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yanara126-writing · 2 months ago

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The Height of Friendship

Before there was a plague in Dunwall, before the Empress fell to a Whaler blade, there used to be a time of peace in Dunwall Tower, a time when adventure did not mean blood and pain and suffering, but dirtied clothes, green trees, stolen pastries, friendship, and the safety of knowing there will always be someone catch to you.

Read here or on Ao3 (6680 words)

Have fun! Comments always welcome! :)

Day 15 of the Month of Nets, 1835. A warm and sunny day and, as far as Royal Protector Corvo Attano was concerned, a calm one. Empress Jessamine Kaldwin was having tea in the garden pavilion with some of the more polite court ladies, sitting around a prettily decked out table and enjoying a break from endless meetings. He himself was of course standing, as was befitting of the Royal Protector, turned just slightly to the side to grant the ladies some privacy while still overseeing any potential danger. (There had been a few too many giggles in his direction for Corvo's taste recently, many of them Jessamine's as she teased him for his attempts at dodging the rumour mill. He refused to surrender and had thus declared a strict period of professionalism. Jess had giggled at that too. Corvo had turned away so she wouldn't see his smile.)

The comfortable peace was broken suddenly, as so often, by the crown princess, Lady Emily. Running from the direction of the backyard gardens she could be heard shouting before she even rounded the corner, but instead of her usual excitement over an interesting bug or one of her artworks her voice was instead filled with anxiety, putting Corvo instantly on high alert. He knew his- the princess' tones very well, and she didn't sound to be in pain or terrified of imminent bodily danger, but nonetheless distressed. He left his weapons sheathed but moved his hand to the sword pommel.

"Corvo! Corvo, come help please!" Emily ran so fast she nearly collided into him in her haste and grabbed him by his coat, pulling him back towards where she'd come from with surprising strength for an eight-year old. Her short hair, usually styled as neatly as her mother's, was ruffled so much her hair bow was nearly sliding off, and her little white suit had streaks of dirt all over it. Before he could even ask what was wrong she was already rambling on, never letting up in her pulling. "It's Hadria! She got stuck in a tree! We were playing hide-and-seek and she found me so I told her it's her turn now but she hid so well that I couldn't find her for so long and I said she won and to come out but she didn't and then I heard her crying and saw her up in a tree really high but she's scared to come down again! I tried to help her but I couldn't get up and now she's still stuck and you have to help her Corvo I didn't mean to get her stuck I promise!"

Behind him Corvo noticed the court women had been stunned into silence as by the end Emily was near tears over her friend's predicament. Corvo himself relaxed and removed his hand from the sword, assured that no serious threat needed to be dealt with. This situation needed a different weapon. He glanced behind himself at Jessamine who had already risen from her chair and was smiling placidly at her companions.

"Excuse me, ladies, it seems duty calls. Please enjoy the tea, and we will meet again next week." The other women smiled and nodded, sending Emily some sympathetic looks as she was still pulling on Corvo's coat. Gently he pried off her fingers and instead took her hand in his so she wouldn't try to run backwards all the way to the ill-fated tree. She grasped onto his hand with all her eight-year old might and started pulling him again insistently. Jessamine stepped up right next to him and so he obeyed the princess' order and followed her away from the pavilion and into a more secluded corner of the garden, behind the tower.

It was undeniably an excellent location for hide-and-seek (Corvo had won many a round here, though bragging about winning hide-and-seek against two eight-year olds would get him laughed at by Jess again) with the many voluminous bushes, thick trees and occasional decorative fences around. The area had originally been constructed for the Empress' coronation festivities, but Jess had liked the cloistered feeling, and so the chaotic mixture of plants and decoration had stayed, later becoming the the perfect playground for Emily. Unfortunately the usually peaceful atmosphere was disturbed by the audible sobbing of a little girl coming from a tree at the far edge of the garden. Corvo spotted her in one of the old oak trees lining the outer perimeter, clinging to the thick trunk with desperation, a good few metres above the ground. A quick glance assured him that Jessamine had taken Emily's other hand, so he let go and started jogging faster towards the tree to save the crying child. Emily readily let him go once in sight of the tree and started shouting towards her friend.

"I brought Corvo! He'll get you down, don't worry!" Corvo did smile a little at that as he was hurrying towards the poor, crying girl. His job was not always comfortable or reassuring, but that was alright. He'd take a thousand sleepless nights, combat wounds and snide comments from the Gristol nobility, if it also included saving little girls from being stuck in trees, if it meant Emily's complete conviction that he would always be there to help her, no matter what.

Once at the tree Corvo quickly recognized the problem. The bark was filled with convenient fissures, strong enough to hold at least a child if not a fully grown adult, and there were plenty of branches capable of holding even his weight. However, the branches only started at about half the height of where Hadria had climbed to, and while the fissures were plenty enough for climbing up when one could see them, climbing down was another matter entirely for an inexperienced climber who also only stood to about his waist in height. With a bit of practice in falling right she probably could have even jumped from the lower branches and been completely fine, but that was practice she didn't have and, if Corvo could help it, would never need.

After a brief moment of testing the stability, Corvo started carefully climbing the tree. His boots were a bit of a hindrance, designed for stability on flat ground for combat purposes, not as climbing tools, but his long reach made up for it as long he was careful where he placed his feet. It didn't take long for him to reach the proper branches and then pull himself up to Hadria's perch, sitting next to her on the branch. By the time he was up, her heartbreaking sobbing had turned into quiet sniffling as she watched him climb towards her. He sat for a moment, looking out over the garden. The view wasn't particularly far with the plenty other trees to one side and the high wall on the other, but it was nice nonetheless. A secluded little corner, away from any disturbances. Below he could see Jess and Emily waiting, still hand in hand, the former with mild concern on her face, the latter practically vibrating out of her skin with nerves. He turned to the child next to him, who was decisively not looking down and instead simply stared at him with watery eyes while clinging to the tree, rumpling her ready dirty white dress. Perhaps this could be a moment of growth...

Scooting a bit closer to not give her the wrong impression Corvo let his eyes wander a bit again. "Nice little place up here, with the view. Don't you think?" Hadria didn't answer, but she hesitantly followed his gaze, looking out over the garden. That courage didn't hold long though and she quickly turned away again. In a moment of what was either all-encompassing desperation or impressive bravery she nearly threw herself at him, despite having to let go of the trunk, and clung to him with a death grip, her arms around his neck and her face buried into bis chest, the delicate braids tying back her hair falling apart with the force. Perhaps not the right moment then.

"Alright, understood. Let's get you down from here." He chuckled lightly. "Hold tight." Probably an unnecessary order considering she seemed determined to press all air out of his lungs with the force she clung to him with, but better safe than sorry.

Scaling down with a child clinging to his chest proved more challenging than probably necessary, but that was alright. Having her hold onto his back would have likely made the descent easier as he wouldn't have had to reach around her, but convincing her to change her grip would have been more difficult than simply dealing with the slight hindrance. Once down to the last thick branch he considered trying to use the fissures but decided against it. He'd been careful in choosing where to put his weight when climbing up, but he couldn't be sure they would also hold Hadria on top of that. Even if he were to slip they would be fine, perhaps a bit bruised at most, but there was no need to scare the girl even more with an uncontrolled fall. Instead he sat on the last branch, wrapped one arm around the child and scooted forward a bit.

"Careful," he mumbled into her hair so she wouldn't be too horribly surprised, but didn't specify. He jumped the last distance, easily bending in the knees and catching himself while holding onto the girl who only had time to gasp before they were already on the ground again. Immediately Emily flung herself at him before he even had a chance to put her friend back on her own feet. She mumbled something unintelligible into his coat that might have included the words 'Corvo', 'thank you', and 'sorry', though whether they were aimed at him or at Hadria he couldn't tell.

Eventually Jessamine took mercy on Corvo and gently lifted Hadria off of him to put her back on the ground over Emily's head, who quickly changed target and immediately threw her arms around Hadria's neck instead. Hadria herself still seemed shaken and was sniffling, her eyes and nose red from the tears, but she had stopped crying at least.

"I hope you both learnt a lesson about not climbing things you can't get down from again, yes?" Jessamine looked the girls over, her face deliberately stern even as her eyes shone with affection. Corvo stood back for the moment, his duty done and well aware that he could never quite manage to scold either of them as well as he should. Jessamine had always been better about this part of parenting. Softie is what Jess would call him. Playful is what he'd call himself. And then Jess would call him a child and laugh, giving him a light shove.

Hadria started tearing up again at the light scolding and even Emily fixed her eyes on the ground, clearly chagrined. Jessamine quickly dropped the stern facade and crouched down in front of them, a soft smile on her face.

"Now now, it's alright, there's no reason to cry anymore. After all, we have our strong and mighty protector." Jess glanced over at him for just a moment and Corvo found himself smiling again. They did, and as far he was concerned they always would. "How about we have a little story session in the garden? I have some time still before the next meeting." Emily immediately erupted into demands of which story should be read, the gloom of the situation immediately forgotten. Hadria didn't seem quite as convinced, but still her sniffling grew quiet and she seemed intrigued at some of Emily's suggestions.

Jessamine smiled and took them both by the hand, leading them off towards the more open area of the large garden, Corvo always following.

It was a coincidence he noticed them when he did, a testament to them having clearly learned from their prior mistakes. The sun had already set, the girls been tucked into bed and Jess had successfully convinced him to spend the night with her rather than return to his adjacent quarters, despite his token protest. He'd only meant to lock his door to avoid awkward questions in the morning and was already back to Jessamine's door, standing in the open doorway, when he heard the tell-tale thudding of two pairs small feet traipsing down the hall. Away from the sleeping quarters.

"Is everything alright?" Jessamine put down her book of the Pandyssian myths and watched as he stood in the doorway peering down the hall, concern wrinkling her brow. Corvo smiled reassuringly.

"Nothing to worry about. We just have some nestlings on the loose. Trying to rob the kitchen again, I'd guess." A few months ago Emily had discovered a back entry into the kitchen, and since then nothing could hold her back from trying to sneak in and snack on the pastries already prepared for breakfast, not even the fact that the 'back entry' was a hole for trash. Hadria was usually co-opted into standing on lookout while Emily pilfered the jar, at least the few times they even got that far. Admonishment when they were inevitably caught would only stop them for so long before they were at it again.

Jess relaxed again, the tension easing from her and Corvo couldn't help himself but admire her for a moment as she was draped on her bed. She was always beautiful, of course she was, but quietly he preferred her like this. She was impressive as the Empress, stoic, regal, dictating the latest fashions with her elaborate hairdos and expensive suits. But here, with him, she let go of that tension she always carried, her long silky hair flowed down over her simple night gown, and that small, amused smile about th- her daughter's antics was worth all the world's grandest speeches.

"You should save our breakfast from the hungry beaks then." Her eyes shimmered in the low light of the lamps like the stars reflected in the wide expanse of the ocean. He didn't quite trust his voice, so Corvo said nothing but returned her smile, before slipping quietly out the door and after the children.

For a moment he debated with himself over what to do. It was very much past their bed time after all, and yet... They had managed to not let their plan on throughout the whole day and had nearly managed to sneak past him. The tower was secure enough and he would be behind them the entire time. He was curious to see how far they would get.

Soon he spotted them peeking around a corner ahead watching for the patrolling guard. While they dutifully kept their eyes out front and he could see Emily counting out the seconds with her hands, they did not think to look behind themselves. Corvo smirked and leaned against the wall, watching the girls intently stare down the hallway.

Moments passed, then Emily waved to Hadria and they hurried towards and down the stairs. Corvo followed quietly, making sure to stay just out of easy eyesight without losing track of the children. They made their way down the steps into the reception hall, making sure to hide behind every piece of furniture along the way, despite the lack of guards around. It took them a while to get to the room's doors, but by the end they were quietly giggling, having lost focus from the stealth objective. Eventually they reached the exit to the next hallway, from where it wouldn't be far anymore down to the kitchen. They had clearly run out of patience now, as Emily only threw a passing glance in either direction before scurrying along again, Hadria trailing close behind her. Deciding to save some time Corvo vaulted over the handrail down the rest of the way. The noise of his landing was largely absorbed by the soft boots he was wearing, but with the way the girls were engrossed in their own sneaking he doubted they would have noticed either way. He quickly stepped out of the doorway and followed them as they hurried down the corridor, staying always a little ways behind them.

Their waning attention had them miss the guard currently patrolling through an adjacent passage. They might have even gotten away with it anyway if not for the bad luck of the guard turning just in time to see them scurry past. The man did a double take and stepped forward, opening his mouth to call out. Not willing to let their little game end just yet, Corvo hurried into view of the guard on quiet soles and gestured for him to back off, pressing a finger to his lips. The guard hesitated, hand still vaguely raised, but he stayed silent. Corvo threw him a thankful smile and continued on, noting from the corner of his eye the way the guard tracked his movement with helpless confusion on his face. Corvo quietly chuckled to himself as he continued after the girls. They certainly had to make for an interesting sight, the princess and her friend in their nightgowns scampering through the tower in the middle of the night like burglars, followed by the Royal Protector in merely a loose tunic and a pair of slacks, a sheathed sword hanging from his hip.

For a moment something a bit like guilt bit into him, remembering Jess waiting for him back in her chambers. She would certainly not approve of their late-night outing through the tower. The moment didn't last for very long though. Jess would understand, and kids needed a bit of adventure to cut their teeth on. Letting them run around the streets of Dunwall to explore like he had done as a child back in Karnaka was simply too dangerous, but every time Emily looked at him with her big eyes, begging for a chance at adventure, and he had to say no, Corvo felt his heart break a little more. The Tower was secure and he would be there every step of the way. He would let them have this night.

Eventually they reached the back entrance into the kitchen, though it wasn't so much a back entrance as it was a broad hole in the floor, down to an alcove in the kitchen where the garbage container was placed. The opening had originally been constructed for convenience in disposal of any waste and garbage from the nearby servants' quarters as well as ease of communication with the kitchen personnel. A few months back however the alcove had been fitted with a new mechanism, courtesy of a mildly disgruntled Sokolov who felt insulted at being asked to design such a simple construction. The new installation allowed for the entire garbage container to be lifted up to the above floor level and thus more easily emptied. The renovations had drawn Emily's attention, who had of course been absolutely delighted at the news of an unguarded entrance into the kitchens.

Usually Hadria would remain up in the hallway standing guard to watch for anyone coming by (though what exactly the two thought they would do about it Corvo had yet to learn. It certainly hadn't helped them in previous escapades), while Emily would clamber down over the container to try and grab as many sweets as she could carry. This time however, when Hadria moved to turn to dutifully keep watch over the hallway, and Corvo slid behind the nearest corner to avoid being seen, Emily tugged on her sleeve and dragged her with her down the chute instead. Corvo raised an eyebrow to himself, but decided to stay up for now. There was no way he could hide his own entrance reliably and he was very curious what could have possibly changed Emily's plan.

After a moment of suspenseful quiet, something clattered loudly, shattering the silence, and Corvo flinched. Without hesitation he rushed over to the hole, not bothering to keep down the noise of his steps anymore as his own heartbeat rang in his ears. He moved to jump down after the girls, ready to do damage control, while praying that nothing worse than a scraped knee had come of the tumble he'd heard.

Before he could jump however, he heard Emily frantically whisper: "Put it back, put it back!" followed by a much quieter clattering of what Corvo now suspected was a pot, as well mumbled apologies from Hadria, neither girl sounding in pain. Corvo slumped down where he was kneeling on the ledge and sighed in relief. Not wanting to take a risk however, he leaned down to peer into the room below. The offending pot was easily identified, having left a small puddle of water where it had fallen on the floor and now dripping a bit on the table above where the girls had put it. Thankfully it seemed the pot had not been full, but rather had been recently cleaned and left to dry. Emily and Hadria had meanwhile moved further into the kitchen towards a corner cabinet barely in view for Corvo, the former excitedly bouncing on her feet, the latter visibily cringing and nervously peeking at the pot. Neither of them seemed to have heard his panicked rush to the entrance.

"After last time they moved the jar, but I saw where they hid it!" Emily practically preened at her success in spying and Corvo couldn't help his soft smile at her pride. Outsider help whoever tried to get between Emily and her favourite pastries. Which, in all fairness, should be him. He supposed he should be thankful that Jess cared as little for the Abbey as he did. "They put it up there at the top!" She pointed up at the cabinet, high above both their heads, then paused for a moment, making a face as if she'd bitten into a sour apple. "Can you- can you climb up there and get it? I'd do it, but you're better at it than me."

Hadria hesitated, her nerves apparent, but after a moment she seemed to steel herself and nodded decisively, moving closer to the cabinet and out of Corvo's vision. Emily practically radiated excitement. "Don't worry, if you fall, I'll catch you!"

Corvo frowned and moved closer to the ledge, leaning over uncomfortably, to broaden his field of view, not at all reassured by the idea of eight year old Emily trying to catch the other girl should she slip. He should put an end to it now, grab the both of them, give them a good scolding and then put them back to bed, but something stayed his hand. He remembered Hadria's terror from up in the tree earlier that day, how she had barely managed a look before clinging to him to hide away, and yet the girl had agreed. Emily could be forceful and easily swept up in excitement, but she was neither crue nor callous and would never force her friend into doing something that scared her. Hadria might have been shy and sometimes overly fearful, but never of Emily. She had made a decision that had to have cost her a good deal of courage, and Corvo was loath to undermine that. All cabinets were well secured, a safety measure Jess had insisted on in all work areas of the tower.

Corvo watched Hadria carefully and deliberately draw herself up on the counter and made a decision.

Step by step Hadria scaled up the side of the cabinet, using the protruding ornamentations as foot- and handholds, much to Emily's now only barely quieted down delight. It didn't take her long to reach the top of the cabinet, and with deft fingers used to hours of needle work she fished a closed, ornamented jar out of the very back corner. The handle in hand she turned her head to climb back down and froze, Corvo and Emily along with her. For a few seconds no one moved.

Just as Corvo decided the situation had gone on long enough and to finally get into the kitchen and save Hadria from the consequences of all their actions, Emily hesitantly spoke up, excitement having given way to audible concern. "Do you- do you need me to get Corvo?" Despite the situation, for which he himself certainly carried the blame for having let it go on as long as it did, Corvo smiled. With pride in Emily, for being so quickly willing to risk punishment for her rule breaking to help her friend, and, a little bit, with joy that Emily trusted him enough to know the punishment would not be so bad for avoidance to be worth her friend's suffering.

Hadria hesitated, grasping the jar handle a bit tighter, but after a moment she shook her head.

"No, I can- I can do it." Her quiet voice trembled, but she turned back to the cabinet, and lifted her right foot, carefully searching for a hold without looking down. Step by step she made her way back down, far slower than her ascent but without any slips, one hand tightly grasping the jar's handle and carefully holding tight to easier graspable holds while the other searched for a new one.

Finally she reached the firm surface of the counter and slid down to the floor, just so managing to set the jar down before Emily jumped to throw her arms around her, all need for secrecy forgotten, as she giggled loudly. Corvo let out a breath he hadn't quite noticed he was holding.

"Now, to the fruits of our labour." Emily declared as she pulled away again, hands clasped behind her suddenly very straight back, with all the demonstrative gravity of a child having listened to too many of her mother's advisors. She grabbed the jar and eagerly held it out to Hadria. "You should have the first one."

The other girl gingerly took off the jar's lid, and though she was again gazing down towards the floor, open hair hanging like a curtain over her eyes, Corvo could see the small, blushing smile on her usually so sullen, round face. Quietly he pulled himself up from his crouch, and stepped away into the hallway's shadowed corner, leaning with his back towards the wally and crossed his arms. He waited until he heard the quiet clank of the jar being placed down again and the enthusiastic crunching of pastries, fond affection warming his chest better than any baked goods ever could. Then he loudly cleared his throat.

"Thank you, Captain Curnow, I will make sure to check the kitchens again." The crunching stopped immediately, lapsing into complete silence. After a moment the quiet was broken by small feet hastily running towards him. Emily's head came first into view as she scrambled up over the garbage container, her short hair tangled without her usual red bow to hold it in place, followed shortly by Hadria clambering up after her. Both girls had sparkling eyes and crumbs stuck around their mouths. Neither of them bothered to look sideways, or sneak for that matter, too busy with the satisfaction of their successful heist no doubt. Without seeing him they dragged themselves up over the ledge and bolted down the hallway, as fast their short legs could carry them, giggling the entire way.

Corvo followed, long steps keeping up with the children easily. They dashed past the bewildered guard still patrolling the adjacent hallway, then raced up the stairs with impressive stamina for two eight year olds up past their bed time. With a last rush of speed they ran past Jessamine's door, nearly stumbling over each other as they slid through the door leading to the shared ante-chamber to their bedrooms. Having reached the upper floor just behind them, Corvo took his time strolling towards the door, whistling a quiet lullaby to himself that his mother had taught him. He pushed open the door and stepped in, making sure his footsteps were audible. First he veered off to the left door, to Emily's bedroom. The door was left slightly ajar, as it always was since the first time she'd screamed in terror from a nightmare and a servant had had to come get him because he hadn't heard. It squeaked slightly as he gently pushed it further open and stuck his head through the doorway. Only a few strands of Emily's dark hair were visible on the giant bed taking up half of the room, tangled and strewn across the pillow from when she'd thrown herself on the bed in a hurry, the rest of her and her no doubt terribly wrinkled night clothes were hidden under the thick bunched up blanket she'd pulled up over herself. He could still hear her snickering under the covers.

With a thoughtful hum he turned and walked back through the ante-chamber to the other door, sidestepping the many colourful crayons and half finished paintings strewn across the carpet. Hadria's room was quiet, the girl herself tucked under the blanket so naturally he almost overlooked her. She was not giggling anymore, but still breathing heavily, a slight flush on her cheeks. Corvo couldn't see her face entirely from this angle, but were he a betting man he would have put some money on her smiling into her pillow.

He hummed again and turned away, walking to the exit. "How comforting to know that her Highnesses are already asleep, as they should be." He spoke loudly so his voice would carry over through the doors and was answered with another barely disguised giggle from Emily's room. He slunk out the room and quietly resolved to keep the details of this little outing to himself. Jess would certainly guess most of it, and if she asked he would answer as he always did, but he had a feeling she would leave it be. The Spymaster might ask questions if the guard talked, but Corvo was well versed at this point in brushing him off. Burrows did his job, and as far as Corvo could tell he did his job well, but be also had a habit of involving himself in things that were simply none of his business. He had opinions on Emily's proper education, on her correct attire, on the way the Empress should present them both, on the company she kept. He had rather vehemently objected to Hadria's addition to the court, claiming her Morleyan heritage as a security risk.

Corvo brusquely shook his head and banished all thought of the man, reminding himself instead of the girls in the rooms behind him and the woman waiting for him up ahead. With a smile he slid the door further closed, leaving it slightly ajar, and finally returned to Jessamine, quietly opening her door. She had waited for him, sitting in the large canopy bed, leaning against the plush pillows with her book in hand, though she wasn't paying it any attention. When he entered she was already looking towards the door, a smile on her face that on anyone else might have been crooked, but on her was just the right amount of slanted.

"You know, a father should discipline his children sometimes as well." Her voice was teasing, poking at his soft spots as only she could. Corvo smirked and straightened his back, pushing his shoulders back and crossing his arms behind his back, the picture of professionalism only disturbed by the fact that he was in the empress' bedroom in the middle of the night in his sleeping attire.

"Your Majesty, I have no children. I am a perfectly virtuous bachelor with no wife or offspring to my name." At one point their need for secrecy around their relationship had hurt, but neither Jessamine nor Corvo were 20 anymore, and they had both grown used to how it was, how it had to be, at least for now. It would have been a lie to claim he didn't wish they could freer with their words, to have Emily call him something other than 'Corvo', but the sharp sting of injustice had long faded. They had their little family, and that was alright, so Jess simply rolled her eyes at him with a fond smirk as she put her book away.

"Of course you are. Now come back to bed, I am cold." As always, Corvo obeyed, slipping out of his boots and under the blanket with her, the sword from his belt pushed under the pillow where it was out sight but easily reachable. She took the opportunity and shifted closer to him, pressing her back to his chest. He slung an arm around her, holding her close, his nose nuzzled into her locks. She smelled of her favourite hair oil, flowery and fresh. Jess pushed back a bit more, tangling her legs in his, sliding her feet down his legs. She hummed contentedly.

"That you always have to wear socks to bed..."

He chuckled and held her a bit tighter. "You said it yourself, it's cold." Though he's long stopped yearning for Serkonos and her warm beaches, he'd never quite gotten used to the ever frigid winds of Dunwall that seemed to bite under his skin right down to his bones, even occasionally during the warmer months. The tower was generally well insulated, and Jessamine's warm body next to his never failed to put a stop to any shivering, but he supposed even though his home, without any question or doubt, was now here, there'd always be a bit of Serkonos in him. That was what he would tell Jessamine. What he would keep to himself was that he was always loath to take off more clothes than he would be properly able to fight in. The only time he ever undressed entirely for any length of time was to wash up and- when Jess asked it of him.

Jessamine turned her head to the side, her hooded eyes glinting up at him, lips quirked in a rare mischievous smirk.

"Well, we can help that, can't we." Feeling her long, slender fingers sneak under his tunic and gently tug on his waistband Corvo laughed again. She rolled over on top of him and he raised himself up to kiss her.

The children slept, the adults did not, the warm fireplace threw flickering shadows on the wall, and for a while happiness reigned in Dunwall Tower.

#dishonored #writing #fanfiction #corvo attano #jessamine kaldwin #emily kaldwin #original character #hadria granville #fluff #honestly thats pretty much it it's just very fluffy #corvo being a good dad #he tries at least

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equallyshaw · 1 year ago

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𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓭 | 𝓶𝓪𝓽 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝔃𝓪𝓵 𝓪𝓾 ↠ weekends with the martins! - blurb ↠ au masterlist! ↠ word count 1.3K little longer than i wanted lol ↠ warnings: one swear word!

when olivia found out that mat out of all people, was being invited to her weekend with the martins- she was understandably annoyed. she was ticked, even. "you're kidding." was the first thing out of her mouth this morning, once sydney told her. matt smirked as he took in sydney's reaction, "why? what happened between you two?" sydney responded with a slight teasing tone. olivia rolled her eyes, "nothing happened." she said before sipping her hot coffee. sydney pressed, "well it doesn't seem like that. he left shortly after you went upstairs...if something did we won't be upset. right hun." she said whipping her head towards her husband who just nodded. "nothing happened, and if he said something did- he's lying." olivia rasped, before turning on her heel and heading over towards winnie in the playroom. sydney and matt looked at one another with a knowing look and in a hushed tone, "do you understand how many questions he's been asking about her? she said something to him and it's captivated him." matt said and that made sydney giggle. "y'know you did the same exact thing, right?" she teased before leaving him and alice in the kitchen.

a few hours later, the martins, mat and olivia were walking through east hamptons after a quick ride up east. it had snowed a few days prior, and the small historic beach town made olivia's heart swell. she absolutely adored new england, and this was close as she could get before going back out west. mat had barely said anything beyond greeting her, much to the redheads surprise. she believed he would ramble in her ear to death, but so far he's been respecting her space. "hey our friends invited us over to their place. is that ok? the kids will get tired out before we drive home." matt announced, as they walked back to the car after eating a late brunch. olivia and mat nodded, while helping get the two kiddos in the car. olivia hopped in the back first and buckled in winnie as sydney buckled in alice. "come on dude..let us buckle you." mat teased winnie, who shrieked in response. "dude." winnie repeated, as she let him buckle her. "yeah dude." matt repeated which caused winnie to laugh loudly once more. mat situated himself next to the girl, on the other end of the three seater. she could feel him staring at her, before looking away. she looked up at him, and took in his pink nose and rosy cheeks. she saw the sharp jawline creeping out from his winter jacket. he also had soft dark locks, poking out from his beanie - no toque - as he called it. she found herself staring a bit too long, and quickly looked away. not without mat noticing ofcourse.

matt drove them about 15 minutes away from downtown, and the group pulled up to a quintessential new england style house, making her smile. "are these the wilsons?" olivia asked unbuckling winnie for sydney, and sydney nodded. "yep, they're from the cape originally." she hummed and olivia giggled, "really? couldn't tell?" she teased referencing the hosue, causing sydney to smile. sydney knew just how much olivia adored new england, and the safety net it provided. as kids, that was there happy place away from the hustle and bustle of the football season, and there- the two could be as wild and free as they liked. mat let her out of the car first, after the two kids exited. as soon as olivia and mat began to walk up the pathway, olivia hit a small patch of black ice, and olivia quickly fell back with mat catching her just a bit. "woah..not so fast." he teased as his arms instinctively found her back, as her legs were taken out from under her. she clutched her chest, not believing that she hadn't fallen on her ass. "you good?" sydney asked concerningly, as she looked back after hearing a small shriek. "uh yeah." olivia said shaking herself from mat's grip. "you sure?" he questioned, and she looked back at him for a brief second. she responded with a small nod, before stepping around the ice and following the martins up the pathway.

"ive heard so much about you! im alyssa!" a tall brunette said, pulling the young girl into a hug. "you as well! im olivia." the redhead smiled, before turning back to make room for mat. "now I've heard so much more about you!" alyssa gushed causing sydney to chuckle at olivia's reaction. "our little ones are a HUGE fan." alyssa added and mat smile, "lets meet the gremlins." he joked, causing alyssa and her husband to laugh. "lets go!" alyssa said pulling olivia by the hand into the house, behind everybody.

the two toddlers, mat and olivia found themselves outside a little while late. olivia and mat pummeled each other with snowballs, making the two young ones laugh. "im getting you esiason!" he yelled, running after her. she shrieked once he grabbed ahold of her, and then the two fell over into the packing snow. "you minx!" olivia screamed, causing the two little ones to giggle. they made their descent onto the older pair, just as mat stared down at olivia. her pale freckled face, completely red and her button nose was deep red. "oh were getting you!" olivia screamed, pulling herself away from his gaze and towards her niece. olivia rolled herself out of his hold, and stood up holding out her arms pretending she was gonna scoop winnie up. mat picked up lily wilson, and twirled her around causing her to laugh loudly.

sydney and matt watched from inside, as the hosts grabbed some light cocktails. "god he is so smitten, its nauseating." matt said causing sydney to laugh loudly. "too bad she doesn't like him." sydney responded, taking ahold of the glass. "no?" alyssa questioned and sydney shook her head. "no she cant stand him, though- we suspect something happened between them at new years but both of them have been zip." she said shrugging. "oh yeah, if she doesn't like him- talk about chemistry." alyssa pointed out, before they heard the backdoor open.

the 6 of them headed back down to long island, and the martins offered the extra bedroom to mat who gladly accepted it, after an 11:30 pm arrival time. much, much later than they had anticipated. "can you show him the room and stuff?" sydney asked without waiting for an answer, while mat and her slipped upstairs to put the kids down. olivia sighed, before looking towards mat who was already staring at her. "are you 5 or can you find it yourself?" she questioned, annoyance lacing every word. she didn't wait for an answer, and headed to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

"what do you have against me, huh? you've been nothing but rude today." he said following her, hot on her tail. she sighed, "can you not? im not in the mood." she said beginning to drink her water. he shook his head, standing his guard as he leaned against the counter island. "you don't want me to say how i really feel, because it'll hurt your feelings pretty boy." she countered, and he chuckled. "so you find me attractive, who'd a thought?" he teased and she groaned. "you and you're goddamn arrogance." she rolled her eyes beginning to walk out. he grabbed her softly by the arm, and she waited a few seconds to look back at him. "see you around canadian boy." she taunted before pulling away. he watched her go and headed up the stairs a little bit later after collecting his thoughts.

then those sane and rational thoughts went out the door when he opened her door by accident and not his.

may have to write something about that ending...hehe

@toasttt11 @cillianthinker

#mat barzal #mat barzal au #seein red au #mat barzal blurb #mat barzal imagine #mat barzal fic #matt martin #new york islanders #nhl #nhl blurb #nhl imagine #hockey imagine #hockey fic #nhl fic #hockey blurb #hockey #equallyshaw masterlist

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abbatoirablaze · 2 years ago

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Ex Wive's Club, Chapter 4

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: MAJOR TW ALERT: mentions of abortion, medical situations, smut/unprotected sex, extreme guilt.

“You need to dump me, Sam…I-I don’t-god I’m the worst girlfriend known to man,” you sobbed, trying to push away from your sweet boyfriend. But he wouldn’t let you go. With every push against his chest, every attempt to put space between yourself and him, he only held on tighter. You knew that he was doing that for your benefit and not his, but it only made you feel worse. He was such a good man, and here you were, letting him down, yet again. You sighed against his chest, “Sam…Sam…please.”

“I know, baby,” he sighed. You stopped moving, your eyes catching his, and you saw everything in his chocolate orbs. You saw all the late nights with the girls when they were sick, the way he was there for you through your divorce from Steve; and worst of all you saw all over again how you’d managed to cheat on him. The unspoken words. The fights that you two never had. He was a calm spot in a tsunami; nothing but serene peace in a raging storm, “I know…”

“Sam…”

Your heart broke all the more as he pulled you into his chest yet again. This time you didn’t fight against him. Instead, you allowed yourself to give in, fisting his shirt as you continued to cry against him. You felt him wrap around you, his arms feeling like a safety net, catching you from the horrible fall you just had. His palms fell into a soothing pattern as he rubbed your back, “I’m not mad, baby, I promise. We all do things we regret…and I know that we’ll get through this. I had a moment of lapsed judgement before too…it happens…we’ll get through it because we communicate though.”

You looked up at him; partially from disbelief, and partially in horror, “Sam…wh-why would y-you still want to be with me?”

Sam nodded, his hands capturing you at your shoulders allowing you to feel safe and secure through the waters you’d just waded through while testing your relationship, “Because I love you, Cami. And of course I want to be with you, Cami…I know that it was a moment of weakness…you forgave me when I slept with Nia again…why wouldn’t I forgive you?”

Your eyes met his.

“You what?”

Sam licked his lips, looking away from you, while he shook his head, “don’t make me say it again, Cami…”

“No,” you said defiantly, your voice shaking even through the anger, “say-say it again, Sam.”

You caught the tears welling up in his eyes as you sniffled away your own, “baby…”

“You and Nia…”

“I-I didn’t plan it….”

“I would hope not.”

He sighed and bit his bottom lip, “it was a moment of weakness…she’s the mother of my child, Cami…and my daughter is finally starting to see her as a mother again…finally starting to-“

“What if I fucked Steve again, huh?” you asked angrily, “he is the father of my daughters…we were married. I-“

“I wouldn’t hold it against you.”

You froze, unable to continue on with your sentence, “what?”

“Look, I’m not saying it’s the right thing…or that it’s the option that I want for either of us…but Nia and Steve have pasts with us. They have children with us. At one point, I proposed to Nia…and you and Steve were married….” Sam pointed out, choosing to be the logical one of the discussion, “I’m not saying that we should go back to them, but it’s understandable…”

“Sam…stop…”

“Baby…I’m just saying that-“

“If you think it’s okay…maybe we should take a few days apart,” you said quickly in response, cutting him off. Sam gave you a questionable look and took a step back, very obviously surprised over your statement, “maybe we need to take some time and figure this out before we get too deep…”

“Baby?”

“God…don’t say that word, Sam…”

He frowned at you, “you know, just bec-“

“Sam…I know what happened….we didn’t use protection…Steve and I never saw a reason to…and we know how good his super swimmers are…”

“Yeah…” Sam nodded sadly. There was a pregnant pause for a moment before he spoke again, “can I ask you something, Cami?”

“Okay…”

“Do you regret it?”

“Do you regret sleeping with Nia?”

Sam sighed, “I weigh the good with the bad…”

“I regret it, Sam,” you admitted softly, not giving a damn about remaining diplomatic. Your tear-stained face looked at his own and he looked like you’d punched him in the gut, “I regret sleeping with Steve…”

“It made you miss him…didn’t it?”

“Things weren’t all bad with him…it was just because of the accident,” you reminded him, “we were happy until she came back…”

The air was heavy between the two of you. The steady hum of the tower around you two was the only noise hanging out in the open air. But there wasn’t the normal tense feeling that surrounded you both.

In an instant he wasn’t your ex-husband. He wasn’t the man who’d put you through hell only to leave you for a woman he’d said he loved more than anyone.

He was your Steve.

The man who took you on sweet dates. The man who showered you with love and affection. The man who didn’t take your virginity until your wedding night; and when he did finally make love to you, he wept in your arms afterwards about how much your love meant to him. How you were his solace. No, the man before you wasn’t the bastard who’d put you and your daughters through hell after leaving you for another woman and impregnating her. This was your Steve; the man you loved beyond all shadow of a doubt.

He stood in front of you, eyes red and irritated. It was obvious that he’d been crying and the bags under his eyes said that he hadn’t managed to get a wink of sleep in a while either.

Worry met you then and you wanted to rush him; your heart continuing to break the longer the two of you stood in silence, “Steve…is-is everything okay?”

But you didn’t want to be the first to cave. So you watched him. The two of you stood right in front of one another, unmoving and unwavering. It felt like you were silently testing the air between the two of you, wondering who would cave first.

And before you knew what was going on he rushed you with an intensity that you couldn’t even process; his lips came crashing into yours. His hands instinctively wrapped around you, pulling you flush against his broad and muscular chest.

Logic failed you as you melted against his lips; all the good memories coming back to you all at once. Your first date. The first time you both told one another that you loved each other. When you got married. When you told him that you were pregnant. Every milestone slammed into you with the intensity of a freight train and you forgot yourself. You gasped when he picked you up, his hands finding their way to the globes of your ass as he massaged the rounded cheeks.

You gasped again when he pushed his way into the apartment and paused in the living room at the foot of the couch, his erection already straining against a pair of sleep pants, pressing into your inner thigh. You let out an illustrious moan as his heavy breath fanned across your face.

“I need you, baby.”

Those four simple words made you whimper against his lips. Without waiting, he pushed you down onto the couch, his hands quick to pull away your sleep shorts as your bodies separated. He was quick to pull off his shirt and slide his pajama pants down.

You inhaled sharply at the sight of him. It had been nearly a year since you two were together in any sense of the word, and while the two of you had laid together many times while married, the sheer size and girth of him always made you feel dizzy. Your breath hitched in your throat at the sight of the bare super soldier. His cock was angry, the tip already leaking precum.

“S-Steve.”

He gave you a desperately sad look as he stalked towards you. He lifted your chin and kissed you deeply, “I need you baby…I miss you so bad. He misses you so fucking bad…can’t you tell? You’ve got me hard as a rock and you haven’t even done anything.”

“You’re with Peggy…”

He sighed, his blue eyes nearly melting you altogether,” tell me you don’t want me anymore, baby…tell me you don’t love me, and I’ll leave.”

“S-Steve, I’m with-“

“I love you baby. I never stopped!” he proclaimed between kisses. You melted against him a little bit more while he placed himself between your thighs. You could feel the tears streaming his cheeks as he lined himself up with you, “I need you, Cami…I need to be inside you again…it’s killing me.”

His cock twitched against your entrance.

“Steve-“

“I know what Sam did…” he uttered gently, pushing the nagging feeling in the back of your mind, “know he and Nia have been sneaking around…it wasn’t just once…”

“No, he was-“

“Let me make love to you baby,” he all but begged. You moaned as he thrusted forward slightly, pressing his tip into your already dripping core, “we both want this…we need this Cami…let me make you feel good like I know I can.”

“Because it’s Steve,” you sighed, knowing just how much turmoil the previous captain America had caused in your life, “he-he told me things…”

“He’s manipulating you, Cam…he’s taking advantage of the fact that Nia and I-fuck…I-Cami, he doesn’t want to let you go…he wants you and Peggy.”

“Sam…the girls are starting to warm back up to him again…you know, so long as Peggy’s not around…and Peggy…god…she’s pregnant with his kid…” you sighed, remembering just how deep of a relationship Steve had with her. You fell down into the chair and your hands went to run through your hair, “oh god…Sam…I slept with Steve while he’s with Peggy…I’m not any better than her.”

“You’re not like Peggy Carter.”

“I knew she and Steve were together and I fucked him…”

“He tricked you into it,” Sam sighed, trying to push some of the blame onto the former captain, “it’s Steve being Steve. He was taking advantage of the situation. And you and I know it. Steve and Peggy belong together. They are just two snakes in the grass….but you’re not like them, Cami. I’m not like them.”

“Sam..I cheated on you…how could you still be standing here trying to justify it…we haven’t even been dating for a long time and I cheated on you…”

Sam gave you a sad frown, “I care about you, Cami…but if we want to be with one another we have to figure something out. If not for me and you, then for the girls. I don’t want to confuse the girls…Kaya is already asking when her mommy is coming back because Nia told her that we slept together…and I know Stephanie and Jami-“

“Started calling Steve dad again…”

He nodded sadly, “yeah…”

“It was a moment of weakness Sam…Steve put me through so much. I-I don’t want to be with him. And he doesn’t want to be with me either…we’re just…familiar. He’s having difficulty knowing that the baby isn’t going to be a super soldier like him. They already know a host of issues the baby will have…and it’s-”

“I think we should move out of the tower then,” Sam offered gently, cutting you off, “we should get our own place, away from Steve and Peggy…”

You sighed, “I think you’re right.”

You studied yourself in the bathroom mirror. Your hand absentmindedly trailed to your stomach, and you felt a few tears welling up.

You knew that there would be consequences of what you had done, but you hadn’t expected this.

“It can’t be right…” you muttered gently, your hands caressing the flat of your stomach. Sam gave you a sad look as you refused to admit that the test on the counter was correct.

“The timing adds up, Cami…”

You bit down on your bottom lip and shook your head, “Steve and I….”

“Had sex eight weeks ago…” he reminded you gently. A few tears streamed down your cheeks as you continued to stare at your reflection in the mirror, “Cami…”

Your head snapped up. You stared at Sam’s reflection in the mirror. You shook your head, “i-I can’t tell Steve…”

“Well, what are you going to do then, Cami?”

“Sam…take me to the clinic…take me to Doctor Cho.”

“Cami…”

“I know what you’re going to say…but I just-I don’t want to hear it. Steve and I aren’t together. I need to focus on the girls…and you…not this.”

“Are you sure?”

You nodded. Sam gave you another look but stepped forward, wrapping his arms around your waist.

“I’m sure, Sam…”

“Aright, Cami…I’ll make you an appointment.”

“Hey…”

Your eyes snapped up to his. Soft chocolate irises met your own. You felt the tears welling up as he came forward, wrapping himself around you.

“I’m so sorry, Sam….”

“Shhh,” he cooed, holding you against his chest, “you’re okay, baby. I got you. It’s okay.”

“I couldn’t do it,” you cried, ashamed of your decision as your hand went to your stomach where the little baby was quickly growing. Your tears fell at a heavier pace as you looked at your boyfriend, “I couldn’t get rid of it, Sam…I-“

“I’m here for you, baby…we’re in this together.”

“Sam…I’m pregnant with mine and Steve’s third child…”

“And I’m here for you…me…Kaya, Stephanie, and Jamie…we’re all here for you, mommy bear.”

“I don’t deserve you, Sam,” you whimpered against his chest, “I don’t deserve any of this.”

“Let’s get you back downstairs…we’ll talk to Tony about a real estate agent…get a house for us, okay?” he asked, “but now we definitely need to get out of the tower.”

Chapter 5

Tag List: @Cjand10, @huntress-artemiss, @lohnes16, @tenaciousperfectionunknown, @teambarnes72, @elbell20-blog

#ex wives club #marvel cinematic universe #marvel #avengers #the avengers #captain america #captain america smut #sam wilson #steve rogers smut #steve rogers

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dcwnthercbbithcle · 10 months ago

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God, ASDHASHD brainrotting shipping hours because Billie (@coastercrushed) is awesome and enables me with Mapplethorpe and Doe in the Murmaid AU

Mape isn't a mermaid per the AU, saved by the fact that he's not one of the Entity's guaranteed catches. Doe? Damned in almost all verses to be caught and captured by the Entity at some point as a food source. But Mape only has one or two instances of this occurring, so it was a coinflip as to whether he'd be a fishman or a human and it landed on human!

Mape, rather than living on a small town located inland (at least relatively given Australia) resides on the coast, and being a semi-outcast kid that he is, spends much of the time wandering the beaches and surfing. Though surfing is far, far from a beast even comparable to skateboarding, and he's (lovingly) quite the cringefail when it comes to it.

Wipeouts are a 50/50 occurrence, and though they've never been more than a mouth and nosefull of saltwater, a feeling of intense disorientation and a sudden burst of adrenaline and riding the waves to be pushed back towards the surface.

Mape may be a cringefail when it comes to boarding, but he knows his safety and what to do when he inevitably falls.

Though in one circumstance as he fell, passing through the storm of bubbles into the calm beneath the waves, he caught sight of murmaid!Doe at a distance, watching. Fins and nets on full display and a look in her eye he couldn't place, but it didn't seem predatory, more excited.

Now, murmaid!Doe, as we all know, she's not a strong hunter given her young age and not having a pack to rely on to secure difficult kills or protect her. She was, in that instance, watching Mapplethorpe, excitedly hoping that he wouldn't be able to surface, that he could drown and she could make an easy meal out of him.

MAPPLETHORPE DID NOT KNOW THIS, likewise, with a brainrot of helpful mermaids in pop culture drowning out a long storied history of mermaids existing as malevolent entities... he uh, he did not see the writing on the walls. Instead, in his mind, he saw that murmaid watching him as a sign of interest, or friendship or maybe Disney channel-esc love, waiting to save him in the case he drowned; not drag him away to his death like she truthfully intended.

And well, it stuck in his head! He never thought to confide in most, I mean, on some level he KNEW how unbelievable it would sound. A mermaid watching him with intent, Felicity would be worried, had he hit his head? Lost too much oxygen in his plunge. Chester would just laugh though, this is what happened to those sailors that hadn't seen women in years, Mapplethorpe, they started seeing sharks as women. But Mapplethorpe KNEW, he wasn't delusional, he saw what he saw. This murmaid, his Ariel as he started to call her. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to know everything about her.

Why was she alone? Everything about mermaids in media had them traveling in groups. Had something happened? That would explain why she was covered in nets, fishing line and with decidedly unnatural pieces sticking out of her. Was she hurting? Did she need help? Like those videos of men rescuing sea turtles and untangling them. Had she been waiting to help him so he could help her? Clever, through deduction and healthy tempering of his ego by his insecurity, Mapplethorpe deduced this MUST be the explanation for her watching and waiting.

So Mape decides, he will have to help his Ariel! He waits for the next week of his boarding, floating on the water rather than attempting to work himself up a wave, waiting, expecting the mermaid to show herself and ask. She never does, she is there, he confirms that much sticking his head in the waters and coming face to face with her. But she never works up the courage, maybe she's afraid? OH HE WAS SO STUPID! OBVIOUSLY she'd be afraid, she had a harpoon embedded in one of her thighs! Humans did this, she probably feared them just as much as she knew she needed their help! He'd have to earn her trust.

Doe meanwhile, is EXCLUSIVELY hunting him and becoming more and more ballsy when it comes to approaching him. In the past, she'd had a circumstance when she tried to grab a surfer, she'd closed around his leg when he pulled out a knife and drove it through her hand. Since then she learned the hard lesson that surfers weren't easy victims and hesitance needed to be taken. But Mapplethorpe, he seemed to know exactly the ways to disarm her worry. Had Mapplethorpe been trying he could have been an excellent murmaid hunter, instead, he only wanted to help, to know her, to bridge that gap.

When the day comes that murmaid!Doe finally has the courage to poke her head above the surface and to peer onto the board, Mape is so happy he could explode. He doesn't know how much he is dancing on the line, but in true Doe taming fashion, he pulls out a snack, gummy worms to share with her and it's... baffling. Murmaid!Doe loves them, obviously, gummies are a weakness of hers, but its strange, the food is feeding her but not out of fear. She's just as starstruck as Mapplethorpe is!

The next weeks become a ritual, snacks, a little waterproof radio and his board. Murmaid!Doe is interacting with him proper then, in her feelings are tingling, but it's pod based. Is he trying to introduce her to his pod, become a part of hers? But Mape is just living it up, his cool and awesome mermaid best friend!

There comes a day when friendship and nature comes to test: Mapplethorpe decides to swim with her, he WANTED to, jumped off the board with excitement. But in such deep water, his swimming wasn't as strong, he did his best without fins, letting her swim circles around him. But she could feel it, deep in her core, that predatory instinct, his fatigue, he'd lose his fight soon. He was perfectly suited for her to drag him down, she wasn't hungry, but he was open for the taking. A hunk of meat left in front of a dog. YET, she couldn't bring herself to drag him down, no... he was pod to her, he wasn't like her, she couldn't explain but he was pod. She wouldn't betray him, not like that! When his strength weakened and he felt that split-second panic when he didn't have it in him to push himself back onto the board. Murmaid!Doe made up for his weakness, lifting him. Mape's misunderstanding realized and now grounded in reality.

From the date of their swim, the situationship grows, Mape is coming to visit Doe just as much as he does Chester and with each visit, he's luring her closer into shore. He will rescue her from the garbage stuck to her.

Eventually, he manages to convince her to beach herself with him, riding a wave on her belly, her joy, coming in pulsing vocalizations and joyful whistles is so sweet. It's a terrible contrast to the fear that immediately follows, as she begins to turn and pivot in the sand. She's stopped, Mapplethorpe is saying a phrase she knows well: 'hold on' and grips her under her arms and struggles to pull her back onto the beach. Doe's fear grows then, struggling and gnashing her teeth in an attempt to bite. But she runs ice cold when she sees it: Mape has a knife, a fish knife.

So, so long had she considered him prey then pod that she never stopped to consider if he could be predator. She struggled more violently in the sand, attempting to drag herself back to the sea. But when that came to success, she just, froze, waiting a bite and the pain, but instead all she felt was relief.

Mapplethorpe didn't try to cut her throat, she never felt the kiss of the blade, instead, with a cold pinch, she felt him push the blunt edge against her raw scales and cut through the nets and lines and she breathed a sigh of relief she never considered she'd been holding for so long. He freed her from the weight, then he turned to pull out the old blade and pieces of a broken off harpoon. Mapplethorpe was no medic, but his help was more than she'd ever had, and all the edge and worry faded fast as the pain faded to white noise.

That moment in time, his helping her even in such open and overt weakness and vulnerability, it changed things between them. Set the road to the poly fish husband Mapplethorpe we all know and love. With Doe now more freed, she took to hunting with more vigor than she ever had, first with fish then seals but quickly escalating. Mapplethorpe noticed the disappearance of swimmers but he never brought it to Doe. He knew on some level, but he didn't want to be confronted with the fact that he'd saved a monster.

Doe is adopted into a new pod after her recovery from the wounds and Doe introduces Mapplethorpe to her pod, it's not an easy transition at first. Doe seems snappish and Mape chalks it up to Doe not wanting to share him but really it's Doe asserting she's in charge and that Mape is not allowed to be eaten. He IS a part of the pod even though he isn't one of them!

The other murmaids of Doe's Pod warming up to Mape and starting to see him in the same way that she views him, realizing the poly fish husband Mape transformation as he gets to know all of them in his own way, bringing a waterproof radio and letting them pick out and listen to music. Going with them for swims, following with them to explore coves and generally chill out and bond!

DOE AND THE GIRLS SWIMMING WITH MAPE AND LEARNING THAT THEY CAN EXTEND HIS TIME UNDERWATER BY PASSING OXYGEN FROM THEIR GILLS TO THEIR MOUTHS AND KISSING IT OVER TO HIM TO BREATH!!

Mape slowly going into the darkside but in a very productive and somewhat sweet way as he takes an interest in Marina Biology and Zoology through them and comes to not only turn a blind eye to their man-eating but even enabling and taking part in it in order to protect their identity and the odd little family they've built for themselves!

MAPE GETTING TO SEE AND TAKE PART AS THE GIRLS BECOME MORE POWERFUL MURMAIDS IN TIME, Doe going from 5ft tall barely and a wave rider, to 7ft and a wave breaker and eventually 10ft as a wave maker but she still loves him all the same and wants to cuddle like how they could when he could straight up lift and carry her out of the water

JUST THEEEEEMMMMM!!!!

#Bun shipping #🦌 𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐄. || this time she never returned #��️ 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍. || Mapplethorpe & Doe || DYN.

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random-hooman · 1 year ago

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Pacific Folk Tales

37. "Ati And The Momoke" From Cook Islands

This story is about a villager, Ati, who lived in Arorang) on the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands a long time ago.

It also tells of how Ati came to be married to a momoke woman and how he later lost her.

Ati was a hard worker and he had a good plantation where he grew taro, tarotarua, bananas, sweet potatoes yams. and One year he was particularly pleased with the way his crops were growing.

"In one week's time," he said to himself, "I'll be able to start cating the taro and sweet potatoes."

The next morning a big surprise awaited him. Half his taro and all the sweet potatoes had been stolen.

Ati decided to sleep near his plantation so that he could catch the thief. One night he was woken up by sounds coming from the pond near his garden.

He crept forward and looked. Imagine his amazement when he saw more than fifteen white-skinned human creatures emerging from the pond.

"Momoke," he whispered. He had heard legends about them

from old people in his village, but he had never believed that such strange creatures really existed.

As Ati watched, the momoke went into his garden cutting off bunches of bananas and digging up taro and yams.

As dawn broke, the momoke quickly dived back into the pond, carrying the food with them.

Ati walked slowly home wondering what to do. A plan gradually came into his mind

That day he borrowed a fishing net from a friend. The same night, he went back to the garden, hoping the momoke would return.

Sure enough, just as Ati was falling off to sleep, the sounds of the momoke emerging from the pond could be heard.

While they were busy gathering food, Ati crept towards the pond and spread the net on top of it. Then he went very quietly to the other side of the plantation and started to shout: "On Ae! Ae!"

Startled, the momoke people rushed towards the safety of the pond, with Ati chasing them.

Of course, they jumped straight into the net. Just as Ati was about to talk to them, however, an anchor on one side broke and all except one of the momoke escaped. This one was a beautiful young woman.

Ari took her home and kept her as a prisoner in his house After a few months, however, they fell in love with each other and were married.

The Arorangi villagers did not mind the strange woman and thought her whiteness might be a gift from the god Tangaroa. She only came out of the house at night.

One day Ati found his wife weeping. "What's the matter?" he asked. "I'm going to have a baby and this means that I must die," she replied. "No," said Ati. "Here, babies come out naturally. We will not cut your stomach as they do where you come from."

Ati spoke the truth and his wife gave birth to a baby boy.

One day she asked Ati if they could visit her people to tell them about this way of having children.

Ati held his son and tried to dive down with his wife. He was unable to, of course, and after waiting for two hours for his wif to return, he realised he would never see her again. She had returned to her own people.

He sat on a rock, held their baby boy and sang

"Oh how much sorrow and kindness that love has seen

When you reach your land of origin.

Woman please think of me

I have our son, woman to remember you by

I am naming him now

"Ko Ati-ve-i rotopu-ai-o taua-e"

(The separation of love between us)"

The song is still sung today in the Cook Islands and An's story is still told.

The pond where the momoke people and Ati's wife disappeared can still be seen near Arorangi village, but it has been sealed up.

(Source: "Pacific Folk Tales" by Cliff Benson)

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@unconstrained-frivolitea

Enjoy!

Does anyone wanna hear some folk tales from Pacific Islands?

Cause like, I got 41(forty one) folk tales if you wanna?

Edit:

If you want one then pick a number from 1-41, I'll type it out and tag you

I have already done: 32, 28 and 16 (I don't know how to do the link thing on mobile)

#pacific folk tales

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heeracha · 3 years ago

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i dont think I would do it the justice, im not a write for real, just a thought i had for quite sometime about ymth and it's truly heartbreaking, but sometimes things just ain't meant to be, even though we are sure that we could be so good if we had chance

cardigan by taylor swift (also many other swift songs remind me of ymth) has this one special to me lyric which also kinda of inspire the whole emo essay about the alternative ending, it goes like this "I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs" and its so downhearted, he saw her and fell, no safety net, no one there to catch him and yet he couldn't stop, knowing that for years all he could do is dream.. and if all his wishes came true it would have been to at least get a chance to tell her, right? he seemed like every birthday, every penny in the fountain, every shooting stars he wished... he thought "if one thing had been different, would everything be different?"

yet he chose to admire from far... since how many times have u ever seen sun and moon at the same time in the sky?? maybe they were worlds apart after all

anon,,, you're going to make me cry please omg,, but yk,,, from the very start, ymtm rlly wasn't supposed to be a happy ending., it was supposed to be just purely unrequited love wherein hee just gives y/n notes and just never tells y/n that it's him. y/n gets a s/o, heeseung decides to stop the notes, but he still keeps writing them, yk and just keeps them to himself, all the things he wants to tell her. bcs yk,,, in every secret admirer story that i've read, it always guaranteed that the secret admirer and the one being admired always ended up with each other and for ymtm, i wanted it to be different, but ofc,, i cant handle the angst so i did that anyway

but yeah,,, pls this is so,,, sad hours. sad hours. im goING TO CRY

#the 'he saw her and fell with no safety net no one to catch him' reminded me of botm #ha. oops.#r.asks: ymtm

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ragingbookdragon · 4 years ago

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The Brother's Keeper

A Dick Grayson and Batsis One-Shot

Word Count: 2.7K Warnings: Explicit Language, Angst, References to Past Abuse

Author's Note: Another story edited and re-posted! Enjoy! -Thorne

Despite having not lived at the manor for almost a decade, she still knew every hallway and room like the back of her hand, every sound was a familiar net of reassurance she could count on. The hum of the hidden wall closing behind her, the creaking of the third step from the top that they always avoided, the clicking the bats above made. She descended the steps into the cave, balancing the heavy manila files in one hand, the other holding two protein shakes, knowing her father probably hadn’t consumed nutrition in at least a few hours since he called her.

Her eyes fell on him where he sat at the Batcomputer; he’d changed out of his suit and was in a pair of joggers and a long sleeve shirt. She walked over, setting the files down beside the keyboard. “Here’s the files you asked about, dad. I alphabetized them too…and color tabbed ‘em but that’s not important.”

He glanced at her with a warm smile before nodding and turning back to the screen. “Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate you doing so.”

She leaned an arm on the back of the chair, propping her chin on his shoulder as she stared at the screen. “New antidote for Scarecrow’s toxin?”

“He’s synthesized a new formula, so I need to make a new antidote in case anyone gets gassed,” he replied, tapping at the screen until the numbers were apparently in approval with whatever he was thinking about—who knew.

She hummed, taking note of the lack of noise. “Where’re the chuckle-heads?”

He chuckled and tipped his head towards the locker room. “They put their suits away and went to change.” She nodded again and patted his shoulder before walking off in the direction of the room.

When she got there, she didn’t see them, but she could hear them harking on one another in the locker room, and she moved in that direction. She stepped into the room and took in the image of the four of her brothers standing in front of the mirrors in their underwear, pointing at each other like they were shocked to see the other.

“Do I even want to know?” she asked, unblinkingly.

Their heads shot up and they saw her; Dick greeted, “(Y/N)! What are you doing here? You usually don’t come to the manor.”

(Y/N) shrugged and stepped inside, taking a seat on one of the cool metal benches. “Dad needed some files over a few previous encounters I’ve had with galactic enemies. And me being here brings me back to my original question.” She gestured to them with a wave of a hand, brows furrowed in confusion. “Why are you guys in your tighty-whities?”

They snorted, and Jason turned around. “We’re comparing scars.”

(Y/N) let out a ‘pfft’. “Of course, you are.” She paused for a second and observed them. “Who’s got the gnarliest one?” Immediately, they pointed at Damian who simply motioned to his chest, and she looked at the faded scar that rested over his heart.

A frown instantly drew her lips, and Damian, being ever so vigilant, caught it and shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault, sister. You tried to save me.”

She met his eyes and murmured, “I didn’t try hard enough.” She glanced at Jason, seeing the scars line his chest, her voice just as soft. “For either of you.”

Jason’s lips pulled downwards, and he walked over, sitting on the bench beside her. “The fact that you tried is good enough for us, Queenie.” He reached out, patting her head.

She sighed and shook it off, giving them a smile before she turned to Tim. “Any on you Nerd-bird?”

He grinned and turned around, running his hand along a scar that rested along the left side of his ribs. “When I fought Ra’s, he got me right here.”

(Y/N) looked at it, then leaned back, a curious look in her eye. “Other than dad, aren’t you the only person he’s called ‘detective’?” Tim gave her a firm nod and she pulled a grin, nodding at him. “Look at the Nerd-bird kicking all our asses in the game. I’m proud of you.” He gave her a sheepish smile and she turned to Dick. “We’ve all had brushes with death, but I don’t think you have a lot of noticeable ones. Which is surprising because out of all of us, you’re the most reckless.”

The others laughed while Dick glared at her, then he shrugged and showed his back, and they saw faint white lines that resembled lightning strikes. “When Wally came back out of the speed force, he accidentally shocked me. Of course, it wasn’t enough to damage me severely, but it’s here.”

They looked at him once more, then Tim tipped his head to the side. “What about you, sis? You’ve been doing this longer than we have. Do you have any good ones?” (Y/N) looked at him before pulling off her jacket and pulling off the tank top she had on. She stood up, walking to the mirror and staring into it.

She pointed to one that lined across her left breast. “Even covered by my bra, you can see how badly this one was.” She paused running a hand down it, gaze far. “When Jason died, I got into it with Joker some time after.” (Y/N)’s eyes drifted to Jason’s, who’s were wide with shock. “I beat him worse than dad did, but he left me with this one before I did.”

“I…didn’t know you did that, Queenie.”

“Of course not Jason. I didn’t tell you.” (Y/N) pointed to a patch that rested on her right hip. “Took a bullet for Tim a few years ago.”

“That was when Deadshot was running around, right?”

She nodded, answering his question. “Mhm. They say he never misses. But that day, he did.” Her hand moved and she touched a curved scar that ran down her neck. “After you died, Damian, I found Talia and we had it out.”

“What happened?” he questioned curiously.

(Y/N) met his eyes in the mirror and frowned. “She and I gave each other a fair share of wounds…but I think the ones I gave her hurt more than the ones she gave me.”

“And those were?”

(Y/N) looked back at her reflection and stared at herself. “The infuriated words of a grieving sister.”

Silence enveloped the room and after a few moments, Dick pointed to a particular scar on her back that ran down the length of it. “How in the world did you get that one?”

She looked over her shoulder and reached behind her, fingers brushing over the raised, jagged skin that had sealed unevenly. “On my back?”

Dick snorted and nodded. “The only one on your back sis.”

She went silent for a moment then she admitted, “…Tarantula gave it to me a few years ago.”

No one noticed the way Dick froze for a split second at her admittance, and Jason asked, “Why did you and Tarantula get into it?”

Her eyes met Dick’s for a flash before she looked at Jason. “She killed an informant of mine and I got even with her.”

“Looks like she rocked your shit, Queenie.”

The others laughed, save for her and Dick, then (Y/N) muttered darkly, “I beat Catalina Flores within an inch of her life that night.” Her statement brought their laughter to a grinding halt, and she continued. “Hell, I almost killed her. But I didn’t.”

Damian crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. “And why not? It would not be the first time you’ve killed someone.”

(Y/N) rolled her shoulders and moved back to her clothes, pulling on the tank top and jacket before turning to him. “Because then she would’ve gotten of scot free, and she wouldn’t have to live knowing what she’s done.”

Jason’s eyebrows furrowed and he followed Damian, crossing his arms and leaning against the lockers. “Not to be nosey, but the way you’re talking about her almost seems like you’ve got a vendetta against her. And I mean like, me to Bruce vendetta.”

(Y/N) met his gaze before reaching down and tossing his muscle tank to him, then passing the others their shirts. “The informant she killed was a good friend of mine. There was…a lot of fury.” She paused, meeting Dick’s gaze once more. “There still is.”

The others simply stared at her before pulling on their shirts, and she looked at them. “I’m gonna get dad to go out and eat somewhere with me. You guys go on out and start working on him, would you?” The three nodded and started towards the door, (Y/N) following.

She was almost out of the door when Dick’s voice reached her quietly. “…(Y/N)?” She paused, turning around, and looking at Dick, who wore an unreadable expression; he glanced up at her, his eyes searching as he inquired, “Was there another reason that you two fought?”

“Me and Catalina?” He nodded and she shrugged. “There might’ve been. But the immediate fight was about my informant.”

Dick stared at her for a few moments before whispering, “…You didn’t start your informant network until I donned Batman.”

(Y/N) tipped her head back and leaned against the door frame, eyes narrowed as she mentally picked his words apart as only an older sister could. “What are you getting at, kid brother?”

He fell silent all at once, but when he finally found it in himself to bring his eyes to hers, she saw such pain in them. “Did you fight her…because of me?”

“No,” she immediately replied, firmly and confidently.

Dick’s eyes widened momentarily, but he looked down and nodded. “I see.”

She kept staring at him, then cleared her throat and turned, grabbing the doorknob. She pulled the door open and stopped, murmuring, “Dick.” He glanced up at her, but she faced forward and said, “I don’t know what happened to you in Blüdhaven all those years ago, and frankly, it’s none of my business.”

Dick’s heart sunk at her words, but then she looked over her shoulder, a solemn tone matching her stance and gaze as she affirmed, “But I am your sister…and I run the best damn informant network this side of the galaxy.” She paused, her words taking on an underlying tone. “There isn’t anything that happens in Gotham and our sister city that I don’t know about.”

Something passed between their eyes and she declared, “I am the family keeper. And I will always be the safety net that catches everyone when they’re in their darkest hours. When there’s something you can’t handle, I will for you.”

Her words made his eyes shine with unshed tears and she gave him a faint smile and a wink before she stepped out of the locker room, leaving him sitting alone, his thoughts drifting back to the rooftop in Blüdhaven.

***

She walked across the floor of the cave to see her father standing there, Jason and Tim hanging off his arms and Damian around his neck; he wore the expression of a tired dad and she couldn’t help but laugh at him. “Having fun, dad?”

He shifted slowly as to not knock one of her brothers off and glared at her. “This is your fault.”

“Guilty as charged father dearest! But it’s food time! Let’s get street tacos.”

Jason grunted at her and shook his head. “No, let’s get gyros!”

“Gyros are disgusting, Jason.”

His features contorted in something only described as an insulted disbelief and he declared, “Just because you don’t like limes and lemons, does not mean gyros are gross, (Y/N).”

“We’re not getting gyros, Jason,” she shot back.

“What about Chinese food?”

(Y/N) looked at Damian and nodded. “I’m down for tacos or Chinese.”

“Can we stop and get some shawarma?”

“Tim, which part of tacos or Chinese sounded like shawarma to you? It’s one or the other. Take your pick.”

“But last night was pizza night! And if I eat Chinese or tacos, I’m going to eat more carbs than I need!”

“You do need more carbs, twig-boy.”

“That was mean, sis.”

“Truthful. I mean how have you not been snapped in half yet? You look like a toothpick.”

The others laughed at her comments, and Bruce looked at her. “Where’s Dick?”

(Y/N) tipped her head back to the lockers. “Still changing.” She motioned to the stairs. “You guys go ahead. I’ll wait on Dickie.” They nodded, and she watched her father trudge past with her three brothers hanging off him.

A smile crossed her lips and a few minutes later, she heard footsteps behind her. “Where’d everybody go?”

She turned around and nodded to the stairs. “Told them to go ahead and get ready.” (Y/N) had barely made it up the first ten steps when she felt Dick stop beside her, and she glanced back at him. “Dick? You good?”

He gazed up at her. “Thank you, (Y/N).”

She gave him a knowing look and said, “I didn’t do anything, Dick.”

“You did.”

“Agree to disagree.” They stared at each other for a second then she tipped her head to the stairs. “Let’s go get some food, kid brother.”

He nodded and started climbing the steps beside her. “I don’t tell you enough, sis…but I love you.”

(Y/N) rolled her eyes and mumbled, “God, you are so sentimental.”

“It’s one of my perks.”

“More like a curse…but yeah…it is.” She paused and he stopped beside her, and she reached over, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I love you too, little brother.” His arms wound around her, and they shared a moment before she patted his back. “Alright. Let go. I’m done being overly affectionate.”

He laughed, letting her go and she walked up ahead of him. He kept his eyes trained to her back, and he remembered something she once told him.

The two of them walked silently down the twisting and turning garden path, following the little white concrete plates that made the trail. Dick looked up from his hands, calling out to the older girl in front of him. “(Y/N)?”

She hummed in response but didn’t look at him. “What is it, Dickie?”

“Why won’t you let me walk beside you?”

(Y/N) glanced over her shoulder. “Because I’m protecting you.”

His head tipped to the side and he stopped walking. “But were at the manor?”

“And something could always happen. I’m in the front, so that if something comes, I can protect you while you run.” She turned around and looked at him. “One day you’ll be old enough to walk beside me instead of behind me.”

Dick’s eyes widened and he jumped excitedly. “When! When do I get to walk beside you instead of behind!”

(Y/N) giggled at her little brother and reached out, holding his shoulders to stop him from jumping up and down. “When you don’t need me to protect you anymore…you can walk beside me.”

“When will that be?”

(Y/N) pulled her hands away and spun back around, continuing her walk. “When it happens…you’ll know.” It was all the answer she gave the young boy, but he continued following her, still behind.

Dick blinked, the memory flashing away as fast as it had come, and he saw her back once more; he called out to her. “When do I get to walk beside you instead of behind?”

(Y/N) halted, mid-step and she glanced over her shoulder, a faint smile playing her lips as she replied, “When you don’t need me to protect you anymore, you can walk beside me.”

“And when will that be?”

She huffed a laugh chuckled at him before she turned back around, though she paused just as she was about to cross the threshold and peered back at him. “Don’t you already know the answer to that?”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever know the answer to that one, sis.”

(Y/N) shrugged and turned back around, declaring, “Then I guess you still need me to protect you.”

Dick watched her disappear into the manor, listening as she got into the argument that her brothers were bickering about with each other, and he smiled faintly. “Yeah…I guess I still do.”

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gothicwidowsworld · 3 years ago

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Selfish P.G

pt 1

Qualifying had never been Y/N’s favourite part of racing; it had just never appealed to her ; however, watching Mick Schumacher into Q2 could perhaps change her mind. Y/N couldn’t help but love the German man having formed a strong bond with him due to their mutual friend Sebastian Vettel. “Mick I know you’re going to be busy but please call me back. I have some news that I don’t want you hearing from anyone but me ok?” Y/N couldn’t help but frown; she was sure Mick already knew and was hurt she hadn’t confided in him about her situation.

Y/N was the first to admit she had needed time away from F1 even if it included her Grid family and safety net. “Is it true?” an irritated voice asked not caring for social etiquette. “I have no idea what you’re talking about Gasly.” Y/N replied turning to face the pacing Driver as she pocketed her phone. Scowling the y/h/c woman rolled her y/e/c eyes “God at least stand still, you're making me feel sick.” The younger girl complained the man's sharp moments getting on her nerves, choosing to ignore the stream of french curses tumbling from the panicked man.

“We’re having a baby?” Pierre asked, finally coming to a stand still, his stance tense and unwelcoming. “No Pierre, I am having a baby. You are having a breakdown.” Y/N clarified sarcastically her hand coming to settle on her obvious baby bump. “Merde Y/N.. Why didn’t you tell me?” Pierre mumbled fixing his light brown locks, the usual post race mess no doubt made worse as he continued to comb through it aggressively. “We aren’t married Pierre. I don't have to tell you anything.” Y/N stated simply with a shrug of her shoulders almost wishing someone would come to her rescue. She’d usually just walk away but the further along the y/h/c girl got in her pregnancy the slower she walked, even Y/N knew the Frenchman would simply follow her hounding her for answers.

The saviour Y/N had so desperately begged for appeared but instead of Mick or Seb even Max it was of course far worse. Her Father. “You ready to get back to the hotel Y/N/N.” Christian asked, eyes glued to his phone, probably already catching up on articles regarding qualifying. “Pierre?” The older man asked, confused clearly not noticing the hostility he’d walked in on. “He was just leaving Dad.” Y/N said, attempting to smile convincingly at her father hoping he’d leave. “Got you just don’t leave your old man waiting alright sweetheart” Christian acknowledged kissing his daughter on the forehead before sending his ex driver a stern smile.

“This isn’t over, you can’t shut me out!” Pierre hissed, moving to grab the girl's arm as she attempted to follow her father. Whipping around to face the AlphaTauri driver Y/N couldn’t help the scoff that fell from her lips. “You need to stop! We are not a couple, We are not friends. It was one night Gasly get over yourself!`` Don't get me wrong, at one point the British girl had been completely head over heels for the man but now her heart just ached. Everywhere she looked she saw couples sharing loving kisses or just holding hands and she hated how much she’d wanted that with Pierre. The magical hold the older male had over her had broken violently the day she woke up in a random hotel room alone, not even a note explaining where he’d gone. He’d just left. “Give me a chance at least!” Pierre exclaimed, almost throwing his hands up in frustration. “I want to be a Father. I deserve to be there for my child! You’re just being selfish.”

“Me selfish! Gasly why would I want someone who can’t even stay until sunrise in my child's life!” Y/N yelled not caring who heard her she wanted to punch him. To make him feel even an ounce of pain her heart felt. “What are you talking about?” The man asked, confusion filling his face the previous anger he’d felt mellowing. “I woke up and you were gone.” Y/N muttered pathetically, wiping the hot tears that raced down her y/s/c cheeks. “I thought it was a mistake?” Pierre whispered not knowing if he should hug the crying girl in front of him. “My mistake was going to bed with you in the first place.” Y/N responded halfheartedly. “Don’t say that.” Pierre croaked out tears starting to fill his own eyes. “It was my mistake. I… I should have stayed. I should have held you, I just got scared.” The driver explained nervously, taking a step towards the younger Horner. “I got scared that you’d hate me. That i’d ruined everything between us…” the frenchman trailed off. He spoke slowly knowing that when he got emotional he’d either slip into french or his accent would become so strong nobody could tell what he was saying. “There is nothing between us.” Y/N argued weakly, the sick feeling she’d felt earlier resurfacing. “There is. For me at least.” Pierre insisted “I love you..” the man stated softly ducking down to envelope the girl in his arms and capture her soft lips in a heated kiss.

#gothicwidow #imagines #au imagines #gif imagines #au gif imagines #x reader #f1 x reader #f1 imagines #pierre gasly x reader #pierre gasly #pierre gasly imagines #pierre gasly x Horner reader

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ofmagicandblood · 2 months ago

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The way her name rolled off his tongue caused Kat's lips to curve into her signature smirk. OR was it a smile? Maybe it was a mixture of both, but it spoke of both passion and sweetness at the same time. Katherine took the glass from Damon’s hand with deliberate slowness, her fingers brushing over his briefly before curling around the smooth edge. It wasn’t an accident; nothing she did ever was. She brought the bourbon to her lips, inhaling the burn before letting it sear its way down her throat. His warning lingered in the air, but she didn’t acknowledge it right away. Dangerous and stupid? Perhaps. But when had she ever played it safe? Even when the spell had left her with no power, no speed, no safety net of immortality to catch her if she fell. She was breakable now but she didn't have the luxury to play it safe.

Still, she wouldn’t let Damon see it. She perched herself on the edge of the couch, one leg crossing the other with practiced grace. The silk of her dress glinted in the firelight, every curve calculated to draw the eye. If he thought she’d shrunk in the face of humanity, he didn’t know her at all. Her gaze slid over Damon like a predator surveying familiar prey. He was still impossibly Damon—sharp, casual wit... confident smirk that twisted into something dark just beneath the surface.. and those icy blue eyes that she loved getting lost in. He was both a weapon and a weakness, and Katherine had never stopped loving that about him. But tonight, she would use him, just like old times. Or at least she hoped so.

She needed protection. She needed him. Yet, the thought of asking for his help, of admitting weakness, set her pride ablaze. Not only that, but she couldn't let him be happy when she was miserable. Couldn't let him move on when for some damned reason her own feelings for him had made a comeback. So instead, she reached for a strategy she knew well—seduction. Katherine tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she caught the faint trace of something unfamiliar in his posture. And yet here he was, pouring her bourbon and warning her to be careful, as if she had already asked for help; as if he still saw that orphaned young girl that had knocked on their family home decades ago. It was insulting. But also… comforting. The irony made her laugh softly, a sound that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She finally spoke, her voice low and teasing, but with a crack at the edges that even she couldn’t fully disguise. “I don’t need a bunker, Damon,” she murmured. “I need protection. And I’m betting you haven’t completely forgotten how much fun we had during our little Klaus fiasco… protecting each other. among other t h i n g s.” Her eyes darkened as they met his, daring him to argue, to turn her away.

But she knew he wouldn’t.

He never could.

He's not un-happy to see her, because he's never unhappy to see her, but juxtaposed with the very recent vampire Elena visit, it's hard not to feel like he's stumbled into some bizarro alternate universe this week. In many ways, he definitely has. What can you do? At least Katherine looks pleased to see him - off to a better start than Elena, who came in guns blazing - but she's still very much Katherine, wolf in sheep's designer clothing. And already telling him what to do. Classic. "Right away, Miss Katherine," sarcastic and accompanied with an eye roll, but he gets right on it, pouring one for each of them at the bar table. Not much else going on, anyway, so he could use the company.

"You," he warns, passing the glass into her hands, "Are playing a very dangerous and stupid game right now." She already knows that, he's sure, underneath the brazen attitude and arrogance that drew her over here in the first place. Damon's not her biggest threat, obviously, but any number of the boarding house's current residents may have different ideas. Hell, any number of tourists may have different ideas, for a free shot at a very human Katherine Pierce. Enemies of hers are not difficult to come by. Whatever her goal is here seems to have a bit of thought put into it. Rebekah and Stefan are out doing who-knows-what, coming back who-knows-when, so there's time. Some. She doesn't seem to be in any rush so he won't, either. "Should you be hiding out in a bunker somewhere?"

#katherine.#damon.#don't apologise. IT WAS PERFECT

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zerolostwalks · 2 years ago

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“If you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to leave.” “That’s the idea.” for Rulie?

Julie never would have thought of herself as the type to take unnecessary risks. Always more likely to recede into her shell or her safety net. Flynn and her family had helped with that in the past, pushing her to test her limits and grow.

Things changed in high school. Her world shattered so thoroughly that even her old comfort zones were uncomfortable. It took years of patience with herself and from her family, as well as some therapy but she was finally able to feel at home in her skin again. Though she doubted if she’d ever be able to push herself again.

Then Reggie tripped into her life. Quite literally.

She had been on her way home from work late one night. One of the street lights must have blown overhead, the intense flash of which had startled the two of them. She can still recall his yelp as he breathlessly fell back into the pavement in front of her. How surprised he looked to see her, the first time she saw his crooked grin.

He had seemed so lost and confused. Must have hit his head pretty hard when he fell since he had his dates mixed up. Normally she would have just kept walking, not tempted fate. But there was something about the way he’d greeted her and introduced himself, a simple earnest happiness about him.

Julie ended up letting him stay on her couch that night. Let him into her life, it didn’t take long for her to let him into her heart. The next half year of her life was a bizarre whirlwind.

Reggie’s eagerness and thirst for life was infectious. It was like everything they did together was a brand new experience for him, a moment for him to cherish. Yet, something haunted him that he never spoke about.

Julie never pushed, figuring he would tell her when he was ready. But she would still catch him fidgeting nervously, almost impatiently, whenever he thought she wasn’t looking. Based on the way he grew more and more obsessed over the calendar and dates, she had a few suspicions.

The morning everything changed had started out ordinarily enough. Julie got ready for work the same way she always did, and made her way down to begin her commute. A warmth spread across her chest, up her neck, and breaking her face into a bright smile.

“Reggie.” She sounded like she’d already had a few cups of coffee with how energetic her cry was. It wasn’t that much of a surprise to see him, he’d been showing up more frequently to walk her to and from work.

His face brightened into the same sunshine grin he always greeted her with. “Hey, Julie,” his voice reflected the same sherry sunshine quality. He moved to stand directly in front of her rather than falling into step beside her. His smile turned softer, a fond edge to it that she usually only saw when they were alone.

She couldn’t help the small giggle that escaped her as one of his hands gently brushed her shoulder, “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” he said with a subtle shake of the head, the fond look in his eyes never faltering.

“You know if you keep looking at me like that, I won’t be able to leave.” Julie teased through a giggle as she moved some hair behind her ear.

“Yeah, that’s-” Reggie drily laughed, as his other hand scratched the back of his neck. Her heart stuttered uncomfortably as an unsure guilt overtook his smile. “That’s kinda the idea.”

Her brows barely had time to furrow in confusion when the sharp squeal of tires closely followed by the sickening discordant mix of metal scraping against metal, glass shattering, and screams. The blood drained from her face as Julie managed to glimpse around his shoulder and saw where the car had crashed.

She couldn't be certain but she had a blood curdling, stomach dropping suspicion that if Reggie hadn’t stalled her, she would have been directly in the collision course.

“How did-” She asked, her voice much steadier than the frenetic pounding of her heart desperately trying to escape her chest.

His arm wrapped around her shoulders as he attempted to quickly drag her toward the other exit of her apartment. The one everyone used to get to the back alley with the dumpster or to smoke. “Sorry, but we don’t have time for explanations right now.”

“Seriously, Reggie.” Julie’s voice was as tight as her throat and insides were. She tried to pull herself from his grip, but he adjusted it. His hands clung to her shoulders as he faced her.

“Julie, please.” Reggie pleaded, his green eyes wide and desperate darted to the door behind her, before meeting her gaze. “I promise I will explain everything, but right now I need you to trust me.”

Trust him? She’d only known him for barely more than a handful of months. How well could anybody trust a person after that?

The earlier warm fond feeling in her chest quickly overpowered her thoughts. She lifted a hand to lace their fingers together as she managed a small nod and whispered, “ok, I trust you.”

#Soft Prompts #Rulie #julie and the phantoms #I don't mention it #but it's time travel he time travelled #When he meets up with Alex and Luke (also time travelling)#Alex is like because they were all supposed to land at the same time/place #dude WTF?#And Reggie's all #sorry I miscalculated #Still don't know what they were trying to prevent with Julie though XD

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andydona-chan · 3 years ago

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Bad, bad treat!

Read it at AO3!

Scratching a bit on the wall with the spatula, Danny sighed, he had been trying to remove the mix of candy and ectoplasm from the walls on Fenton Works for at least 3 hours now. He was tired, but the memories from the day before still made him smile, so he supposed it was worth it.

Looking back at what happened, he should have seen it coming, he sighed and turned to look at his two best friends, Tucker and Sam were helping him, and even though Tucker looked like he was melting with all the activity this required and Sam, with red-tinted cheeks from the sun, who was just spraying the spots with a Fenton ecto-removing formula were also tired, they also didn’t seem to regret what happened.

Danny chuckled a bit and thought back to Halloween night (aka yesterday), the three of them had been planning on what to do for that night to make it a very interesting trick or treating experience.

While both Tucker and Danny had spent a good portion of their budget to buy candy (in which only half of it actually went for the trick or treating basket), Sam and Jazz had worked together to create a spooky corridor from the entrance and down to the lab. Jack and Maddie had been invited to talk at some conventions, the convention was actually for horror movie fans and ufo theorists and the sort, so it was nothing too serious but it will keep them out for the following three days, leaving them alone for the best night of the year.

Using that as an opportunity, they made the ghost portal the biggest attraction. Jazz of course had taken some ‘security measures to prevent things from going downside, or so she thought. The corridor that Tuck and Danny had to assemble (girls designed, so they built) guided people through some weird-looking plants and spider webs, also some splats of glow in the dark paint that looked like ectoplasm had been on the paper-made walls. The black light and some of the rumors about the portal made it for a very good-looking spooky place, especially with the lights off.

Danny and Tucker had both dressed up as scarecrows and were sitting about a meter away from the portal, there was a line there that said do not cross and they were supposed to stop any curious kid if they tried to go near. Danny had the candy basket and from time to time he would move and scare some children. Jazz and Sam were taking turns helping people go down while talking like a witch and a vampire, which helped prevent a big amount of people from coming and going.

It seemed to be working, at least until a ghost was detected nearby. Danny turned to look at Tucker who just shrugged and looked at him. Danny was sure the ghost hadn’t entered from the portal because it was closed, but natural portals were now becoming a constant so he still needed to go and check. He transformed and left the basket on the chair they’ve been using to allow Tucker to continue with the act.

Turns out it was just Johnny and Kitty, who had tried to pass as teenagers going trick or treating, they hadn’t really used their ghost powers or influence to get candies and they actually seemed to be having fun, so after negotiating a calm night with the pair Danny went back to his place. He flew around the place once before turning invisible and intangible to give the people outside something to talk about, however, when going back, Tucker was on the floor, placing the candies back on the basket.

“What happened?” Danny asked returning to his human form and helping Tucker with the candies.

“Youngblood,” he said with a frown, “just a moment ago the portal opened and he tried to kidnap the basket, so I tried to stop him, we were pulling on the basket for a moment, who would say that kid almost pulled me into the Zone, however, I negotiated to give him a handful of sweets and the brat just let go of the basket, thus the mess. He took the candies and left but yeah, nothing serious.”

“Well, at least it wasn’t anything worse and no other ghost came out right?” They finished lifting the candies and Danny placed the basket on Tucker’s arms as he sat.

“Yeah, the girls stopped the tours when the alarm went off, Sam just came to make sure I was okay and left, they must be on their way down again” Danny nodded, at least Jazz’s plan had been good so far.

“Let’s keep it spooky then”, said Danny posing again as a scarecrow. It was no surprise that after a couple of children, some teenagers also started showing up, Paulina and Star, Dash, and even Wes walked down to get candies and then left, by ten pm they had run out of candies, and people on the streets with children were less and less.

“Wow, no big incidents tonight, talk about good luck!” said Tucker after they closed the door.

“Yeah, it was also fun, not creepy and full of horror as I was expecting, but it was alright,” said Sam pulling candy from an inside pocket on her vampire cloak.

“And with all the safety measures we took, nobody got hurt, abducted, or lost in the Zone, so there’s that…” said Jazz, cut short by Sam’s scream of pain.

“What in hell…?” Sam had thrown the popsicle she had just removed the cover off to the floor and was looking at one of her fingers covered in blood, she turned to look and Danny and showed him her tongue, for a second he thought she was joking, but then he saw there was also blood there.

Tucker had gone to lift the popsicle from the floor. “That stupid thing bit me,” said Sam, and Tucker retracted from where he was about to pick up the candy. It was Danny who then moved and went to get the candy from the floor; he lifted it and touched the strawberry glassy surface of the candy, only to have it open something like a mouth trying to bite him too…

He then turned around and looked at Tucker “Dude, did the candies enter the Ghost Zone when you were dealing with Youngblood?”

Tucker opened his mouth to answer but then lifted a finger and cursed silently, it was then that they heard people screaming. Danny, Sam, and Jazz shared a look, this was a big problem. In a minute they were making a plan, with a net to pick up the candies the girls were going to visit and or try to locate the people with the candies, Danny and Tucker had to sacrifice their share to replace the contaminated ones, so they left and started doing their own trick or treat route.

Some people were already looking for them, some other people were screaming in their homes, in a matter of minutes there was chaos in the streets of Amity Park. “How many people went to the house today?” asked Danny while trying to catch some of the candies that the people were running from.

“I didn’t keep count,” said Sam, “but it was a lot!”

While she tried to catch some of the candies with the net Danny had an idea. “The shield, people will be able to go into it and it will stop these, let’s get them there” Jazz and Tucker who were also nearby heard him and took off towards the house telling people to follow them.

Jazz made sure to turn on the shield and cover the housing ratio, Tucker was calmly telling people to go in, and just as expected the ghostly candies couldn’t follow. Danny used that moment to go ghost, and tried to use a shield of his own to gather all the candies. These allowed people to go back to their houses, some of them grabbed candies from the non-contaminated pile, but others just left and the ghost shield on the house was turned off.

At that point, Johnny and Kitty showed up on the motorcycle. “Wow, the first time I see treats become tricks on Halloween night,” said Johnny, “but I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he said pointing ad Danny’s shield full of furious candies.

“Why?” asked Danny.

“Candies can only support certain contamination level, they’re not made to keep it for too long, that’s how we can eat the candies, they dissolve and become part of us, but when not part of a ghost and with a constant increase of contamination made by an ectoplasmic shield, they’ll just… boom!” said Kitty as a matter of fact.

Just then Danny looked at the contained candies in the shield, as if Kitty’s words were a command, some candies started exploding like popcorn, Danny let go of the shield, however, the candies didn’t fall, instead, they remained floating and started exploding, splatting candy and ectoplasm everywhere but mostly onto Fenton Works, some of the most colorful ones creating something that looked like fireworks.

Jazz, Sam, and Tucker were already inside, and if the look of horror on Jazz’s face was something to go by, this was going to get him grounded, it didn’t escape him, however, how his friends laughed at the whole thing, Johnny and Kitty went back to the Zone shortly after the show ended, but Danny entered covered in a sweet mixture of candy and ectoplasm.

Jazz had only asked him to make sure the house was clean before their parents arrived, something that by the looks of it was still going to take time. The ectoplasm candy he was trying to get off finally gave out and fell to the floor, he lifted it and placed it inside the ghost proof trash bag they were using, then reaching inside his pocket, Danny pulled out candy, the green-yellow candy screamed at him once and he threw it in his mouth, Tucker and Sam looked at him with disgusted faces, but he just shrugged.

“Someone’s got to eat all those sweets,” he said smiling. Sam, Tucker, and Jazz had found themselves with some ecto-contaminated candies after the whole thing, and Danny was supposed to get rid of them, but the ectoplasm actually gave it a different kind of flavor, he had been unable to keep his share of candies from Halloween, so it was only fair he at least had those.

#Danny Phantom #fanfic #phan phic #ectober2021 #ectoberhaunt #ectober month 2021 #ectober month #trick vs treat #dp #sam manson #jazz fenton #tucker foley #danny fenton #Halloween #Happy Halloween

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junjungsunwoo · 4 years ago

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His lie, Her downfall.

-> Rich! Actor! Singer! Yuta x actress! reader

-> angst

-> 1k (this was supposed to be a drabble, what happened.)

-> @geniejunn @kvydence

-> @knet-bakery @kpop-script @foreverkpop-net @supermwritersnet @k-dinernet

-> As per requested by my NaNa counterpart @trippy-dejun! I hope you like it! Sorry if it’s lie- super bad, and sorry that it came out so late! The title you gave me was a bit difficult lol, but I hope you enjoy anyways! ❤️ (also, sorry if this is really cliche-)

-> main masterlist | nct main masterlist | nct 127 masterlist

Standing in the rain, you couldn’t believe your eyes.

Sitting inside the restaurant you’ve wanted to visit for ages was your so-called “fiancè” and you so-called “best friend”.

You tried to not misunderstand them, but they was they were sitting and the way they were acting towards each other is making you think other wise.

How could you boyfriend- now fiancè of 5 years cheat on you with your bestfriend you’ve know since a baby? It just doesn’t make sense. Trying to turn a blind eye to it, you began to walk away. But before you could completely turn away from the scene in front of you, you see something you just could not deny anymore.

Lip to lip.

You stand there shocked as the pair broke away and you see your fiancè Yuta caress your best friend’s face in such a gental manner. His eyes were filled to the brim with love and care- something so strong that had made you doubt if the love and care Yuta has in his eyes when he looked at you were all fake.

You watch as the two leaves their seat to go pay the bills before they headed for the restaurant door. Not being able to contain your emotions, you run up to your bestfriend before giving her a hard slap on the face.

“How could you do this to me!” You screamed at her catching the attention of the surrounding people, then somehow- without even what was going on around you anymore, reporters stared surrounding you cameras were aimed directly to your face and the couple before you.

“You knew how much I loved hi-“

“His money!” You bestfriend screams out before you could finish. “I can’t take it anymore! How you always say such hurtful things behind Yuta’s back, then act like you loved him afterwards!” Tears started falling down her face as the left side of her cheek started to form a red hand mark.

“I couldn’t take it anymore so I told Yuta, and I confessed that I liked him, and fortunately he liked me too.” She started holding your hands as you begin to shake uncontrollably due to the overwhelming emotions you felt.

“I treated you like a sister,” she starts to hiccup and she continues to sob as if she was being tortured. “But did you ever treat me even as a friend? Did you know that I liked him for a long time before you did?” She continues to sob.

You try to deny it but the sound of you now ex- best friend’s sons and the sound of the accusing crowd, you look to Yuta for help.

Yuta knew everything about you, how you were always treated like a slave by your so-called best friend, how she was trying to use you to get closer to Yuta so she could make him fall in love with her.

Yuta knows. He knows.

And yet- all Yuta does was shake his head in disappointment, all while agreeing with everything your ex-best friend had said.

You couldn’t believe what you had just heard. The only man you gave your everything to was betraying you. He gave you up to be with your best friend.

He had lied to the public about you- despite knowing how important it was to keep your image clean as an up-raising star in the entertainment industry. He had lied to the whole world, making you into this terrible person that took her best friend’s crush away from her, and only used him for his money.

Your legs gave up out of nowhere, sending you plunging to the ground. Yuta rushes to help you but your best friend holds him still.

In the end, Yuta takes your ex-best friend’s hand and turns away. Blocking her from the rain using his coat before he turns around to look at you who sat on the ground one final time, before opening his mouth to tell you something before he disappears from your life.

“Let’s break up y/n. You were never good to me, and all you ever did was use my money how you’d like. I’m sick of your words and your games.” He pauses, hesitating to continue. “We’re over, never look for me again. I don’t want to ever see or hear from you again, get out of my sight.” Yuta says before he gets into the car that parked in front of him.

The car drives away as the pair leaves you behind to cry on the ground as the reporters surround you hoping to get some good tea to use in their magazines or news channel.

Inside the car, the pair was silent. Both were thinking about their own things,

And Yuta couldn’t help but replay the scene when you have fell to the floor. He saw that your knees were scraped and bloody and his heart couldn’t help but break even more.

“Did you really have to go so far?” Yuta as the woman beside him only to have her scoff at his words.

“Yeah,” she begins as she glances towards Yuta. “Otherwise how will that bitch understand that we’re not on the same level?”

“But you didn’t have to make her cry!” Yuta explodes in anger.

Yuta had realized that your so-called best friend had tried to hurt you on multiple occasions and because he couldn’t stand watching the woman he loved most get hurt, Yuta promised your best friend that he will marry her and give half of his inheritance to her to ensure your safety.

Being a money-hungry woman, your bed friend had quickly agreed, which then lead to what was happening now.

“I hope you don’t forget Yuta. Even though I was the one who started this, you were the one that really pushed her to her downfall.” She gives Yuta a sly smirk, before finishing her sentence. “It was your lie that caused her downfall.”

Yuta already knows that.

And he knew that even if he begged and begged you, you would never be able to look at him the same as you did before- with love filling to the brim in your eyes every time you looked at him.

He knew that even if you did forgive him, he could never forgive himself.

Yuta knows that already.

And yet- he could help but let tears roll down his face as memories of all the times you exchanged ‘I love you’s reappeared in his head, playing like an old record on repeat.

Yuta missed you already.

But things will never go back to the way it was.

#knet-bakery #kdiner #k-diner #fkp net #supermwritersnet #Yuta #Na Yuta #yuta nakamoto #nakamoto yuta #NCT #NCT y #NCT 127 #NCT 2018 #NCT 2020 #Yuta x reader #Yuta x gem! reader

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artnigth · 3 years ago

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Migraines Part 3 (Final)

Took longer that I expected to finish this but I made it! This is the final part of this four day project of mine! Enjoy!!

MIGRAINES PART 3:

It was a lovely spring day, the flower were blooming, bees buzzing, and the fair had just moved into a lovely small-ish town in the middle of Oregon. The fair brought hundreds of shows and games with it, among those hundreds of shows were The Aquatos, a family of acrobats with a taste for danger. Their booth was up and running, the show was about to start. A thirteen-year-old Dion was waiting in the backstage area of the Aquatodome. His legs shaking, his stomach turning and the world was starting to spin. He wasn’t nervous though, he had performed for way bigger audiences in other cities. It was the whispers, voices echoing on his mind, scaring him of the gibberish they were saying. This happened every once in a while but never this strong or whenever his family was about to perform. This made him panic. Frazie and Raz, who were nine and seven years old, were stretching with Donatella. Agustus was checking the nets and safety measures to make sure nothing went wrong. While Nonna was looking after the two youngest kids in the family, Mirtala who was almost three, and Queepie who was just six months old. “Okay Aquatos! Everyone go to your positions were starting this show!”- Donatella sounded determined and excited, like always. Dread filled his system as he walked into the stage alongside two of his siblings, the whispers becoming louder with each step, so much his ears started to ring. Donatella’s voice becoming muted, the world spinning and his skin becoming pale. Nevertheless, the show started.

The show was going well enough, the Aquatos pirouetted and performed like they had all done ever since Dion had memory. Then the final trick of the show rolled around “The Aquato Tower” the voices claimed all of Dion’s attention, he tried his best but the sounds around him became muted, he was standing on his father's shoulders who was standing on his mother's feet who was upsidedown. Dion was balancing Raz on his head, and Raz was supporting Frazie with his arms as she stood upsidedown. Sweat dripped down Dion’s forehead, his head ached enough with the voices, but with his two younger siblings on top of him, the pain became almost unbearable. Now came the final part of the trick that would close the show. Frazie jumped and landed all the way to the right, Raz flipped on his head and proceeded to jump off, landing right next to Frazie. Dion’s turn, his stomach was up on his throat, his mind was breaking and his world was becoming a hurricane of colors and shapes. But he still pulled through, Dion climbed into his father’s head and he jumped. Spinning on the air Dion lost focus for a couple of seconds the feeling of gravity pulling him to the ground snapping him back to reality, Dion landed on his feet right next to Raz. But the world didn’t stop spinning, the voices didn’t stop and his throat threatened to spill all his lunch on the stage. “THANK YOU FOR COMING!!”- his mother’s voice broke his daze, and along with his family, he bowed down and walked back into the backstage. Dion fell on his knees, his breathing unbalanced and too fast for someone his age. His father carried him all the way to the family's caravan and placed the boy on his wore down bed and helped him breathe as Dion passed out.

Hours passed and in the middle of the night Dion woke up. He saw four of his five siblings sleeping peacefully around him. His youngest sibling was obviously in his cradle that was placed in the living room of the caravan. Dion snuck out of the room to go to the bathroom, stopping in front of his parent's room. The muffled voices of his parents leaking through the door. Dion got closer curious about what they could be arguing about at this hour.

“Don’t be ridiculous, he can’t be!” said his father with indignation on his tone.

“It could be! Augustus, my love. Neither of us knows how the curse could evolve with time. Your mother isn’t explaining anything and Dion was completely fine this morning. He described voices in his head, he could be suffering from a worst version of your family’s curse.” His mother was scared, even though she wasn’t an Aquato by blood the curse could still work on her, though no one except Nonna knew for sure. “Think about it, it’s exactly the type of trick those dammed fortune tellers would pull. Cursing a bloodline to die in water and then turning all generations that follow into people like them. Making the presence of the curse unforgettable, and cursing said children with nightmarish torments, like what’s happening to-

Dion ran down the stair, he wouldn’t let the end of that sentence haunt the rest of his life. He grabbed a bag and began to pack food, water, and some medicine. He finally knew what he was, part of a curse to his family. Well, he wasn’t about to help that fucking curse kill his whole family. Even if it meant never seeing Nonna, his parents, or his siblings ever again, he wouldn’t allow it. Tears were building up in his eyes, he brushed them away with his sleeve. He couldn’t afford to make any noise or to break down at that moment.

In a hurry Dion let a bottle of water fall on the floor of the living room. He froze, waiting for someone to catch him, for someone to show up and do something to stop him.

Nothing…

With a sigh, Dion picked up the bottle from the ground and continued his way to the door. “Waaah?” a high-pitched voice sounded behind Dion, Queepie was awake. His small hands rising to try and grab Dion not realizing how far away he really was. Dion turned to look at his youngest brother. His innocent eyes reflecting Dion’s miserable expression. Turning away was hard but Dion barely managed. Queepie saw his oldest brother turning away and started to cry. Queepie was a baby, he was awake and Dion was the only person around. So at the sight of him leaving the baby started to cry. With a hand on the door Dion dropped his bag and pushes it under the small sofa they had. He made his way to the cradle and picked up his brother, trying to calm him down. Eventually, Dion started to softly cry alongside his brother hugging him tight and letting the night pass. Quietly promising to do whatever he could to fix himself, to keep his family together no matter what.

Four years had passed since that secret incident, it was a summer morning. Dion and the rest of his siblings were woken up by Mirtala’s sobbing. The little six-year-old held a piece of paper to dear life, and Frazie noticed Razputin was nowhere in sight. “Tala what´s wrong?” Dion stood up to check on Mirtala, half asleep but still very much concerned. Mirtala showed him the note, still bawling her eyes out. He took the note and started to read. Every word from that letter felt like a punch in the gut mixed with a stab in the heart. When he finished he felt numb. In such shock that the concept of his little brother running away to who knows where hadn’t been fully processed.

“What does it say?!” Frazie said while shaking him out of his daze. Rage was the only feeling he could suddenly feel, he handed Frazie the letter and made his way outside before he took it out on his other siblings. Going down the stair he listened as Frazie screamed from their room out of, rage? sadness? He didn’t know and he couldn’t help anyway so why should he care? When Dion was finally in the living room he proceeded to ignore his parent’s questions and just ran outside.

Dion grabbed a stone and threw it into oblivion, doing the same thing with every other rock he found in the valley they had temporarily settled to rest.

Tears ran down his face the more rocks he threw, sadness and grief mixed with his rage, the voices coming back as a result. It had been months since he had heard those whispers, he thought he had finally fixed himself. But now they were back and he felt hopeless. He fell to his knees and just sobbed. He failed on the one thing he wanted to make sure he didn’t. One piece of his family was gone and they didn’t even get to know why. Razputin never mentioned where he was going, just that he was done and couldn’t take it anymore. His mother slowly walked out of their caravan and went to check on him. Her eyes red made it obvious she had been crying as well. She knelt next to him and hugged him as he continued to cry in her arms.

Now he was walking with Gisu in the Forgetful Forest at night, her scarf was placed on his shoulders and they were still holding hands. Gisu’s hair was a pulled-back mess, the only thing keeping it from tangling was her now loose ponytail. His hair wasn’t much better, his ponytail was holding it together but his bangs were a curly mess hanging in front of his face. His eyes were red, he had finally stopped crying, but the tear marks were still fresh on his face. Gisu’s skateboard was following them not far behind, cracks showing in its surface. The whispers were still there, they weren’t leaving this time and Dion knew that. They walked all the way in silence and Dion already suspected that Gisu would probably not want to see him ever again after this mess. The idea almost brought him to tears once again. They were reaching the limit of the forest to the campgrounds where his family was located. Dread built up in him as he saw the people who were there. His mother sitting on the floor being comforted by his father, Frazie was comforting Queepie and Mirtala was checking on Nonna as she sat on a bench looking concerned. Guilt crept into his mind since he just killed his grandmother’s boyfriend. And that was a really weird thought.

At the sight of his family, Dion stopped walking, stoping Gisu with him. “What’s wrong?” she said in a soft tone. “I can’t… Not after what I did.” He sounded altered, the events of that afternoon coming back to his mind in a painful flash. “C’mon I’m sure your family will be glad that you’re okay. And if something happens I’ll cover your back!” The same soft smirk that she met him with in the clear was placed on her face. That cursed smirk always managed to comfort Dion, he had no idea how. “okay…” They moved forward towards the light from outside the forest. And for the first time in four years, Dion wishes he had actually left on that spring night.

Never has Dion been tackled into a hug by Frazie. His sisters arms crushing his ribcage. “YOU IDIOT, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!! QUEEPIE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD” Her tone made it obvious that it wasn’t just Queepie who thought that. “I’m sorry Frazie” he hugged her back softly, too tired to come up with a snarky response. Dion looked past Frazie and met Queepies tearful stare. “I’m sorry Queepie.” His youngest brother tackling them both in another hug. “DION AQUATO!!” Augustus’ voice rumbled through the campgrounds, his tome mixed enough that his emotions were impossible to tell. Both of the Aquato parents run and tackle three of their children, by this moment Mirtala quietly joins the hug.

“DION!!!” Raz came out of nowhere and kicks his brother in the knee, hard enough to make his presence clear but soft enough to not actually hurt him. Joining his family in the group hug even if for only a second.

Nonna stayed close but didn’t join the hug. Ford was nowhere to be seen. Gisu stood at the boundary of the forest glad that this situation didn’t backfire. “Son, why didn’t you tell us?”Augustus’ voice had calmed down and was very concerned. “I… what do you mean?” Dion was confused but he got what his father meant. “Ford ended up landing here and told us everything” Donatella was clearly tired since they had been looking Dion for hours. “… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” Dion started to cry again, Gisu wondered if he needed a glass of water since he had been crying so much in the last couple of hours. “I didn’t mean to, I didn’t… Nonna I’m so sorry…”

This took everyone by surprise, why Nonna specifically. He scared all of them half to death after all. “Dion explain yourself.” Frazie was paniking a little. Because, well, Dion disappeared for an entire afternoon. Then Ford finds him and gets thrown all the way to the campgrounds. And finally, Gisu, who looks like she just survived a tornado, finds him broken and desperate. “I… I… I killed Ford cruller…”

Silence

“What?” everyone said in unison. What did he just say? Killed Ford cruller… “Oh, Dion… You didn’t kill Ford cruller. As I said Ford landed here and told us everything. I don’t think he could have told us you were lost if he was dead.”

“What?” Dion was dumbfounded. He should have asked Gisu… He should have definitely asked Gisu. All this time… Literal hours of unending misery, and he didn’t even kill the guy. “Are you sure? A hundred percent sure?”

“Unless I’m a ghost their pretty sure, boy.” Ford cruller appeared from the forest and stood next to Gisu. “By the way Razputin, I might be back at my prime as a psychic but I’m still sixty-two years old. I can’t suddenly start sprinting out of nowhere.”

“I didn’t kill anybody… Good god, I’m the worst.” The Aquatos finally separated the massive group hug and let Dion make his way to Ford. “Agent cruller I’m so sorry for… throwing you all the way here from the forest. And for screaming at you.” Dion meant this, he felt guilty not just for what he did to Ford but for what he did to everyone. “It’s okay boy, I understand. Things are obviously still tense and it’s fine, you’re a teenager I know how hard it can be. Especially as a psychic. Which speaking of...” Ford reached into his pocket and pulled out a small cloth bag. Opening the bag, there were five small purple rocks. Psitanium. Cruller took one out of the bag and placed it on Dion’s hand. “Now focus your mind on this little piece of psitanium. Think of nothing but this little piece.”

Dion did as he was told, focusing all of his attention on that little piece. The constant whispers fading into the back of his mind, and for the first time in the whole day, Dion felt relief. But now, he needed to face the music. He was truly a psychic and this was his life now. “Did the voices stop?” Asked Ford. “Yes… They’re gone…”

“Well, here you go.” Ford handed Dion that little bag. “If you or any of your siblings have an issue with their abilities. You can use one of those bad boys to help and dull them down a little.” Dion was speechless, he felt no words would be able to convey how many mixed feelings he had at that moment. “thank you…”

“Mom, can we have dinner now?” Queepie broke the silence. Leave it to a toddler to break the awkward silence. “Yes Queepie, we can have dinner now…”

Everyone sighed and began to move towards the caravan, with Ford, Dion, and Gisu staying behind. “Gisu, Ford would you like to stay for dinner?” Augustus’ voice was kind of tense but it was mostly kind. “Actually dad… I think Gisu needs to leave. We’ve been taking too much of her time.” Dion’s voice was soft, not rude at all. Gisu knew that. “Yeah… Thank you for the offer but I need to get back home before Sam locks me out.” Gisu understood and started to walk out of the campgrounds. Dion following behind. “I’ll go with her to the bus stop, I’ll be back soon. I promise.”

The campgrounds were left behind them as they walked back to the Motherlobe. They once again walk in silence, an awkward silence this time. Gisu’s scarf was still over Dion’s shoulders. A couple of steps more and she’ll be gone, on a bus to the nearest town over for the night. Dion had so much to say and so little time.

“I’m sorry”

“For what?”

“For today, for everything.”

“Everything?”

Dion fell silent. This is what he needed to do. After all she did for him, apologizing was the least he could do. “Calling you in the morning to hang out just to dip last minute, almost throwing you into oblivion in the forest, annoying you about my stupid psychic theories… and everything else…” Dion was calm, trying to mentally prepare himself for Gisu’s response. “It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize” “Yes I do! I wasted your time with my stupid crisis. You don’t deserve to be bothered with my issues…” Dion was determined to make his point clear. This was one part of his life he never wanted to regret. “… If I’m here is because I want to be, no one forced me to stay and wait for you. No one forced me to look for you, I wanted to because I care about you, Dion.” Her tone was warm and sad. Gisu’s mind was more at peace about what happened than Dion’s, she knew what her objective was in this whole situation. She just wanted Dion to be okay and she trusted his family to make sure he gets the treatment he needs.

They were now on the Motherlobe’s bus stop. The bus would arrive shortly. Dion took Gisu’s scarf and placed it on her shoulders in silence. He grabbed her hair and fixed it into her typical ponytail. He made his way to her bangs and fixed their shape pulling them out of her face. Both of their cheeks tuning a litte red from embarrassment during the process. In the end, Gisu looked like she did at the beginning of the day. “Thank you. For everything.” “What do you mean by everything now?” Gisu said in between giggles. “Just… everything.”

The bus came to a stop in front of them, the doors opening and the conductor not minding the two teenagers who were having a moment. “I guess you need to go now…” Yeah…” Gisu made her way to the bus and stepped on the entrance. Stopping for a moment and turning around. She pushed Dion's hair out of his face and leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his forehead. Dion was starstruck as he watched Gisu back away and the bus leave the stop heading back to the road. His face slowly turned red and he realizing that he needed to go back to his family. A tough night of conversations was ahead of them. But he knew that maybe tomorrow would be a better day. Tomorrow, he would work his best to be better.

#dion aquato #headcanon: psychic dion #psychonauts #psychonauts2 #psychonauts razputin #psychonauts gisu #ford cruller

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liquid-luck-00 · 4 years ago

Text

Safety Net

Part 1

Day 7: Betrayal @maribatmarch-2k21

Ao3 *** Here *** Part 2 *** Part 3 *** Part 4 *** Part 5

~~~~~~~~~~

Betrayal is not a word to be used lightly.

In fact it should never be used.

Not when describing your family, much less yourself.

"Again" A rough voice shouted. They got into position.

"Again? Really?" a distant memory, a voice sounded in their mind. "Don't you want a break?"

"Nuh-uh. Again!"

"Okay. 1, 2, 3, Fly," she soared through the air, "got you."

Giggles exploded from her lips.

"Now 1, 2, hold" she grabbed the bar while he was holding her ankles. "Ready?" he asked knowing the answer.

"Yes!"

"Okay," he let go, "1, 2, and jump!"

She flew and landed on the platform, "Again Dickie, Again." she jumped up and down shouting across the way to her brother.

"Next set!" the cold voice shattered the memory. "Up high no safety."

No safety net was under them, but that didn’t stop mom and dad flying through the air as as if they had wings. As it was more natural for Graysons to fly than to walk, until those wings snapped.

SNAP

Gasps and held breaths. Pulled into a bone crushing hug unable to turn their heads. But they knew, they knew what just happened.

They knew that if they turned they would see two lifeless bodies crumpled on the ground. They knew that they would never fly again. That their small flock was even smaller now than just a moment before.

A flurry of attacks, dodge, kick, throw.

A flurry of reporters, of officers, of social workers. Being tossed from one to another, back and forth outcast and hurt beyond understanding.

"Well done Grayson, we are truly fostering your potential." The voice complimented, but it fell on deaf ears. “You are excused.” They nodded robotically and turned on their heel.

"I won't go to that foster home, not without my twin sister." Dick shouted.

"Please!" Marinette pleaded. "We are the only family the other has left."

"Alright I'll try. But most families only want one child not two. On top of that you two are older, making it even less likely."

The two nodded as Madame left.

"I promise we won't be separated." he hugged his sister.

"Your stuck with me like glue." she hugged him back.

"Promise?" he held out his pinkie.

"Pinky Promise." as she held out hers.

That night, they slipped out of bed to get water when they heard voices from the entry hall.

"Please Sir if you wish to meet the children you must come back tomorrow. It is already late."

"No need for formalities, I only want my niece and nephew."

They peaked over and saw Uncle Lincoln March.

'Who's that mom?' they asked.

'That is your Uncle Lincoln March. He always brings trouble with him, an entire court actually. His only good quality is he never breaks a promise.'

Their breath caught, but instead of dropping the cup they gripped it harder. A shadow of motion flashed and a dark figure loomed over them, pushing them into the hall.

"Ah if it isn't my sweet little niece." He smiled but his tone was cold and demanding.

"Hello," she responded calmly, resolve unshaken.

"I hope my friend there didn't scare you too bad."

"No Sir, I am perfectly fine." she was the picture of calm, while Madame seemed ready to faint.

"How would you and your brother like to come live with me?"

"I'll go, but," she looked him in the eyes. "You and the whole court stay away from Dickie." her resolve unfaltering.

He considered it a moment before he began to laugh, a full belly laugh that made the hairs on her neck stand.

"One will do. Kill her." he motioned to the figure behind her.

"What?!" Madame yelped and then went quiet, falling to the ground.

"I promise you Marinette, I nor anyone from the court of owls will go after your brother. So long as you obey our rules." The silent threat of the words clear.

"Understood, Sir." came her response.

She was now back at her quarters. The memories still felt fresh even after years. Its been two years maybe three but it still hurts. The hot water of the shower felt like needles on her skin, but she knew it would conceal the trails of tears that silently slid down her face.

“You’ll catch me me off slip right?” She asked her brother.

“Of course Nettie, but only if you catch me too.” He responded in kind.

“Then I’m your safety net-tie” a cheeky grin on her face, the two broke out in a fit of laughter.

I'm sorry Dickie.

I broke our promise.

I betrayed your trust.

But I don't regret doing it.

Since I am your safety net.

Because at least you are free from this place.

Free to fly like a bird in the open sky.

~~~~~~~~~~

Permanent Taglist: @itsmeevie01 @adrestar @miraculouspenta @vixen-uchiha

#dc x miraculous #dc x mlb #mlb x dc #miraculous x dc #maribat #ml marinette #dick grayson #dickinette #dickinette twins #maribatmarch2021

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certifiedskywalker · 4 years ago

Text

Safety Net - Peter Parker

It was over. Thanos was gone and the dusted half of the universe returned to it’s tangible existence. Enhanced individuals and civilians, all fighters, had celebrated. Some had mourned; one in particular had, seemingly, not stopped.

WARNING: Grief.

“Want some company?”

Peter turned his head at your question but did not meet your eyes. His face was downcast, focused on how his fingers picked at the peeling paint of his window sill. In the silence that followed, you wondered if you misspoke. Maybe your voice cracked and you missed how it obscured your words? You were about to ask again when Peter lifted his gaze to yours.

“Y-Yeah, sure.”

Slowly, carefully, you stepped towards Peter and perched yourself in the window. The bottom edge of the frame dug into your trousers and pressed into the flesh of the back of your thighs. Though, the feeling was nothing compared to the bite of the night’s chill against your skin as you leaned out to catch a glimpse of the street beyond Peter’s window. Assured that there was little chance of falling, thanks to the metal rail safety net that made up the fire escape, you turned your attention back to the boy sat at your side.

“Heard you weren’t in a good mood,” you said softly, dipping your head to try to look up into Peter’s eyes. He didn’t turn his head to you as he began to reply. “Who told you that?”

Peter’s voice was distant, as if he was only asking because he had to; because he wanted to keep you around. Whatever the reason, the sound made your chest ache.

“May.”

“Of course,” Peter sighed, still far off in his thoughts.

You swallowed hard and reached out a timid hand. With the space between you and Peter cramped and small, your fingers almost immediately brushed against his arm. The touch was enough to coax his gaze to yours. Your breath caught at the sight of his brown eyes rimmed pink from past tears.

“She’s worried about you,” you gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “I’m worried.” “I, I’m fi-fine,” Peter’s words tripped over each other in a rush to get out. He never had been good at lying. It had made making mischief as children difficult.

You frowned at him and, when all you saw was sadness, forced yourself to look away. Fingers slipped from his arm and you held yourself to brace for the cold that grew as the night grew darker. Peter would tell you the truth when he was ready. Granted, it was already clear he wasn’t fine. The glassy look in his eyes and inability to smile for the past few weeks had told you that much. What made you wary was how upset May had looked when she opened the door for you. How her voice was low, caught in a whisper: “Peter isn’t doing well”.

There wasn’t much you could do until he spoke up. So, silently, the two of you stared out into the street, waiting for the other cave first.

Under the fluorescent glow of storefront lights, passersby were painted in all shades of neon. They looked, from the distance you sat at, alien. At the thought, you realized that Peter was too familiar with extraterrestrial beings to fall into the same comparison. From the corner of your eye, you saw him looking out in the same direction; though, he was focused on a couple that was loudly giddy about their night out. Their barely hushed giggling tore you both from the quiet. Behind them, a man walked hurriedly through the night, chattering into his cellphone that he pressed against his ear.

The man quickly raced past the couple and left you and Peter to watch as the pair, arm-in-arm, strode down the street. Eventually, the sound of their sweet nothings and muffled laughs faded into the dark beyond the view of Peter’s bedroom window. Silence fell between you again. Like a tense and dense blanket, it laid heavy on your shoulders.

“It’s not that I,” Peter began, bringing your attention to him again, at last. He seemed nervous with your wide eyes on him. You leaned back and nodded, quietly encouraging him to continue. “I-I miss him. I mean, I do. Mr. Stark was….but then I think about his wife...his daughter. Y/N, I...she’s only got a few years of memories with him and...”

Tears slipped down his cheeks then. A steady stream cascaded down his cheeks and your mouth fell open in search of what to say to ease the hurt Peter felt. But there was nothing. Peter knew this already and turned his eyes back towards the city street. He tried to sniffle quietly but there was no hiding it with how close you were.

“...and he’s gone.”

There was nothing to say. So, slowly enough to give Peter’s senses a second to detect it, you reached a hand out. When he tilted towards your extended fingers, you let your open palm rest on his upper back. Gently and, you hoped, comfortingly, you rubbed small circles into the fabric of his shirt. Beneath your hand, and through the cotton fabric, Peter’s skin was warm; a welcomed contrast to the chill breeze that blew through the window you both sat in.

He melted under your touch, ever-so-slowly leaning towards you until his head rested on your shoulder. A shuddering breath rattled in his frame as you looked out to the lighted street in search of something, anything, to say. For a moment you considerate talking about the planned trip to Europe, how those future weeks away might brighten the dark he felt. You thought better of it, but found your mouth moved anyway.

“I’m sorry.”

At the sound of your voice, Peter’s lifted his head from your shoulder. You turned and, in the dim light, the soft brown of his eyes were murky, blurry with tears maybe. It was difficult to tell and it didn’t really matter because you trailed your hand from his back to the side of his face. When your path stopped to cup his cheek, Peter pressed his face into your touch. His dark eyes closed and you felt a wetness in your palm.

Peter was crying.

Wordlessly, you pulled him into your arms. A sob tore through him and it felt, in that moment, that you were the only thing holding Peter Parker together. He buried his face in the crook of your neck and it was there you felt the steamy, salty tears soak into your skin. You bit back a cry of your own, forced a trembling breath in and out to calm the itch in your chest.

“I’m so sorry, Peter.”

You rested your head against his, felt his chestnut colored curls tickle your chilled skin. You couldn’t remember the last time you had held each other this close. Or the last time you had seen Peter so distraught, so ruined. No, you could remember; but it was so terribly long ago. Since then, you had seen Peter do amazing things. You had seen him save so many lives, yours among them. He had fastened his webs to so many broken pieces and struggled to hold together his corner of the world for so long.

So, you held onto to him, to keep him whole. Sometimes, superheroes need saving too. Though, Peter wasn’t just a superhero to you. But that could wait; until Europe, until the next world-ending threat. In that moment, you were content being Peter’s safety net.

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