

Doyoung: Hey.

That one word is enough to wash all of the worries that you had earlier. You once again attempted to bang your head into the wall, now cursing yourself for changing your emotions so quickly.

You kept your phone back at your table, practicing for a few more minutes before answering the text. This time, you sang with a smile on your lips, the burden of your worries suddenly lifted with a single word.

But that's just how it always is with you and your best friend.

Now, if you can only tell him how you feel.

///

You bowed at everyone for doing a great job at practice. You happily fished out your phone from your pocket to reply to Doyoung's earlier text.

You: Are you free this Saturday?

You placed your phone down for a moment to fix your stuff, but a ding! interrupted you midway and you just couldn’t help but look at his reply.

Doyoung: Not at all. Need help with something?

Your smile grew wider and you texted the details of your recital for Saturday. You've worked on the piece so hard that you wanted to share your success with him, just like he would share his with you.

The rest of the day went smoothly. It was full of wishful thinking and daydreams. And if it goes well, it might be the day that you tell him about how you really feel about him.

///

It was the day of the recital and your hands were shaking out of nervousness. Your grip on the mic was getting tighter, if not sweatier, as you heard the crowds forming outside to see you and your classmates perform.

The soundcheck commenced and they started calling all the participants by their name as they came on stage. You heard nothing besides your own heartbeat and your loud thoughts whenever you overthink. But you reassured yourself that you will do a good job.

You had to. Someone was watching and you wanted to make him proud.

Fiddling on your seat, you waited for a few numbers before it was your turn. You nervously walked out the stage, and you were blinded by the lights coming from the back of the theater. It was probably for the good.

You couldn’t see anyone’s faces.

You couldn’t see his face.

Because if you could, you would’ve choked on your words and hit the notes wrong once again. Thankfully, the performance went better than you expected.

As soon as everyone came together for the curtain call, your eyes wandered to see Doyoung among the crowds. You scanned left and right, but there were no signs of him everywhere in the theater.

You consoled yourself with the fact that he probably went to the bathroom, or he was already backstage waiting for you. He couldn’t possibly miss this day, right?

The first thing that you did after coming down the stage was to have a closer look at the seats, just to make sure that he really was there in the crowd. Everyone else had their families with them, their friends, their lovers.

But there were no signs of Doyoung in the crowd.

You tried hard to smile as everyone who passed by you congratulated you for doing a great job. But once again, you were distracted. Your mind was occupied with thoughts that you never expected to have that day.

Did he really forget about you?

Giving up completely, you made your way back backstage and hid your impending tears to everyone. On your way, you saw Johnny, waving a small bouquet of flowers to get your attention. This sparked a tiny bit of hope in you. If Johnny was around, then Doyoung must have been here somewhere, too.

You ran towards Johnny and gave him the tightest bear hug. You were worried that no one really watched you perform today. Your family lives abroad and they couldn’t make it to watch you, but you promised them that you will send them a video of you singing. You were really counting on Doyoung not only to watch you perform, but to film your performance as well.

He must have been here somewhere.

“Thank God you came. I thought nobody saw me perform earlier,” you were once again on the verge of crying, but you didn’t have the heart to ask Johnny if Doyoung was indeed with him.

“Doyoung couldn’t make it today. He had to go out with the whole crew of his drama to celebrate their last day together. I came as soon as I heard about your performance.”

You fell quiet, breathing deep to hide your tears and your disappointment. But Johnny knew how you felt, so he pulled you tighter against him, completely encasing you completely on his embrace. “Don’t feel sad. You did so well today.”

///

Ever since then, you stopped taking calls from Doyoung. He would persistently call and text you every night to say sorry. Any other day, you would’ve been glad to see that finally, he’s the one that’s trying so hard to reach you. Sadly, you’re in no mood to talk to him.

You thought it would’ve been cruel if you blocked his number from your phone, so you instead tried to text him excuses why you couldn’t talk.

You were tired. You went out with a friend. You just wanted to take some rest.

After hitting send, you tossed your phone in your bed, still feeling upset about him missing such an important day to you. You felt set aside like you’re the last person on his priority list.

That day made you realize that you’re spending way too much energy on someone that doesn’t return the favor. It was an unhealthy behavior that you need to get out of your system as soon as possible, even if that means cutting Doyoung from your life temporarily.

///

Doyoung was surprised to see you at the front door of the 127 dorm one day. You tried smiling at him as he opened the door to let you in, pretending that you were not upset with him in the previous days.

“Surprised you’re not busy today,” you remarked as you sat down, clearly aiming at Doyoung who was now feeling lost at your coldness towards him.

“You’re not mad at me, are you?”

“Not at all,” you tried your best to avoid his gaze because one look at your face would definitely give everything away. You didn’t want to lie to him, but it was better than saying that you were mad because you had feelings for him.

“Anyways, where’s Johnny? He invited me to watch a movie this afternoon.”

“Didn’t you tell me that you had practice today? That’s why you couldn’t meet me?”

You sneered internally.

“Yeah. Sometimes people say one thing and then they actually mean another thing. You of all people should know.”

You saw Johnny coming out of his room, fully dressed and ready for your movie night together. You waved one last goodbye at Doyoung, who just realized that you were roasting him the whole time.

///

The passive-aggressiveness went on for a few more occasions. You refused his attempts to talk to you, knowing full well that your cold facade would wear off instantly once you let him. You wanted to talk to him so bad, but your pride was preventing you from making any rash decisions. You couldn’t just go back to living your life as Doyoung’s doormat. But, as per Johnny’s advice, you got to explain to him why you were feeling that way. He at least deserved that much.

That explanation came sooner than you had expected.

You were spending a lot of time with Johnny lately, but only because he treats you like a little sister. He must’ve missed his own sister back at home, so he was making sure to take care of you as much as he could.

But Doyoung didn’t have to know that.

You had noticed the tension between the two of them whenever you would visit their dormitory. Johnny was just a bit irked at Doyoung because you were hurting, but he understood it from his perspective. He never knew how you felt in the first place, he wouldn’t have known how much he hurt you in the process.

What goes on in Doyoung’s brain though, you have no idea. He usually just stays away from the both of you whenever you’ve come to visit them, maybe throw in a couple of pleasantries before asking you to hang out with him once again. You kept on telling him that you will once you’re not busy with the academy, and then proceeds to forget about it on that same day.

One day, he’s finally had enough and decided to block the door when you were about to leave the dorm room.

"There's nothing to talk about Doyoung."

You tried to step out once again, but he didn't even budge from his place.

"Can you just tell me what I did? I already said sorry about not attending your recital. What else do you want me to do?"

You lowered your head and tried to leave again, determined not to answer his questions. But he's just as stubborn as you are, this time pushing you slightly, just enough to make you step back.

Your fists formed into a ball and your lips pursed in annoyance. Why does he care about you so much now that you're staying away from him?

"Let me leave, Doyoung. Johnny is waiting for me," you said as calmly as you could.

"Is that it? You're replacing me with Johnny? Just because of that one mistake? What kind of friendship is that?" Doyoung's voice went up a few notches, now looking as visibly upset as you are.

"I can't be your friend anymore, Doyoung," silence filled the room as soon as you said that statement. You both stare at each other awkwardly, both of you are still in a state of shock.

"I don't think this is the perfect time to tell you this, but you have to know eventually," grasping the straps of your handbag, you braced yourself for what you were about to say.

"I have feelings for you Doyoung. That's why I was so hurt that you didn't attend the recital," you paused for a bit, biting your lower lip to hold yourself back from tearing up.

"It made me realize that my life, everything about me, revolves around you. I would literally drop everything when you say you need me. And yet, I'm so far away from your priority list that you can't even sit down for a few minutes to watch me perform," you felt a bit of moisture from your cheeks. Tears were already falling from your face without you even realizing it.

You wiped your tears away with your sleeves and you held yourself back from sobbing to proceed to talk.

"But it's not your fault. I was the one at fault for lending you my time, and I was the one at fault for setting high expectations for someone who just treats me as a friend," you smiled weakly as you walked towards him one last time.

"So for now, I can't be your friend anymore. Not until I sort my feelings out and make things more awkward for us. Give me time for myself, Doyoung. I'll try to be a better friend soon."

You smiled as you lowered your head once again, your shoulders brushing over when you left the room. You didn't try to look back and walked as fast as possible, holding yourself together just before you reached the exit.

You ran out of their apartment building and as soon as you found a place where you can hide, you finally let yourself go. You sat there balling your eyes out and looked around for signs of your best friend. When you realized that he didn't even make an effort to comfort or follow you, your sobs got even louder as you sat down on the pavement to hug your knees.

"Go on... Let it out."

Someone sat down with you and started patting your back to comfort you. You raised your head and cleared the hair strands that stuck to your face to see who it is. It was Johnny.

"I saw everything that happened. I'm happy that you finally told him."

He rubbed your shoulders to calm you down once again, offering you his handkerchief so you could wipe your tears out. Once you finally managed to stop crying, he stood up from his seat and placed his hands on the pockets of his hoodie.

"If you need to cry all day, I'll be here."

///

Doyoung proved that your presence left a big mark that he never realized before. He thought he was just confused at first, or that he was just getting used to not being able to contact you whenever he could.

Just that evening, he was having a hard time memorizing the new choreography for their comeback. He kept on messing up one of the killing parts and everyone was frustrated that they couldn't move on to the other parts of the choreography. He felt sorry for everyone, so he left practice early to work on it himself without burdening the other members. His first instinct was the grab his phone and listen to your soothing voice, telling him to cheer up and that he will do better tomorrow.

But as soon as he was about to hit the dial button, it pained him to press the back button instead, stuffing the phone into his sweatpants and he wiped the sweat off of him.

He felt very heaviness, even more, when he was changing, basically ripping the door of his locker as he took its contents to rid himself of the uncomfortable feeling of sweat. He was both mad and upset at the same time, almost ripping a part of his shirt when he was about to put it on.

He hasn't felt like this in a very long time and he needed a way to get things off of his chest. But without you to do it, it was practically impossible.

He grabbed his matching hat and jacket, stuffing his dirty clothes on his backpack and he made his way out of the building.

He made sure that no one saw him in that state, especially Haechan, who gave him so much shit when everybody found out about your confession.

"Everyone knew, you dumbass."

He just wished somebody would've told him sooner, but he knew it wasn't their place to tell him about it. He felt stupid for not realizing it sooner.

His heavy footsteps dragged him to the ramen shop that you used to go to together. He stopped coming here when he lost contact with you, and instead of making him feel better, it made him even more upset upon the reminder of how he fucked up. But he needed a way to make himself feel better. Ramen worked back then. Maybe it would work right now.

He made the choice to not sit down at your usual spot, the one closest to the kitchen so you would get your meals as soon as you could. He instead opted for one of the corners. It felt awkward, but he was there to eat, not enjoy the ambiance. He ordered a bowl to himself, something that he wasn't used to seeing on the table. The bowl of ramen looked so empty on the table by itself, and so he ordered a lot of side dishes with a few bottles of soju to comfort himself.

To his surprise, he was served by the same auntie that used to tease you and him before when the two of you used to go to this place. He hoped that she wouldn't recognize and ask for your whereabouts, but he was very unlucky that day.

"Oh. It's been a while since I saw you! How are you?"

Doyoung just bowed to the auntie and told him that he was fine and that he missed eating there for the longest time.

"I'm glad that I finally get to see you! You missed your friend though, she just left earlier."

He was put to a halt. Something about you being mentioned sparked something in him. Although, he wasn't able to pinpoint what that feeling was at that time.

"I think she was showing the place to another friend of yours. The big guy ate a lot, so we're worried for a bit that we’re about to close early for today."

Doyoung felt his heart sink, but he still bowed and thanked the auntie for the meal.

He stared at the contents of his table for a while, but you would always remind him that the soup tasted better when it's still hot. For some reason though, the bowl of ramen wasn't as tasty as it used to be. He used to finish bowls of that same ramen before, but he couldn't even manage to finish one. He knew better than to waste food though, so he forced himself to eat the rest of it and jumped out of there as soon as he could.

The ramen certainly didn't make him feel better.

///

It's been weeks and the first thing that Doyoung did after waking up was to open his phone for messages. There were a few of them, most of it coming from the other members, but he wasn't interested in reading in any of them.

Getting out of bed seemed harder than usual. He felt a few pounds heavier, which meant he either gained weight or he just lost the will to get up from his bed.

He tried not to stare at his phone as he brushed his teeth, so he kept them hidden in his pocket and used all of his wills to not check on it every hour.

He noticed that there was a bit of commotion coming from outside. He paid no attention and went back to his usual morning routine, getting ready for a separate schedule that he had that morning. He went to his room to get dressed and pack the things that he may need that day. Once everything was done, he went to the kitchen to tell everyone that he was going, but he was met with something else instead.

The rest of the boys were gathered up around the table, enjoying breakfast that he assumed that you made. You just stood there happily as you served everyone pieces of the omelet that you made. You turned around in his direction and he was met with that smile that he missed so much.

"Doie, would you like some?"

The nickname made him flinch. It was something that you never used on him before, but it was enough to make him look away and step out of the room immediately.

"I'm good. I just came to say goodbye to everyone."

"Oh good!" you said as you gathered your things and stuffed them neatly in your tote bag. "I just came here to drop some food because this guy said that he wasn’t feeling well. Let's go together," you said as you tiptoed your way out of the tight kitchen, messing Johnny's hair before you finally stepped out of the room.

"Let's go?" you asked giddily as you grabbed Doyoung's arm and waved to everybody goodbye. He finally realized what you must've felt when it was the other way around.

The walk towards the bus stop was a quiet one. None of you dared to talk. But he noticed that the spring of your step is back, if not better than before. Meanwhile, he was just walking there awkwardly, not knowing what to say to you because of how he left things the last time that you talked. He wanted to talk to you for the longest time, but he respected your wishes to be alone. Now he was regretting making that decision.

The both of you stood there at the nearest bus stop, the atmosphere is even quieter since it was just the two of you standing there.

"I missed you Doie," you spoke, breaking the silence between you too.

"I was hoping that we can talk right after this. You know, just to clear the air."

He remained quiet in his place, not really knowing how to respond to her.

"Meet me at the ramen place later?"

"Sure," Doyoung almost hit himself for answering so soon. To him, he sounded very eager to eat with you once again.

The bus finally arrived and you stepped inside, making your way into the seat. His stare lingered at you for a while, to see if you would look around like how you always did when he sent you home. You took those same steps, hesitating at the eighth one to see if he still stuck around to look at you.

You hesitantly sat back down in your seat, unsure as to whether he finally looked back at you when you were about to leave.

You never saw him though, because he asked you to sit down and within a split second, he was gone from your view.

Guess you're just gonna have to find out tonight.

xxx

243 notes · View notes

xxdragonwriterxx · 3 years

Note

Hi! how about one where Levi and his fem s/o sleep together for the first time and reader finds out that Levi sleep talking about how much he loves her and that he's very lucky to have her in his life. The next morning when they wake up reader teases him about it and he's very embarassed? Thank you so much, I’m sorry for my bad English. I love you❤️

A/N: Hello anon! 💕Thank you so much for requesting, this idea just had my heart melting and I loved it because I sleep talk all the time (when I actually manage to sleep) so it was fun to write based on experience (curtesy of my sis & friends telling me about my sleep talk endeavors). I’m sorry it’s taken so long for me to get it out to you, my ADHD has been really out of control lately. I really struggle with it sometimes, so I hope I didn’t keep you waiting for too long. I’ve also been having horrible migraines on and off for the past couple days so that’s what the beginning of the story was inspired by 😅. Thank you so much for your patience, I really appreciate it. Also your english is absolutely fine, love! I hope this is what you were looking for! ❤️

🐉Song Recommendation: “The Ghost on the Shore” By: Lord Huron” 🐉

~~~

🔥Woman of My Dreams 🔥

(Y/N) knew she was supposed to be working, helping Captain Levi with his massive load of paperwork, but she couldn’t focus for the life of her, too distracted by the pained look on her captain’s face. He must’ve felt her watching him, because he glanced up at her, his eyes distant and slightly glazed but narrowed, silently telling her to get back to work. She scowled at him and turned her gaze back to the stack of proposals in her lap, chewing on the end of her pen as she attempted to refocus on the words in front of her. Despite her best efforts, her mind kept straying back to the raven-haired man at his desk, his occasional grunts and annoyed sighs alerting her to his struggle.

(Y/N) was always in awe of her boyfriend’s work ethic, constantly left wondering how someone with so much stress could still manage to push forward. He never seemed to fail at anything he tried, and he constantly pushed his mind and body to the limits, foregoing the need for rest and food in favor of getting everything done in one night. But while that part of her would always be proud of him and his ability to do so much, another part of her hated it. She hated how he’d sacrifice his own health for the sake of others, pushing himself until his body nearly shut down. Tonight, was one of those nights.

She knew Levi had a horrendous migraine. He was usually prone to the headaches that seemed to crack the skull open, but this one seemed particularly awful. He was constantly massaging his forehead and his eyes were unfocused and filled with pain. Tiny whimpers and groans would occasionally escape him, showing her just how much it was affecting him. Levi was usually able to push through the pain and suffer in silence, but this migraine of his seemed intent on making him as miserable as possible. He hadn’t finished more than two pages of work since they had started, and it was clear he was nearing his breaking point.

Knowing his preference for powering through the pain, (Y/N) usually left him to his own devices when he had a migraine like this, trying to make his life easier in more subtle ways like bringing him tea and helping him with more paperwork than usual, but this time, she refused to ignore it. It was clear he was too stubborn to admit he needed to rest and someone had to look after him and make sure he didn’t kill himself.

Setting the remaining reports off to the side, (Y/N) stood from his couch and made her way over to her lover. Before he could react, (Y/N) leaned over and snatched the pen he held from his grasp, throwing it behind her so it could land randomly somewhere in the office.

“(Y/N)! What the hell?” Levi snapped, his voice raspy and filled with exhaustion.

“I’m tired of watching you work yourself to the bone. Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

Levi shook his head, “(Y/N), I’m fine.”

(Y/N) crossed her arms, “Like hell you are. Now, stop being stubborn and step away from the desk.”

“Don’t forget who you’re talking to, (Y/N),” Levi said darkly with a huff. “I am still your captain.”

“Well you won’t be anymore if you overwork yourself to death,” (Y/N) retorted. “And don’t forget who you’re talking to. I’m your girlfriend, which means it’s my job to worry about your wellbeing, especially if you refuse to do it yourself.”

Levi glared at her, but he was secretly touched by her sentiment. It had taken him a while to get used to the feeling of being loved and cared for, but once he had, he had grown greedy for it. He never showed it, still uncomfortable at the idea of being vulnerable around others, even his own lover, but he would always love how she doted on him, how she made him feel like he was worth something. That if he died, he wouldn’t just be mourned because humanity had lost its strongest soldier. He would be missed, remembered for the man he was rather than just how society had painted him to be. His eyes roved over her usually kind face, now twisted into a frown as she glared right back at him, refusing to back down without getting him the rest he needed. He honestly didn’t know why he was being so stubborn, he knew she was right, but he still struggled to accept her help, almost feeling weak for succumbing to something as trivial as a migraine.

As if she could read his mind, her gaze softened and she let out a gentle sigh. Moving around his desk to stand behind him, she leaned down and laid her hands on his shoulders, squeezing and massaging the muscles with her firm fingers. Levi was embarrassed by how quickly he reacted to her touch, immediately leaning back into her grip. His head lolled against the back of his chair and his eyes closed in bliss, temporarily ignoring the blistering pain in his head.

“Feel good?”

Levi hummed.

“See? Accepting help doesn’t make you any less of a man. Getting the rest and relaxation your body needs doesn’t make you weak by any means. Everyone needs the proper energy to take care of themselves, you especially. You’re too important to lose, especially to something as pointless as self neglect. So please stop working tonight, for me.”

Levi was silent for a moment, fighting with himself over the urge to finish his work anyway or fall victim once again to your undeniable charms as well as the insistent demands of his own body. Just as he was about to open his mouth, ready to attempt one last refute, a fresh wave of pain washed over him, making him gasp. A hand flew to his head, his teeth gritted in pain as his very skull seemed to throb. Through the haze, he vaguely felt (Y/N)’s hands tighten on his shoulders and knew there was no way he was going to get out of this. Once she had made up her mind about something, there was no changing it.

For once, Levi didn’t fight it when (Y/N) guided him to stand from his chair, biting his tongue to keep from gasping in pain as the sudden movement made his head split. He stumbled and started to fall, only to be caught by his lover, the strong woman bearing his entire weight as if he were nothing but a feather. A light blush made its way to his cheeks despite the pain that was starting to make his vision blur. He knew he shouldn’t be shocked, she was in his Special Operations squad for a reason, but she never failed to impress him with her unexpected strength. (Y/N) walked slowly and carefully, making sure to avoid jostling him as she made her way to his bedroom. Nudging the door open, (Y/N) picked her way over to his bedside and pulled the sheets back before gently easing him onto the mattress, ignoring his protests when she began stripping him of his uniform.

His blush got a little darker as she worked on removing his clothes. Their relationship wasn’t new, but it hadn’t been very long either, and they still hadn’t crossed the boundary of physical intimacy yet. He knew she had no ill intent, but it still didn’t stop him from feeling relatively shy at the thought of her seeing him without his uniform.

(Y/N) felt butterflies in her stomach with each article she removed, but she shoved down her embarrassment and awe at his breathtaking form and focused on making him as comfortable as possible. She stopped once he was finally stripped to his boxers and neatly folded his uniform to place on the lone chair in the corner of his room, knowing it would bother him all night if it was thrown around half-hazardly.

Levi’s soft groan of pain brought her back to his bedside, and she quickly shimmied the blankets out from under his legs so she could throw them over his body, taking the extra time to tuck him in as comfortably as possible. As soon as he was nestled beneath the soft blankets, (Y/N) moved to his bathroom to get him some water, holding the glass to his lips for a few sips to help lessen some of the pressure in his head. Finally, she left to grab a small bucket to place beside him just in case he had to vomit in the middle of the night, knowing it might be difficult for him to reach the bathroom if he was dizzy and disoriented.

Placing her hands on her hips, (Y/N) surveyed her work, nodding once she was satisfied with his set up. Flashing him a sweet smile, (Y/N) turned for his bedroom door, her eyes soft and full of love as she watched him.

“Goodnight, Levi, I hope you feel better,” She said, opening the door and stepping through it.

“(Y/N).”

(Y/N) paused, her hand on the edge of the door as she peered back around to look at him, “Yes?”

“Stay with me. Please?” Levi asked, the blush on his cheeks getting even darker as he averted his gaze.

(Y/N)’s eyes widened in shock. She and Levi had been dating for nearly six months and yet he had never asked her something like this. She knew they were going at a slow pace, she knew Levi struggled with expressing his emotions, but she had always been content to go at whatever pace he was comfortable with, knowing he was still very new to the idea of a relationship. It had taken him several weeks for him to even get to the point of treating her differently than the other soldiers on his squad.

She had never doubted his love for her, even when her friends had seemed skeptical in the beginning. She could see it in his eyes, but it had taken him a long time to be able to express those hidden feelings physically and vocally. She didn’t mind, she was fine with being patient and had waited for him to come to her, allowing him to have the time he needed to find his words and indulge in discovering his own love language. It was fun in a way, a little adventure between the two of them. It made every new sign of affection from him mean so much more than normal; every head pat, every kiss, every hug, making her feel as if she had just conquered the world.

It was because of those experiences that she was able to understand the importance of this moment. Her shy, reclusive, severely touch-starved boyfriend asking her to share his bed with him, exposing that vulnerability to her, albeit innocently, was a huge step in a new direction for him.

The thought made her nervous, not wanting to impose on his personal space or make him uncomfortable with her, but it also filled her with immense pride. He trusted her and only her to be around him when he was at his most vulnerable.

Swallowing her anxiety, (Y/N) nodded and shut the door again. Picking her way across the room, she quietly maneuvered her way to his bedside and slid beneath the covers beside him, trying to make as little noise and movement as possible to avoid causing more pain to his head.

Levi grunted a little as he shifted onto his side, facing away from her while she reached over to the bedside table to diffuse the lantern flame, bathing the room in darkness. Levi felt (Y/N) shift until she was laying on her side, facing his broad back, the covers pulled up to her shoulders.

“Goodnight Levi,” (Y/N) murmured.

“Mmm, goodnight,” Levi muttered, the pain in his head coupled with her soothing presence making him drowsier than normal.

(Y/N) smiled when she felt Levi fall asleep, his light snores and gentle breathing filling the otherwise silent air. She was glad he was finally getting some rest, but she knew she would be up for a while. She had had insomnia for as long as she could remember and knew it would be a long time before her brain would shut up long enough for her to get some rest. It was that shared trait between her and the Captain that had allowed her to get close to him in the first place, late night talks with tea leading to moonlit confessions on the roof of their headquarters.

(Y/N)’s smile widened at the memory, and how uncharacteristically nervous the normally stoic Captain had been when he had turned to her that fateful night and practically spat his feelings at her. She knew how hard it had been for him to admit them to her, and she had a small inclination to say that Erwin and Hanji may have been the ones to force him to do it, but that just made the memory all the more special to her. It showed her that he really did care for her, that he was willing to lower his carefully structured walls and bare his battered heart for her alone. It was why it didn’t bother her that he didn’t shower her with compliments. It was why she was never disheartened by his lack of physical or vocal affection.

She’d be lying if she claimed she didn’t get a little lonely sometimes, and she couldn’t say she didn’t sometimes wish he could call her beautiful without hesitation, but she didn’t let it get to her. She loved him, and she knew he loved her, so she’d wait for however long it took for him to grow comfortable around her, even if that meant she had to reel back her own feelings for a while.

Closing her eyes, (Y/N) was trying to coax sleep to take her when a sudden quiet murmur made her open them again. She waited, wondering if she had imagined the noise, when she suddenly heard it again. It was soft, and very quiet, but it was no doubt the voice of her lover, muttering something. She knew there was no way he was talking to her, he would’ve spoken louder than that if he was.

The thought made her stifle a surprised giggle as she suddenly realized that Levi was talking in his sleep. She knew he’d be embarrassed if he found out she was listening, but she couldn’t help herself, her ears straining to try to catch some of the words. Silence settled over the room once more for a moment, nothing but the distant sound of the wind blowing outside filling the air, but soon enough, the murmurs started back up again, more recognizable words spilling from his lips the longer he talked to himself.

“No…, that’s not…mmm.”

“S-Stop that!”

“Mmph, no… I’m not...”

(Y/N) stifled another laugh as Levi started getting feisty in his sleep, turning to face her with a slight frown marring his features. His eyes were still firmly shut, confirming that he was indeed sleep talking, but the argument he was having with some unknown person in his head seemed to only be getting more intense.

“That’s not true!” Levi suddenly shouted, his voice raspy and muffled by his pillow.

“What’s not true, Levi?” (Y/N) whispered, deciding to tease him a bit. She knew he would probably be annoyed later, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, she wasn’t about to pass it up.

“That’s not true.” Levi said again, his voice lowering in volume but hardening in tone, “Of course I show affection!”

(Y/N) brought a hand to her mouth and bit her knuckle, trying to keep her giggles from waking him up, “Oh, really? When do you usually show affection?”

Levi’s frown deepened and his jaw tightened, “I show affection when I’m with (Y/N).”

(Y/N) blinked, not expecting her name to come up in this midnight conversation. Lowering her hand from her lips, (Y/N) sat up to rest on her elbows, her eyes sparkling as she looked down at her sleeping lover.

“How do you show (Y/N) affection?” she asked, curious to see what he would say.

Levi let out a quiet, defeated sigh, his frown disappearing into an expression that looked unexpectedly like guilt.

“Listen, Hanji, I…” Levi trailed off for a while, the air thick with (Y/N)’s curiosity. So, it was Hanji he was talking to in whatever dream he was having. The thought spiked her curiosity even further, making her heart pound in her chest. It wasn’t uncommon that Levi would be annoyed with Hanji, so the argument at the beginning of his dream made sense, but he almost never talked about his relationship with anyone but Erwin, not trusting the energetic scientist to keep from teasing him and spreading rumors about them. She knew they were together of course, that was impossible to hide from her, but he always denied her details whenever she asked.

“Shit… I… I can’t believe I’m about to do this…” Levi muttered, a slight scowl reappearing on his features.

“Do what?” (Y/N) whispered.

Levi took a deep breath, his fingers curling around the edge of the sheets to squeeze in his fist, as if he was being forced to do something unpleasant, “Hanji, I need your help.”

(Y/N) had to fight to hold back a genuinely shocked gasp. Even when he was just dreaming, she had never imagined in her entire life that she would hear that sentence come out of his mouth. She suddenly wondered if she was the one dreaming, and this was just some elaborate scene her brain had made up.

“Um, sure, Levi, what do you need help with?”

A deep breath rattled from the depths of his chest, “How do I... show (Y/N) proper affection?”

“What do you mean?” (Y/N) asked breathlessly.

Levi grunted in his sleep, his knees rising beneath the sheets to curl against his stomach. “Do I really have to explain it, Hanji?”

“Yes.”

“Fine, you idiot,” Levi grumbled, “I just… I just don’t know how to show her how much she means to me. I’m so fucking lucky to have her. She’s been so patient, so amazing, never complaining about my inability to be romantic, but I’m tired of being unable to be there for her. I’m tired of looking around at the other couples around us and seeing how loving they are, only to know that I can’t do the same for her. I’ve had enough of treating her like a normal cadet on my squad. She deserves so much more than that, she is so much more than that. She shows me every single day that I am loved and cared for, and it makes me sick that I struggle to do the same.”

(Y/N) had her hand back over her mouth again, this time to stifle her sobs instead of her chuckles. Her eyes were lined with silver as she gazed down at the love of her life, her heart thundering pleasantly in her chest. While it was true that she had never had a problem with waiting for him to get more comfortable with her, she couldn’t deny the feelings of elation she was feeling with every word that poured from his mouth. It didn’t matter that he was asleep, it didn’t matter that he didn’t even know he was talking to her. All that mattered was that he was finally saying the things she had secretly burned to hear for months.

Levi sighed, “I just love her so damn much. She’s the woman of my dreams, and I don’t think I can go one more day without her knowing that…”

Swallowing the sob that threatened to crawl past her lips, (Y/N) brushed his raven bangs to the side and leaned down to give him a sweet kiss on the forehead.

“Believe me, Levi. She knows.”

The small smile that appeared on his face made it impossible for (Y/N) to hold her tears back this time, the warm, salty liquid sliding down her cheeks to land with soft taps on her pillow. Despite the fact that his eyes were still closed, (Y/N) gave him a watery smile of her own and reached over to wrap an arm around his waist, pulling herself closer to his warm chest and curling into his body.

“I love you too, Levi,” she murmured before closing her eyes, the smile still on her face as she fell asleep easily for the first time in years.

____________________

Levi could feel himself slowly being dragged back into consciousness, but for the first time since he was a little boy, he didn’t want to wake up to the slightly more bearable hell of the day. Usually, what little sleep he got was riddled with nightmares, screams of his comrades as they either begged him to save them or blamed him for their early deaths. He was usually plagued with dark, bloody thoughts and visuals that made him wake in a cold sweat, his stomach swirling so violently he was occasionally reduced to emptying the remnants of his dinner in the middle of the night. He never enjoyed being tired or facing the titans day after day, but at least the real world kept him busy with training and paperwork, keeping his demons at bay.

But today felt different. He felt warm, comfortable, as if the sun’s rays were cuddling him in a warm nest. He felt content and unafraid of closing his eyes for the first time in years. A part of him was suspicious of the change, tempted to open his eyes and find out what was making him feel so comfortable, but the bigger part of him didn’t want to leave this unexpected bliss so soon, afraid that opening his eyes would chase away the feeling before he could truly relish in it.

He sighed through his nose, nuzzling his pillow in an attempt to coax his mind back into the warm embrace of sleep when a sudden movement against his bare chest made his eyes snap open, ready to rip someone to shreds. His stinging words immediately died on his tongue when his silver gaze snapped to the (h/c) haired lump nestled against his skin. Ah, that explained why he had slept so well, even with a migraine, which had thankfully disappeared overnight.

Levi couldn’t help the smile that curled at the edges of his lips, the look in his eyes softening as he watched his love sleep against him. An innocent, giddy sense of wonder filled him at the sight of her, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never had a woman fall asleep against him before, many people finding him too cold and standoffish to find comfort in him. But here she was, the most gorgeous woman in the world, cuddled up against him as if he were a warm pillow, her hair splayed out over his chest like tangled silk.

She was so fucking beautiful. He couldn’t get her out of his head. The past few months had been the best he had ever had, his life now full of love and happiness and soft laughter. As he stared at her, his heart about to burst out of his chest, Levi couldn’t help but reach out to her, his fingers brushing her cheeks ever so softly, making his skin tingle with how soft she was.

His hand immediately drew back when she scrunched her nose cutely, her eyes squeezing shut as her mouth opened in a wide yawn. A part of him felt sorry for waking her, but as she opened her glittering (e/c) eyes to look up at him, the other part of him felt more satisfied at seeing her cute expression.

“Good morning,” (Y/N) mumbled, her sleepy, raspy voice sending a jolt of something electric down his spine.

“Morning,” Levi said, unaware that his own deep, husky morning voice was making (Y/N)’s stomach flutter with early morning butterflies.

“Sleep well?” (Y/N) asked.

“Surprisingly, yes,” Levi said, moving his arms from around her body so he could stretch them above his head with a satisfying crack.

“It sure sounded like it.”

Her comment made him pause and glance at her, the mischievous look in her eye making a wave of nervousness course through him.

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, nothing,” (Y/N) purred, causing his anxiety to spike, “I was just unaware that you talk in your sleep.”

Levi froze. He talked in his sleep!? He didn’t know he did that! He supposed it was normal for him to not remember the event, and he had never slept beside another person in his life, aside from his mother when he was a toddler, so it made sense that he had been unaware of this unexpected habit, but that didn’t erase the anxiety that swirled in his gut.

“O-Oh?” Levi asked softly, cursing his stutter.

“Mm hm,” (Y/N) said, her smile only widening as she watched his reaction, her eyes glittering playfully.

“Um, what did I say? It better not have been something stupid,” Levi muttered, trying to fight the blush that threatened to rise to his cheeks. He almost didn’t want to know, but with the way she was smiling at him, it looked as if he had said some revealing things.

“Well, you were arguing with Hanji for most of it,” (Y/N) said, watching with a deviant smile as her boyfriend relaxed, an obvious expression of relief on his face.

“Tch, I do that when I’m awake, idiot.”

“You also said you were head over heels in love with Eren Jaeger.”

(Y/N) couldn’t hold back her laugh when Levi started choking on his own breath, his sharp inhale of shock getting caught in his throat.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” (Y/N) said with a cackle, smirking even more at the dirty glare he threw her as he coughed, “It was a joke, I promise!”

“Fucking hell, brat…” Levi muttered, covering his face with his arm.

“You did call me the woman of your dreams, though,” (Y/N) said quietly once her giggles had subsided, a light blush dusting her cheeks despite herself as she recalled the wonderful memory.

Levi didn’t choke this time, but his eyes did go wide, his lips parting in shock. He knew she was being serious. Immediately, Levi was filled with a confusing blend of joy and horror, happiness that he had finally gotten the chance to tell her his true feelings about her, even in sleep, and horror that she had found out in the way she did, while he was unconscious and having an argument with Four Eyes about god knows what. Levi couldn’t fight the blush that rose to his cheeks, his skin stained red as embarrassment washed over him.

He didn’t know what to say. He was floundering, trying to think of something, anything to either confirm his sentiment or try to divert the conversation, but nothing was coming to mind. His brain was blank, nothing but the pounding of his heartbeat in his ears overwhelming his senses. Suddenly, a soft hand grasped his wrist, gently tugging on his arm until he had removed it from covering the silver eyes she loved so much. Leaning over him, her eyes were glazed with unshed tears as she locked her gaze with his, showing him all of the emotions she couldn’t put into words before leaning down to kiss him.

He unintentionally let out a groan when her lips met his, his tongue immediately reaching out to dance with hers as they tasted each other, slow and sweet and loving. When they finally parted, both of them gasping for breath and smiling as if they had just found the way to world peace, Levi saw that a few tears had escaped to stain (Y/N)’s cheeks.

“I love you, Levi Ackerman. I love you for you and all of your little quirks, and I always will.”

Levi felt himself get choked up, but he swallowed past the lump in his throat, focused on making the goddess in his arms feel the same way she made him feel.

“I l-love you too, (Y/N), y-you really are the woman of my d-dreams.”

Levi hated that he stuttered, but he let out a sigh of relief as he finally managed to push the words past his lips. (Y/N) choked out a joyful sob as pride filled her chest like a roaring lion, making her skin glow as if she were something from a fairytale, taking Levi’s breath away. Sitting up, Levi met her half way for another soul-searing kiss, his heart calling out her name as he allowed himself to relax with the kiss, melting into her affection as if he were dipping into a warm sauna, his heart throbbing for the woman who was his entire world.

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cheri-translates · 3 years

Text

[CN] S2 Gavin and MC in Chapter 16

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers from Season 2 🍒

Highly recommend to read a summary of events prior to this in the plot review!

After the fog disperses in Loveland City, the Hunter Game seems to be discontinued

However, MC notices many coordinates moving on an island south of Loveland City called “Small Rock Reef��

She suspects that "Humans” who were caught by “Ghosts” during the Hunter Game were sent there and are trapped

Since the island is inaccessible across the sea, she heads to STF to seek assistance

There, she bumps into a familiar face, Tang Chao:

Tang Chao tells her that Lu Yi (whose Evol is gathering and transmitting data) noticed abnormal Evol energy fluctuations and an increasing number of people on the island. Because of poor signal and the fog, STF didn’t have the time to send anyone over

When the signal eventually returned, Gavin dropped by STF and decided to go to the island by himself, suspecting that the island is an important factor in the Hunter Game

Lu Yi was also sent to the island, so the both of them are currently there

At this moment, Gavin contacts the STF and gives a report on the situation: 1942 people are trapped, 284 are injured. The arena is underground and there are no exits. Since the arena is surrounded by water, they can’t break down the walls by force. Gavin suggests that they use Evol to carry out the evacuation. Even though there’s no poisonous fog, there’s insufficient oxygen

Gavin asks Dai Yue (whose Evol is creating passages between two points) and Tang Chao to head over to assist in distributing supplies and assisting with the evacuation

At this point, MC speaks up and makes her presence known:

MC: I can help too.

The earpiece goes quiet for a moment. Then, Gavin’s confused voice drifts over.

Gavin: ...MC? You’re in the STF?

Gavin seems very surprised to hear my voice. I shoot a meaningful glance to Tang Chao.

MC: I happened to investigate leads related to the Small Rock Reef, and came to STF to report it.

Gavin: You...

Gavin seems to hesitate. In that moment, a small chink seems to appear in his solid armour.

As though he realises something, he swallows the words back into silence, taking a deep breath.

Gavin: The situation here isn’t as simple as you think. You don’t have experience in rescue operations, so I wouldn’t recommend you to come.

MC: But you just said that there are “many people trapped”, and it’s a part of the Hunter Game. The mastermind is very dangerous. I just experienced the game in its entirety, and many doubtful points in the Hunter Game are hidden there. Aside from helping in the rescue, I have many things to tell you “in person”.

I pause, then continue softly.

MC: You should have found... “something special” there, am I correct?

Gavin’s breathing halts for a moment, and I know that my guess was correct.

Perhaps the thorn-covered “8″ symbol representing the Lighthouse is there.

Gavin: You know what it is?

I glance around the meeting room. Information regarding the Lighthouse hasn’t been verified. Hence, it isn’t appropriate to announce it publicly, and should be told to Gavin directly.

If I were to verify it only after the rescue, it’d be troublesome for both me and Gavin, who has been temporarily relieved of his duties.

Since the situation is already under control, verifying the state of affairs there while assisting in the rescue is the best choice.

MC: I can only give you an answer after I see it. Gavin, I can help you. I definitely won’t cause trouble.

Gavin seems to sense that I’m hesitating to say something. After a moment of silence, he sighs softly.

Gavin: Tang Chao, retrieve the communication earpiece from before, then give her some of the lighter self-defence equipment.

Tang Chao notifies Gavin that STF received a warning from “the other side” - which turns out to be NW - that they will handle the situation on the island and prohibits STF from going near

Gavin doesn’t care LOL

After the call, Tang Chao prepares the inventory:

MC: Tang Chao, isn’t Gavin currently relieved of his duties? You...

Tang Chao: Are you asking why we’re still following Captain Gavin’s commands?

I nod, watching as Tang Chao quickly makes an inventory of the supplies in the storehouse, turning his head.

Tang Chao: I don’t know about others, but to us in the Special Operations Team, Captain Gavin is Captain Gavin. It has nothing to do with whether he’s relieved of his duties or not.

While saying this, he lifts a gigantic box, his tone resolute yet casual, as though he’s talking about a completely ordinary fact.

Tang Chao: Also, he’s definitely not resting even though he’s been relieved of his duties. He simply worries even more. It’s best for him to return to the team sooner.

Hearing Tang Chao’s grumbling, I can’t help but laugh despite the tense situation.

Dai Yue creates a passage and they head towards the underground arena in the island. MC notices a bunch of people curling up and trembling while staring in a certain direction:

Just as I’m about follow their line of sight and look over, a shadow flies towards me at a great speed.

Instinctively, I dodge to the side. However, Tang Chao reacts even faster, rushing forward and immediately getting smashed to the ground by the shadow.

Tang Chao: Be careful-- oof!

MC: Tang Chao! Are you okay?

Tang Chao: I’m fine, I’m fine. What’s going on?

I push aside the “shadow” which is pressing him down, and discover that it’s a person who has been beaten to a pulp.

MC: Who would be so ruthless...

Looking in the direction where the man came flying from, the weak light casts a shadow on a rugged stone wall.

I nervously shield the fallen Tang Chao from the front, lowering myself and feeling for the tranquilliser gun I carried along with me. My hand trembles involuntarily.

??: MC?

Hearing this familiar voice makes me react instantly.

MC: ...Gavin?

Hearing my voice, the sound of running footsteps drifts from the passageway. Very soon, a slightly fatigued face appears in my field of vision.

In that moment, I finally hear the weight in my heart falling to the ground with a thud.

The moment he sees me, his eyes immediately brighten. He takes brisk steps towards me, supporting up me by the shoulder and giving me a check over.

Gavin is completely covered with dust and ash, and his hair is a little messy.

His fatigued state further cements my guess regarding those clusters of wind in the city earlier.

Gavin: Are you okay?

MC: Are you okay?

We ask the same question in unison. In the next second, we smile while looking at each other.

Gavin: Sorry, I didn’t control my strength earlier.

MC: I’m fine. It’s all thanks to Tang Chao for covering me.

Only now does Gavin’s gaze shift to the side, and he spots Tang Chao who remains on the ground.

Gavin: Why are you still lying there? Waiting for me to help you up?

Tang Chao: Aren’t you going to ask if I’m okay?

Gavin: If your reaction is this slow again, you don’t have to stay in the Special Operations Team.

Tang Chao chokes, then shuts his mouth before getting up. Gavin doesn’t add more, and returns his gaze to me.

Before Gavin can continue, an electronic announcement blares, informing them that this is the final round of the Hunter Game. They can accumulate points by killing people, and those who rank in the top three will be sent to a safe place. There’s also another reminder that water surrounds the arena, so they shouldn’t even think of breaking the walls

Gavin explains what happened when he first arrived on the island: the place was in a state of chaos, and people were killing each other. He kept everything under control with this guideline: “You either forget about the rules in the announcement, or get a beating.”

Gavin orders Dai Yue to strengthen and widen the passageway, Lu Yi to gather everyone and evacuate through the tunnel in phases, and for Tang Chao to distribute supplies

MC helps maintain the order:

Gavin: You’ve grown pretty used to the pace of STF.

MC: It isn’t the pace of STF that I’ve grown used to, but the pace of Captain Gavin. After all, this isn’t the first time I’m your “team member”.

Perhaps recollecting a similar memory, the corners of Gavin’s lips hook into a small smile.

MC: Shouldn’t we follow them?

Gavin: No, we have something else to do. Follow me.

Gavin brings MC to a place with a special apparatus. The both of them surmise that this is the apparatus Joker has been using to gather Evol energy in order to unseal the Lighthouse

They decide to study it properly after the evacuation

All of a sudden, the passageway is filled with fog and everyone starts panicking:

Waving his hand, a wall of wind appears as far as the eye can see, enveloping everyone within it and separating them from the stinging fog.

This looks incredibly similar to those clusters of wind I saw on the streets of Loveland City.

I lift my head to look at Gavin. His fringe has long since been drenched, sticking to his forehead. However, his eyes blaze like torches as he observes the surroundings calmly.

Gavin: MC, stay here.

With this, he turns around and leaves the cluster of wind, vanishing into the fog.

At this moment, I understand everything.

While Gavin was controlling the chaos here, he was also constantly using his Evol to maintain over a hundred clusters of wind in the city.

But Gavin never said anything.

He has always been like this, seeing no need to explain, and seeing no need to express.

He simply grips onto his choice stubbornly, pressing forward with an indomitable will.

My heart seems to be bridled tightly by something, and I find it difficult to breathe.

A notification beep sounds in the earpiece. Gavin’s lowered voice drifts into my ear.

Gavin: Someone released tear gas, probably to control the crowd quickly. Tang Chao and Lu Yi, remind everyone to take note of the boundary, and evacuate as soon as possible. MC, tell those within the wall of wind to stay where they are. I’ll be back soon.

After straining himself to pass on the commands, he turns off the communicator, resting his hand on the cement wall of the passageway.

A heavy dizziness continuously invades his mind. Even the crevices in his bones transmit pain.

Maintaining the clusters of wind within the city and controlling the chaos here expends even more energy than he imagined.

Gavin grits his teeth, straightening himself up, He takes a deep breath, forcing himself to remain conscious-

He will definitely not collapse here.

He spots three suspicious people. After a scuffle, one of them recognises Gavin

They are from NW, and they’re apparently here to assist in the evacuation after noticing abnormal Evol energy fluctuations on the island

However, Gavin has his doubts about their true purpose since they are too well-equipped for an evacuation mission

Gavin gets them to clear the tear gas and assist with the rescue:

By the time Gavin returns, the wall of wind is gone, and the tear gas permeating the air earlier vanishes without a trace.

I rush over to Gavin’s side, noticing the three strangers behind him.

After giving them a cautious glance, I turn to Gavin frantically, worried about his condition.

Gavin: I’m fine.

MC: I can tell when you’re lying to me.

Gavin: When did you learn Tang Chao’s Evol?

Gavin speaks in a soft voice. He can no longer conceal his fatigue, and it sprouts quietly while he leans against me lightly, letting it melt into the weight.

Gavin: I’m a little tired, but those people are here.

His shoots an icy glare at the three people at the side.

MC: Who are they?

Gavin: Have you heard of the New Weapon Project?

When I hear this name from Gavin’s mouth, I feel the tips of my fingers turning cold.

Even after such a long time, I’m unable to forget that day when Gavin was taken away by the group of uniformed men.

Neither can I stop myself from recalling that experiment he went through.

The NW organisation still exists, and there must be a special reason for their appearance here.

MC: I heard a little about them, and how their studies are highly confidential. As an organisation for scientific research, what are they doing here?

Gavin doesn’t know either, and MC recalls how NW sent an order prohibiting STF from going to the island. She finds it strange that they sent their own people instead

At this moment, new information from STF is sent into your earpiece - Loveland City is once again in a crisis. The fog has reappeared, and the Hunter Game is continuing

Meanwhile, the numbers on the apparatus continue to rise

In order to stop Joker, the both of you decide to dismantle the apparatus

NW attempts to dismantle the apparatus, but it triggers a device which Joker had prepared in advance. Poisonous gas fills the underground passageway. Even though Gavin tries to create a wind barricade, there’s too much gas coming from various places

Fortunately, NW has a conscience and assists with the evacuation

An electronic announcement blares: Due to the someone breaking the rules, the arena will be sealed up

Everyone starts panicking again, scrambling to the entrance:

At this moment, a strong gale courses through the middle of the crowd. Akin to an iron net, it “presses” everyone onto both sides of the wall.

Gavin: I’ll repeat myself. No one will die here. I won’t allow such a thing to happen. What all of you must do is trust me, and leave this place safely.

??: Why should I trust you! Will you take responsibility if I die?!

Gavin: I’ll take responsibility.

Gavin says these words firmly. In an instant, only the whistling sound of wind can be heard in the air.

Gavin: Trust me. I won’t let any of you die here. Everyone, leave one by one in sequence. Got it? If I see any actions disrupting the order, I won’t go easy on you.

Along with Gavin’s words, the wind reminiscent of an iron net disperses. Everyone is quiet, lowering their heads and waiting for the plan to proceed.

Just as Gavin mentioned earlier, fear is the fastest way to destroy order, but it’s also the fastest way to construct order.

Gavin staggers slightly. When he’s about to take a step forward to steady himself, I squeeze over to his side, bracing him just as he’s about to fall.

Gavin: !

MC: It’s okay, I’ll help you stand straight. Just lean on me.

Those amber eyes stare at me deeply, hiding all his thoughts within them.

Gavin: I’ll have to rely on you then.

At the same time, Gavin presses on his earpiece.

Gavin: Dai Yue, can the entrance of the passage be widened?

Dai Yue: I’ll give it a try.

With the effort of two Evolvers who can transfer objects, most of the people are evacuated slowly. However, I can sense that Gavin’s condition is continuously deteriorating.

Maintaining the clusters of wind has expended too much of his energy.

I hope he can leave this place as quickly as possible. But I know that he will only be at ease to evacuate only after the last person leaves.

I sigh. After acknowledging this point, I simply support him with even more strength.

Vaguely, I think about the sound I heard earlier.

Gavin: What’s wrong?

Gavin seems to sense my hesitance immediately.

MC: After that man cut the wire earlier, I think I heard another sound. It wasn’t just the emission of gas. It was the sound of something cracking.

RUMBLE--

Right after I finish speaking, a large tremor makes me almost lose my footing.

??: What is it now???

Gavin: This is bad!

Gavin quickly uses a wall of wind to encase the remaining crowd, sending all of them into the passageway with Dai Yue and the NW members.

Using the last bit of energy left in his body, he leaves us around ten metres away from the entrance of the passageway.

Gavin: Leave first...

He collapses onto the ground, as though the breath he had been holding for a very long time was finally exhausted completely.

I grit my teeth and hold onto Gavin, not letting go.

MC: I won’t abandon you!

I continuously head towards the passageway, dragging the weakened Gavin along.

Just a little more. Just a little bit more.

That large black coloured door is right before my eyes. It’s as though I can touch it just by reaching out.

In the next second, ice-cold seawater surges in violently, engulfing us instantly.

In the icy cold torrent, I grab onto Gavin tightly, spinning along with the surging water in this underground labyrinth.

The crashing barrage of seawater stirs up violent waves. I feel myself getting tossed around several times by this force. By the time I stop, I feel a little dizzy.

I struggle while swimming upwards, my arms quickly growing sore and weak.

In the icy cold seawater, all effort seems incredibly insignificant.

Just before the final wisp of oxygen leaves my chest, I halt my breathing, feeling for the portable oxygen concentrator I carried along with me.

...at the very least, Gavin has to leave this place safely.

In the dark waters, I try my best to feel for the corners of Gavin’s mouth, stuffing the portable oxygen concentrator into it.

All of a sudden, I feel the corners of my mouth being pried open by something icy cold.

MC: Mmph?!

I take a breath instinctively, but don’t get choked.

When I open my eyes, Gavin’s frantic expression crashes into my line of sight. The tips of his fingers press against my lips, and he seems to be confirming if I’m biting on the object in my mouth properly.

In the dim light, I see that the portable oxygen concentrators in our hands are on each others’ mouths.

The arms around my back tighten. I lift my head to look at Gavin, and realise that he has a small smile on his face.

The engulfing water, the dark labyrinth, bloodthirsty slaughtering, a silent scheme. All of these things make it difficult for me to breathe.

It’s been such a long time since I saw such a relaxed smile from Gavin. It’s as though we aren’t amid these dark waters, but are underneath tender sunlight.

It’s as though he has finally found an answer he’s been searching for for a very long time.

While I’m in a daze, Gavin pulls me as we swim upwards.

When we emerge to the surface, it’s as though we’ve survived a disaster. Gavin and I remove the oxygen concentrators, taking in large gasps of air.

For a moment, we look at each other, neither of us speaking. Perhaps there aren’t any suitable words which can express everything that I'm feeling right now.

In the end, I simply gather them together, assembling them into a simple phrase.

MC: Gavin, are you okay?

Gavin: MC, are you okay?

We ask each other in unison once again. The corners of our lips curl upwards, knowing the answer through a tacit understanding.

After they’ve composed themselves, Gavin gets everyone to report on their status. Tang Chao states that the evacuation was a success

Gavin tells Tang Chao and Lu Yi to meet up with them, then uses this opportunity to destroy the apparatus:

I retrieve a folding knife from my pocket, handing it to him.

MC: Gavin, even though I can’t do much, I want you to remember that you aren’t fighting alone.

Gavin seems to be taken aback for a moment. In the dimness, there seems to be faint light dancing in his eyes.

Gavin: ...I’ll remember.

He gives me a deep stare, then re-enters the water without a turn of his head.

As promised, Gavin returns in around ten minutes.

Gavin: The apparatus happened to be right underneath us. The circuit had already been damaged by seawater, and I dismantled a few key components. Also, the people from NW are finding a way to draw out this water.

MC: That’s great...

While you’re talking, the water has already begun to recede. I release a soft sigh of relief.

Gavin reaches out, brushing aside some stray hairs sticking to my forehead, his voice softening.

Gavin: When I knew you were coming over, I was really worried at first. Now, I just feel that it’s a good thing you came.

With this, he takes a deep breath, leaning the side of his face against the top of my head.

Gavin: I’m tired. Let me rest for a while.

MC: Even though I can’t be of much help, I can be your human crutch now that I’m here, right?

Gavin: Not everyone can be my crutch.

His words are dyed with a smile. He relaxes completely, leaning against me.

Tang Chao: ...cough cough, sorry to disturb.

Gavin: Turn around.

Gavin doesn’t open his eyes nor move, but his voice is exceptionally cold.

Tang Chao: Yes sir. I’ve checked the route. Once you’re done resting, we can leave.

Gavin: If you want to run laps, just say so directly.

As the water level decreases, I’m able to step onto the ground. At this point, Gavin stands up straight.

MC notices that the number on the apparatus continues to increase. The two of them think that the collection of Evol will only be controlled if the Hunter Game is brought to a complete end

They return to Loveland City

Gavin decides to use his Evol to disperse the wind from the TV tower. He tries all sorts of methods to no avail. That is, until he creates a hurricane powerful enough to envelop the entire city

Meanwhile, MC remains below the TV tower for safety reasons. When she doesn’t hear news from Gavin after a while, she rushes up to the roof to watch as Gavin “retrieves” the thick fog, compressing it into the size of a basketball

With this, the Hunter Game comes to an end. He asks Lu Yi to broadcast his message to the public, and announces that the Hunter Game is over:

Gavin: Eli, I’ll leave the rest to you.

Eli: Got it. The reinforcement has arrived, hasn’t she?

Gavin doesn't respond. After confirming that the team members below the TV tower have properly retrieved the cluster of wind, he removes his earpiece, then reaches out to turn my communication device off.

MC: Gavin?

Gavin: It’s too noisy. Let’s have some peace and quiet for a while. Why did you run up by yourself? Didn’t you say you’d follow orders before taking action?

MC: But I also said that it’s up to my own judgement whether or not to come up and find you.

I give him a meticulous look over. The gale has caused his hair and clothes to become messy. Perhaps due to exerting too much energy, his lips have turned slightly pale.

Yet, he continues standing upright, the glow of sunset reflecting into his eyes, which seem to glisten and shine.

At this point, he no longer conceals any fatigue, displaying it before me completely.

I stand on my tiptoes, tidying the ends of his hair which have been blown messy by the wind, feeling both proud and a slight ache in my heart.

MC: Captain Gavin seems to be a little exhausted today.

Gavin: Is that so? In that case, rest with me for a little while.

Gavin interrupts me softly, pulling me towards a wall at the corner and sitting down.

I sit beside him. The sky appears close enough to touch.

For some reason, I feel a sense of deja vu.

The roof of high school, a Ferris wheel operating at night... Along with the tender night breeze, all the memories related to him surface in my mind in fragments.

I had once received much warmth and comfort from him. When he needs me, I hope to be able to give him support.

I scoot towards Gavin, letting him lean against me like before.

MC: Isn’t the roof a little cold, Captain Gavin?

Gavin: Mm, a little.

Gavin’s voice is slightly hoarse, but it carries within it a smile, accepting my excuse in tacit understanding.

Then, I suddenly feel a weight on my shoulder. Gavin has tilted his head over.

Gavin: Wake me up after five minutes.

MC: Okay.

I try my best to straighten up, wanting him to lean more comfortably.

The tender evening breeze blows his fringe up. Only then do I realise that there are fine beads of sweat on his forehead.

Everything that happened today has been expending him continuously.

He has been holding himself together in front of others till now. Only when the two of us are alone together can he let himself have a moment of rest like this.

Even though I know that he’s very strong, and know that he shoulders a great responsibility, there should still be a limit to how much effort he puts in.

Wiping his sweat gently with my sleeve, I realise that he has already fallen asleep.

A fierce ache surfaces in a certain corner of my heart, yet there is also a faint hint of sweetness.

I really want to tell him that he has the right to play coy and show his weaknesses sometimes.

I also really want to thank him for not hiding this moment from me.

Seeing his brows quiver slightly, I sigh quietly. In the end, I choose the simplest phrase.

MC: You’ve worked hard...

Our hero.

Even though Gavin told me to wake him up after five minutes, I can’t bear to do so.

The curtain of night descends. Seeing that he’s still in a deep sleep, I call Eli over to send him to the STF’s hospital.

He probably wouldn’t want many people to see him in such a fatigued state.

I guess this counts as maintaining the reputation of a certain Captain of the Special Operations Team.

The doctor does a check-up for him. Fortunately, there aren’t any major issues. He simply needs to nurse himself back to health and get more rest.

However, based on my experience, Gavin has never properly followed the advice from doctors...

As such, I decide to stay in his ward throughout the night, ensuring that he keeps the infusion bag on till all the fluid is gone.

When I wake up from a nap on the second day, a thin blanket slides off me.

I pick it up in slight confusion. When I lift my head, I meet Gavin’s eyes which carry within them a smile.

Gavin: You’re awake?

MC: Mm! Why are you up so early?

Gavin: Maybe it’s because the wind is really comfortable today.

Following his line of sight, I turn towards the window. The branches of the trees outside are swaying gently in the breeze, causing speckles of light to stir.

At this moment, this ordinary sunny day enables one to develop a sense of ease which has not been experienced in a long time.

MC: Maybe after that gale last night, grey clouds won’t draw near to Loveland City for a while. How do you feel now? Do you feel discomfort anywhere?

Gavin: Nope, there’s no need to worry.

His response is overly straightforward, which makes me suspicious. I reach out to feel his forehead.

His temperature is normal, and I heave a small sigh of relief. Just as I’m about to retract my hand and tell him have a good rest, a knock suddenly comes at the door.

Gavin: Come in.

Tang Chao: Captain Gavin, you’re awake so... early?

Tang Chao speaks while pushing the door open. When he sees me, he suddenly pauses.

Tang Chao: Ah, I’ve disturbed you again, sorry about that.

After saying this in one breath, Tang Chao shuts the door with a thud.

I glance at Gavin in slight embarrassment. He seems to have guessed this development, and his expression is the same as usual. It’s just that his tone is much icier when he speaks again.

Gavin: Tang Chao, come in. Don’t make me repeat myself.

Tang Chao: Captain Gavin, I’m not the only one here...

Gavin: All of you, come in.

Tang Chao and Eli enter the room to give Gavin updates on what happened after the fog was retrieved

The fog has been sent to be studied, but the apparatus was taken by NW. They’re still trying to locate Joker

Gavin: Anything else?

Eli: Nope. Tang Chao happens to have an itchy throat, so I’ll get him checked out.

Eli offers an obviously fabricated excuse, giving me a wink before wedging Tang Chao underneath his arm and slipping out of the ward.

The ward returns to silence. Gavin coughs softly, changing the subject.

Gavin: What are you planning to do next?

MC: Tidying up some recent work at the company, and continuing our “collaborative program”.

I wink, and Gavin nods in understanding.

Before, Gavin had asked for my cooperation in pulling the wool over people’s eyes. This way, he’d have an easier time investigating an incident related to an old ex-policeman...

Even though the Hunter Game disrupted this plan for a while, I can vaguely sense that these incidents are somehow connected.

Gavin: There are certain developments regarding that matter. I’ll find a suitable time to keep you updated.

He leaves no traces behind, scanning his surroundings. I nod, knowing the severity of this incident.

MC: But there’s something I need to follow-up on.

Gavin: What is it?

MC: Before you’re completely restored to health, you can’t sneak out of the hospital.

MC leaves the hospital and returns to the company

After work, MC receives a call from a member of Black Swan, and finds out that a combination of exposure to the fog and overuse of Evol could result in pathological changes in Evolvers

MC recalls the sheer amount of Evol Gavin expended recently, and decides to check up on him:

It begins to drizzle. Without any hesitation, I immediately rush towards the hospital.

When I reach the hospital, the nurse informs me that Gavin has already been discharged.

Stepping out of the hospital furiously, I take out my phone and dial Gavin’s number.

MC: Gavin, why aren't you in the hospital?

Gavin: I headed out to handle some work. I’ll be back very soon.

MC: In that case, I’ll wait for you in the hospital. There’s something really important I need to tell you.

Gavin seems to say something, but I’m unable to hear him clearly. A series of disordered sounds are suddenly at your ear. With a final “thud”, it sounds as though something fell onto the ground.

MC: Gavin, Gavin? Did something happen?

I keep calling out to him. After a few seconds, I hear Gavin’s voice again.

Gavin: Sorry. Someone bumped into my phone earlier. I need to meet someone today, so I might only return very late. I’ll contact you again when I have time another day.

Detecting his prudent choice of words, I can’t help but recall how he reminded me that his phone may have been wiretapped when we were investigating the old ex-policeman.

As such, I calm myself down before responding.

MC: Could I look for you in the hospital tomorrow?

Gavin: Tomorrow... might not be possible either. There are other developments in the matter I was investigating before. I heard from Minor that you have all sorts of work to do. Why don’t we talk about this after we’re both done with work?

Gavin says all of this in one breath, and I find it difficult to get a word in.

But it’s a fact that we’re both busy. After composing myself, I try to speak in the sternest voice I can muster.

MC: In that case, you must first promise me one thing.

Gavin: Go on.

MC: Don’t use your Evol for now. You used too much of it before, and your body might not be able to take it. I recently discovered some things. Even though it hasn’t been verified, I suspect that... overusing Evol may result in a certain deterioration of the body according to the Evol’s characteristics.

At the other end of the line, only the soft sound of falling rain can be heard. A faint sound of breathing draws near to my ears, which makes me think that-

Gavin seems to be near me.

I instinctively look up, scanning my surroundings, However, I’m unable to see that familiar figure.

Gavin: Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll also look into what you mentioned earlier. It’s almost time. I’ll contact you again when I’m free.

After he hangs up, I stand in place and hesitate for a while.

I keep sensing that something’s not quite right, but my train of thought is unable to latch onto anything.

I shake my head, deciding to set aside these messy thoughts temporarily.

Perhaps after that momentous Hunter Game, everyone needs some time to return to their original rhythm.

Gavin quickly leaves the crowded block, leaning against the wall where nobody is. He looks at his right hand quietly.

It was only when his phone fell from his hand earlier did he realise that changes were happening to his body.

Even though his sense of touch is still intact, a few fingers on his right hand have turned transparent.

Ever since he retrieved the fog that day, he has been feeling that something was off.

However, since he didn’t feel any pain as compared to his usual injuries from missions, he didn’t pay much attention to it.

He recalls what the girl mentioned earlier about her conjecture regarding Evol deterioration, and he furrows his brows tightly.

He told her a lie. Of course, not only then.

If he hadn’t pushed himself that day, the fog would never have been retrieved so easily.

However, from the very beginning, he was already prepared to give his all.

His phone vibrates. Gavin looks at the screen - it’s a message from the girl.

Words of concern appear on the screen, and he subconsciously thinks of the girl’s worried face.

He isn’t good at lying to her, neither does he know if his “acting” from before was enough to deceive you.

This place isn’t far from the hospital, and she could be nearby. Gavin puts on a jacket and hood, covering more than half of his face.

An evening breeze brushes past, and he lifts his hand slowly.

Faintly discernible wind gathers around him, but it disperses very quickly. Gavin purses his lips tightly, forcefully concentrating his willpower, once again trying to control the wind in his surroundings.

As though losing control, a large gust of wind carrying rain lunges towards him violently, causing his clothes to get drenched.

A few black wisps entwine around his almost vanished fingers. Gavin frowns while looking at them, then puts down his hand.

The glass beside him reflects the bright lights of the evening. Gavin tugs his hood downwards.

His phone vibrates a few more times, and he decides to turn it off.

Then, he walks into the night without even a turn of his head.

[ Gavin’s Scene in Chapter 17 ]

The weather is slightly gloomy. A breeze brushes the drying pole in the courtyard, causing a few pieces of children’s clothing to flutter.

Gavin tidies the suit that he doesn’t wear often, walking into the small courtyard with slow steps.

An elderly man carries a girl off a wooden horse and back into the house. Then, he returns to the table in the courtyard, looking at Gavin fixedly.

Elderly man: Just because I agreed to meet doesn’t mean that I trust people in the STF. It happened such a long time ago. What else do you want to ask about?

Gavin shakes his head lightly.

Gavin: I’m not representing the STF, neither am I asking you to trust the STF. This is an investigation I’m conducting in a personal capacity.

The old man releases a long breath.

Elderly man: I’ve met too many people like you. It doesn’t matter if you’re an individual or representing the STF. In the end, they end up with nothing definite. You aren’t the first person to see me, and you won’t be the last.

Gavin is silent for a moment. Then, he retrieves his gun and badge from the inner pocket of his suit, placing them on the table.

Gavin: In that case, let me be the last.

The man seems to be given a fright when he sees the gun. However, he quickly reveals a doubtful expression.

Gavin turns the gun in the other direction, the handle facing the elderly man.

Gavin: This is my gun and police badge. They are the evidence of me joining the STF and becoming a member of the Special Operations Team. I’m handing them over to you. After I ascertain the truth, I’ll use the truth to exchange them back with you.

In the icy wind, Gavin’s eyes blaze like torches, akin to a sharp blade glistening with a cold tip.

Elderly man: You’re from the STF. Why would you investigate such a thing by yourself?

Gavin: My position and the truth are two separate things. I only want the latter.

The dark coloured gun looks a little incompatible with the small table.

Lily petals quiver gently in the breeze, akin to a tottering omen.

[Trivia] Lilies generally symbolise purity and virtue, but they’re also commonly associated with funerals as they symbolise the restoration of innocence to the soul of the departed

[ MOMENTS ]

Gavin’s Post: Almost didn’t make it for a routine report. Regardless of the means of transportation, there’s always a possibility of arriving late.

MC: Is flying more reliable?

Gavin: It is, but there should be air traffic control too.

Gavin’s Post: Almost didn’t make it for a routine report. Regardless of the means of transportation, there’s always a possibility of arriving late.

MC: Sparky faces traffic jams too?!

Gavin: There was a car accident, and the entire road was blocked.

Gavin’s Post: Almost didn’t make it for a routine report. Regardless of the means of transportation, there’s always a possibility of arriving late.

MC: In that case, how did Officer Gavin manage to reach in time?

Gavin: I left Sparky in the carpark and flew over. I picked it up afterwards.

Phone calls: First ll Second

#mlqc #mlqc cn #mlqc spoilers #mlqc gavin

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clonewarslover55 · 4 years

Note

I'm so sorry but can I request some more Boba love? Perhaps him reuniting with his Riduur after all those years?? Maybe some sweet fluff and then them getting back to their usual activities? 😏

Headcanons or blurb, whatever you're up for!! I'm just happy to see all the Thicc Boba™ love!!

Yes!!!! I loved this request!!! Have a drabble lol

An old lover Boba Fett X GN!Reader

Notes: It isn’t exactly like that scene in chapter 14 because I tried to be creative. So don’t expect too much.

Warnings: Canon violence, sadness, fluff, mentions of smut but no smut sorry,

Have a gif because he’s hot

You worked with Din temporarily, till you could get back on your feet as a bounty hunter again. You used to be one of the best, but when Boba Fett died you went downhill very fast. Din helped you get a roof over your head after a few years of being homeless and broken hearted.

Din didn’t need to know that you used to be in a relationship with the galaxy's most famous bounty hunter.

+++++++

When the ship came in through orbit you gasped loudly, Din looking at you. “Do you know that ship?” He spoke while looking back at the kid nervously. “I-I.” You felt years and years of memories rushing back to you. Slave I was Boba’s ship. If she was here…..does that mean??

No it couldn’t be. You had his armor…...which was probably the only thing that survived the Sarlacc. But Boba Fett was hard to kill…….so maybe? You felt tears in your eyes, kriff you missed him.

Din yelled your name and you jumped, “We need to move!” You shook your head, “Watch the kid! I’ll go check it out!” You ran down the hill, pulling out your blaster. Din watched, looking nervously between you and the kid on the rock.

You froze when you saw the ship, Slave I looked the same as always. Her paint was peeling and she was older than Boba’s late father, but damn she was beautiful. Your eyes weren’t open for long when the butt of a rifle hit you in the temple.

The last thing you saw was a Storm Trooper, then everything went black.

When you woke up you were in the middle of a fucking blaster fight. Din was practically standing on you, shooting down storm troopers. You screamed and sat up, screaming even louder when you saw someone very familiar. Thankfully you were behind Din, so you didn’t get shot.

Boba Fett was fucking fighting the Storm Troopers along side Din Djarin. You scrambled to your feet, hardly registering anything but the fact that Boba was alive. He had put on the armor, and was beating the shit out of some Storm Troopers with a Tusken Raider staff.

When the last few fled Boba walked after them, watching the ships take off. Boba Fett didn’t like to leave survivors. He shot one ship, which blew up and crashed into the other. “Nice shot.” You heard Din speak, Boba’s reply nearly making you sob. “I was aiming for the other one.”

The child was gone, which broke your heart. You couldn’t really feel that pain though, the past coming back and hurting much worse. You put a hand over your mouth, tears threatening to spill.

After the Razor Crest blew up you couldn’t even feel anything else but shock.The explosion was the last thing on your mind, Boba being alive was far more important than a piece of shit ship. Din had walked to the rubble, which gave you the perfect time to talk to Fett.

You walked over, “B-Boba?” Your voice was shaky, but your past lover heard you anyway. His head whipped around and he froze for a moment, “You-.......You’re alive!” You ran to him, Boba catching you and hugging you tightly.

You cried into his cloth covered neck, “You survived.” You whispered. Boba stroked your back and sighed through his helmet. You sobbed, but you didn’t exactly know for what reason.

Din and Fennec watched, both having no idea that you and Boba were close.

You stepped back and cupped the cheeks of his helmet. Before you could pull it off he put his hands over yours, “Wait. I was in the Sarlacc for two days…..I don’t look the same.” You shrugged and rubbed some of the chipped paint off with your thumb, “Boba I don’t care. I just want to see you.”

He let you remove his helmet, and he was just as handsome as he was the day you lost him. “You’re still a handsome man Fett.” You smiled, kissing him deeply. His lips were the same as they used to be, rough and chapped but perfect.

Din walked over, his voice sounding shaky from the loss of the child. “Care to explain?” Boba gave him the usual bemused Fett look, clearly not giving enough fucks to tell him. “Boba and I used to be an item. We worked together and all that.” You smiled like an idiot.

“When I was swallowed by a Sarlacc everyone thought I died. My recovery took me so long that I hadn’t found them yet.” Boba speaks, his fingers entangling with yours. You felt tears well up in your eyes at the thought of him alone.

~The next day~

Slave I was on autopilot, making its way to the next destination that Din had told Boba. You sat in the cockpit with Boba, watching him repaint his armor. You held the small tins of old paint as he worked silently, his strokes steady.

“You’re staring.” He muttered, not looking up from the Fett family farm mark on the chest plate. “Oh I’m not allowed to stare?” Boba narrowed his eyes, his lips twitching a little. “I missed you Boba, I think I’m allowed to stare.”

Boba glanced at you and smiled, “I suppose.” He said sarcastically. You rolled your eyes and took the finished chest plate from his hands, setting it by the others to dry. He was working on his knee plates now, the last pieces to do.

You were nearly asleep in the seat when Boba put the last piece down with the others, “All done.” He muttered, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

He sat back down in the pilots seat, pulling you into his lap. “I missed you.” You kissed him deeply, Boba happily kissing you back. You ran your hands down his arms and grinned, “You somehow got even sexier you know.” You muttered against his lips as you straddled him.

Boba rolled his eyes and kissed you again, he was never one for accepting compliments. “Too bad we’ll never be alone on this ship again.” You sighed. “When we stop he’s getting off to find a friend, we’ll be able to do some things then.”

Boba kissed your neck, the feeling sending lightning bolts down your spine. “Then I’ll show you just how much I missed you.”

Tags: @leias-left-hair-bun @iamassbuttkingofhell @catsnkooks @mxndalorians @colorfulloverbatturkey @ahsokatano-thetogruta @jedi-mando @peacefulwizardfox @julyzaa @feathersforclones @chr0nicbackpain @strangebroadwaykinks @jedi-nila-rhyn @fyrepen33 @valkyrieofthehighfae @commanderrivercc-3628 @my-awakened-ghost

#boba fett #boba fett x reader #bobafett #Old Man Boba #the mandalorian #the mandalorian spoilers #fennec shand #din djarin

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maddiwrites · 3 years

Text

Secrets of the Shore (Chapter 24)

Pairing: JJ x OC

Summary: This is just my rewrite of the show Outer Banks with my own twist by adding another main character which also happens to be John B’s twin sister.

Note: Here we go!!!!! The final chapter to this series/rewrite!!!! Thank you to everyone who’s stayed with me and has left me with great feedback and compliments. I’m so grateful! I loved writing this series and I’m looking forward to season 2! As always I love you all and forever grateful for every single one of you!

Word Count: 4k

Chapter 23 Masterlist

JJ pulls me aside by Kie's car and lets me silently cry into his shoulder while he kisses the top of my head and tells me everything is going to be okay in sweet whispers. I let him hold me because I feel like I can finally breathe for the first time in weeks.

"I should have went with him," I mumble for the millionth time in his shoulder.

"Trust me, if nothing else kills him first, you would." I pull away and give him a confused look. He quickly explains with a small grin. "I think the reason you two lasted so long together was because the three of us were there to buffer most of your fights."

"It's not my fault he's stupid." I smirk.

"See?" JJ says like he just made his point.

I roll my eyes and look over at Pope and Kie when I finally hear them talking like friends again.

"I'm sorry for acting like a dumbass," Pope stammers. "I was just upset and I was acting petty..."

"Yeah," Kie agrees with him.

"And I just..."

"It's okay."

"...just wanna be friends again."

Another round of thunder rumbles above us and I know it's going to rain any second. But that's not what has my attention. It's the way Kie moves closer to Pope and how her hand gently caresses his cheek. Then their lips meet and they're embraced together as one.

My mouth physically drops to the floor and I cover it with my hand. I can't believe what I'm seeing. Only hours before, the two of them couldn't be further away from this moment. Pope hated her and Kie was adamant about being nothing but friends. I guess Kie did have a thing for Pope. She tried convincing herself otherwise and it didn't work.

JJ laughs next to me and squeezes me tighter to his side. He shakes his head but smiles proudly at his best friend for finally making his move.

Unfortunately, the moment is ruined by another wave of police sirens closer than I wish they were.

"Hey, guys, I'm sorry to ruin the party, but, uh, we gotta go right now," JJ says. Kie and Pope pull away from each other, both of them wearing delirious grins. "Come on!"

As we move towards the car, a round of about four different cop cars surround us with their red and blue lights and loud sirens. JJ backs up, making sure I'm right behind him by clutching my wrist behind his back.

"Pope..." Kie says worriedly.

"Move! Hands up! Hands up!" Officer Shoupe approaches us first with a mean scowl on his face. He looks at each one of us, no doubt looking for John B.

"Pope, hands," Kie says through clenched teeth when Pope hesitates to comply.

Shoupe's eyes land on mine and he holds my stare for a second longer than everyone else's. I make sure to keep my face stoic and unreadable even though I want to proudly smirk in his face and even say 'ha ha.'

"We're too late. He's gone. God damn it!" He says to his team. He speaks into his radio strapped on his shoulder. "Bratcher, have your guys stand down. Let me talk to these kids." Shoupe approaches us again and looks directly at me. "All right, where the hell is he? Where the hell is he?" When I don't say anything or even as much breathe in his direction, he looks at JJ. "JJ? I see you're living up to your name." Then he looks at Pope. "Pope, how about you? This isn't a fucking game! You can do the right thing now! Where'd he go?" Shoupe glances one last time at me before looking behind my shoulder. He pulls his radio up to his lips. "Suspect has just left Station 26 in a small boat."

The man on the radio responds. "Need marine patrol to respond."

Another crack of thunder strikes a new wave of nerves through my body. John B's barely out of here and I don't know if the storm is going to hold off long enough to give him a steady getaway.

Next thing I know we're being tossed in two separate vehicles. I keep my teeth clenched and my eyes forward. I pretend to look strong and committed when all I feel is nervous and scared.

The police bring us into a large tent set up to protect them from the rain. I'm literally in shock by how many people are here, working together to find my brother. Many men and women walk past us with rain jackets with the letters FBI on their backs in gold bold letters. I'm literally speechless by how important these people think my brother is.

Every word that comes from these people's mouths sound like a code I'm trying to decipher as they speak to one another.

"They're still trying to verify..."

"Mobilized..."

"Follow Plumb to that tent..."

"Wait for your friends..."

"...SBI on the scene..."

"They killed a person."

"This way." Someone physically tugs on my arm and pulls me to sit on a row of plastic chairs with my friends.

"...That's all you can say?"

Shoupe stands in front of me, temporarily distracting me from trying my best to eavesdrop on the other agents. "Sit down. Don't move. We got a lot to talk about." He looks at the agent who pulled me by my wrist. "Keep an eye on these kids."

I look up at the agent placed on babysitting duty. Younger, fit, brunette, stubble. He looks at each one of us like he's studying us, placing a mental bet on which one is going to break first. His gaze lands on me and he holds it longer than he did the others. They probably recognize my face as easily as they would recognize my brother's.

There's a lot going on inside and out this tent. Agents speak so fast with one another you might think they're speaking a different language. Every time thunder rumbles above us, I don't know if it's my heart or my stomach swirling with nausea. Rain is pouring down outside, each drop pelting against the concrete and drowning out the demands and orders of every superior agent.

The lights are bright against the dark wall that is outside. If I keep my eyes open for too long I think my head is going to explode.

I feel fingers interlocking with my right hand. JJ's looking at me like he's waiting for me to break like a fragile vase teetering off the countertop. I nod my head in a silent way of saying thank you and that I'm still confident our plan is going to work.

"Hey, we're back up. We got power," I hear someone announce.

My head snaps forward. I look outside the flaps of the tent opening. I can barely see the lighthouse, but the light circling around it is bright enough to light up the entire island.

"Shit," I curse to myself.

Ironically, power is all I wanted this summer. Mentally and, because of Hurricane Agatha, physically. But now, I dread it.

"That's them! There they are!"

Dozens of agents run outside with their binoculars, flashlights, and guns, and tasers. Immediately I stand up to follow, but just as quickly, I'm pushed back into my seat by our babysitter agent who isn't even cool enough to get an FBI windbreaker.

Kie's looking at me with as much fear as I'm feeling. My leg bounces anxiously and the hand I'm not using to squeeze JJ's is wrapped around the bottom of my seat tight enough to turn my knuckles white.

I try peering out through the plastic 'windows' of the tent which are just clear plastic tarps cut out in squares in the tent. Boats with red, white, and blue lights chase after another boat in the water - a boat that would be impossible to see if the lighthouse was still out of power.

"Subject is changing heading. They're heading south."

I look at our baby sitter's radio that's gripped tightly in his hand.

"Subject is attempting to escape to the south."

I look at JJ with wide eyes. "He's going straight into the storm."

I don't know if it's a second, a minute, or an hour later, but my name is being called. Another agent, this one more superior than the others, stands in front of me. He's tall, bald, has light brown skin, and bright hazel eyes. He's not smiling but he looks pleased with himself nonetheless and I don't know why because John B isn't captured yet.

"I think your brother would like to speak with you," He says.

My jaw tightens and I narrow my eyes in his direction. I don't believe him. John B wouldn't ask for me unless he knew this was the end. And it isn't. It can't be.

But if it is and I don't talk to my brother one last time, I will hate myself forever.

So I follow him despite the calls of disagreement coming from my friends. He and a couple agents behind him pull me into another tent where more important agents are running around like chickens with their heads cut off.

People move out of my way like I'm Paris Hilton and they're the paparazzi. They look at me like I'm a celebrity and they're speechless with surprise and judgement.

But I don't care about the FBI, Kildare's cops, the rain or the storm. I care about the man sitting on the other end of the fold up table with a pair of headphones around his head and a fake look of concern on his face.

Ward looks up. When he sees me, he looks like he's seen a ghost.

"Ms. Routledge," The agent says to grab my attention.

I'm placed in a seat in front of Ward on the other side of the table. I don't take my eyes off of him for even a second. It's the first time I'm seeing him since our day on his boat. I hate that he's sitting here like he's a fucking victim and not the man who should be behind bars. I hate that he's being treated like an ally while my brother is being chased like a criminal.

But I love that he's looking at me like I can change all of that.

I take the headset from a woman agent next to me and place them on top of my head. I'm instantly met with rustling and whistling of the wind. A couple of disgruntled grunts swim through my ears and I know I'm listening to John B rolling through the storm on the Phantom.

"Don't listen to him. He's a liar!" John B yells into his radio. His voice comes out through the FBI's speaker so everyone can hear. Ward's lips press into a thin line and his hands tighten around the circular end of the headphones by his ear.

They must have tried to get Ward to talk John B down first. Maybe it's because Ward is technically still our legal guardian or maybe...

Maybe Sarah ended up finding him after all.

Ward finally rips his eyes away from me and looks down. "John B, I am begging you. Think of her and turn around." I'm met with nothing but heavy breathing from the other end. I hold my own breath and make sure not to move even an inch so I don't miss a single word that my brother has to say. My heart feels like it's being twisted, shredded, and torn apart by a wild bear. John B is in danger. Not by the cops but by mother nature herself. Out in the ocean where he can disappear forever. Just like my father did. And the thought itself is absolute torture. "John B, what are you doing?"

There's another long pause with seconds lasting as long as hours. My hear skips a beat when my brother finally speaks up again. "Ward Cameron, do you hear me?"

Ward looks at me again and slowly brings nods. "Yes. Yes, son, I'm right here. I'm right here. Please bring her back, okay? We'll work it all out when you get home."

I jump up from the table so fast, my hips bump against the table and shake the radio display on it. "You son of a bitch!" I yell at him, not caring about the hands pushing me by my shoulders to sit back down. Or the barks of other agents telling me to calm down. I want to rip Ward's head off his stupid shoulders and punt it into the deepest part of the ocean. Or a log shredder.

"You killed my father!" John B shouts through the speaker. It's the only thing that actually gets me to calm down and I glare straight into Ward's eyes. I don't pay attention to how the agents react to John B's accusation, because even with the truth out there, I don't trust them to move on it. At the end of the day Ward Cameron is Ward Cameron and my brother is just John Booker Routledge. "And you framed me for a murder I didn't commit. You took everything from me! You took everything from me! But I'm still here. And I swear to God, Ward, I will come back one day and take what's mine. So, you listen to me, all right? I'm coming for you." A small smirk tugs at the corner of my lips and a sense of pride runs through my fingertips from John B finally standing up for himself. "I'm coming for you."

For once, Ward Cameron looks shitless. Like he did when he realized his mistake on our fishing trip.

"You." The agent next to me points at the radio set and looks at me. "Talk to him! Talk to him!"

I look back at Ward Cameron and place the headset on my head. A crack of thunder shakes around me and I physically flinch away from it. "John B?"

Another pause. Silence that is deafening. "Marleigh? You okay?"

I can't help but laugh. "Come on, brother. You should know by now cops don't scare me."

I can actually hear John B laugh on the other end and it's the only thing that makes me feel better. "Yeah, I know."

"Are you sure about this, Johnny?"

I swallow the lump in my throat as I wait for his reply. "I'd rather die than go to jail for something I didn't do, Mar."

I feel the wall I put up when I was placed in front of Ward Cameron crumble within seconds. Tears cloud my vision at the realization that nothing I can do will stop John B from driving straight into that storm. And I hate that I understand him for it. Because I would do the same thing.

I look up at Ward as tears trail down my cheeks silently. I can tell he's calculating my next move, waiting for me to stop my brother.

"I'll take care of this, okay?"

"I know. You've always taken care of me." His voice cracks and another ripple of thunder rips through the sky. "I love you, Rocket."

A sob wracks through me and I push myself away from the microphone so he doesn't hear me feeling weak. When I gather my composure I push myself closer to the radio. "I love you, Bird."

The head agent slams his palm against the table in frustration. "No!"

I close my eyes and let the tears drown my vision. I feel like I've been placed in an ice bath. Frozen to the core, wanting to kick and scream my way out of it, feeling numb but also like I'm being ripped apart by something sharp.

Another agent walks out. "I wanna have Search and Rescue standing by."

"Any response?" A woman asks another agent.

That other agent shakes his head. "They're not calling it off yet."

Everyone's running around, talking into their ear pieces and looking at one another for any kind of clue on what to do next. I refuse to look at them because I know what's going to come next.

John B use to tell me that being a pessimist would be my downfall. He was always an optimist - hoping and aiming for the best. Believing Dad was alive kept him going where telling myself he wasn't helped me move on. Growing up, we would butt heads a lot. But as a team, we worked well together because he pushed me to go further in life and I helped him stay grounded when it was necessary.

But today, being a pessimist is my strength. Because I'm prepared when Officer Shoupe approaches me with a sullen and sorrowful expression. I don't even have to ask what's wrong because I know it's the last thing I want to hear.

"Marleigh," He says. I think it's the first time he's ever talked to me like I'm a person with feelings and not some teenager causing chaos on his island.

I'm nauseous. My heart is thudding against my chest so heavily I think it might crack a couple ribs. The blood running through my veins feels like it's been lit on fire and I'm on the verge of exploding. The dread and the devastation runs through me in half a second and then is suddenly replaced by a blinding white flare of rage.

"You!" I turn on my heels and try running up to Ward Cameron to wrap my hands around his throat, to pull a gun from the nearest agent and shoot him in the head with it, to tear his eyes out with my finger nails. But I'm easily stopped by the millions of agents that surround both of us. They physically pull me away, barely even flinching as I try clawing through them to get my hands on the entitled Kook in front of me. "This is all your fault! You son of a bitch! I'm going to kill you! No - get off of me!"

I kick and scream until my throat is raw and my legs feel weak. Ward is pulled away from me so he can grieve the death of his own daughter. I only stop thrashing around when my body goes limp. My legs are rubber and my head is heavy. I fall to the floor and fold into my knees and cry the hardest I have ever cried before. I cry for the loss of my brother. For Sheriff Peterkin. For the justice my dad will never get. For the gold he's worked so hard to get live on without his name ever being mentioned with it.

I don't know how long I stay on the floor until someone helps me up. They place a windbreaker over my shoulders and walk with me to the tent where my friends are waiting for me.

My heart is a bloodless organ, my head a hollow skull. I can't feel anything from the thinnest part of my fingertips to the deepest emotion in my brain.

I follow Officer Shoupe and two other agents back to my friends like a zombie. I can't even look at my friends because I'm afraid they'll feel the same heated pain that I'm experiencing and I don't want that.

Shoupe looks at them the same way he looked at me.

"Did you find them?" JJ immediately stands up. He tries meeting my eyes but I keep them focused on the dirt ground below me.

"No," Shoupe says.

"So, they got away?" I hate the hope laced in JJ's voice.

Another crackle of thunder makes me flinch.

Shoupe sighs. "We, uh...we lost them." He looks up. "I'm sorry."

A deafening silence falls around us and I finally look up. JJ's brows are pinched together in confusion and anger, Kie's about to burst into tears, and Pope looks frozen in shock.

"What do you mean you lost them?" Pope asks. "Like they're gone?"

"What are you talking about?" JJ demands.

Again Shoupe sighs. "They took an open boat into a tropical depression, Pope."

"So they're dead?" Pope asks.

"We don't know."

JJ snaps. He takes a threatening step towards the set of officers and points an accusatory finger at them. "You drove them through the storm, man! Are you kidding me? Come here!" It takes two agents to pull JJ away from Officer Shoupe. "I'm gonna kill you."

I don't even react to the outburst because I can't. I can't feel anything other than my own teeth clattering together and my lip quivering with the threat of a new round of tears.

"JJ, stop!" Kie tries to calm him down through her own sobs. But even I know, she's wasting her breath.

"I'm gonna kill you, you bastard!"

"Hey!" An agent scolds him.

"You killed him! He didn't kill anyone and you know it!" Pope yells along with JJ. He doesn't try to attack like the blonde, but he makes sure to get as close to Shoupe as possible.

Shoupe sighs. "We're still looking for him, all right?"

"Pope. Pope, just stop!" Kie pleads. She grabs onto Pope's arm and pulls him closer into her body. "Please, stop."

When JJ proves he's calm, he pulls me into him and holds me tight against his chest. I wrap my arms around his waist and let myself fall apart for a second time. I cry into his shoulder, not caring about the snot or tears that will probably ruin his second best button down shirt. I grip onto him so tight that I wouldn't be surprised if my fingernails ripped holes into the fabric. He's the only reason I'm still standing on my two feet. I can't feel my legs.

"Pope...Pope!"

Mr. and Mrs. Heyward run into the tent followed by Kie's parents. All four of them run to their kids and pull them into their own family group hugs.

I watch even though the sight destroys me. Kie with her two parents. Pope with his. I observe the way they hold their children, kiss the top of their head, and tell them everything is going to be alright. Pope keeps mumbling about how sorry he is and Kie is weeping into her mothers neck.

They have that and I don't. Not anymore. It's all been ripped away from me like a toddler and chocolate they're not allowed to have.

But it makes me even more grateful for JJ. Even though I hate that he's in the same boat as me, I know I can always rely on him to be by my side. We have each other and even though it doesn't always seem like enough, it is.

There's nothing that I wouldn't do for this man. He's my light at the end of a dark and dreary tunnel. My guide in life to live it to the fullest without any regrets. My life partner that's going to make me the happiest girl on the island one day. I couldn't ask for anything more from the love of my life.

Mr. Heyward looks up from his family moment and holds out his arm for JJ and I to join. JJ and I take advantage of it and let Pope's parents hold us like a parent should, despite any hateful feelings they have towards us for leading Pope down this road with us.

My brother's gone and I don't know how to comprehend that yet. I don't know where life's going to lead me and the future went from being adrenaline inducing to absolutely terrifying. With Kie, Pope, and JJ by my side, I'm hopeful that I can get through pretty much anything.

JJ's my rock and my leader. I will love him until the universe physically pulls him away from me. With him, I'll take on life one day at a time. Each one will be a struggle, but I made a promise to John B that I refuse not to keep until the day I die.

I will take care of this. I will make sure Ward Cameron gets what's coming to him. And I will not let him take anything else away from me. Not even over my dead body.

Taglist: @notyourcupofteax @acvross-the-universe @jjmaybankzz @moniamaybank @realistic-breadstick @urbinoutfiters @jeeperky @brebear121 @x-lulu @freddymaybank @jjpouggues @lemur46 @is-it-really-a-secret @kkmikayla @folkloverr @alexa-playafricabytoto @jjxrudy @migilini @buckysbcrnes @rochyu @itsagurl @dazzlingnights

#jj maybank #jj maybank fic #jj maybank x oc #outer banks rewrite

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