#this admittedly isn't how he expected it to happen but hey. at least he still gets to fight the good fight

[duckapus]

On a much lighter note, I also got an idea for the playable Sniper Joe.

Basically, Wily really should've been more specific on the definition of beating Mega Man. Joe is from a universe where Blues' core never had the fault it did in canon, so the military demonstration went off without a hitch and the original plan to give the Joe units Robot Master-level AIs was approved. As a result they became an elite peacekeeping task force, gradually expanding into other branches like search & rescue and various kinds of disaster relief thanks to their various different Models equipped for different environments and situations.

The playable Sniper Joe in particular was the leader of the squad that stopped their version of Dr. Wily's first invasion with Dr. Light's six stolen Robot Masters, thus technically "defeating" Mega Man by making it so Rock never had to become him in the first place. As you can imagine, suddenly getting transported into a Wily fortress with the mad doctor ranting about how Joe was going to help him finally destroy that blue menace and claim what was rightfully his once and for all did not go well.

For Wily, that is.

[ynbabe]

Bite Me ୨୧ Charles Leclerc x Reader- Vampire AU

Charles had admittedly done many stupid things in his life, getting turned into a vampire in a club in Monaco was definitely one of them, but at least he has you, but what happens when his brothers see the bite marks on you?

Was it obvious I was listening to Lana del Rey while writing this?

You groaned as his teeth sank into your collarbones, blood seeping out into his mouth. Your grip on his shoulders as a pang of pain rolls through your body as he sucks on the open wound, lapping up the warm blood that poured out.

Your nails dug deeper into his bare back as the pain increased, a small groan escaping his lips as you broke skin. Your head fell back as Charles finally let go.

You pressed your hand to your head feeling light-headed, squinting your eyes you missed the look of guilt Charles had.

"I'm sorry, Mon Amore," he kissed your neck, lips still sticky. You could only hum in response. He laid down on top of you, burying his head on your chest.

"Did you get enough?" You asked him, making him nod against your skin.

When you first found out, you were terrified, almost running out of the apartment when he showed you his teeth but his puppy eyes made your heart break. So you stayed.

"Lets go clean up," he whispered in your ears, picking you up.

You showered first, then changed into a simple pair of sweatpants and a tank top, not realising all the old bites that had turned into nasty bruises could be seen easily.

Just as you had tied up your hair, the doorbell rang. "Hey, babe, are you expecting anyone?" you called out.

"I don't think so," he yelled back. You sighed and walked out of your bedroom, going to check who'd interrupted Charles and your weekend bliss.

You had barely opened the door when Arthur came barreling in, a tired Lorenzo behind him, an apologetic look on his face. "Hey, Y/n," he greeted pulling you in for a hug, unknowingly applying pressure on Charles' bite marks, making you hiss in the older man's arms.

"Are you okay?" He asked, gasping when he saw the yellowed bruises on your arms, redder- more newer ones on your shoulders and the still fresh ones on your neck and collar bone.

His eyes widened as he pushed into the apartment, turning you around to see the 'damage', you tried to explain that it wasn't a big deal. It was Arthur's turn to go ballistic, he stopped talking, staring at you with his jaw slacked open. "What the fuck?" He whispered.

"Guys this isn't what you think-" You began but they wouldn't accept it.

Lorenzo furrowed his brows, "Did Charles do this to you?" he asked.

"No, Enzo," you tried to explain, without outing Charles' secret, "Not, in the way you think, he- it's not," you seriously weren't prepared to be interrogated today.

"Oh my god," he looked away, "this isn't right, Y/n, we can help you, I know he's our brother but you can talk to us," he started, Arthur butting in.

"Fuck that, he's hurting you y/n, you get help," Arthur called out. You were touched by their protectiveness but you had to explain before they thought the worst of Charles.

"Guys please," you tried once again but to no avail. Suddenly you were pushed behind the two boys, and before you could ask why you saw Charles walk out, a matching pair of sweatpants on, hair still dripping from the shower.

He seemed shocked to see his brother, especially the anger in their eyes, he moved towards you but they pressed forward, confusing him further.

"Hey-"

"DON'T YOU FUCKING HEY US YOU BASTARD," Arthur yelled making Charles flinch.

Arthur pulled you further back, glaring at his bother.

"How could you? You were supposed to love her! Maman raised you better than this!" Lorenzo yelled making Charles' eyes well with tears.

"What- what are you talking about?" He asked, trying to make sense of the whole situation, when Lorenzo pointed at you and all the recovering bite marks.

A look of realisation flashed across his face making him smile in relief, pissing off his brothers even more, "YOU'RE FUCKING SMILING" Arthur barked, throwing a pillow at Charles with deadly accuracy but he was faster, much faster.

"How could you even think I could do something like that?" He asked, suddenly infront of Arthur, "I'm a vamipre, not a monster!" He exclaimed, showing his fangs.

"Oh..." Arthur said meekly before passing out in your arms.

"Your a- a what? Is this some weird sex thing, because I don't want to know." Lorenzo asked with a hint of disgust in his voice.

Charles laughed and nodded no, explaining to his brother how he got into the predicament, providing proof by easily lifting Arthur by the collar with one hand.

"I- uh, I need to-" he pointed at the sofa, sitting down with his head in his hands. Charles placed Arthur next to Lorenzo, while you brought them water, gently waking up Arthur.

You and Charles took your place across them.

"So, you're fine with, whatever this is?" He asked you, waving his hands between Charles and you.

"Yeah,"

"H-how do you drive? Arent most races in the sun?" Arthur asked, finally waking up.

"Art, it's not like Twilight," he explained, "I just need more sunscreen than usual," he shrugged.

"Does Fred know? Any of the other drivers? Maman?" Lorenzo shot off.

Arthur on the other hand was interested in other questions, "Does your skin sparkle? Do you know any other vampires? How fast can you run? Do you actually drink blood?" he rambled, water long forgotten.

"Calm down, Arthur," You laughed at the younger boy.

"One question at a time guys, but no, no one else knows, not even Maman," he looked at Lorenzo.

"And no, my skin doesn't sparkle, it's not Twilight!" he exclaimed once again, making Arthur roll his eyes, "Yes, Fernando's one, and maybe Lance but I'm not sure, I can run pretty fast now, and yes, I need blood to survive now," he explained each answer making Arthurs eyes grow wider.

"That's where I come in," You raised your hand, pointing to the bite marks on your body.

"Does that hurt?" Lorenzo asked.

"It used to, not as much now," you shrugged, "It heals fast when I drink his blood," You explained making Arthur gag.

"So it's like TVD," he grimaced,

"I mean, yeah, sure," you answered.

A few more questions and finally Lorenzo and Arthur were satiated, deciding to leave. rather than staying for what they had originally come to do.

"I'm kind of hungry, order in?" Charles winked at you making you roll your eyes.

"Bite me."

Hope y'all like this, as always comments and reblogs are much appreciated! Also, how would y'all like a DC-style Logan fic? I've been itching to write that!

[stay-dazed]

stray kids as your older brother

notes: female reader, and you're their adopted sister. this is my first time making a post like this, so i'm sorry if it's repetitive or anything. i hope everyone enjoys!

chan: chan's always loved being an older brother, and not just to his biological siblings, but to anyone who may need a brotherly figure. so when his parents made the decision to adopt another child back when he was still a trainee, he was excited. nervous as hell because he wasn't sure if he'd be a good enough big brother to a new sibling from all the way in korea, but excited nonetheless.

the day you came home his parents set up facetime so you both could meet and of course you both clicked pretty quickly thanks to how patient he was and how calmly he spoke. and now, six years later, you're close with all three of your siblings. of course you're closest with lucas since you see him everyday, but you still adore hannah and chan.

chan's a pretty busy guy but he takes every opportunity he can to either facetime all his little siblings, or at least text to see how everyone's been doing. he also gives the best advice he possibly can whenever it's needed. and as it may seem, tonight is a particularly difficult night for you.

as you lay in bed mindlessly scrolling on your phone after a quiet dinner with the family, your thoughts begin to feel suffocating. your eyes become glassy, and a lump forms in your throat. quickly you check the time - 7:30pm. well... korea is only an hour ahead, and chan never really sleeps anyway. he wouldn't mind if you called real quick, right?

with a shaky hand you go to his contact and press call without even looking, having memorized the process by now. you hold the phone to your ear, your lips are pressed tightly together as you try to not cry. the phone rings once, twice-

"hey (y/n), what's up?"

his cheery voice alone brings the tears to slip down your cheeks despite your best efforts. "channie-hyung? are you busy right now?"

chan is immediately in protective mode after hearing your shaky voice. "no, no i'm not busy," he says despite all the talking going on in the background," what's up, hon? did something happen?"

you spend the next hour and a half just venting about how awful things have been recently. how you may not pass your government history course despite how hard you try to understand everything and how the new manager at your workplace treats his employees like idiots. and as to be expected, by the end of the call, you feel so much better. you're even giggling at the silly things chan says to try and cheer you up.

"an idiot? nah nah if anyone's an idiot, it's me. i share exactly one braincell with the boys at any given in time. you're doing great, hon."

minho: admittedly, minho isn't exactly excited when his parents first announce their plan of adopting a teenager. it's not that he wouldn't love his new little sister or anything but he grew up an only child, so he isn't familiar with this dynamic. during the seven months it takes to go through the whole adoption process, minho spends as much time with his parents as he can, helping set up what used to be his room as your new room and getting reassurance from his parents that he'll be a great big brother.

gradually minho gets used to the idea of having a little sibling. in fact he's kinda excited now. he's curious to see what you're like and how you two will get along. the day you come home is a little bit awkward as to be expected, but it's full of smiles and small talk anyway. minho shows you to your room and talks about how it used to be his before he moved out at a young age. that leads to an interesting conversation about his past job as a waiter, his uni experience, and how he became a kpop trainee.

the conversations continue into the evening, all through the hearty meal made by your parents. you're already beginning to feel comfy here. the only thing left to do to truly become a part of the family is meet the fluffy trio - soonie, doongie, and dori. you had seen them earlier but they were hiding in their cat tower, anxious about this newcomer in their home. after helping with clean up, you carefully head towards the cat tower where you kneel down to hopefully appear less big and intimidating. you first meet eyes with soonie, and you're instantly drawn to the way his little nose twitches curiously in your direction. with a big smile, you speak to him in a gentle voice," hi baby. look at you, you're so cute."

you hold your hand out to him so he can get more of your scent but he doesn't seem to like it as he cowers further into the tower. "oh no, i'm sorry baby. i didn't mean to scare you. i promise i won't hurt you!"

minho comes up behind you and watches for a moment as you continue to try coaxing soonie out, with no success. "why don't we go sit on the couch? eventually they'll get curious and come out to see what's going on," he suggests.

you nod and follow him to the living room where you both sit on the couch and just spend time talking about different things. it takes a little while, maybe twenty minutes, but finally doongie builds up courage to come out first and see what his papa's up to. he jumps onto minho's lap and sniffs in your direction but ultimately curls up where he is. soonie comes out next after a few more minutes, and just curls up on one of the couch pillows that fell on the floor where he proceeds to doze off. well it's good he trusts you enough to nap around you.

and the last to come out is dori. you expect him to go find another spot to settle in like the others did, but much to minho's surprise and yours, he instead climbs on your lap, sniffs your nose a couple times, then lays down and begins licking one of his paws.

"i've never seen him get comfortable around a new person so quickly before. you must be really special!"

changbin: changbin is so excited to learn he's getting a new baby sister. well not an actual baby, but a baby to him. he's always been bullied (playfully) by his older sister and now it's finally his turn to do it to someone younger than him. changbin has always been highly observant and good at memorizing how to specifically help the different people around him, so he knows he'd be a good big brother for sure.

the evening you come home is very busy. your parents, big sister, changbin, as well as seungmin who has the day off, all take you out to eat at a nice restaurant for a sort of first gotcha day celebration. you're incredibly nervous and soft spoken which is understandable considering it's your first day with your new family, and thankfully they're all very patient with you. they try their best to be as cheerful as possible but not too overwhelming.

and despite being so nervous, seeing your family (and seungmin) be so happy and playful with each other helps you calm down over the next couple hours. by the end of dinner you're giggling and feeling much more relaxed than before. you haven't said much besides answering questions they've asked you, but they don't seem to mind. when dessert comes - specifically bungeoppang for you - changbin asks," oh you like red bean paste too? (y/s/n) doesn't. she says it's too sweet for her."

you smile and respond softly," yeah it's one of my favorites." changbin smiles back and nods with a hum. he's sure to remember that for future reference.

as him and your sister start poking fun at each other once again, seungmin egging them on, a playful jab at changbin slips past your lips. you're not sure where that little bit of confidence came from, but it leaves changbin in shock and seungmin in a fit of laughter.

he says while slinging an arm over changbin's shoulder and patting his right pec," she fits right in, huh?" you can't help but laugh louder than you have this entire evening.

"i'm supposed to be the one who gets to tease now! how could this possibly have backfired on me??"

hyunjin: hyunjin's visiting his parents on his week off of work when they open up about their decision to adopt. he's not particularly happy nor upset about the idea. he's just really shocked more than anything. he calls chan and felix, the only two members who have experience with little sisters, to ask them what it's like. as the news really begins to set in, hyunjin begins worrying. just like minho, he's only ever been an only child. what if he sucks at being a big brother? chan tries to remind him that he has some experience being a brotherly figure to the younger members, but hyunjin being as dramatic as he is takes a bit longer to fully get used to the idea.

but once he does, he's just fine, like everyone said he would be. he takes a day off of work to join his parents when they go to pick you up and bring you home. during the drive hyunjin gives you an idea of what the apartment - specifically your room - is like, and how it'll be to meet kkami. everything he tells you helps you feel more calm; like you know what to expect in the situation. and once you arrive home hyunjin is more than excited to show you to your room, and of course to introduce you to kkami.

kkami barks and growls at you warily from behind the legs of the kitchen table. it takes a bit of coaxing and treat-bribing from hyunjin and your mom, but kkami eventually comes out from underneath the table. while he's busy chewing on a treat you manage to just scratch under his chin for a few seconds, before he's had enough and hurries off to his little dog bed. that's okay, it's a start.

you and hyunjin decide to head back to your room to get the rest of your things unpacked while your parents work on dinner. to keep a conversation going hyunjin asks while handing you hangers for your clothes," so (y/n), what do you like to do for fun? do you have anything you're passionate about?"

you're so glad he asked. you respond with a smile," well i'm pretty passionate about art. especially collage art. i have a few journals with me that i've already finished. i hope to get a new one to start in soon."

hyunjin looks at you with bright eyes and a smile as wide as your own," you like art too? i've been painting for a few years now myself. it's actually my favorite form of selfcare."

you stop your clothes-hanging process and ask," really? would you mind showing me some of your work? i could show you some of mine too if you'd like."

"yeah of course!" hyunjin says before running to his room to get one of his many sketchbooks. you can already tell this is something you'll both be bonding over for a long, long time.

"oh yeah this is a sketch of my bandmate felix. i'm sure you'll meet him sometime soon- no wait, don't look at that part! i messed it up!!"

jisung: jisung is actually told about his parents' decision to adopt on a call to catch up with his older brother. he's understandably shocked, and decides to take the weekend off to go back home and talk about it with the whole family. once it's all talked through, jisung finds that he's not as nervous as he thought he'd be. he's just excited to have a little sister for once, only having been around boys his entire life.

he counts down the days until you get here, and when the day finally comes, the home is full of energy. luckily you match that energy, so the conversations and jokes with your brothers keep flowing. but you're particularly curious about jisung and his career, so you end up asking him lots of questions about it. you listen intently as he explains his history as a trainee, with the family jumping in now and again. it's touching to see how proud and supportive everyone is of him, and you're grateful to be part of a family that seems so caring.

time flies by and before you know it, you've been with your family for two years. you're happy to see jisung and the rest of stray kids grow during this time, and you appreciate being able to rely on them despite their busy schedules.

and that comes in hand today, at the ripe hour of 1:12 am. you just cannot fall asleep no matter how hard you try, and your bed seems to get more uncomfortable with each toss. it's so frustrating you could cry. so you do the first thing you think of that would help: you call up jisung to see if you can head over to the studio. you've been told a number of times that you're always welcome there, after all.

"jisung-hyung? is it okay if i come over to the studio? i can't sleep, i feel like crying, and i just need to get out of the house right now. please?"

"yeah of course," jisung responds immediately," chan-hyung went out for snacks so he can pick you up on his way back. when you get here you can just relax on the couch."

"okay, thank you so much hyung."

thanks to him, once you're settled in the studio you eventually doze off on the couch to the sound of keyboard clicking and jisung talking about something regarding how they put music together.

"just listen to me talk about our process for a while. it'll probably bore you to sleep."

felix: felix has always had a great relationship with his sisters because he genuinely loves his role as a brother. so when he learns through rachael that his parents are in the process of adopting another little sister, he's so happy. not an ounce of anxiety in his body. as it'll take about a year to finish the entire process including bringing you to australia from another country, felix takes that time to save up money and plan out vacation time.

when the day finally comes, felix flies to australia, excited to stay a full week with his family. and when he arrives at the house he runs to you first and gives you a big, safe hug, swaying you side to side a little. you can't believe how comforting his hug is, and just how similar it is to your sisters' hugs that you received when you got home at 2 in the morning.

"hi (y/n)! oh it's so nice to finally meet you," felix says excitedly as he takes a step back to look at you. "it was damn hard waiting an entire year for this day." he laughs.

you laugh in response," it's nice to meet you too! thank you for coming all this way just to meet me."

"of course! i wouldn't have missed it for the world. are you already settled in?"

"uhh, no. we were all so tired after i got here that we just headed to bed. i still have a lot of unpacking to do." you laugh again.

"oh yeah, that's understandable. well should we get started then?"

with the help of the entire family, getting your humble three bags unpacked in your new room goes by pretty quickly. it's around lunchtime when you're all finished, so the family decides to head out for a celebratory lunch at their favorite diner. during the 20 minute drive felix, rachael, and olivia take turns telling you their favorite memories associated with the diner. for example, the time they went there after felix won two medals at a taekwando competition when he was 11. or the time they went there to celebrate rachael getting into college to study psychology.

this is just another fond memory to add to the list.

"do you remember crying, rach? yes you absolutely did! i cried too, and i'm not afraid to admit it!!"

seungmin: seungmin is surprised and ultimately confused when his parents call him up and tell him about their adoption plans. he thought him and his sister were trouble enough for them. but if it's what his parents want, he'll fully support them. he's not exactly nervous or excited. he's mostly just a little sad that his old room will be switched out for someone else.

the day you come home is just a little bit awkward. well to seungmin anyway. his parents and sister welcome you home warmly, telling you just how happy they are you're finally here. all the while he stands to the side watching everything unfold. once it's his turn to greet you however, he tries his best to smile wide and give you a hug. it's an odd middle ground of a side hug and full hug, but you don't mind it. despite how unsure he is of himself he seems very sweet.

after your sister shows you to your room and helps you put some of your things away, seungmin comes in and tries again to be as welcoming as he can by telling you a bit about how your room used to be his room. he then offers to show you his huge collection of old baseball cards. baseball isn't really your thing, but you can tell how hard he's trying to make you feel at home with something he's obviously passionate about, so you listen closely as you look at the cards he shows you.

"how long have you been collecting these?"

"um.. probably since i was about eight? a lot of these were my grandpa- oh! i mean, our grandpa's. yeah he likes baseball a lot too. we even pitched a ball together at a game once."

"oh really?! that's so cool. it must've been a lot of fun."

"yeah it was! it really inspired me to be a baseball player. well before becoming an idol, obviously."

"how did you go from baseball player to idol anyway?" you giggle.

and from there the conversation on the bedroom floor amongst all the litter of baseball cards went on for a couple of hours until your parents called you both for dinner. baseball still isn't your thing but it's definitely more interesting than you had initially thought.

"yeah there's a picture of it somewhere online. please don't, i look so awkward in it. it's when i still had to wear my glasses.. no don't!!"

jeongin: jeongin is pretty content - and sometimes overwhelmed - having his two brothers. they may not show it outwardly, but they're all very close and try to spend as much time together as they can with jeongin's busy schedule and the eldest being in the army. so when they find out their parents are planning on adopting a girl, they're all shocked.

"she's not gonna get my room, is she?" asks yoon. "give her jeongin's, he's hardly ever here anyway!"

it was a bit hard getting used to the idea initially but eventually they all come around to it. and the day you come home they're acting like their usual selves despite your parents asking them to act normal for once. they're teasing and playfully punching each other hard enough it could be heard from the room over. in that moment you realize it's gonna be really, really hectic having three older brothers.

and now, a year and a half later, it's still just as hectic if not more so now that you join in on the teasing. tonight your eldest brother isn't able to visit but jeongin is. so now you, jeongin, and yoon are all sitting on the couch playing mario kart. the living room is filled with the sound of mario kart music and pointless jabs like "why do you always play as peach? that's so boring" and "have you ever actually tried winning?"

"come on girls," you say without taking your eyes off the screen," stop fighting or we'll never finish this game." yoon lands a punch directly to your left shoulder.

jeongin bites back," speak for yourself. i'm gonna win just like i always do at mario kart."

by the end of the evening, after multiple rounds and a meal on the couch that your very patient mother made for all of you, yoon actually comes out the victor much to jeongin's despair. and so starts another round of teasing and arguing.

"mom!!!! (y/n) called me a mama's boy!!"

[silvergolddraco28]

LMK x Hazbin Hotel- part 14- Cubsitter

Everything seemed to move in slow motion, how the snapping of one simple cord could invoke such an unbalanced rush of power would probably be an explanation they would have to wait to hear. Charlie braced herself shielding the passed out Lucifer whilst Vaggie tended to the celestial. The rest had taken cover at the thunder-like boom that rolled out once the thin string had snapped. Thankful as they were to come out unscathed the two royals unfortunately bore the most metaphorical damage. "Is everyone okay?”

"Is it over?" Sir Pentious called.

"Fuck that was heavy." Angel groaned, stumbling to his feet.

"Woah there, little help?!" Despite Vaggie's strength Wukong was a stone monkey after all. Husk was soon at her aide taking the celestial with ease. "Thanks." The militant demon murmured.

"The least I could do." Husk shrugged.

"Let's take them elsewhere so they can rest. I can't imagine the toll on them." Charlie murmured, holding her father close. Storytime would have to wait for another time. Keeping the two safe was the top priority.

Angel appeared from the bar, the whole fiasco leaving him needing several drinks. Whilst the others went to make the royals more comfortable Angel subjected himself to welcome duty. Not that anyone would be walking into the hotel at this time to check themselves in but hey! Closer to the bar meant more drinks for him! The sound of small hoofs hitting running was quickly accompanied by the little fawn Alastor being chased by Wukong’s clone before the clone manage to scoop up the young One. “Got ya! Sheesh your more skittish then a baby monkey!”

The drink in question he held shattered against the floor in surprise as the spider spinner gawped at the little fawn who ran into the lounge, followed by the celestial. "Didn't you just pass out?!"

“I'm a clone, i have my own reserve and was tasked to watch over the fawn.” the clone deadpanned to Angel. "My drink," the spider sinner whined staring longingly at the broken pieces before casting several eyes to the doppelganger in the room. Glancing down at the fawn squirming in his hands Angel smirked. Hell would have a field day hearing this. "Baby duty sounds fucking terrible. Good luck with that. But if ya need help I'm always available." He gleamed.

Deciding to make it easier to tell the difference the clone changed up their clothing and took a slightly more feminine form while clad in a sunset peach beach dress, a flower crown resting on their head with a large hibiscus flower over their ear while their mask became a far more purple color. “Better?”

Angel whistled, appreciatively upon the clone's newer appearance. "Anything you wear looks good to me." He shrugged. Admittedly it would save the hotel a ton of filler episodes knowing the clone was a fake from the start. The clone rolled it's eyes and properly entered the lounge seeing the utter chaos. "I love ya too." Angel grinned upon the clone's reaction following them in.

“Alright can someone tell me what in the ten levels of the Diyu happened?” the clone called out while Alastor just watched everything from the clone’s hip.

"Angel? You better not have gone to the bar you-" Vaggie entered casting a glance around the lounge, everything still in disarrary, eye momentarily setting on the clone before fixing the spider with a glare. "I thought you said you were going to clean the lounge?" Vaggie arched her brow.

"All this?! By myself? Honey. You've got the wrong spider." Angel shrugged. "Sides I told Char I was on welcome duty, as in I welcome any new guest." Angel rolled his eyes.

"And how do you expect to welcome anyone with the state the lounge is in?" The former soldier rebutted, her patience already wearing thin.

"Vaggie? Hun is everything..- The baby!" Charlie squealed, eyes glimmering upon seeing the child as she entered. "Isn't he just so cuuttee!- Oh! Hello there!" The princess beamed warmly at the newcomer. Taking in the little fawn and the slight resemblance to their new resident monkey it was only safe to assume this was one of Wukong's many clones.

"Welcome to the hotel! Excuse the mess! We uh..." The princess paused. "Were having a storytime with Mr. King but then the shadow thing he was maintaining with his really cool shadowy powers became harder to control and then he cut it! Then there was this explosion which knocked him and my dad out since they're sorta linked annnnd that's kinda why the lounge looks the way it does!" The princess rambled as she explained

“Charlie, I'm a clone of Wukong. I shapeshifted to make it easier to tell us apart.” the clone deadpanned. “You should be able to sense the fact that I don't have a soul.” the clone pointed out pinching his brow.

"I know that!" The princess scoffed though the nervous laugh she emitted was pretty telling she had clearly forgotten. "But you are still kinda like your own person, no? Maybe. But anyway! It'd be wrong not to welcome you as well!" Charlie reasoned with a laugh. Though the clone wasn't really Sun Wukong it still felt… wrong? To treat them as if they were an exact replica. Everyone deserves a warm welcome to the hotel.

“Princess please tell me you have had any basic magic training?” the clone asked while waving their tail in front of the fawn’s face to keep the little one occupied and happy.

"Not exactly? A-A little! Dad would try but.." Charlie faltered, remembering only fragments of her childhood and even then they were hazy moments of her mother once again taking her away. Whatever expression washed over the princess was completely replaced with a more hopeful one. "But Mr. King did mention we would start training though!"

Vaggie frowned at this, gently cupping Charlie's hand. It was a puzzling notion for such a notable figure in hell to not have received any sort of training let alone the daughter and princess of hell.

The clone sighed. “For now just call me Peach, I'm basically acting as Alastor’s Nanny and until then Original wakes up I can give you the basics in magic. Now everyone knows there are two forces, positive and negative?” The clone rhetorically asked, turning this into an impromptu lesson while handing the fawn to Charlie. Said princess’ smile couldn't be more wide as her eyes practically sparkled at being handed the little fawn.

"So adorable!!" The princess half whispered, half cooed. Even the stoic Vaggie had to admit… as bizarre as the situation they were in was, the little ex-murderer did have his charm. Almost. It would just take some time getting used to as the fallen angel watched Peach take Wukong from Husk placing the golden monkey laying down on his back on the now abandoned couch before going over to Lucifer shifting the King of Hell to properly lay down while the other’s reshuffled themselves. With that the princess gave her full attention to Peach and so too did the other residents curious to see exactly where this… 'magic training' would go, not that it would've been entirely wise to miss such a lesson. As well as growing stronger together it opened more doors and occasions to bond with one another! Naturally, Charlie was all for it!

Peach waited for a response from anyone who more or less all nodded. “Alright magic is divided into three parts. Divine or Light magic, an example of this would be Vaggie herself and her ability to retract and summon her wings and spear.” Peach started off. ‘Better for them to hear the basics as well just in case any of them developed their own abilities from being near two celestial energies, a fledgling celestial, and a celestial-demon hybrid.’ the clones thought. “The next part of magic is Demonic or Dark magic, many of you have likely seen such use when Alastor was an Adult and that was rather corrupted Dark Magic. Now do not confuse Light and Dark to mean exactly good and evil as it's more about the way it is used and the intention behind it.” Peach stressed this point. “Many tend to make this mistake and end up limiting their own magic when it comes to this fact. The final part is Neutral or Grey magic. Charlie actually falls perfectly in this type of magic seeing as she is the literal embodiment of Balance. Lucifer would fall under a Dark leaning Grey while Wukong falls under a Light leaning Grey.” Peach added. “At the very least can any of you guess the values those three would have to be at to support life?” Peach asked.

"Ooo...~" Charlie awed, listening intently to Peach as well as her fellow residents and roomies who took in the information given.

"Values. Like good 'n bad 'n stuff? Ugh I'll pass. No clue." Angel shrugged.

"He said not to solely think of them in those categories," Vaggie reminded.

"Hmmm, to support life..." Charlie murmured. "A neutral good? Possibly?? I've probably gotten that so wrong," the princess laughed half heartedly. "Wait, should we be writing this down? Can I take notes?!" The princess asked.

“45% Light 45% Dark and 10% Neutral it ideal to support Life.” Peach answered with an actual mathematical value of the ideal need for life to be perfectly supported.

"Ohhhhhhhh." Was the collective reaction of the group.

"That makes so much more sense!" Charlie nodded protruding a notebook and pen from her pocket as she frantically began writing this down. "I'm learning so much!" She murmured more to herself than anyone else.

"Who woulda guessed actual math?! It's hell. The majority don't do that here handsome.~" The spider sinner quipped.

“Considering Hell’s values currently are 97% Dark, 2.5% Grey and .5% Light?” Peach deadpanned.

"Just because you're a complete imbecile spider, doesn't mean we cannot comprehend such stati-"

"Can it, Pentious." Angel snapped at the snake before doing a one eighty while looking at Peach. "All I wanna hear from 100% sexy over there is to not tell me more useless numbers~."

"It's not useless Angel." Charlie, gently reprimanding. "It's...a lot though. Wow."

"What good does it do? Not like we can change it or somethin'." Angel shrugged.

Charlie turned to Peach with a slight frown, curiosity burning in her eyes. "Could we? Change it, I mean."

“It's already changing now that a World Tree has taken root into the realm. Might take a few months for the values to even out and for Wukong and Lucifer to both pump out and filter the energy. Thankfully being near Vaggie and Lucifer most of your life kept you from becoming grievously ill Charlie.” Peach answered letting wisps of formless golden energy distract Alastor from the conversation while preventing the little fawn from trying to eat Charlie’s hair.

"Woah really?" Charlie blinked, her expression a mixture of surprise and awe clasping her partner's hand with a gentle squeeze while settling Alastor on her lap. "Now do ya see what I mean when I say I can't live without you? I really couldn't Hun!"

Vaggie stared at her a little dumbfounded as her cheeks flushed. She surprised even herself as she laughed. "Oh my gosh Char that's not-"

"Nuh huh! See, see!? Physical proof I would have withered away if it wasn't for your loving presence blessing me!" The princess in all her dramatics swooned as Vaggie managed to laugh harder.

"Be serious!" Vaggie snorted with a flushed smile as she rolled her eyes.

"ANYWAY- Guess that info checks out with ol' Lucifer and Vag being angels and all- Wait are ya? Cause we never really got to finish storytime. For all we know you just have wings like dark and edgy ova there." Angel jabbed a thumb over in the brooding Husks direction.

"I think it's best to wait until our next storytime. For that whole- uh thing. But yes." Vaggie confirmed, sheepishly looking away from the growing gazes. Charlie continued to gently rub her partner's hand in comfort. There was a lot to unpack right now and it was best to take it all one step at a time.

“Wings aren't something we had in our pantheon. You either had them or you didn't. I don't know if that might change while we are here and adapt to the rules of this pantheon. It likely won't do anything unless we're exposed to a massive amount of skewed Light energy.” Peach stated mainly towards Angel.

"I'm… only part angel aren't I? Has that helped at all? How ill would I have gotten? Would I have died?!" Charlie asked the celestial, perhaps it was more complicated regarding her other… demonic genetics. It was truly fascinating as it was terrifying however!

“For you Charlie… had you been taken away from Lucifer’s presence before puberty…. I don't think you’d be free from a coma ward…” Peach stated softly with a grim yet sad look on his face.

"Geez... I-I see." The princess murmured as her eyes widened slightly. "I'm glad that didn't happen," the princess sighed. It was a scary thought to think- ‘the what could've been.’

"Hypothetically," Husk cleared his throat as he spoke. "If enough light energy, as the big boss put it, did come from the tree would there be a way to convert a good bit of hells energy or..?" The feline trailed.

"What, like turn the sinners down here into upstanding citizens? Now that's a laugh!" Angel snorted.

"That doesn't sound so bad," Charlie murmured, with a thoughtful look.

"Sir, what exactly is the purpose of such a plant? Just to convert energy like a filter system?" Sir Pentious asked curiously.

Peach smirked, answering the important question first. “Energy affects the soul and in turn affects the actions of the mind and body. It takes a lot of self-restraint to follow the actions of the energy you're steeped in. Being subjected to Charlie on a daily basis helps take off that edge along with Vaggie’s aura. The most likely being here to completely convert from Dark To Neutral would actually be Pentious.” Peach stated with fact.

Sir. Pentious seemed to glow from this new information bestowed upon him. Oh how lucky was he! "Ooooh! This means I'm special!" The snake sinner beamed. "I always knew I was meant to be chosen!"

"Ahh yes, of course." Angel smirked. "The weakest link. Go figure."

"Angel!" Charlie sniped, though not unkind. "That's very impressive, Sir Pentious! Who knows! Maybe it'll actually happen!" Charlie clapped with excitement. It was really starting to look up for the hotel! Who knew...perhaps day by day the energy would be of use to the other's too. She hoped it would do a lot of good rather than harm.

Curious eyes fell to Peach, walking over to Wukong and placing a palm over the original’s chest before gently pulling out fourteen glowing and floating gemstones that pulsed and orbited the largest golden diamond carved in the shape of a sun with a familiar swirl mark in its center. Various expressions of shock to pure awe crossed the faces of the group with Alastor making grabby hands at the shiny gems now free from the slumbering celestial.

"It's...so- Pretty!" Charlie gasped, eyes drawn to the sun at the center. "Is that all of Mr King's energy?"

"It's got a nice pulse. A beauty too.~" The spider sinner grinned.

“No… this is his very soul crystalized into solid form.” Peach replied, gently taking the golden sun separating it from the rest and walking over to Lucifer, pushing the golden sun into the archangel’s chest with little resistance.

"Is… that even legal?" Sir. Pentious asked, watching with both morbid fascination and absolute horror at the implication. The sentiments were very much shared as the onlookers gaped.

"Does it hurt? It looks uh- interesting." Charlie winced at the assertion of the stone into her father.

"I take it this will heal uh Lucifer faster?" Vaggie asked with an apprehensive look on her features.

"I kinda wanna touch it." Angel murmured.

"Same! Same!" Nifty giggled.

Peach chuckled. “With practice, you should be able to solidify your own souls into a form of crystal. Husk Vaggie and Charlie are halfway there.” Peach started making a motion causing the smaller star-shaped golden stones to float over to each resident for them to examine.

Alastor curiously poked at the golden stone before him, giggling as it chimed like a little bell and gave off bright sparkles at the fawn’s touch.

"This is amazing," Charlie breathed. There was so much she never even gave a thought to when it came to her energy and magic and here it was intertwined with her very being. Everyone's being, at that. She gently clasped at the gemstone bestowed before her with care. The others surprisingly followed suit, each admiring their little gems.

“Those contracts you do are of a similar nature but are simply energy coiled around another’s in an agreement. To make a soul solid one needs to be able to manipulate their energy and condense it into a given shape compressing it tighter and tighter until it becomes a crystal.” Peach explained before they had a look of pain crossing their face gazing at the many stones. “The formation of Ours… wasn't a willing choice…”

"Really?" The trio in question seemed to ask at once, Charlie with naturally the most enthusiasm. ‘Already halfway there…’ Oh she just couldn't wait until she had reached it all in full! The princess tore her eyes away from the little fawn playing a little melody with the gem stone, her eyes saddening with sorrow as she listened to Peach, mouth agape in slight shock. "I'm so sorry." Charlie murmured, her gaze flitting between the gem and the one who bore it. The thought it couldn't have been a willing choice was one that never once crossed her mind. Similar to the contracts placed though there were benefits in some, not all came out of an arrangement unscathed. She couldn't imagine the possible price their dear newcomer paid.

Peach grimaced. “What happens when stone is placed under extreme heat and pressure for an extended period of time?” Peach asked the seemingly random question.

"It changes forms and brakes, doesn't it? Or something like that anyway, right handsome?~" Angel's voice rang out before anyone could get an answer in. The room simply stared as the spider sinner scoffed. "What?! It's what they do, isn't it?!"

"Seems like Spidey isn't so ditzy after all." Sir. Pentious sniped with a ganged grin.

"Say that again you mother-" Angel growled only to get cut off both by Vaggie speaking up and Husk clapping his paw over his mouth before he could curse.

"--STONE can harden and crystallize in cases right?" Vaggie quipped over the noise.

Peach nodded. “Our Heaven didn’t like the fact we became immortal through an unrecognized teaching. They tried to kill us with every execution method there was. Didn’t stick.” Peach stated. “So they did the next best thing. They wanted to melt us down.”

"That..." Charlie's eyes widened with remorse at such a cruel act.

"They melted rock? That's obscene!" Sir. Pentious cried.

"The poor stone babies..." Nifty sniffed.

"It sounds like our two heavens aren't so different." Husk mused, tone grim.

"What are the odds there'd be another heaven and it's just as shitty? It's all kinds of fucked up." Angel recoiled in disgust.

Peach narrowed his eyes at Angel before snapping his fingers making familiar red and golden sparkles before a bar of peach-colored soap popped into existence before Angel and promptly shoved itself into his mouth. *”no cursing in front of the baby.”* Peach glared while Angel uselessly tried to get the bar out of his mouth.

"It's deplorable. How can a place like heaven inflict such a cruel treatment? You weren't doing anything wrong!" Charlie frowned while trying not to laugh at Angel’s predicament, Alastor had no problems letting out bleating-like laughter at the fumbling spider. "It doesn't make sense at all..." How could a place that held the name of sanctuary for all ultimately cast the downfall of others? Heaven's system was beyond broken, damaged and corrupt.

“My Heaven is a place where only those who have gained immortality or are born from the Celestial energies are allowed to enter. They are more or less very disconnected from the Mortal realm unless they are playing one of their games to ascend a mortal to join their ranks as a minor god or divine figure.” Peach stated the basic explanation of how his heaven worked.

"Seems very.... hmmm… I'll find the word but for now it sounds like horse poop they feed you to behave and stay in line." Husk frowned while Angel nodded along with Husk’s statement.

"It's very cutthroat, for sure." Vaggie murmured.

"They ascend a mortal? K-Kind of like giving them a chance? To do good? And help others?" Charlie seemed hopeful but given the impression they were just given on the other version of the heavenly realm even she was grasping at very slim straws.

"Charlie, honey no. Disconnect. So they most likely brainwash them into believing they're one of them. I can imagine it would seem like a privilege and honor to ascend without understanding the real meaning to." Vaggie explained.

"They really aren't so different are they?" The princess sighed mulling over the words of Peach and Vaggie.

"Those guys have all the power they could ever want. What's a couple of mortal monkeys turning immortal got them shaking in their boots for? Heaven doesn't seem all that clear to me." Husk thought with furrowed brows.

"It's all the same baby. A buncha fucking chickens in even shittier armour that's what!" Angel shrugged finally managing to get the soap out of his mouth.

Peach scowled before willing the soap back into the spider’s mouth and teleporting the spider to a chair that was promptly turned around and facing the wall. “Five-minute time out for you. Leave that chair and I'll reset the timer.” Peach started summoning a cute little apple-shaped timer and twisted it to the five-minute mark as the rest of the group snickered at Angel’s unfortunate fate. Peach then refocused on the group’s questions. “Because we changed the way the game was played.” Peach replied with a small smirk. “We entered the game, flipped the rules, and challenged Heaven’s Order… all with a heavy cost. Isolation, enslavement, emotional and mental abuse, and killing our own mate because of the Gods be damned clause to end any threat that would harm or kill the one we had been enslaved to.” Peach stated with both rage and sadness on his face, the frustrated golden tears dripping down his face from the emotions the original suppressed.

Uncertain but moving anyway Charlie closed the distance between her and Peach, placing a gentle reassured hand on his shoulder, sorrow in her eyes for her fellow king which hardened into a matched look of determination and hope. "I'm sure of it. And we'll be right there with you to watch it happen. They won't get away with this. It's time for a change and that change starts now."

“Your right… this time…” Peach stated with a determination growing in his eyes. “This time… Heaven’s Game over mortals is going to end,” Peach stated with conviction.

It was... truly heartbreaking as it was surreal to see the mighty king even if it was only a clone displaying such emotion. It made Charlie's heart tear into two at the sight. ‘How could heaven be so cruel? The word simply couldn't even begin to describe such actions they committed.’ Did she really want to rehabilitate sinners only to have them meet a worse fate elsewhere? As much as she didn't want to consume such thoughts of a place she held dear, afterall it was still a part of her too, their crimes couldn't be ignored. Hell even her first encounter with… Adam. The first man and also a total douchebag was more proof enough of the kind of people heaven surrounded themselves with and clearly allowed amidst their higher ranks. Deplorable didn't even begin to describe it.

[darkenforcer]

homecoming pt 1

oh, this return trip came... sooner than he'd expected.

yuri's starting to think he's had enough of all of this inter-worldly travel-- this is his, what, fourth go at it? and it's still thrown him way off kilter! the least those damn stars can do is choose a place and stick to it... which brings him to his current dilemma: where the hell have they decided to drop him off now?

luckily, it only takes a quick (and admittedly dizzy) glance to gather all he needs to know. it's exactly where he'd left off. castle zaphias, at the foot of the commandant's window.

...and there, sitting at his desk with pen in hand, is sir commandant flynn himself, peering over at him with a funny little scrunch in his brow. poor guy's gotta be annoyed, having been torn away from his oh-so-very important boring duty of signing dozens of documents on the daily, only to find yuri looking at him like he's the one out of place in his own office.

psh, now imagine how crazy i'd look if i started explaining where i've been all this time-- hold on. where... i've been...?

that can't be right; he isn't supposed to remember, is he? then, that island... why does he remember that island? he isn't supposed to, if his last trip back-and-forth is anything to go by. he seeks out repede for confirmation and the dog beside him stares right back, sighing past the pipe in his mouth. 

he remembers, too.

are their retained memories a screw-up on the stars' part, or...? well, he supposes the exact reason doesn't matter-- he's home. that's the glaring reality he's woken up to, regardless of whatever they'd left in his head. there's the familiar set of fluttering curtains over the windows, the cool, crisp zaphias air caressing his cheeks... and flynn in the midst of it all, going about his bureaucratic business per usual. this isn't like the mist and its phony replicas, this is as real as it gets.

"um... yuri? are you alright?"

"huh?" yuri freezes at the sound of his childhood friend's voice, the pause before his own response just a touch too long to be considered casual, "am i alright? you're the one looking at me funny. your face'll get stuck like that, yknow."

an indignant scoff escapes flynn's throat, but the crease doesn't disappear-- if anything, it deepens. fortunately, it doesn't seem like he feels compelled enough to push the issue. either that, or he really needs to get those documents sorted.

as flynn resumes his work and the room is left in silence, yuri tries not to think back to the recent reunions he'd had in spirale-- break's tackle and frye's outburst, or eiden and indigo's excitement upon seeing him. it all trickles into a pool of guilt he doesn't want to -- or rather can't -- acknowledge, for his sake. he's where he's meant to be. there's no reason to complicate his return with memories of people he can't visit unless some higher power deems him to. he knows them well enough; they'll be fine, with or without him.

pretty cruel of the stars, though. it must've been easier last time when he hadn't had those experiences on his mind, and he could go back to life as if it'd never happened. it's not like he won't move on, of course, nor does he have any regrets, but it's... weird.

a whine pulls him from his thoughts, repede's wet snout bumping into his hand. attentive as always...

"seriously," flynn pipes up again, accompanied by the sound of his chair scratching across the floor. great, now his chronic inability to mind his own business is kicking in. "by now you would've been trying -- and succeeding -- to make it impossible for me to get anything done. what happened?"

"i've got no idea what you're talking abou-- wh-- hey, knock it off!" yuri protests when the back of the other man's hand presses against his forehead, likely checking for a fever. sure, he probably looks a little woozy, but he's not sick, dammit!

flynn huffs with a specific brand of testiness that's only ever been reserved for the vigilante himself, "i can tell something's on your mind, yuri, why're you being so difficult? you were the one who barged in here, remember?" 

he did barge in, huh? before his life got flipped upside-down by the stars again. of course he remembers. he remembers that and much, much more than flynn realizes. 

but the blond's reaction -- his worry -- isn't wholly unjustified; yuri's back on terca lumireis, home to the lower quarter, to brave vesperia, to estelle and rita and patty... hell, even raven. he should be celebrating!

so why does he feel off? underneath that very-real sense of relief, he still feels... expectant. what's his intuition trying to tell him...?

yuri turns away in order to shut the office window (or to avoid his friend's piercing blue gaze, at least to some extent), and the lock's click rings out in the large, sparsely-decorated room.

"dunno, just taking it all in... it's nice to be home again," he finally offers flynn something that isn't complete b.s., plopping down on the windowsill with an expertly-handled nonchalance.

"that's it...? you always visit the capital between guild work."

"hah. what's with the interrogation, commandant?" yuri parries the question as he stares out over his shoulder, past the glass, "i got a newfound appreciation for this place, that's all."

that earns him a laugh, disbelieving, yet underlined by a hint of warmth, "who are you and what've you done to the real yuri?"

flynn's unintentionally ironic jab is left hanging in the air, unanswered. yuri doesn't even know where to begin on everything that's happened to the "real him" right now, so he instead chooses to occupy himself with the city below, a hand running rhythmically through repede's fur.

...that's funny. never noticed you can see my old room at the comet from up here... been a while, hasn't it? 'bout time i paid the owners a visit. hanks and ted, too.

[distrxst]

she doesn't remember the night before -- just that she got unlucky. a wolf running free, feeling the wind on his fur and the grass beneath claws, forgetting he'd never be free so easy. the hunters had set up enough traps and -- bullets had been shot. he doesn't remember much from dragging himself through the brambles and grass, tired and bleeding.

then, it all went dark.

when he awakes, he expects to be on the floor of his house -- often the case. finding himself on the floor, poorly bandaged, led to lick his wounds in a cold cabin alone. it is what it is. instead, he finds himself somewhere warm. his bed. did he drag himself here? no, the floor wasn't dried with blood like it often was. in fact, there was no blood to be found at all. he looks down, finding bandages where bullet wounds had been. they were too good to be his own (akaza couldn't bandage himself correctly if his life depended on it, and it often did.)

eyes shift as footsteps approach -- someone was in his house. terror fills his body, ready to fight (even at the risk of harming himself again), but the figure that appear isn't danger. blue eyes widen.

" it's you. " hunter mine, lamb mine. " you -- what are you ... what happened last night? " / hey

tired . it's an understatement , as giyuu makes his rounds through the house for what feels like the hundredth time in mere hours . it's all he can do to stay awake and on guard , adrenaline having worn off as the hours passed . he's lucky they've made it this long ; the state he found akaza in was dreadful , the blood , the bullet wounds ,, the exposed insides wrought by other hunters - it was a wonder he managed to get him here alive , with how the man was bleeding . a stain formed on the wooden floors from the incident near the entrance to the home , one giyuu has been working to scrub away .

he's not a nurse by any means , sure there are things about the bandage wraps that shinobu would cringe at , but the wounds are dressed well enough ( you learn well enough after your shotgun misfires one too many times ) . it's enough to keep him calm as usual , for him to move away from akaza - to move his hand and trust that his heart will keep beating as he walks away - but giyuu manages . and thus , begins the cycle . check akaza , scrub the floor , check akaza , chop wood , start fire , check akaza , clean , check akaza . it's a sequence , a repeating action that helps keep his head clear as he tries not to think too hard on the state he found akaza in . as giyuu tries to bite back the thought that he was shot . multiple times . that she could've bled out and died .

no time for that ,, not when he's warming water in a bucket to soak a rag , before making his way down the hall , back to his priority . hobbling , his cast occasionally catching a lifted board , water sloshing with each step .he pokes his head around the corner , and its admittedly a surprise when he finds eyes peering back . awake ? awake already ? a surprise , but a welcome one . better awake than dead . he lifts the bucket , making his way back to the stool set up beside akaza's bed , nightstand littered with gauze and the works , rubbing alcohol with a missing lid . he'd find that later .

" yeah , me . how are you feeling ? " he rolls up his sleeves before dipping the rag into the bucket and wringing it out the best he can . there's a bit of relief in his movements . not fully ( akaza was still shot , he could've died ) , but he's alive . awake . talking . it works to calm him . he's grateful for the thrumming pulse beneath his fingers . for some reason .

" you got pretty beat up . counted three bullet holes . you had me .. worried . "

worried had been an understatement .

brows knit and giyuu gets to work at scrubbing unbandaged skin , to clean speckles of dried blood from the expanse of flesh . he doesn't need to do this , it's unnecessary - especially now that akaza is awake , but he'd like for akaza to at least feel clean ( cared for - a lamb will do it's best to be more than fodder ) , and it gives giyuu something to preoccupy him while they talk , better than sitting still and staring , worrying . maybe it's for the best , to distract him from why he's worried .

" you need to be careful when you're out there . more hunters are going missing . they go out in groups . set up more traps . they'll kill you if you're not smart . "

[pikohan]

"Can you reach this, Presea? Here, be careful with him."

Ludger hands the bundle up to the soulless girl, slowly as not to lose his balance on the rocks. Water flows in between them and to the stream below, and with how wet and loose they were, he couldn't risk falling with a passenger. At least now with both of his hands freed up climbing becomes much easier, and it isn't long before he reaches the top of the stones and then finally the slope above them.

.. Admittedly, he's not sure what it is he just rescued, he thinks as he retrieves it back from Presea. It's some type of monster for sure, avian from the looks of it, but.. he's not really familiar with a lot of monster types.

All he can really say for sure is that it's damp with water, obviously cold from the way it's shivering and huddling in to the scarf he wrapped it in, and far too young to be away from its mother.

He spends the next minutes carefully drying the bird, checking for wounds, and it's only once he's satisfied does he stand, turn around, and-

-immediately jump back with a yelp he's really hoping nobody heard but also how long has that giant green dog been standing behind him.

The dog responds by whining, and he wonders if he made him feel bad, and if this would get him in trouble with Anna and Lloyd later. Maybe he scared him? They did say Noishe is timid, but isn't that usually with.. monsters..?

…

Oh.

"Wait, he's harmless!" He raises his free hand placatingly, suddenly finding himself explaining himself to a dog. One who he's still not even sure what he's doing here. "He was in trouble, and I'll only have him until I.."

Until he what? The best case scenario would be getting it back to its nest, but he has no idea where to even begin looking, or where this type of monster would live for that matter. He can't really ask Presea, and the only other one here is Noishe, who.. he supposes is very old, if Lloyd's to be believed.

"Hey, Noishe.." He tentatively holds the scarf wrapped bird out, just a little. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could look for his mother or their nest, would you?"

Noishe, being a dog, doesn't answer. He's just watching Ludger in a way that makes him kind of nervous, actually.

"Please? He's just a child, and I don't know if he-"

What he was absolutely not expecting was for Noishe to lean his muzzle forward and snatch the bundle out of his hands, immediately taking off in the other direction.

"Wait!" Ludger calls after him, which. Doesn't work at all. "Presea, we have to follow him!"

Kratos knew the tale. A protozoan’s final form was a human who fought evil, a hero. Noishe was one such protozoan. This Kratos also knew; he’d witnessed Noishe’s evolution from the birdlike Aeros form to his current Arshis form himself.

However, sometimes, Kratos doubted the stories. It wasn’t that he doubted what Noishe was or that he would one day take a form similar to his own. It was the hero part. Because, well, simply put, Noishe was a thief.

Unfortunately for the general public, he had gotten it into his mind that Kratos required semi-regular gifts of food (or what he thought passed for food) or interesting items spotted on his travels. Mostly this took the form of things found along the path, which fortunately tended not to belong to others. But when they neared towns or other travellers…

Kratos was quite certain that Noishe understood the concept of ownership and yet…

Here he was, seated in front of his campfire, about to roast some chestnuts he had picked up earlier when suddenly, a green fluffy head appeared over his shoulder and dropped directly into his lap an item that most certainly did not belong to him.

“Noishe, what-?”

[helloalycia]

my patient’s neighbour [six] // wanda maximoff

summary: after spending some more time with Wanda against your will, you begin to realise how she feels for you.

warning/s: none.

author's note: hope you like angst! because you got it 👀 also there’s only one more part left after this so be prepared!

part one | part two | part three | part four | part five | part seven | masterlist | wattpad

"You look like you're on a warpath."

I stopped speed walking around the place when Natasha appeared out of nowhere, stepping in front of me. She seemed entertained, before she realised I was probably actually on a warpath.

"Hey, what happened?" she asked, amusement replaced with concern in seconds.

"Wanda happened," was all I said, before walking around her and storming up to the Sokovian in question.

When she spotted me, she opened her mouth to say something, but I didn't give her chance to as I grabbed her wrist and began to drag her away.

"Sorry, if you'll excuse me," Wanda got out to the guests she was chatting with, before I yanked her away. She began to complain as I did, asking, "What are you doing? I was in the middle of a conversation!"

I ignored her and proceeded to drag her away, certain that steam would be coming from my ears if this was a cartoon. Finding a private place to talk, I let go of her hand and spun around with a glare.

"Your thoughts are very loud right now," she said playfully, clearly not reading the situation.

"Then you know that I'm imagining several different ways to murder you," I got out between gritted teeth.

She scrunched her nose. "They all end in you going to prison."

Something about that obnoxious smile she wore and the way her hazel eyes watched me with anticipation was making me angrier by the second.

"How can you do that?!" I asked with exasperation.

She quirked a brow. "And what is 'that' exactly?"

I locked my jaw. "You ruined my date! You kept getting into my head all day, you were rude to Elise, and you're just– you're oozing with jealousy when you're the one who broke up with me!"

She scrunched her nose for the second time, and whereas I would have once found that endearing, I know found it greatly frustrating.

"Oozing? Really? Who says that?"

I closed my hands into fists, trying not to get baited by her purposeful obliviousness. But she was already under my skin, and ever since she broke up with me, the anger had been bubbling away, ready to come out.

"You're such a bitch, Wanda!" I shouted at her without hesitation. "You don't care that you just ruined my chance at moving on! Six months has passed since you broke up with me – you don't get to be jealous! I had to learn to be without you because you gave up on us and that's on you! So, you don't get to be here and make me feel bad for having a chance at a date because you can't make up your mind about us. It's not fair!"

My shoulders relaxed as I got my thoughts out, the anger still present but not as heavy on my back. She was infuriating as I watched her. Barely fazed by my words, a small smile played on her lips. She did nothing to acknowledge my mini speech, instead waiting for me to say something else.

"Seriously?!" I squeaked, my voice rising with annoyance. "Nothing?!"

As if pulled from a daydream, she straightened up and seemed confused. "Huh?"

I groaned loudly, eyebrows raised with disbelief. "For God's sake, Wanda!" Running out of patience, I shook my head and glared harshly. "I want you to stay away from me. You don't get to be in my life like this. And just in case you don't understand what I'm saying, here's something you will. Otvali (fuck off)!"

Not bothering to wait for a response, I stomped past her and didn't look back. As I was walking away, a tear slipped from my eye and I whipped it away without question. She didn't get to do this to me, not again. It wasn't fair.

— 

Despite practically yelling in Wanda's face to stay away from me, she didn't take the hint. Instead, I proceeded to see her two more times in places I least expected it. To be fair, I don't think she did it on purpose. But she could have easily walked the other way and pretended not to see me. Instead, she thought it would be best to piss me off further.

The first time was when I was at a park with a new patient I was caring for. He was wheelchair-bound, so I pushed him around as we spoke to pass the time. We eventually stopped at a newspaper stand since he wanted to buy a few magazines, and that's when I conveniently got bumped into by the Sokovian witch.

"Y/N, hey!" she exclaimed when I turned to see who was there. She had a wide smile on her face, eyes shining bright under the sun. Admittedly, it took my breath away for a second, as I didn't expect it in the slightest. But then I remembered who it was and tried to ignore the way my heart rate sped up.

"Hello," I mumbled, before looking back to the newspaper stand with hopes she'd go away.

"And who is this beautiful young woman, Y/N?" my patient, Dayton, asked as he noticed her beside me.

I pursed my lips, trying to figure out the best response without earning more questions from Dayton, but Wanda decided to answer instead.

"We were girlfriends," she told Dayton with a grin, eyes glancing to me.

"Key word being were," I added quickly, shooting her a look, before looking to Dayton. "It's not a big deal."

"It may not be to you, but it's good to see you, moya lyubov' (my love)," she said softly, grin fading into a genuine smile.

"Don't call me that," I snapped, hating the way her words had such an effect on me. Her stupid accent and her stupid smile and her stupid pretty eyes. Hated it all.

"Ooh, what does that mean?" Dayton asked, looking up between us.

"Nothing, Dayton," I told him calmly, before nodding to the stand. "Just buy your magazines whilst I talk to Wanda."

He shrugged and did as I said, leaving me a moment to stand back and look to Wanda disapprovingly.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, lowering my voice so I wouldn't make a scene. Nothing was accidental with her.

"Just enjoying a walk through the park," she answered with a shrug.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, enjoy your walk."

As I made an attempt to leave, she stepped in front of me suddenly.

"Wait, can we talk?" she asked, losing any sense of mischief.

"No," I deadpanned. "Now, can I leave?"

She frowned, eyes pleading. "Please?"

"I said no."

She sighed, glancing around with irritation. Her eyes settled on the flower stand beside the newspaper stand and I didn't have chance to question what she was thinking before her eyes began to glow red. Raising her hand conspicuously, red wisps of energy appeared and she levitated a single flower from one of the many bouquets, hovering it before me.

"For you," she said, and I ripped it out of the air, frantically looking around in case anyone saw.

"Very clever," I said sarcastically, before looking at the flower and shaking my head. "Stealing isn't cool, by the way."

I dropped the flower on the ground and walked away, my foot stepping on it as I did. She needed to get a damn hint.

—

The second time Wanda reappeared in my life was when Anna invited me to Sasha's home for a visit. I'd been once before, a few weeks after she'd moved in with her granddaughter's family, but not since then. This time, she'd invited me over again to catch up and I assumed it would just be me and her family; Oh, how wrong I was.

Sasha and her family were pretty wealthy, their house sitting on the outskirts of New York and on its own private land. She was a lawyer, hence the wealth, and her home was absolutely stunning with its high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and three floor structure. Even as I parked out front for the second time in my life, I was blown away.

As I got out of my car and locked it, I noticed another car parking out front – a taxi, dropping someone off. Curious, I waited to see who it was. My eyes narrowed when I noticed a familiar face exiting the taxi and paying the driver. When the taxi drove off, Wanda saw me and began to smile with amusement, joining me at the front door.

"The stalking is getting creepy you know," I told her when she stood by my side.

I knocked on the door using the giant knocker and waited patiently for someone to answer.

"I'd love to take the credit for this," Wanda answered, and I could see her smug smile in my peripheral, "but I was invited by Anna."

I swallowed hard, resisting the urge to roll my eyes, both at Wanda's presence and Anna's secrecy. "Of course she did..."

The door opened to reveal none other than Anna Pivec herself, balancing on her cane and grinning at the sight of Wanda and I.

"Devushki (girls), you made it!" she exclaimed with delight, before stepping to the side. "Please, come on in!"

We both entered her home and watched as she closed the door before giving us both a big hug without warning.

"Oh, okay," I mumbled, but wrapped an arm around her gently. "It's good to see you, too, Anna."

Anna laughed wholeheartedly before pulling away. "I'm sorry. I just missed you both is all. It's so good to have you here, together again. Just like old times."

I forced a small smile, knowing what she meant but also feeling a pang in my heart because it wasn't completely like old times, not really. Naturally, my eyes fell to Wanda who was already looking my way, a similar expression on her face. I wondered if she was thinking the same.

"C'mon, I'll bring you to the kitchen where everybody else is," Anna said, already leading the way. "They're excited to have you over again."

"You didn't mention Wanda would be here, too," I noted as she led us through the main hall.

"Oh, didn't I?" she replied, feigning confusion. "I must have forgotten."

"Hmm." I pursed my lips, ignoring the obnoxious smile that returned to Wanda's lips as we followed Anna.

She led us to the kitchen where Sasha and her husband were preparing some food for the supposed barbecue we'd be having. I'd met her husband the last time I visited, so it was easy to get reacquainted with them both as we met them again.

After a brief catch up, Wanda and I offered to help with the food, but Sasha insisted we take a break and hang out with the twins – her kids – whilst they cooked it up outside. So, I soon found myself heading to the living room with Wanda as Anna went to fetch the twins from their bedrooms upstairs.

I wasn't exactly keen on being left alone with Wanda, so I decided not to say anything and simply keep to myself as we waited for Anna's return. Killing time, I wandered around the living room and looked at the family photos hung on the wall. It was the same as last time, except now there were a few new additions, clearly from Anna, which made me smile without thinking.

They were of Wanda, Anna and I, back when I used to care for her and we'd hang out at her apartment. Some were in the apartment itself whilst others were from places we'd visited together on different occasions. I recognised a handful of them from when Wanda and I were just friends and a few more from when we were a couple. It was clear in the photos which were which, as Wanda was holding my waist and grinning from ear to ear, myself doing the same. For a split second, I almost forgot she'd broken my heart.

"Wow, we looked really cute together, didn't we?" her stupid Sokovian accent sounded by my ear, and I lost my smile when I felt Wanda's presence stood a little too close to me.

She was looking over my shoulder at the photos on the wall and I tried not to get frustrated, but she made it impossible.

"Yeah, we were," I agreed, noticing the surprise on her face at my words, but then I continued, "until you dumped me because you were too scared to stay in a relationship."

Her smile faded at my words and I left her standing there, instead going to the couch to wait there. I wasn't sure why Anna had kept those photographs of us, but I wished she hadn't. 

After what felt like forever, Anna finally returned with her two great-grandkids in tow. Alex and Marina, both seven-years-old, grinned adorably at Wanda and I, betraying their missing teeth.

"Well, look who it is," Wanda said with a bright smile, bending over and putting her hands on her knees. "My favourite set of twins."

Despite how annoying she was, I couldn't help but smile at the way she treated kids. She was always so good with them generally, way better than I was.

"G.G. said we could play Mario Kart," Marina said behind a nervous smile, looking between us. "Can we?"

G.G. was what they called Anna – short for 'great-grandmother'. I found it cute that they accepted her into the family so easily, like no time had been missed.

"I think we can," I said with a warm smile. "But I can't promise we'll take it easy on you."

Alex fist-pumped with excitement before running to the TV to set up his Nintendo Switch. Marina, the calmer of the two, motioned for Wanda and I to take a seat on the couch with her. Anna joined us, taking her place on the recliner, and watched with amusement.

Wanda and I had never actually visited them together, so it was refreshing to see how excited they got around her. Clearly she'd made an impression last time.

"For you," Alex said politely, holding out a controller to me.

"Why thank you," I said, accepting it. "So polite."

He seemed embarrassed as he did the same with Wanda, who hadn't stopped smiling since they came in. After handing his sister a controller, he joined us on the couch, forcing everyone to move up a little and making Wanda press closer to me at the end of the seat. I gave her a knowing look to which she smiled innocently, making me roll my eyes.

"You not gonna have a go, Anna?" Wanda teased Anna as Alex began to set up the game.

"The moving cars makes my head spin," the older Sokovian woman admitted. "You guys enjoy though."

Soon enough, the first game commenced and I was surprised at how competitive I was being, adamant on at least beating Wanda if not the twins. They, of course, spent all their time playing this, so Marina won Wanda and I easily. Wanda came in fourth, I came in third and Alex came in second.

"You just got lucky," Wanda said with a shrug, glancing at me.

"If you say so," I played along, a ghost of a smile on my lips.

"I'm being Toad this time!" Marina exclaimed as Alex set up the next round.

"I'll be Princess Peach," Wanda decided nonchalantly.

"She won't help you win," I said without thinking.

"We'll see, milashka (cutie)," she responded with a playful smile.

I nudged her in the arm, signalling for her to not call me that, but she only smiled wider as she looked back to the screen.

We had a few more rounds, Wanda winning none of them and Marina winning all of them, when Alex began to complain.

"It's not fair, you have to be cheating!" he said to his sister.

"I'm just better," Marina stated casually, making me laugh.

Alex rolled his eyes before looking to Wanda. "Did you used to play this with Pietro? Did he cheat, too?"

I raised my eyebrows with surprise at the mention of Wanda's dead twin brother. I didn't think she'd tell the twins of him, but then I realised that it was only fitting to mention her twin brother to a set of twins that probably reminded her of herself.

Wanda smiled gently. "We didn't have these games as kids, Alex. But when Piet and I played other things, yes, he did cheat." 

Alex sighed, glancing at his sister with distaste before looking to me. "Did you used to play this when you were younger, Y/N?"

"Kind of... I mean, I don't have any brothers or sisters, so I used to play at my cousin's house whenever I visited," I explained. "And it wasn't a Switch. We had something called a Super Nintendo."

"Woah, you're old," Alex muttered with disbelief.

"Alex!" Anna scolded, making me laugh.

"It's okay, he's technically right," I said with a shrug.

"Milaya (sweetie), if you're old, then I'm ancient," Anna said disapprovingly.

"Right, sorry," I said, trying to stifle my smile.

We played another round and as Wanda and I were closing in on the finish line, my joystick began to veer left despite me aiming it to the right. I looked down in time to see red wisps of energy pushing it the other way.

"Yes! I won you," Wanda sang with pride, looking to me as her eyes faded from red to its hazel colour.

"You cheated," I said, eyebrows raised. "I just saw you."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she played dumb.

"Wanda," I said, giving her a knowing look. "You sure it was Pietro who used to cheat when you were kids?"

She grinned. "Very sure."

I studied her closely, entertained smile tugging at my lips. "I'm just gonna pretend I let you beat me since you won't admit it."

She shrugged, nudging me in the side gently. "Suit yourself."

"You're supposed to let your wife win anyway," Alex said naively, and I almost choked on my own spit when he did.

"What?" I spluttered out, losing my smile.

Wanda was doing her absolute best not to laugh as her eyes glanced towards me, noticing my shocked expression.  

"Your wife – Wanda?" Alex said like it was obvious. "Our dad says he lets our mum win stuff all the time. It's what you do when you're married."

"I– we–" I paused, clearing my throat and suddenly feeling very warm. "We're not married, Alex."

Alex furrowed his brows with confusion. "But G.G. said that you weren't together."

"But that doesn't mean we're married," I said slowly, hoping my face wasn't as red as it felt.

"Medovyy (honey), they're not together anymore, you're right," Anna started to correct him, though she looked like she was seconds away from laughing herself, "but I never said they were married."

Alex didn't seem to understand still. He pointed to Wanda's hands. "But she's wearing a ring."

Everyone looked down to Wanda's hands which were adorned by several rings on many of her fingers, though none were on her ring finger, so I didn't get what Alex was thinking.

"I always wear rings," Wanda told him with amusement.

"But–"

"That's her right hand, idiot," Marina said to her brother with a scoff.

"No, it's her left," he said knowingly, before raising his left hand in the air and pointing to her right hand opposite him.

Marina rolled her eyes, already fed up with her twin's antics. She stood beside him and motioned to his hands as she explained, "That's your left. It's her right. Like a reflection. It's not a wedding ring."

It took a few seconds for Alex to understand, but when he did, he began to get flustered.

"Oh," was all he said, before returning to his seat. "My bad."

Anna laughed at her great-grandson's embarrassment as I began to flush with a similar embarrassment in my seat. Meanwhile, Wanda was biting her lip to contain her own laughter, eyes teasing me as they glanced at me with amusement.

Today was definitely not going to plan.

—

After gaming with the kids for a little while longer, we were all eventually called into the garden to have lunch together. Sasha and her husband had barbecued a variety of chicken, meat and vegetables for us to eat which was delicious. It gave us the chance to hear everything Anna had been up to with her family and for her to catch up with what's going on in Wanda and I's lives.

Anna seemed a lot happier, the happiest I'd ever seen her, when she was with family. I was glad that she was fitting in and that it brought her closer to her late-husband and daughter. This was all she'd ever wanted and she'd finally gotten it. Despite tricking Wanda and I into coming, I was kind of glad to be there because even if I wouldn't admit it at the time, it was just like old times.

After having dessert and conversing for longer than we realised over some tea and coffee, Wanda and I decided it was best we leave.

"Remember to come by anytime," Anna said to us both by the front door. "You don't even have to call!"

I smiled, nodding. "Thank you, Anna. It was great to see you again. I had a lot of fun today."

"Me, too," Wanda agreed. "It's really good to see you so happy."

Anna sighed contently. "Spasibo (thank you). Both of you." Pausing with thought, her eyes flickered between us both. "I do hope that you resolve things soon. For both of your benefit."

Chewing on my lip, I chose not to say anything. Wanda seemed to feel the same, opting to stay quiet, making Anna breath out halfheartedly.

"Right, well... are you both okay getting home?" she asked, changing the subject.

After reassuring her that we were, we gave her a giant hug before bidding her a goodbye. Once the door closed, I awkwardly glanced at Wanda before heading to my car.

"Hey, is it stupid if I ask for a ride?" Wanda's voice said from behind me.

I looked over my shoulder and saw her following after me, half walking and half running to fall into step with me. I refrained from rolling my eyes as I continued walking to my car.

"Didn't you get a taxi?" was all I said.

"Yeah, but my place is on the way to yours," she answered like it was nothing, finally catching up to me and grinning by my side when we reached my car. "And you're free, so..."

I narrowed my eyes impatiently.

"I won't do or say anything to piss you off," she added, putting out her pinky. "Promise."

As frustrating as she was, I wasn't a bitch, and we'd actually kind of gotten along today. With a dramatic sigh, I stepped to the side and motioned for her to get in the car. She wiggled her pinky, but when realising I wouldn't interlink mine, she lowered it.

A genuine smile fell on her lips as she nodded. "Thank you."

I simply returned the nod before getting into the driver's seat as she did with the passenger's seat. I put Wanda's address in the sat nav before setting off, trying not to overthink the silence that filled the car. Obviously, that was impossible, so I gripped the steering wheel tighter and glanced at Wanda.

"You can put the radio on if you want," I said uncomfortably, shifting around in my seat.

She tensed her jaw, looking (oddly enough) as uncomfortable as I felt, which was strange since she was content annoying me earlier. With a nod, she turned the radio on and some random pop music played quietly in the background, easing my nerves but not making anything more tolerable. It took about ten minutes for me to adjust to the silence when I finally got comfortable, focusing on driving and getting to Wanda's flat quickly.

Without warning, Wanda began to speak in Russian, but it was way too fast and incomprehensible so I had no idea what she was saying.

"Wanda, slow down, what are you talking about?" I asked, trying to cut her off, but she continued to ramble right over me, making me roll my eyes. "Wanda, I don't understand you!"

When I looked to her between driving, she seemed extremely passionate and stern about whatever she was saying. I wished I understood because whatever it was seemed to be eating away at her. I tried to ask her to slow down, speak English, do something to help me out, but she was stuck in tunnel vision, speaking quickly and with sadness.

After what felt like forever but was probably only a minute, she stopped talking and took a deep breath. I furrowed my eyebrows judgementally, eyeing her with confusion.

"The hell was that?!" I asked with surprise.

She didn't reply, making me curse under my breath. At the next red traffic light, I looked to her properly, noticing the distracted stare she directed my way.

"Wanda, what was that?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

She pressed her lips together, hazel eyes swirling with a mixture of emotions that I couldn't make out. I thought she'd answer me, but she still stayed silent.

"Seriously, Wanda, what?"

The traffic light began to go orange and I sighed with annoyance, figuring she'd lost her marbles. But then she finally spoke, my attention half on her and half on the road.

"Ya skuchayu po tebe (I miss you)," she said softly, without mischief or annoyance or anger or anything. Just sincerity.

She looked away after that, eyes drifting to her shoes, probably thinking I didn't understand. But I did and I knew it shouldn't have affected me as much as it did, but I felt my heart ache in my chest as I put my foot on the gas to make the green light.

When I finally reached her apartment building, I waited for her to say something, but she looked as lost in her thoughts than I did whilst driving.

"Wanda," I called quietly, getting her attention.

She blinked, realising we were at her place. Clearing her throat, she barely looked my way as she mumbled, "Thanks for the ride."

As she opened the car door and got out, beginning to walk to her building, I rolled down the passenger's window and called her name. She stopped, looking over to me with a raised brow.

My mouth felt dry as I said, "I know what 'I miss you' is in Russian." Her eyes widened, embarrassed that she'd been caught, and I continued, "You don't get to miss me."

It was harsh, but it was the truth. And I didn't wait to hear her come up with a response as I rolled my window up and set off again. She couldn't act like that when it was her fault we broke up. It wasn't fair on either of us.

[gildedmuse]

Hey, everyone.

So recently I've (predictably) very not well. Actually, whenever I don't post for long periods, just assume my body is trying to kill me. But I've gotten messages from three people asking if I. Okay, which is super sweet. I am actually trying to work on the next All Hearts, a really long ZoLaw post and two request fics, but mixing chronic kidney pain and capitalist society's mandate to work 40+ hours is not recommended.

But to prove I'm okay and still me, here is some Shanks antics with him being a total slut while Mihawk and Beckman just roll their eyes and go along with it. [Shout out to @jhaernyl who not only listens to me ramble about this stuff, but actively encourages it]. I also have many thoughts on the latest episodes and so many screenshots it's embarrassing. Hopefully, when I'm in less pain, I'll get around to actually posting those. Otherwise I just look like an insane person who literally takes by the second frame shots every time Zoro is on screen.

.... What is that? I look like that anyway? Fair.

Shanks Is A Bad Influence

It feels like Buggy and Shanks split up after Roger's death (the crew was told to, and they are the only ones who went to his execution) and I find it impossible to think Shanks didn't immediately set out and find a crew; like, pirating is the only thing this kid knows in life. This means two things:

He set out from East Blue. Also, he seemed at ease and familiar with the East so it's possible he spent like a year there getting everything together. Maybe he even played around in the other blues for a while before heading back to the Grand Line. I say this because his crew is from all over so either he found and recruited them in the Grand Line or visited various blues. Either way, I'm gonna say it took him about two years before getting a 'proper' start. In that case, he would have started out properly at the age of 17 and we know One Piece likes it's parallels.

That still puts Shanks at 17 to Benn Beckmen's 28. How the fuck did Shanks manage that? I'd call it grave robbing, but let's face it, the little tyke probably got up to some actual robbing of graves as well.

My point being everytime Shanks teases Mihawk about keeping this 19 year old kid on his personal island, mostly shirtless, Benn Beckmen just lifts an eyebrow.

Excuse me, captain, who had prefected the 'opps still don't have my sea legs' trip-and-fall into their first mates lap by the age of 17?

Shanks: Beckmen, you caught me! *Shamelessly nuzzles up* Thank goodness! I could be a devil's fruit user after all and - Ahh!

Benn: *Drops Shanks straight over the side of the ship into the water*

Shanks: *Sputtering* What what that!?

Benn: Checking to see if you had eaten a devil's fruit on us, Capatin.

Benn: You didn't.

Smart ass. But he can't resist Shanks forever. Shanks will wear him down eventually.

Next time Mihawk tracks him down for another match - because you know he gets bored way quicker than he'll ever admit and Shanks is at least amusing a challenge - Shanks makes a big deal out of how Mihawk follows him around, "accidentally" revealing they slept together, sighing about how it's so hard to resist him.

Benn Beckmen is just leaning against the side of the ship, sipping his booze.

Shanks: -and I can't stay for hours like last time!!

Mihawk: Are you quite done?

Shanks: *whispering* Does Benn look jealous?

Mihawk: He looks bored. Much like I am. Is this some strange attempt to get out of my challenge, Akagami?

Shanks: What? No, come on I told you I was game. But, hey, could you do me a favor? Maybe like try and kiss me or something? Like take a swing like your going to hit me but then stop shot and grab me by the waist instead.

Mihawk: .... Trickery is beneath you. Besides, you're absolute rubbish at it.

Shanks: Oh, come on, I would totally help you get laid if you asked!

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* I want a proper match afterwards.

Mihawk: *In a forced, monotone voice* After this I will take you to my lair and have my way with you, Akagami.

Mihawk: ... My lair? Really?

Shanks: *Holding up cue card with quickly scribbled line* What? That is how you talk.

Mihawk: I can't believe I wasted precious hours of light tracking you to this atrociously rural port.

Shanks: See? Now, read the next one.

Benn: Captain? If this is going to take all night, I am going to go join the rest of the men in the tavern.

Shanks: Huh? Wait! Benn! What if Miha really stabs me this time!?

Benn: *Salutes Shanks with his bottle* Sounds like that is his plan captain. Have a good 'challenge'.

Shanks: What? No... *Reaching out hand, like he might die if Benn leaves, looking completely devastated* Not even a little jealous...

Mihawk: You couldn't have thought that pantomime would actually work.

Shanks: Benny, don't leave me.... *Turns to Mihawk, immediately brightening* Oh, well, there's always tomorrow. Hey, Miha, guess whose free all night and horny as a pirate in the calm belt?

Mihawk: .... *Sigh* Very well.

Mihawk might as well get something for the trip he made. Although, he's reconsidering if the sex was actually worth the trouble after he ends up listening to Shanks worry half the night that Benn is shacking up with someone else (after a couple hours of rough and raw fucking, admittedly).

Is it the hat? He likes his captain's hat. Miha, you think his captain's hat is sexy, don't you?

Mihawk: It's utterly ridiculous.

Shanks: ....

Shanks: ....

Shanks: *Smile* Ahh, Miha, I knew you liked the hat!

Shanks: What do you old Northerns find sexy?

Mihawk: I am only four years older than you.

Mihawk: And silence.

Trying to convince Mihawk to go spy on Beckman for him. Shanks doesn't actually care if he does sleep with someone else, it's more that Beckman didn't immediately turn angry and jealous like Buggy would have that has him paranoid.

Mihawk is going to fuck this annoying red head again just to shut him up.

Mihawk: Maybe he doesn't like red haired boys who don't know when to be quiet?

The next morning Shanks is pacing among his poor crew that's gotten stuck listening to Shanks obsess about Beckman again. IS IT REALLY THE HAIR!?

It's not even a matter of Shanks's age (or obvious immaturity). I mean, Beckman got on board and stayed, didn't he? Beckman just enjoys watching Shanks try so hard to get his attention. Like Benn's attention isn't constantly on Shanks. He had to when his captain is always one step away from disaster.

He only left him with Mihawk because it was clear Dracule is not a real danger to Beckman's captain.

Except maybe insulting him to death. But Beckman is pretty sure Shanks can handle it. He's met Buggy. He's suspects Shanks LIKES it if anything.

It gets to the point where when they dock somewhere and see Mihawk waiting, or come back to the ship and spot his familiar silhouette, most of the crew goes off somewhere for another drink (sometimes the newer kids will stay to watch such an awesome fight, everyone else is like... Look, you'll have plenty of opportunities later. This is not a one off.)

Benn just takes a look around, nods to Mihawk (a silent signal for, "he's all yours, do with him as you please, if anything happens to him I will track you down and make sure your last few hours on this blue world are as painful as humanly possible") and heads off.

Oh, it's just the Hawk boy.

That's fine then.

Benn use to be a sailor on a trade ship between the North, East, West and Grand Line. He's seen it all.

They called him The Gun Slinger BEFORE he joined Shanks's crew and became a pirate.

So this young, broke ass kid from the streets of some near artic northern island trying to pass himself off as a Lower North rich type has a thing for his captain? Not really enough to keep Beckman up at night, no matter how good at swords he's supposed to be

Besides, he's pretty sure for the kid to keep tracking down Shanks, he must be bored out of his skull. He's not going to do anything to endanger their captain.

Not if Shanks is the only thing he can find to keep him entertained.

One day, Mihawk is going to be waiting on the dock when a bunch of Red Haired pirates are stumbling home, laughing and chattering amongst themselves (Shanks's crew always seems to be in a good mood). One of them will catch sight if Mihawk and walk by with a smile, patting him on the shoulder.

The captain's occupied. Seems likely he'll be 'occupied' for a good while, too.

Mihawk won't smile, but he will think "So you finally warmed him up to you, Akagami?" and snort lightly.

Poor Benn, though. Mihawk could never imagine being with someone so much younger than him. Shanks is only four years his junior and already it strains Mihawk to put up with his occasional moments of "youthful whimsy" (aka being an annoying, immature child)

"A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair"

Mihawk just putting that on his Not To Do List.

That lasted until Roronoa.

(Mihawk just looking at Zoro knowing this is bad news.)

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

*Cross out, scribbles*

*Hands back to Benn*

Do Not Do:

- A young, cocky pirate with strangely colored bright hair a silly hat, who is overly dramatic and in any way, shape or form related to Gol D Rogers.

Ace: Hey what's up?

Mihawk: *Takes list from Benn*

Go ahead, Benn, laugh it up. Mihawk is aware he has a type. Young, pretty, and utterly insane.

After that night where Shanks was otherwise 'occupied', it's over six months before Mihawk sees his friend his rival again. He is, as expected, far too smug and proud looking.

Shanks: Oh, Miha, so sorry you came all this way, I'm-

Benn: Well, I'm off, captain.

Shanks: What!? But we, you, I... Benn, hessoeexyarentyouworriedforyourcaptain?

Benn: *patting Mihawk on the shoulder* Have fun with him. Don't forget to return him by noon tomorrow, we have a schedule. Oh, but if you can babysit him for at least four hours? That would be great.

Shanks: BABYSIT!?

Mihawk: I suppose I can be troubled to do so.

Shanks: TROUBLED!?

Benn: Thanks, Hawkeyes. I owe you.

Shanks: *Fake tears clinging to his lashes* You two are so mean!

No, don't feel bad for him. Shanks is just trying to guilt the two of them into bed at the same time, and they both know it.

Thanks no thanks, they're not into that. But Shanks can be pretty cute when he's trying so hard (Benn) and at least he's not as boring as everything else in this world (Mihawk) so they allow him to keep up the act

Shanks: *looking at Zoro's wanted poster over Mihawk's shoulder* But I feel like you'd gladly go to bed with him and his captain if he asked. That doesn't seem fair to me. You'd never go that far with me and Benn.

Mihawk: *Eyes Benn*

Mihawk: *DEAD. ONLY.*

Mihawk: I have my reasons.

They can and do agree on plenty of things, including reciprocally not being that attracted to each other.

Shanks: Sounds fake to me

Shanks: But guys!

Shanks: This isn't about you

He's gonna need you guys to drop the egos and focus on what HE wants. I.E., being in the middle of two sexy Northern men.

Honestly, so mean to poor Shanks!

[arllenn]

image des: I really loved the fact that your brought their past into the light, that you made them actually effected and reflected on it. So often I just see stories focusing on their relationship with the "new" characters (Caesar, Luminous, Johann, The Gen fam) so following that line of thought.

Can I request a flashback scene? Like when we get requested to make it snow (at the beginning of the game) the group of friends reaction to it snowing makes you reflected on your past. In which a fluffy meeting/promise happens between Z, Renata and you. Or even any fluff you can think of between the three? It can be when they were kids or the age they were at during the game.

Admittedly I would love it if you can really focus on Z and the Character interaction/relationship because we all know he cares for Renata; they have that slacker x mother hen childhood friend vibe going on. But the idea that Z and you are ACTUALLY close (it just LOOKS like your friends with Renata and only friendly acquaintances with Z from the outside) makes me happy and bittersweet.

Sorry this got so long!

Tags for this chapter: fluff, hurt no comfort, bittersweetness, pure angst at first tho Tw: mentions of death and cannon typical violence, puke, death Time setting: pre japan like imagine if the mc got an adjustment period at cassell before they got shipped off to dragon war

You smiled happy to be of help to the friends who were separating today. Their cheerful giggles and cries of happiness as they raved over being able to leave on a snowy day just like the one from when they had met made your insides bubble with warmth and nostalgia. Z, Renata and you had been the same once..... before, before Herzog had...

You shake your head, now isn't the time for this. You wring your wrists, it's a habit you picked up from Z, though you two do it for different reasons. You feel a bit light headed, your knees are weak, it's so weird to see snow and not see your beloved friends among it. It just felt wrong to not feel their warmth around you in this cold tempature. The others giggling is getting too loud, it's beggining to ring in your ears and bounce around in your head at the same time as the memories of Renata and Z pour out of your head and spill in front of your eyes. You stiffly walk over to Claudia, left foot, left hand, right foot, right hand. Back and forth back and forth. You want to leave, but it’d feel wrong just going without checking with her.

“We met and departed on a snowy day.” She sounds so happy and while you’re glad that you were able to help them you also can’t help but feel cloying jealousy at the fact that this trio, Claudia, Susu and Leah get to be together, to meet and depart on snowy days filled with joy, while you can’t. You want to be able to see Z and Renata, you want to be able to tease them while jumping for joy and promising to stay in contact. You want to be able to send them off with a smile on your face and a promise to be well.

But you can’t.

And that’s it.

There’s no going back and searching, there’s no making up after an argument, there’s just nothing. Renata is dead Z is dead everyone is dead! And you can’t do anything about it.

Staggering away you start walking towards one of the benches in the courtyard that face the library. To say that you collapse on it would be an understatement. It’s like all the bones in your body liquified then disappeared at that moment. You clench at the snow on the bench, using the all too familiar feeling of it to guide you through your memories. The day you arrived at the orphanage, the first time you met Renata, Z and you arguing over who would get to hold which of Renata’s hands, the day Vera had arrived, so small and only a year old. You remembered her small finger curling around your own while Z helped you readjust how you held her.

Just Renata, Z and you.

But now it’s just you. You clench at your throat, clawing at it as if that’ll destroy the lump forming in it. You bring your knees up to meet with your chest. Burying your head in your arms. It hurts, you want to see them. At this point you’d even take Anton and Khorkina’s belittling of you or even Ivan and Sherkman failing horribly to hide the fact that they were dating over anything else that could possibly occur right now.

Rubbing your face on your knees you try to get rid of the few silent tears that have begun to spill. It doesn’t work, in fact it just makes everything so, so much worse. Memories of your childhood fly by, you’re loosing your grip on reality you know that. You don’t want to do it here. Not on a bench where anyone can see, if you’re completely honest you don’t want to confront them at all. But that isn’t an option, it’s never going to be an option for you, because you’re trying so hard to push them down and stamp them out right now. And it’s not working.

One of the wandering vending machines come up to you, clawed arm holding something in it. You can't see it at all, your line of sight only contains your legs after all, but you can hear the distinctive beeps of the machine, the whirring of its mechanical organs that allow it to move. You can feel the jagged edges of a wrapper lightly scratching at your leg through your uniform. The robot beeps twice shoving the snack into your leg once again before dropping it and skittering off. Lifting your head up you stared down at the snack you had been left with. Maybe the world really does hate you. Maybe you deserve to constantly have your mind ripped at and heart torn apart, because laying there in front of you is a cookie a chocolate chip one at that. The second your eyes land on the bubbly font that spells out chocolate you cant help but watch in horror as Vera falls in front of you, mere feet away, body still warm as she hits the snow, dead. You feel the bile rise in your throat, it isn't something that you can just swallow down either. Hand clapped over your mouth you stand, getting ready to run.

-----------------------------

You have no idea how you've made it back to your dorm room without puking on the way here, but now you're sitting over your toilet dry heaving into it. You stare down at the item that made you like this the choco- you spit into the toilet. Cookie, you'll just refer to it as a cookie. You consider tearing off the top half of the wrapper but then the smell of the cookie and the chocolate might just tip you over the edge. Instead you settle for smacking it away from you. In some small way it makes you feel better.

You hate that Herzog has ruined this for you. You hate that you can’t even see the word chocolate without feeling your insides churn, you hate that you can’t see snow without seeing your friends bloodied corpses staring back at you, eyes glassy and unfocused. Cookies were the first dessert that you had ever tasted and the last one. You remember the day you had first tried to bake them.

That day Z had let you in his room, Renata was sick, and neither of you were allowed to be around her as per Herzogs orders. With the knowledge that you have now you think you understand why you weren’t allowed to see her back then. Rather than actually being ill Renata was probably suffering from the side effects of the incomplete evolution pills. But either way natural disease or not it had been just you and Z. Sitting side by side on his bed, you laying with your torso hanging off his bed partially, practically upside down, and him crisscross leaned up against the wall that his bed bordered, a hand close enough to your leg to catch you if you started to slip. You two had been mindlessly talking, reading some book that you’ve forgotten the name of now, alternating turns each chapter. When you had gotten to a part where the main character was making cookies for their friend as a get well gift.

“Hey Z, have you ever had a cookie? I mean I’ve heard of them but I’ve never even seen one.”

“I can’t say that I have,” he yawned, “I’m not a big fan of sugar in general. That combined with the fact that the orphanage doesn’t even get the ingredients for them makes it obvious that I’d never even have the chance to try them, same as you.”

“That’s too bad, based on the description I think they’d be pretty good. You think Renata has ever had one?”

“I’m not her, I wouldn’t know.”

“I mean fair enough, but I kinda expected that you would, you guys spend forever having those late night talks after you send me to bed.”

You haul yourself up and spin on your ass so that you’re looking him in the eye, “Speaking of~, I won’t allow you to marry my daughter young man!” You cross your arms in an ‘X’ in front of you shaking your head. “Absolutely not don’t think I’ll allow anything of the sort!!”

Snorting he had pushed on your forehead with his finger until you were laying down the same as before and used his foot to roll you away from him. “2/10, If you’re going to give me a shovel talk then you should at least be intimidating, 1, and 2 you should do it in front of Renata so that you can embarrass her, who just gives that kinda talk straight to the supposed,” he raised his hands and gave out finger quotations “boyfriend?”

“Is that back talk I hear sonny? Don’t make me get up there!”

”Yeah because you haven’t already.” You can’t see him from your position but you can hear the smile on his voice. An accomplishment if you’ve ever seen one! You mean the stoic eternally tired Z was snorting and smiling because of what you said! You always loved times like this, when you would manage to break through his exterior and draw out a reaction, (preferably positive!!), out of him. Tapping his knee you grip onto his leg to pull yourself up once more, you can see him contemplating rolling you off the bed, thankfully he chooses peace for once.

”No okay but dead seriously, let’s go make cookies for Renata. We just got the shipments a little while ago, there’s got to be some of the stuff we need in there! We’ll just ask Herzog,”

“Or steal”

“Yes, or steal, come on it’ll be great!”

“Normally Renata would be here to stop you, which I am always grateful for since it means that I don’t have to be the one to talk you out of these things,”

You snap your fingers, “Speed it up Z, do I have a partner or am I gonna have to start running before you catch me?”

He claps a hand over your mouth which you look down at “Don’t you dare lick me,” is what he says in response to your stares. “As I was saying before someone cut me off,” if gives you a pointed stare, “Normally Renata would be here to be the voice of reason, however since she’s ‘sick’ and I don’t want to have her on my neck about you getting in trouble later here are my words of caution,” He takes his hand off your mouth and pats slaps your cheek twice before bringing the tips of his fingers in between the book page that you had been on and the next, folding it over and closing it. “Don’t, and if you do don’t get caught.”

It was your turn to snort, “What the heck, you suggested stealing in the first place!” You laughed. He shrugged his shoulders and set the book down on his bedside table getting up off the bed and bringing his arms above his head to stretch.

”I never said that we weren’t going to steal if that’s what you decide to do I simply offered you a word of advice about you stealing alone.

”AWWWW Z I knew there was a reason I put up with you!” You cried jumping up off the bed and attempting to latch onto his back,

He turned to face you swatting your hands away, muttering about you being “too big for him to carry like that anymore”

“What was that!?”

He pinched your cheek with one hand and used the other to ruffle your hair in a way that you knew wasn’t meant to be affectionate but instead to mess it up. “Look at how big the babies gotten! It can walk and talk now! Go ahead say ‘papa’ again!” You knew that you could never win against Z in a fight, all attempts left you on the floor with him sitting on you, or you hiding behind Renata and you exercising your lying and puppy dog eyes abilities. But boy oh boy did Z have a way of activating your Cain instinct and making you want to slap the shit out of him (affectionately of course). You heaved out a long suffering groan, and pulled Z’s hands off of you. You walked over to where his dresser was and sucked your teeth as you stared at your reflection. You tried your best to undo his damage to your hair, but it was a lost cause, hanging your head you turned to him with what you hoped was a horrifying, knee shaking, earth quaking, chicken baking, glare.

“This is why you’re an orphan.”

“Fair enough.” He said with a shrug before motioning towards the door, are we leaving now or what.”

“I’m coming, we’re going.” You said waving your hand at him in a shooing motion.

The minute you stepped outside it had been like you were ass blasted into one of the shipment containers mega freezers. You rubbed at your arms, lamenting the fact that you lived on a hunk of ice in the middle of a polar bears ass cheeks. “Okaaay so,” you clapped your hands together, “Do we know where Herzog is?” Z yawned and shook his head no from beside you. “Alright thank you for your participation! Gold star! I’ll go ask Anton, you stay here. And don’t fall asleep!” You ran off to go find Anton ignoring Z’s comment about you acting like a stray dog.

Heaving you clutched at the toilet, sobbing over the loss of your friends. You couldn’t even think of the times back then as being over, you just can’t.

No, that’s not right, you know they’re over, you know those peaceful days of snow and teasing are over. And yet you still long for them, you want to feel Z’s hands in your hair once more, want to feel the thrill of catching him off guard and running to hide behind Renata. You want back the times that you had spent, absorbed in watching Vera as she took her first steps, your young self amazed that anyone could ever be so small. You miss those moments when you seriously contemplated smashing Antons face into the ice under your feet, missed the random times when Ivan would pull you away to look at something cool that he had found. You just missed being homeyou miss the safe feeling that you had been provided with daily back then. Ignorance truly is bliss you suppose. If you had survived not knowing about what Herzog had done, if you survived thinking that all of this was just some randoms attack on you and your family would you have been happier? It doesn’t matter now. What’s done is done.

You dry heave and spit into the toilet, bile rising in your throat but not to the point in which it would spill past your lips. Your vision is blurry from the tears and your head throbs with the pain of the pressure your tears are both building up and releasing. “I wanna go home…” you mumble slowly laying yourself down on the floor, hands clutched into your hair, fingers threading themselves in with the strands and pulling at them like a tide. You would yank at your hair then let it all fall out of your grip, massaging your scalp slightly, and then yanking at it again. You continued in this way as the blurry memory of that day played in front of you. Anton being no help, Khorkina doing her best to goad you into punching her, Ivan being somewhere that you swear was unreasonably high up. Eventually finding Herzog and asking him, him granting you permission as long as you cleaned up after yourselves, running back to Z with the good news.

“Z! Z! Listen to this!” He looked up at you from his spot on the stairs, clearly bored out of his mind, but hey at least he hadn’t fallen asleep like you asked!

He made a twirling motion with his hand “What is it?”

You placed your hands on your hips and grinned, “Herzog says we can use the stuff in the kitchen as long as we clean up afterwards!” You gave an overzealous thumbs up afterwards to make your point even clearer.

“That’s great!” He said all too sarcastically. Getting up he put both hands on your shoulders resting all of his weight on them before finally standing up straight shushing you and your whining.

It hurry you so much to know that everyone is gone. It hurts to know that you’ll never get that chance to just see them again, to hear their voices, catch a glimpse of them on the street. Instead they’re all dead and there’s nothing that you can do about it. You had watched everyone die, you had seen their eyes glaze over and go out of focus. You had seen how their blood stained the pure white snow a bright and somber red. You had run past them as you registered them as dead, praying to nothing but everything at the same time that at least one of them would live. That you would get to hold at least one of them in your arms as you two promised to stay with each other. But you didn’t get that. Instead you got to watch as Renata faded into the distance, your last hope, you got to claw through icy waters, pleading your legs to move, to allow you to save your dearest friend….

”Z, Z, Z! Help me I have no idea why the egg keeps cracking like that!”

“Maybe it’s cracking like that because you keep squeezing them until they explode.”

“Don’t use that tone of voice with me young man! I’ll have you know that Dr.Herzog says that I’ve made great progress in my home economics studies.” You proudly bumped your chest with your fist only to look down and see your uniform covered in egg goop. Z snickered before handing you a rag and motioning for you to hand him the bowl and the eggs. You slid it over to him with your elbow and focused on cleaning your hands and uniform up.

”Here,” he held up one of the eggs,”I’ll show you how to crack an egg, so that you don't end up wasting all of them.” He hit it lightly on the edge of the bowl, holding both ends of the egg with his fingers and pulling his palm so that the egg slowly slipped out of the shell before proceeding to throw the shell somewhere off to the side of him. He pushed the bowl back towards you with a smug look on his face. "You get it now?"

"Yep, yep, yep," you waved your hand at him dismissively before turning back to the book. "Okay so now we mix wet ingredients and dry, then we add in the chocolate." Getting the chocolate for the recipe had been the hardest part. With how rare chocolate is at the orphanage and the fact that you weren't allowed into your room because of how sick Renata was it had been hard to find any. Eventually after bribing Z and way too much effort on your part, you had ended up on Z's shoulders searching through the backs of the older and dustier cabinets, in one of which you had found a chocolate bar that was a week off from its expiration date. Not the best but it could've been 10 times worse you suppose. Z pushed the chocolate towards you with this hand before resting his head on his hand.

"So how much longer do we have? It's getting late." Z stifled a yawn.

You glanced at the book and back down at the cookie batter that you were currently scooping out and onto the baking sheet. They didn't hold their shape as well as the book described them as being able to but you supposed that it was just a matter of reality vs. idealized fiction. "Um I don't know. The book says that they need 25 minutes to bake properly and who knows how long its going to take to clean this all up."

"Well good luck with that." He said slapping his hand down on the table, turning around on his stool, and standing up.

Even if it was just the memory of the sound, the slapping of Z's hand on the table sent a wave of nausea scorching through your body. Everything was a blur, reality, what you were really seeing, cold white tile and the rug in front of the shower were blending together with the cold white of snow, the rug that was in you and Renata's cabin. You felt hands on your face, were they from the memory of Renata checking your temperature or were they your own? Your vision was swimming, you were underwater, you were lying on the bathroom floor. You were drowning, you're lying on the bathroom floor. You're dying, you can't see.

You clamored up in a haze, you have to run! You have to get to Renata and Vera and Anton and and and and! And you slam into a desk that was out in the middle of Hezog's lab. Z is right there, Renata is right there, Vera is right there! All you need to do is reach out a little further and you'll be there! You'll be able to save them! You finally latch onto Z's uniform begging him not to go, begging him to stay with you, because if you go alone then everyone will die. "PLEASE Z!" You yell out. "I need you, I need you, I need you, everyone's dying, dead, dying dead, dying, dead, I can't save them! PLEASE!" And then the Z you're holding onto collapses, leaving nothing but a pile of clothes behind. His uniform lies bloodied in your hands. Renata lies bloodied in your hands. Anton lies just out of reach, dead. "Come back, please." You clutch onto Z's uniform harder. The tears don't falter as you trace your hands along the sleeves of the uniform. "The sleeves are too short you should get Herzog to make you a new one." You chuckle fondly. only...

Only...

Only the uniform has too many mistakes for it to have ever been Z's, theres too big a difference in size. It doesn't smell the same. It's not his... it's yours. You're not at the orphanage, you're in your dorm at Cassel. You're sitting on hardwood floors right now, not the powdery snowfall of home. Its warm, not cold, theres no dead bodies, only you and the mess that you made when you stormed through here earlier. You choke on a sob, tears coming down in even thicker streams, your headache had bloomed into a splendid migraine. You can barely see straight, but you know for sure that this isn't anywhere near, by or in the orphanage. And it can never be. The orphanage is gone now. Everyone's bodies are probably still lying on top of the snow, glassy eyes unfocused and unseeing, faces twisted in fear. Or maybe they've been charred to ashes, with nothing left to remember them by, their remains carried by the winds or at the bottom of the sea. You clutch your uniform tighter, biting down on it to muffle your screams and sobbing.

You have no idea how long you've been here. Your tears have faded now, only leaving the uncomfortable burning of the dried tear tracks in their memory. You don't stare at anything in particular, theres nothing left of your emotions, just the dull ache of apathy. Your vision is spotted with dancing black circles and lines. They look a bit like what you imagine TV static would look like but you really have no idea. Your conscious waves and ebbs like the tides from back home. You can't think of anything other than the feeling of the cloth clutched in your embrace right now. Sighing you bury your face in it, resigning yourself to a night on the floor.

[brideofcthulhu10]

I promised you guys I'd whittle something out before the end of the day! (Currently its 11:30 here, so I made my deadline lol) So here's a bit of drama and fluff. Every couple fights, even vampires, but the most important thing is to take responsibility for your actions and communicate. With that in mind, I give you: 

Lost Boys Make Their Fem!S/O Cry During a Fight

CONTENT WARNING: Sexual Themes, Possible Triggers, Topics of Physical and Verbal Anger

David

David is not known to mince words in any scenario, so you can bet that means he chooses an s/o who can handle his bluntness. The same could be said for your fights. Unlike Dwayne and Paul, David rarely yells anymore. Instead he's harsh, cold, and what he says often hits very hard. He doesn't tip toe around when he's calm, you can damn well bet he isn't going to be considerate when you tick him off. He can be quite jealous at times, but often it doesn't lead to a fight. Admittedly he can be a tad petty as well, but getting genuinely enraged towards you is not as common. A spat is one thing, but a serious fight can get ugly fast. He is almost jolted when he hears a sharp breath muffled under your hand. Hell he's only ever heard you make that sound during sex, and this was definitely no time to be turned on. He'll turn around and see you with your hand over your mouth trying to hide your shame and feel ungodly levels of guilt. 

David's words are harsh, and when you turn out of the room he's still sitting there utterly flabbergasted that you had such a tearful expression. After all, you had to know he didn't mean it..right?

David will definitely sulk, he hates admitting he was wrong. Not necessarily because he thinks he's in the right for being cruel, but rather he's sure you just need space and then things will get better. He'll expect you back any day... So when you don't, he kind of goes into denial and will wait, and wait… and wait... 

The guys stopped asking about you because every time he hears your name mentioned he grows more pissed off. Eventually he explodes in a rage, which is extremely rare for David.

"So uh.. about Y/N-"

"Why isn't she back yet?! This is stupid, she should know that I don't mean it!"

"Hey, David, man why don't you go talk to Y/N? I sure if you-"

"No! If she wants to stay away, fucking fine! Good riddance!"

Truthfully he's upset. Beyond that, really. He feels awful for making you cry, he's afraid you might hate him now, but he doesn't know how to approach the situation. Apologizing is difficult, to David it's a form of defeat and a part of him doesn't want to face that it's his fault you're gone. 

Eventually he caves in after a week and a half. He misses you like crazy! The guilt gnaw at him to the point that he can't sleep, he can't think straight. Even blood begins to have a bitter taste to it. 

It'll be a late night, closer to 3 am when he just silently appears in your room. If you're asleep he'll just stand there and watch you for a moment. Mostly trying to build up enough willpower to do what he's about to. 

Expect his apology to be kind of crappy. At least, at first. It'll come off as angry, even a bit misguided just because he really hates admitting he fucked up. But when he does, it's the most sincere, heartbreaking moment of your relationship. He may have to turn away from you and shut his eyes before any tears tempt his cheeks. You can't see him like that. Tears means he's getting emotional, that means he's growing attached, and attachment… it's a weakness. When he's weak and attached, people die. 

He lost a love before because he couldn't protect her, he's lost his brothers once because he got careless and underestimated his enemy, he can't lose more. 

Once he apologizes and you come back to him, he's a bit more attached to you physically. He'll hold you from behind with his chin on your shoulder while sitting on his bike, have you sit on his lap at the hotel, even on the boardwalk he's become more open by holding your hand. He isn't ready to say the big "L" word just yet, so this is the most he can muster. Whenever he's too harsh now he'll apologize by hugging you to him. David is still scared of getting close, but he's more afraid of pushing you away from his lack of filter.

Dwayne

It takes a lot to ruffle Dwayne's feathers, so already he's not one to be careless with his words. Unfortunately once he's pushed to that point all bets are off. This usually dismissive vampire of little words becomes an eruption of rage. A lot of it is physical. He'll throw a table or punch a hole in a cement wall. He doesn't mean to scare you. When he gets that worked up he becomes unbelievably tense, almost his body's way of warning you not to push him. With fangs out, standing in the wreckage of his rage he'll pause to see you failing to hold back a mess of tears and immediately stops.

At that point he's exhausted. Rage takes a lot out of him, in the end he just feels flustered and a bit ashamed for losing his cool. The longest a fight lasts is maybe a day or two, usually you give each other space but once he's made you cry that's a different story.

Even if you started the fight he recognizes he shouldn't have done what he did. Temper or not, that's not an excuse to blow up at you. He'll be frustrated with himself for losing grasp of his emotions, and he'll probably take some time to think over his words before trying to solve the issue. It's hard to look at someone else's point of view when you're pissed off at them, he knows that better than anyone. Especially since he grew up with siblings before becoming a vampire. When he's got a good grasp on himself he'll probably try to settle things with you so that you two can get things back to normal.

"Y/N… come here, please," he'll say softly, patting the seat next to him on the couch. As soon as you do, he slings his arm around your shoulder and yanks you into his chest. He doesn't look down at you or say a word, he'll rest his chin on his fist looking straight ahead searching for the right words. If it was a mutual argument he'll explain his own point of view after apologizing for losing his temper, and when it's your turn he'll listen quietly. If it was on him, he's even more remorseful. He's reaching almost a hundred years old by now, he should know better. Truthfully he had the same issue when he was alive, but he never meant to drive you to tears. You'll both sit quietly together on the couch, Dwayne rubbing your back until you've calmed down. After all is said and done he'll tell you how much he loves you, he doesn't want to leave any negative feelings still in your heart. Relationships are a pain, he knows that, but he cares about you more than his own life. 

Paul

Oh when you two go at it the gloves are off! Paul is the most emotional of the group, so when he gets mad all he sees is red. There will be a massive amount of yelling, he may even be fighting back some tears himself. He'll get physically frustrated, punching walls, throwing furniture, kicking things over. Yes, he might get in your face, and you can definitely expect him to bare his teeth at you. Especially if you're in his face too. By now it's not scary, just even more infuriating that he's trying to make to back out using intimidation. 

When you cry it can go one of two ways. It really depends on the context of the fight.

If you started it, or it was a mutual argument he may storm off somewhere in the cave. To him crying can be a cheap tactic to make him feel guilty, so if you've done it when you've done something wrong it upsets him… even more so because he feels like crap! He hates fighting with you! You're his kitten, his babe, regardless whether or not you started the fight he feels terrible seeing you like that. He's just so damn frustrated! After mellowing out with a thick ol' stick of the devil's lettuce he'll sulk out with his hands in his pockets. If you're still there he'll plop next to you and explain why he was so ticked off. Granted, it isn't exactly eloquent the way he puts it. After all emotions are tricky, he doesn't always know how to express himself verbally. If you've already left and it's still night, he'll fly over to your place and try to settle things with you. He doesn't want to go to bed angry at you, and he definitely doesn't want you going to bed upset with him.

If the fight was started by him, or if you're genuinely upset he'll stop. Especially if your tears are from him hurting you. Then it's all love. He sets aside his temper, and pulls you into his arms. It'll take a moment for him to calm down, but it's just a plethora of tender apologies while he holds you.

"I'm sorry kitty-cat," he coaxes you, holding your head to his chest. "Don't cry, okay? I hate it when you cry." 

If you aren't emotionally drained there'll probably be a lot of make-up sex in either situation. Once you two have made up, he wants to do everything he can to be close to you. Plus, he needs a release as well. Afterwards, he'll snuggle up to you still wearily mumbling apologies under his breath. 

Marko

Anger isn't a common emotion for Marko. Well, unchecked rage that is. He can get a little irritated, but it really takes a lot for him to lose his temper. Even still it's closer to David's methods than Paul. Again it's the context. If you've done something wrong or started the fight he'll be more prone to outbursts. 

While you're screaming at him, in his face he'll just watch you silently with a blank stare. On the surface he's calm. There's not a lot of yelling, but there can be some physical rage if you really push him. Marko would punch the wall and leave a crumbling chasm in his path, reminding you what happens when he's pushed too far. Truthfully he'd never put you in harm's way, but when he gets like this it's hard for him to stifle his predatorial rage that tends to poke through the cracks. 

If he's the one who's upset with you, even if it's on him, he probably won't let on at first. While not petty, he'll seem distant from you. In public he'll yank you to him like a wolf warning others to stay away from his mate, but alone in private won't touch you as much. You may try to ace your hand on his shoulder and he'd immediately excuse himself from the room to sulk. If you really get clingy he grows even more agitated and will have very rough angry sex with you, his fangs may even come out in the process. Especially if he's jealous.

 When you cry, it sucks. During a fight, after jealous defiling, when he intimidates you, it just sucks. If you step away from him he knows he's messed up. 

Part of him doesn't want to cave in so easily to your displays of emotion, but if you're legitimately hurt by his actions he'll just let out an exasperated sigh. He may excuse himself verbally for a moment to try and gather his thoughts, or he'll sit you down and try to explain his reasons for being so enraged. If it's on him he'll carry you to the couch and hold you to him. 

"*sigh* Look.. I'm sorry for going overboard the way I did, baby girl. I shouldn't have done that…"

If you cry after sex he'll feel like an utter asshole and hold you tight to him. He'll pet your hair, rub your back, even offer to let you smack him for being such a jerk. He may try to nibble your neck over kiss you until you start to giggle then give you his signature smile.

"There she is. I'm sorry I made you so sad, baby girl."

In all honesty this isn't a common occurrence. Marko still rarely ever gets mad at you, most of the time he's very laid back. So losing his temper is a bit jarring for him as well. He's never sure what will come out when he loses his temper, which is a huge reason why he does everything he can to keep himself in check. You may be a pain in the butt sometimes, but so can he. And above all, you're his pain in the butt. He still loves you more than anything at the end of the day. 

[juviaafullbuster]

FORGIVING HIM

Genre: Angst and fluff

Relationship: Gruvia

Summary: Gray is determined to apologize to Juvia and win her back after realizing what he has done and what he is losing.

A/N:

This is the second part to my story "Breaking her" which I wrote for Gruvia week. Its dedicated to @amrentheangel since it was supposed to be a one-shot but she asked for another part. Hope you like it, let me know what you think :)

Here is part 1 if you're interested:

https://juviaafullbuster.tumblr.com/post/614669804097470464/breaking-her

*************************************************

A few weeks had passed since the group had returned back to Magnolia. The whole guild was working hard on rebuilding the guild hall. It filled Gray with pride, seeing that things didn't change between the guild members and everyone was putting their all into it. Fairy Tail still meant a lot to every single one of them. If only every thing could go back to the way it was..

He looked around for the water mage that would usually be hiding somewhere near, trying to get closer to him, but he couldn't find her. He hasn't been able to for the past days. He wasn't sure whether she was gone on a mission or just locking herself up in her dorm. He knew one thing for sure though. She was avoiding him ever since their last conversation. Thinking back, he could still hear her words clearly. Every single one she threw at him.

You only saved her to break her heart all over again.

It was a stab to his heart. Every damn word. The more she talked, the more he broke inside. But he deserved it. He deserved to hear it, deserved to feel the pain. If he was honest with himself, he never deserved Juvia in his life in the first place. She was always too good for him.

It's over. Juvia is done.

He could see the hurt in her eyes, the way she was holding back her tears and forcing her chin up, trying not to show weakness. She had reminded him of the Juvia he met that day on the roof. The phantom lord Juvia. Cold, calculating, distant.. He remembered that day like it was yesterday. It was were everything had started. He was amazed by her power, admittedly a little freaked out too. But that wasn't what stuck in his memory the most. It was her fall. The way she just accepted it. She didn't scream nor did she try to hold onto something. She just kept falling, empty eyes looking into the sky. She was ready to leave, ready to lose her life. It was a quick reaction, but he had caught her by her wrist and pulled her up. And somehow he had broken the curse that had been following her. They both sat on the roof, still drenched from the rain that had been pouring over them just minutes ago. It was gone now. He let Juvia see the clear sky for the first time. That day, it changed her completely. He had saved her. At least that's what Juvia always told him.

You brought the rain back, Gray.

It was the words she had last said to him, before parting ways. The words that kept coming up in his head, showing him how much he had messed up and how badly he had truly hurt her. Juvia had left after, not seeing the way he broke down, how he couldn't hold it back anymore. The tears kept flowing and his heart was aching. He was praying to wake up, praying that it was all a bad dream, that it would be over soon and he would see his Juvia again, the one with the brightest smile and the purest heart. But it never happened. Juvia was gone and he was left alone.

The days kept passing and no matter how hopeful he woke up, reality would always catch up to him very quickly. He still didn't see Juvia anywhere around and the worry was eating away at him. He missed her. He missed her smile, the way she would greet him, the way she called out his name. He missed it all, every little thing about her. His thoughts had kept him up all night and after a lot of turning and tossing, he had finally made a decision. He would fix this and win her back, no matter what. Juvia was his girl and he wasn't going to just give up so easily. Gray had truly messed up this time, he was aware of that. But he will do anything to make it up to her. That was a promise.

Gray walked up to Gajeel, determination in his steps. If anyone knew where the water mage was, it would be her best friend.

"Hey Gajeel, you got a minute?"

"Look what we have here. If it isn't the stripper."

"Gajeel, be nice.." Levy gave him a pointed look, able to feel the tension between the two boys.

"You don't happen to know where Juvia is?"

"So now you care?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. I can't help you so go bother someone else."

"Seriously?" Gray was growing impatient. He needed to know where Juvia was, the sooner the better. This iron head over here was no help whatsoever. Why did he bother asking him in the first place?

"Look, I really need to talk to her. It's very important."

"You plan on fixing things?"

Gajeel didn't show it openly, but he had a good heart. Gray being one who doesn't like to show his emotions either, knew that. And he knew that Gajeel would do anything for Juvia, despite always calling her the annoying rain woman. They were best friends after all.

"Juvia went on a mission."

"With who?"

"By herself. She insisted on going alone."

The way Gajeel said that didn't sit well with Gray at all. And by the way the dragon slayer was looking at him, he wasn't too fond of it either.

"I don't know what kind of mission it is, she didn't really say much. She's been pretty distant lately, avoiding almost everyone and staying silent on every trip. But going alone on a mission is a new one, even for that crazy woman."

It really was a new one. Even back in her Phantom Lord days, Juvia wasn't one to work alone. So heading out on a mission all by herself definelty was a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored. The worries Gray had kept growing. But there was nothing he could do now besides waiting for her to come back and praying that it wouldn't be too late.

The sun had set already when Juvia arrived back in Magnolia. The job had taken longer than expected, but she had finished it successfully. Although she had to admit that it wasn't the best idea to go by herself because it made everything much harder and also gave her too much time to think and that wasn't doing her any good lately.

Juvia approached Fairy Hills, desperately longing for a hot shower and her bed but stopped in her tracks when she saw a certain someone sitting on the bench in front of the building. It had been days since she last saw him and weeks since she last talked to him. He looked like a mess. There were bags under his eyes that indicated that he hadn't slept in a week. His hair was messy, like he had run his hand through it several times. Despite that, he still looked handsome, the most beautiful man Juvia laid eyes on. She considered turning around and walking away, but he spotted her before she had time to react, his dark eyes locking with hers and paralyzing her on the spot.

"Juvia!"

She couldn't avoid him forever, she was aware of that. She was angry, sad and hurt.. but she missed him. She missed him so much. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the conversation that she could no longer postpone.

He had already stood up in a rush and was now standing in front of her. For a moment, they both stood in silence, looking at each other before Juvia nervously averted her gaze, looking anywhere but at the man in front of her. She couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye and opted for keeping her head low, eyes focusing on her shoes.

Gray wasn't sure where to start. There was so much he needed to say and yet no words came out. He wanted to punch himself. He had prepared for that moment so many times for the past weeks, overthinking every sentence and training in front of the mirror and now that he finally had a chance, he was messing it up. He needed to get it together. He scratched the back of his head, before taking a deep breath and deciding that he should, in Elfmans words, be a man.

"Juvia, I- I missed you." Gray wasn't going to hold back on his emotions. He promised he was going to be honest with her and he was going to keep this one at least. Juvia didn't give him an answer, but she didn't try to leave either so he took that as a sign to continue.

"Listen, I've been thinking about every thing, about what happened, what I did and what you said and.. I understand it. I understand why you feel this way, why you avoid me, maybe even hate me. You have every right to be angry with me. I messed up.."

Juvia wanted to interrupt him. I don't hate you. I could never hate you. But she bit her tongue. She had to stay strong, she couldn't just run back into his arms and pretend everything was good, not yet at least. Although that was exactly what she wanted to do.

"Juvia, I am truly sorry. I have done a lot of things in my life I'm not exactly proud of, things I regret. But leaving you, hurting you, that is the one thing I regret the most, one thing that will haunt me for the rest of my life. My excuses for leaving you don't matter, what I did was simply wrong. I should have never left you all by yourself, without a word. You have been on my mind the entire time. I wanted to come back so many times, to check on you, but I didn't. I was a coward and I don't deserve you."

Taking a deep breath, Gray put his hands on Juvias shoulder. When the water mage finally looked up, it broke his heart all over again. The tears were running down her cheeks and she looked so hurt, so broken. But he couldn't stop yet, couldn't comfort her, he had to finish first and see where things would go from there.

"But I am selfish. I'm too selfish to let you go, to let you move on. I will do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness. I won't give up. I need you, Juvia. I need you by my side. Not seeing you this past weeks, it drove me crazy. I didn't realize how attached I had become to you, how big your role in my life had become. You broke the ice around me, pulled me from a darkness I wasn't aware I was in. You always used to say that I'm your hero, that I saved you. But it's not true. You are the one that saved me. I can't let go of you, Juvia. You are my world and I need you. I'm sorry I didn't give you an answer sooner. I'm sorry you had to get hurt for me to realize how stupid I am. I was being a coward. I'm not good enough for you, but I promise to do better, become a man worthy of you. I'll do whatever it takes. Because I think-"

Gray took a step closer and put his hand on Juvias cheek, wiping away a tear that was rolling down. He took her hand in his, bringing it up to his face and placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist.

"I think I love you. No, that's not right. I don't just think so, I'm sure. I'm in love with you. I can't stay away from you because I'm better when I'm with you. You make me happy, the way I feel when I'm with you.. it's different. It's good. I- I love you, Juvia."

He wasn't holding back anymore. If there was anyone he'd pour his heart to, it is Juvia. And no matter how she'd react, he won't regret being honest with her. For a moment neither of them said anything, just gazing into each other's eyes. His heart was hammering against his chest and Gray was sure Juvia could hear his heartbeat.

"Juvia missed you so much."

Juvia was done trying to be strong, trying to hold back. Gray had told her everything she wanted to hear and more. He was honest and showed her a side of him noone else was allowed to see, his vulnerable side. The tears were now falling like water falls and Juvia practically threw herself at Gray, hugging him tightly and burying her face in his chest. She had missed this so much, his scent, his warmth, him. She felt his arms coming around her and pulling her even closer. Gray leaned his head on hers. And after so long she felt like she was finally home.

"Please don't leave Juvia ever again."

"I won't, I promise you."

"Good. You know, Juvia wanted this for so long, but.. I thought you didn't want me."

"I do, I want you. Only you."

They stayed like this for a while, just enjoying each others presence before Gray let her out of his embrace, instead putting his hands on her waist and leaning his forehead on hers.

"Juvia."

"Hm?"

"Can I kiss you?"

"Juvia was wondering what you were waiting for.."

Gray flashed her a breathtaking smile before leaning in and finally locking his lips with hers. The kiss was slow and careful, like he was testing the water first, but they both melted into it soon and the kiss became deeper instantly. It was as if they were pouring every emotion they felt now and for the past weeks into it, the ache, the longing. Juvias arms went around his neck and Gray pulled her even closer, not leaving any space between their bodies. They didn't stop kissing until they were forced to, both being out of breath. Even then, they stayed close to each other, neither willing to let go.

"You know, your lips are very soft. I could kiss them all day."

Juvia giggled and give him a quick peek on the lips, teasing him. "Juvia wouldn't mind that."

Gray was grinning like a child that just got candy. He didn't remember ever being this happy. He finally had her back, Juvia was by his side again and this time, she knew how he was feeling. There was nothing more to hide. Juvia was his, just as much as he was hers and there was nothing in this world that would make him let go of her ever again. He had meant every word he said, he'd prove himself to her and become a better man. For her, he'd do anything.

"Juvia, I love you. I really do."

"Juvia loves you too, Graysama."

[nighthunternik]

Police Academy (Part 2)

A Parker Shaw fanfiction (NSFW)

Book: It lives beneath

Characters: Parker x Reader

Rating: NSFW, 18+

Word count: ~ 2300 (approx. 10-15 min. of reading time)

Warning: MLM, Smut, Adults only

All Characters belong to Pixelberry.

~*~ 

Okay: I don't know if it's just my phone but I did insert a Read more break - I don't know why it apparently didn't work but please don't hate on me for having to scroll😱😨 I am terribly sorry.

Hey guys! I am over the moon to finally present the 2nd part of my Parker Shaw MLM fic "Police Academy". 🤗 I know it has taken me aaaages to finish it😂🙈, but I had some very important exams coming up. So I was basically studying most of my time and was happy to even being able to read the newest Choices chapters and post an occasional meme on my blog😂

In the meantime, @teenagediplomatfestivalauthor wrote a fan version of the 2nd part. It's such a great piece and I feel really honored that they made the effort - plus, while my part is NSFW, theirs goes in a different direction, so go check it out on their blog! 🔥

Now, without further ado, enjoy❤

PS: As usual, I am thrilled to fulfill your requests and tag you in my fics!

~*~

"Or maybe it isn't a girl you're dreaming about?"

He knows!, you think and instantly feel the blood colouring your cheeks in a suspicious pink. You are unsure how long you lie there, staring at him, your erection painfully held captive by the tightness of your underwear, an uncomfortable buzzing in the ear that sounds like a choir of taunting voices, unable to form a coherent sentence that would explain this situation. But when it hits you, the ponderosity of the revelation you've feared for so long, you close your eyes and turn your back on Parker, hoping that this is merely a bad dream. It is impossible to look him in the eye, in which you fear to see nothing but disgust, because you are afraid to lose the feeble rest of your dignity.

The minutes pass slowly, feeling like years filled with humiliation and regret, and a leady silence contaminates the atmosphere in your room. Not a single word is said, neither by you or Parker, whose presence you can still feel at the end of your bed and who is probably still too paralyzed with shock to move.

But suddenly, your feel the weight of his knee on your mattress. "Hey... listen...". You feel his hand on your shoulder and this gesture of loyal friendship almost makes you tear up. However, being comforted by Parker right now à la C'mon, there's nothing to be ashamed about isn't exactly your dream scenario, so you just shake your head, signaling him to go away. Or at least back to sleep.

But, of course, Parker has never been one to get rid of easily, that's one of your friend's (or should you say former friend's?) best qualities. He whispers your name, his voice husky and hesitant. It's the voice that makes you turn around, because it sounds so intimate and calming - and when you do, you are surprised to catch a glimpse of nervousness or even fear in Parker's eyes as well. But fear of what?

"Listen, it's nothing... you don't have to think that... I mean -" , Parker babbles something so indistinct that you can't understand a single word of what he is saying. And he seems to notice, because he ends his cumbersome stuttering with a single well placed "Fuck it", and then suddenly stretches out his hand. Although you know your fellow trainee and know that he couldn't hurt a fly, you flinch, for a brief second expecting him to be somewhat possessed by the ghost of the other guys and wanting to slap you. What you didn't expect is for him to place his hand on your cheek.

You turn into the literal pillar of salt. Parker is close... too close, actually. There is this unwritten law that two males should not be this close to each other to not be labelled as faggots. That's exactly the reason why the physical contact between the future police officers at the academy is reduced to a friendly pat on the back or, at most, a chummy embrace after winning a football match that comes along with knuckles knocked on the head and tousled hair and is terminated after precisely 3.5 seconds.

But they don't caress each others cheeks! Especially not a night!! In bed!!!

But Parker doesn't seem to mind - and of course, noone would've dared calling him a faggot. As much as you'd like to say something that would release the tension between you two, your voice crackles like a non-functioning loudspeaker, leaving you no other option than to get lost in the hazel eyes locked with yours.

Parker's face comes even closer and at the sight of his lips hovering in front of you, you can't help but to involuntarily lick your own. It's so awkward and cringy, you feel the familiar hotness creeping up your neck. But your friend doesn't back off, in fact, he leans forward and you're dizzy, intoxicated by the heat radiating from his body and his tangy, dry odour. Then it happens - and you are unsure whether or not you are actually dreaming.

Because Parker Shaw is kissing you. No, he isn't simply kissing you - he impatiently demands entrance with his tongue in a way you'd have never expected from the former boy scout that sometimes acts so awkward around other people. "Pa- Parker, wait ... what?", you pant, but your brown-haired friend cuts you off before you can finish your sentence. "Not 'what'! More 'yes, keep going'".

And then your lips crash together again in a fiery storm of passion, the sensation of the stubble around his lips and the low rumble that escapes his throat sending shivers down your spine. His calloused hands pull you off the bed, because you are unable to move, and a second later you find your limbs pinned to the wall, Parker's trembling body pressed against yours. Although you can't come up with much experience when it comes to kissing women, you instantly know that this is what you craved for... it's rough, animalistic and much better.

Your heart nearly explodes in your chest, but then Parker breaks away for a second, giving you a playful wink and biting your lips encouragingly in a way that can only mean one thing: it's your turn, don't be shy.

So you do as you're told and start exploring his body, with a lump in your throat and shaking hands admittedly, but still reassured by the way his breath speeds up or the gentle sounds of approval when you touch him in the right spots. And oh my, does it feel good! From the way his back muscles contract to the extraordinarily well-trained chest that you've admired so often before, there is no part of his body that doesn't make you want to scream with desire and the sheer disbelief that it's you out of all people that has Parker Shaw's forehead rested against yours, his body writhing almost submissively under the palm of your hands. Soon, you are kissing each other again, desperate, like his lips are to only thing saving you from drowning. But the movement in his boxer shorts discloses that his plans for tonight involve more than just kissing.

After what feels like an eternity of you two making out, Parker tugs at the waistband of your pajama bottoms and this is enough to jolt you out of the comfortable feeling of his kisses and bring the absurdity of what you're doing home to you. Only ten minutes ago, you dwelled on your weltschmerz, darting longing glances at him sleeping across the room and now your object of desire is about to - what, touch your penis? It's insane and although you'd love nothing more than to examine his remarkable erection pressed against your stomach from up close, a despicable and faint voice in your head makes you wonder, if this doesn't go too fast, if Parker won't regret this tomorrow morning.

You grap his wrist, a sudden movement to which he replies by arching his brows. "Parker -", you begin and you can already feel how stupid and inadequate everything you are going to say will inevitably sound, " - what is all this? I mean, what... what are you doing?". He chuckles  and it's as surprising as it's irresistible. "As if you don't know", he replies while again starting to playfully tear at your shorts, his lips merely inches away from yours, his breath hot and heavy, clouding your mind. "I am doing what we both want. Or do you want to talk about it first?" He is making fun of you. It's not condescending, you know exactly how he means it and it's the mischief in his voice, accompanied by the oh so familiar glance in his eyes, which lets you know that he didn't get miraculously drunk or high while sleeping, but that he is actually serious. "What are the odds of you changing your mind?" - "Non-existent. Any more questions?" His eyes pierce into yours and you shake your head. "Great. Then let's fuck."

And you, who has never used said word before, let alone did actually fuck, feel yourself nod and something escape your mouth that sounds embarassingly like "Oh yes, Parker!". It doesn't even bother you. Fucking him is different than how you imagined it to be. But, to be fair, not even your wildest dreams could've prepared you for those strong arms lifting you atop his desk that he cleared with a dapper wave of the hand, the jocular but appreciative whistle as he finally pulls down your pants and underwear and sees your dick for the first time (it makes you laugh and blush at the same time, just as he intended it to) - or the naturalness with which he kneels down and takes your penis into his mouth. Into. His. Mouth.

Colourful fireworks explode right in front of you; your loud moan is only muffled by his big hands that he brought to your mouth in foresight, because the last thing both of you need right now is for anyone in the adjacent rooms to wake up. The wet thightness of Parker's mouth alone and the skillfull way his tongue swirls around your glans would've been enough for you to come, but you try to hold back, not wanting to climax too early, because - as preposterous as this might sound - you don't want to disappoint him. However, the way he all of a sudden uses his free hand to spread your legs even further and hungrily massage your balls is too much: you feel the tension build in your stomach, your toes convulse and, with a last squeak, you seize him by the neck and press his face onto your twitching member as you release sticky squirts of semen.  

Your whole world is turned upside down, everything you believed in is shaken to its foundation after this mind-blowing orgasm, even more so as Parker willingly swallows every single drop of your cum, not breaking eye contact for one second. Is this really happening? He then stands up to kiss you and you can taste yourself on his tongue, not knowing if you should be repelled or turned on by this unusual senstation.

"I am - ?", you begin your apology for this early end to your ... 'adventure', while he plants a number of fevered kisses on your nipples that make you toss your head back. "Sshh", Parker interrupts you by putting a finger on your lips. "That was amazing!" You feel the familiar redness on your cheeks. "Well, judging from your... ehm, talent, I wouldn't have guessed that this was your first time with ... you know, a guy." At that comment, he winks at you sheepishly. "Who said it was my first time? But -", he continues and kisses the tip of your nose, " - you're the first one I imagined doing this to beforehand. Now c'mon, we're not done here, are we?"

Before you can even assimilate this information, he has gotten rid of his boxers, his penis slapping against his chiseled stomach for a second, and you don't know what to say - but you reckon' words are the last thing needed in this situation. So you content yourself with casting covetous eyes on his very long and very hard member, which is - of course, how could it be differently? - as impressive as the rest of his perfect body.

"Like what you see?" Although Parker's voice is rough, showing just the right amount of cocky self-confidence and his natural awarness of what he can offer his lover, both of you are unable to stifle a laugh at this clishéd question. He doesn't need or wait for an answer; instead he holds out a hand and leads you back to your bed, where you both lie down, soaked and sticky with sweat ... and he places on of your hands on his cock. "Do me!"

His words are so commanding, so powerful and hot that your shaking hand immediately start to stroke his dick, tentatively at first but then with increasing speed. "Yes, that's it", Parker murmurs into the pillows and you think to yourself that this is probably the sexiest thing you've ever heard.

It quickly becomes apparent how experienced he really is while you try to satisfy him in a boisterous and somewhat clumsy way ... he sets the rythm, corrects and emboldens you with soft sounds of pleasure, and when he finally comes almost silently into your hand, you can't believe that you're the one responsible for his enjoyment.

Minutes, hours or years later, both of you lie flat on your bed in a beautiful conglomerate of legs and arms, your hair sweaty and the air heavy with the smell of cum and fulfilled dreams. A thunderstorm approached, unnoticed by both of you during your actions, and the raindrops knocking at the window like finger tips make you feel even more comfortable in Parker's arms. You don't want to disturb the silence filling the room; plus, you are too busy listening to soothing sound of your friend's breath in your ear.

However, he suddenly bursts out - "This was A1, really, absoultely phenomenal!" You chuckle, although a part of you still doesn't really believe that all of this really happened. As much as you hoped at the beginning that the situation would turn out to be just a nightmare, now - if it would really turn out to be a dream -  you don't want it to end.

You look up at him and see that his hazel eyes are carefully watching you, his lips crinkled into this lopsided sneer you love so much. But you have to ask him something.

"Parker - about what you said earlier. You -... you imagined... this?" - "Of course, mate!", he laughs. " - "But what... when... how did you know that I - ?"

Parker shrugs and moves his legs so that the sticky tips of your dicks are touching each other. It's fantastic. "Well, at first I didn't. You are so out of my league that I wouldn't have thought that you'd actually ... you know... that you'd feel the same". Although he seemed to be so confident earlier, you can now hear that this confession takes a load off his heart. "Thank god us Eagle Scouts are no scaredy-cats - so I thought I'd just ask you". He beams at you and you playfully nudge him with your elbow.

"Gosh, Parker, you are such a nerd!". - "Well, however - ", he continues unwaveringly, his smile somewhat smug, "- the fact that you'd formed an impressive tent in your pants at the sight of my naked body made every question redudant." He kisses you on your forehead as you blush yet again.

"Now let's go to sleep, shall we? From now on you'll be pretty busy at night, I promise, so you'll need every minute of sleep you can get!".

Tag list: @brightpinkpeppercorn @kevinarima @teenagediplomatfestivalauthor

[bnheadcanons-scenarios]

So, how about a scenario where Kirishima, Iida, and Midoriya (seperately) save their crush who isn't studying to become a hero from a lackey of the League of Villains? How would they react afterwards, would they encourage them to become a hero to be safer or confess before it's too late? Crush can be in Gen. Ed. or Support

The feeling of concrete hitting Kirishima’s back caused him to grunt out in pain but he held strong, body covering the one person he wants to protect more than anything. His arms tightened around them, making sure that he covered them fully so that none of the debris was hitting them. When a particularly large slab connected with his back, he stumbled slightly but refused to go down. There was only so much he could take though and he knew that he was coming to his limit.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait much longer before the pressure on his back was constant and not pounding on him anymore, indicating that the damage has been done. With little struggle, he managed to push the debris off of them and stumbled out of the wreckage, carrying the other bridal style close to his chest. 

Neither said a word at first as Kirishima walked them over to the ambulance, letting the paramedics check both of them out first. They were given a fairly clean bill of health, minus a lot of scratches and bruises and left the two of them alone.

The silence was tangible at first and the other just watched as Kirishima averted his eyes from them, his fingers tapping against his crossed arms. It was uncharacteristic of him to be so quiet and they didn’t know how to handle him like this. Just as they were about to open their mouth to apologize, Kirishima spoke up.

“You scared me.”

They were just three simple words. Three words that sent a stabbing pain through the other’s chest. They frowned and looked up at Kirishima, whom they found to be staring back at them with a soft look, which wasn’t what they expected. “I-I’m sorry…” they said in a quiet voice that seemed to break Kirishima, who rushed forward and engulfed them in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” he whispered in their ear as his grip tightened. It took a moment before they responded, arms slowly going to wrap around them. “I was afraid I would loose you.”

Their eyes widened at the slight confession before a blush formed on their cheeks, trying and failing to come up with a response. However, before they could, Kirishima pushed them away but kept his hands on their shoulders. “Please be more careful,” he begged with a desperate look in his eyes that they couldn’t help but concede to.

–

The hospital door slammed open, revealing a breathless and concerned Iida, whose eyes scanned the room before landing on the person he’s been worried about ever since he saw the news. “(Name)!” he screamed out with a hint of relief in his voice. 

“Oh, hi Iid-oof,” their greeting was cut off by him pulling them into his chest in an awkward and admittedly painful hug due to their various bruises and broken ribs they have received during the encounter with the villains. The hug didn’t last long before he was holding them at arms length, a fierceness in his eyes as he spoke next.

“You had me worried sick! Why did you think you could fight them? You aren’t in the hero course! You can’t be fighting villains!” His voice was loud and his words rushed as he berated them while all they could do was sit and listen to his rambling. 

“I didn’t choose to fight them,” they interrupted him with a firm voice that managed to make Iida stop talking so they could continue. “There was nothing I could do so I had to try to defend myself.” They looked down at their bandaged hands and felt tears pricking at their eyes, still shaken by what just happened and that only being exhaspirated by Iida’s worrying and blaming.

Thankfully, the other seemed to catch on that he was doing more harm than good with what he was saying and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, (name), but I want you to be safe.” There was a pause, the silence almost tangible as they didn’t know what to say. “I would like you to consider joining the hero course or at least finding someone to help train you on how to fight.”

His suggestion caught them off guard and they blinked at him, mouth opening to say something when they were cut off by Iida continuing. “You have a strong quirk and you can protect yourself if you know how to use it.” 

There was something that he wasn’t saying, something that was hanging in the air and while they didn’t know what exactly it was, it brought a warmth to their chest. Gently, they smiled at him. “Okay.”

–

Midoriya quickly ran through the alleyway with his crush in his arms. His grip on them was tight, making sure that they wouldn’t slip from his grasp as he successfully got them away from the villains that began attacking downtown. When he felt like he was a good distance away, he stopped, breathing slightly labored as he set them down gently. “I think we’re safe now.”

The other didn’t say anything at first, just sinking to the ground and bringing their knees up to their chest, hugging them close to his body. Midoriya looked down at them and felt his heart clench. “A-Are you okay?”

They didn’t speak, only nodding their head with a blank look in their eye. He began to worry and knelt down in front of them, placing a hand on their knee and causing them to jump slightly at the touch. “Hey, it’s okay, I’m here now,” he spoke to them in a reassuring voice, watching as they seemed to come back to their senses.

“Thank you,” they said quietly to which Midoriya only smiled gently, an idea floating through his mind.

“The city is getting more and more dangerous by the day and with you going to UA, no matter what class you’re in, it paints a target on your back.” His words were spoken calmly but there was an underlying fear laced in his voice. “I think you should learn how to fight. I don’t want to force you to or anything but even a little fighting knowledge might come in handy!” he started rambling, stratching the back of his head.

With a sigh, he continued. “I just…don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t know what I would do if you did.” The last sentence was spoke quietly, so quietly in fact that the other almost didn’t catch it. But they had, though they didn’t really know the implications of the words but nodded anyway.

“Only if you teach me,” they mumbled and Midoriya’s face burst out in a blush, muttering incoherent words before clearing his throat and calming down.

“I-I’d love to.”

[margotnetwork]

📲Incoming: Knox to Endora

Knox: Hey. Sorry this is so random but I met you at the shop and you seemed so lovely I just wanted to check up on you. It’s Knox by the way.

Endora: I appreciate you checking up on me...I'm....well I'm okay at the moment. Just getting shouted at as per usual but that's nothing out of the ordinary.

Knox: what is he shouting at you for? No one should be shouting at you? Do you need to come to mine?

Endora: His mad because I didn't come straight home with him..his ridiculous..he never used to be like this

Endora: He used to be loving, caring and everything.

Knox: I am really concerned with your well being like I don’t like that he is yelling at you. He honestly shouldn’t be complaining. You are so pretty and amazing like what has he got to yell at ?

Knox: what happened?

Endora: Aw thank you Knox. I simply didn't come straight home to him. He expects me to do every single little thing for him, and I don't. He wants me preparing all his meals and cleaning up after him. It's not on. If I try and put my foot down, he gets worse.

Knox: if you need to be home anywhere I want you to call me I’ll get you home on time. I don’t want him yelling at you. Jesus Christ you aren’t a slave. Like does he live in 1950 or 2021? Let me talk to him. I’ll fix him.

Endora: His been the worse after not getting the higher paid role he was working towards. He used to be like amazing and I could see him and me lasting, but now? I'm looking for escape routes..honestly. Sorry. I shouldn't be burdening you with my problems Knox.

Knox: you don’t need to say sorry. I want you to talk to me about everything like you’ll never burden me. I actually don’t have any one to talk to so this is really nice.

Knox: I wish I didn’t have to be so without people but life is life

Endora: Well you can come to me too, so this is fair and isn't one sided. I'm a good listener too, you know?

Knox: yeah I mean I think my story is a little heavy on the heart I don’t tell it often but it’s definitely one not for the faint of heart and I don’t want to put you in danger by telling you

Endora: I can handle it. If you don't want to tell me that's fine, but if you feel like you need to get something off your chest, you can do so. I'm stronger than you think.

Knox: it’s not about strength because I’m happy to tell you it’s more like-... okay we are going to call them a order of people because if they find out that you know about them they could come after you and I don’t want that for you

Knox: but growing up I didn’t have a lot of money and I stole a lot which admittedly I am not proud of to get by. I did have a family but they are all deceased. They were actually umm murdered. In front of me.

Knox: by this-... order of people. Which I am now associated with. And I xant leave them. Very much like your husband so I guess we are both trapped

Endora: Oh no! I get why you said it was hard to talk about, I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that Knox. So do you literally have no-one left?

Endora: I wish there was something I could do.

Knox: you don’t need to be sorry it’s okay I know it’s not your fault. But no. I was a son and a older brother but I don’t exactly have friends I purposely moved BECAUSE everyone I know gets hurt or just-...disappeared. So the less you know about what I do the better. And it’s not that I don’t want to tell you I just-... can’t

Knox: you’re my friend so you have done enough in just scared for you

Endora: Here I am complaining about my life, and you have been through so much more Knox.

Endora: I just want to hug you now. Next time we see each other, these arms are wrapping around you.

Knox: you go through that stuff all the time. Like you have been through hard stuff too

Knox: I’ll be honest I’m not a hugger I don’t think I’ve been hugged for a really long time

Knox: so you might need to be patient with me because I don’t know human touch any more

Endora: Okay, no hugs just yet, got it!

Knox: no no. Hugs are nice I just

Knox: don’t know how

Knox: :flushed:

Knox: I’m just saying sorry if I’m awkward

Endora: I can teach you, but when your ready because hugs are my favourite thing!

Endora: Sh, i'll find it cute.

Knox: I want hugs but I just don’t get close to people so you’re really lucky

Knox: I don’t think anyone has called me cute

Knox: I’ve been called a lot of things but cute isn’t one of them

Endora: You are cute. At least as far as I'm aware and physically.

Endora: Sorry I shouldn't be complimenting you with a husband but still, the truth must be told.

Knox: you think I’m cute? Thank you

Knox: I think you are attractive yourself. I won’t tell I promise

Knox: I haven’t dated any one in a really long while but if I did I feel like I would want them to look like you

Endora: :blush: thank you so much, i'm blushing.

Endora: Aw Knox! That's so sweet of you to say.

Knox: I wish I could see that

Knox: I feel like you should be complimented often

Endora: Stop it you :stuck_out_tongue:

Endora: I'll get nervous around you the next time we see each other..I can see it already

Knox: and why would you be nervous? I have been told I’m intimidating. I hope you don’t have to feel that way with me

Knox: I want you to like me at least as a friend

Endora: For complimenting me. Not in a scared way.

Endora: I do already, funnily enough. It's nice speaking to someone else.

Knox: I feel the same. It’s sad to admit but you won’t believe how lonely I get

Endora: I’m in a relationship, and it gets lonely.

Knox: believe me. Being single isn’t much better. But I don’t want it think it’s should be like that. I’m sorry you’re lonely. You have me to talk too

Endora: I know, it's nice having someone to speak with.

Endora: I'd rather me single than with the guy i'm with now

Knox: like even if you have nothing to say but want to come over. Please do

Knox: can I ask why you don’t leave him

Endora: I've tried to leave him, the first time I did he got all emotional and said he would change.

Endora: The second time he got a little physical and verbal with me. I'm scared to try it for a third time.

Endora: Like it's hard without him signing the papers.

Knox: The first time was emotional abuse, that much I can tell you-... he guilt tripped you into staying which already makes me mad.

Knox: The second time was physical abuse, which is completely out of the question.

Knox: and for the third time well, you yourself don't need to do that, you can have lawyers arrange for that, and for protection because you don't need to be in a marriage if you don't want to.

[blackmagecat]

Hi, I hope this isn't too personal, but I was curious how you lost your kidney? That sounds so scary and I'm so sorry that that happened to you...

Hey it’s no problem, I’m happy to share my story to help others recognize symptoms and hopefully get treatment on time.

The circumstances with my kidney actually have to do with a birth defect that should have been recognized when I was an infant but wasn’t. At five months I had contracted a urinary tract infection that was treated with antibiotics real quick before I was sent home. What I would come to find out later is that the doctors were supposed to check my organs but never did (because it’s not normal for infants to have UTI’s). If they had they would have discovered I had scar tissue blocking passage between my kidney and urethra. Basically, my kidney never worked, but i didn’t know or even showed symptoms until I was an adult. For years my kidney was retaining fluids which eventually grew into an infection necessitating the removal of my kidney all together.

Throughout my life I always had incredibly painful menstrual cramps and it wasn’t uncommon for me to vomit while on my period as well. One night I’m at work with what I’m absolutely positive are cramps. Pain in my lower abdomen as well as my lower back, nausea, the works. At work I usually deal with this by strapping a microwaveable heating pack around my torso. By the time I got home I was in unbearable pain but it wasn’t anything I hadn’t experienced before so I just waited for the actual bleeding to show up and suffered in silence like I always did.

By morning I had vomited numerous times and had fallen asleep in the bathtub; something I also was accustomed to experiencing on my periods. Usually I’ll just stay in the shower for hours to keep hot water on me to relax my demonic uterus, and it basically requires just camping out in the tub since the hot water runs out every few minutes.

I’d say by around 4 or 5 pm that day is when I finally decided to check myself into the hospital, and it was only because I hadn’t started bleeding yet and that was the only sign that something might be really wrong with me. My mom was already pissed at me that morning because I was supposed to go to a funeral with her and told her I couldn’t because of my cramps. Even as severe as they always are, my family never really believes they can interrupt daily life like that and it was usually chalked up to me being dramatic (they know better now).

The ER doctor ended up berating me for waiting so long. He said that if I had waited two more hours I would have likely started dying from sepsis spreading from my damaged kidney to my other organs. He told me that pain is not something you just ignore and keep pushing through. It’s your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. But women and people with periods are so used to being told that our pain isn’t really pain, and that if it is it’s not ever severe enough to be taken seriously or warrant validation.

I always think about how close to death I was because of this societal notion. Two hours was the deciding factor, and it was all because my entire life I believed women are just expected to put up with pain. The reality is that modern medicine should at least strive to meet us halfway. And yet we still have politicians limiting access to reproductive health and refusing to understand how the body actually works.

Anyway, moral of the story: don’t minimize the pain from your cramps! My story is admittedly a very rare situation, but I’ve also ignored all kinds of other pain in the past because I just don’t see it as severe enough to warrant concern. Pain should always be a concern and should be taken seriously by doctors. Doctors need to believe their patients.