#this is an association I had not made before so if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go hide my face in a pillow about it

[falderaletcetera]

listen. I don't just love father brown because I first saw it while ill with the flu or because it's consistently kind to the outcast in a way that has reviewers calling it Too Woke, obviously a vote in its favour. or because the recurring thief character is very pretty to watch. though those are significant parts of it.

I love it because after eight seasons father brown sits down with the village drunk (a munitions expert in the war, has a soft spot for the parish secretary, name of harold or blind harry) to find out why he gave a murder suspect a false alibi and harry explains to him, calm as you like, that seeing the life leave someone's eyes changes a person, that it's what he reckons brought father brown to his faith, that it's what drove him to drink, and he didn't see that shadow in the guy the police are chasing this time. and father brown, rather than justifying or correcting or dodging or doubting him, says he knows how unjust the situation is. that he got something good out of the horrors of the war. that harry really didn't.

it is not a perfect show and yes I have problems with it but gosh, this is a character who's largely used for comedic beats, albeit kindly, and a scene like this isn't out of place at all but it still takes my breath away. we could've been left with this as subtext, y'know? I hadn't even put together that his alcoholism must have been trauma. but instead harry tells us this directly, tells us it's about guilt, that that's something he shares with father brown, who is competent and so often cheerful and I can't even imagine when he was younger, and it's a moment of such unexpected humanity and respect. and it's such a strange thing to see these characters side by side like that.

the scene ends with father brown calling harry a good man, and harry denying it ("they was only young lads" "so were we, harold. so were we.") and the two them sharing a drink as father brown gets a bit watery-eyed and I'm crying too over my nice cosy 'this is a concerning number of murders for a sleepy english village' show and just. hi. what. ow.

I also haven't recovered from the episode that turned into a heist halfway through but frankly I'm only mentioning that because I don't know how to wrap up a post like this. (it was good though. there were two separate honeypots, three if you count the impromptu replacement, one character terrible at grifting and one unexpectedly great at it, and, somehow, a con within a con. it was really very fun. get a show that can do both, I guess?)

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [19]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3.9k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Part 18 | Fic Masterlist | Part 20

"What do you mean it will take weeks for me to fully recover? I don't have that kind of time, Yunho. This war isn't over yet." Your husband frowned, his gaze fixed on the physician from his position on the bed.

You sighed, stepping closer to the doctor, your concern evident, "Seonghwa, Physician Jung is doing his best. How can you return to battle if you're not physically strong enough? What good will that do, hm? And remember, you've acknowledged Officer Song's strategic prowess. Perhaps it's time to have a little faith in him for now."

Like magic, your words softened the general's hardened expression as he nodded in defeat, "Fine, I suppose you're right," He offered you a smile before turning back to Yunho, "I trust you've at least written back to Mingi to assure him I'm fine, right?"

"It's done, my lord."

"That's good; things should be stable for now. We dealt a significant blow to the Ruhon forces in our last battle. It's unlikely they'll launch any new attacks soon, considering their diminished numbers. If things continue to go well, this war might conclude sooner than expected." Seonghwa remarked, feeling optimistic.

"I certainly hope so, for everyone's sake. I made sure to inform Officer Song that you'll need a few weeks to recover. If they need you urgently, I'm sure he'll write back promptly," The physician assured, relieved to see your husband immediately agree with him, calming down so quickly with your presence, "Yes, I'm sure he will." Yunho knew for certain that without you there, he would have had a much harder time attempting to soothe the older man's frustration.

Sensing the general's longing gaze toward you, the doctor suppressed a knowing grin. Understanding that he was interrupting your much-needed private moment, he decided it was time to leave you both alone. With a final bow, he excused himself, "Well, that's all from me for now. I'll return tomorrow for your bandage change and medication. Good day, General Park and Lady Park."

After the physician left the room, you approached Seonghwa to ensure his comfort, tucking the comforters snugly around him and adjusting the pillow behind his back. His eyes remained fixed on your face, which he had missed dearly, as you fussed over him, "Is the temperature alright? Let me know if it's too hot or cold," You inquired. He nodded, and you continued, "Are you hungry? You must be. I'll ask the kitchen staff to prepare something for you—"

Before you could step away from his bedside, he grasped your wrist, his expression displaying a small pout, "Stop, my love. I just want you to stay with me, please."

You softened, placing your hand over his and giving it a reassuring squeeze before brushing some of his hair away from his face, "I'm sorry, I was just worried about you. You've been away at war for so long. I wanted to make sure you have everything you need now that you're home before you eventually return to the battlefield."

He smiled, his hold on your wrist tightening slightly, "All I need is you." He murmured, gently pulling you closer into his arms.

Feeling your heart melt at his words, you relaxed into his embrace on the bed as he pulled the comforter over both of you. Nuzzling your head into the crook of his neck, you sighed contentedly as he kissed your temple. He felt complete with you so close again, "God, I missed you so much," He confessed, "Out of all the wars I've fought, this has to be the most dreadful one. Not because it was tough, but because I couldn't stop thinking about you throughout it all."

"I missed you too, Seonghwa," You confessed, drawing in a deep breath to savour his familiar scent, "I never thought I could yearn to be near someone this badly."

His eyes instinctively fluttered shut as you nestled closer to him, pressing his nose against your hair, wishing for this moment to last forever. After a moment of comfortable silence, he couldn't resist asking, "I've heard a lot has happened while I was gone. I'm sorry I wasn't here to help you through it. Tell me everything, my wife."

Taking a deep breath, you started from the beginning, recounting the events that unfolded after the general had departed for war. You described encountering Jinjoo during your visit to the fabric factory with Hongjoong, the surprise visit from the prince to the estate, and his unexpected invitation to the birthday banquet. You explained how he lied about you representing Seonghwa at the event and your gratitude for Wooyoung and San's help in preparing for it.

As you narrated every little detail that occurred at the supposed royal birthday celebration, your husband's heart swelled with pride and admiration. He listened intently, feeling his love for you grow with each word. Your courage in standing up for yourself and defending him in front of Prince Yeosang filled him with immense gratitude. He realised how fortunate he was to have you by his side.

"I'm so proud of you, my darling Lady Park."

With a light scoff, you teasingly pushed him in the chest, "Are you now, my dearest General Park? I still can't believe the first thing you chose to do after coming back was hurt me and push me away."

Guilt immediately clouded his expression as he drew closer to you, emitting a small whine, "I'm sorry, my love. Truly, I am. Speaking those cruel words hurt me more than this damn wound. I promise I didn't mean any of it. You're not troublesome at all, and I do want you with me for the rest of my days. If anything, you're all I need from now until the end of time."

At that, you could no longer bear to continue making him feel bad. Turning serious, you gently caressed the bandaged area on his abdomen before speaking, "I understand, Hwa. I really do. But I swear, if you ever pull something like that again, I won't hesitate to let Hongjoong loose on you."

His heart skipped a beat at the nickname you used for him, one you had never used before, "What did you just call me? Say it again."

Embarrassed, you blinked rapidly and cleared your throat before repeating softly, "I called you Hwa. It's your name, isn't it?"

He nodded with a cheeky grin, covering your hand with his, "Indeed it is. I love how bold you've become, my love. Now, along with that nickname, tell me you love me again."

You blushed at his request, feeling he deserved to hear it as many times as he wanted now that he'd returned to your side safely. Relenting, you bit your lip and murmured, "I love you, Hwa."

"Again." He demanded, resting his forehead gently against yours.

"I love you, Hwa."

"Again, my love." He whispered, leaning in closer with hooded eyes.

"I love you, Hwa."

"Say it for me just one more time."

"I love you so much, Park Seonghwa."

Intoxicated by your presence, he could no longer resist cupping your face and pressing his lips firmly against yours. You kissed him back fervently, eyes fluttering shut as you relished the sensation of his lips on yours. Both your hearts raced as you made up for lost time, pressing close to one another under the sheets. Your cheeks burned up, realising this was the most intimate moment you'd shared with your husband so far.

Gently pushing him away by the chest, you looked up at him, worry evident in your eyes, "That's enough, Hwa. You're still injured—"

But before you could finish your sentence, he leaned in, capturing your lips in another loving kiss. You gasped in surprise, but your resistance crumbled quickly as he deepened the kiss. Maybe just for a little longer, you thought to yourself, giving in to the moment.

As he savoured the feeling of having you so close, Seonghwa's emotions swirled within him like a tempest. He needed this closeness desperately, especially after the fear he'd felt earlier, thinking he might be close to death. The regret for hurting you with his words gnawed endlessly at him, and he despised the idea of being separated from you again. How could he have ever entertained the thought of you being with another man? The mere thought of Prince Yeosang in his place, holding you, touching you, kissing you, filled him with an uncontrollable jealousy that bordered on madness.

These thoughts fueled a surge of aggression within him as he flipped you around on the bed, trapping you beneath him. He loomed over you, his gaze intense as he whispered, "Mine. You're all mine."

As much as the sudden action flustered you and caused your heart to skip a beat, you frowned at his stubbornness, realising he wouldn't know when to stop unless sternly told off, "Are you out of your mind, Park Seonghwa? Such big movements could affect the wound, you idiot." You scolded, disrupting the intimate moment.

He blinked, momentarily speechless at the abrupt change in tone, protesting, "I'm fine, my wife—"

Before he could continue, the dressmaker barged in with raised brows, "Oh, we're all fine now, aren't we? I guess you're well enough to take a beating then."

The general panicked, hastily laying back in his spot, "Hongjoong, please, it's rude to enter without knocking." He chided.

You snickered when his friend rolled his eyes, "Well, it's also rude to disrespect your wife, but here we are."

"Oh my god, stop reminding me—"

"I'll stop when you learn to grow the hell up."

"Says you?!"

With a deep sigh, you stood up from your husband's bed, "You two fight to your heart's content; I'm going to prepare something to eat for this one." You said, gesturing to Seonghwa, ignoring his silent pleas not to leave him alone with his friend.

Hongjoong grinned at you, "Don't you worry, I'll take good care of him in the meantime."

Oh, I know you will.

"Have we heard from Physician Jung yet?" Mingi inquired as he was being suited up in preparation for the impending attack by the approaching Ruhon men.

"No, sir. It appears we're facing this battle on our own. But with your exceptional strategies, we should manage well even without General Park." One of the soldiers replied, striving to maintain optimism despite the military commander's absence.

"Let us hope so." The strategist muttered, unable to bring himself to reveal that his strategies had been devised with the assumption of having the best warrior in all of Joseon leading the army. Officer Song hadn't seen battlefield action since his promotion, and his combat skills were far from polished. Just why did this have to happen in the general's absence? Mingi feared the responsibility; if they failed in this battle, it would fall on him. The prospect of leading these men to their deaths was enough to make him feel nauseous.

He still couldn't grasp how Ruhon had made such a swift comeback. It seemed implausible given the significant losses they had suffered in the last battle. After all, the enemy nation wasn't known for its strategic prowess; they were often predictable in their actions. Unless... they were intentionally misleading Joseon into underestimating them? If so, the strategist might have played right into their hands as part of their plan.

Oh god, what do I do?

As General Officer Song meticulously went through his preparations for the impending battle, a sense of unease settled over him like a heavy cloak. Even with his efforts to focus solely on the task at hand, his thoughts kept drifting back to Seonghwa. The absence of their commander, his superior, and one of his closest friends weighed heavily on his mind.

With each passing moment, his worry for the general intensified. He couldn't shake the feeling of dread that enveloped him, wondering if his friend was safe and well. Had the older man managed to make it home? Had Yunho received his letter, informing him of General Park's condition?

These questions nagged endlessly at him, gnawing at his insides as he grappled with the uncertainty of the situation. Despite his attempts to maintain a facade of confidence for the sake of his fellow soldiers, Mingi couldn't shake the underlying fear that something terrible might have happened to Seonghwa. All he could do now was hope and pray for his friend's safety, even as the spectre of war loomed ever closer.

A sudden wave of fear washed over him, unlike anything he had experienced in a long time. The general's absence felt more profound and impactful than ever before. It was as if the very foundation of his confidence had been shaken, revealing the stark reality that his sense of assurance had always been rooted in the presence and trust of his commanding officer.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, the strategist found himself questioning his own abilities and worthiness. Without General Park by his side, his confidence wavered, leaving him feeling unsteady and uncertain. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt such panic in war.

With a heavy heart, he squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath, attempting to steady his nerves. Doing his best to ignore the doubts that plagued him, he knew he had a duty to fulfil. With trembling hands, he reviewed his strategies once more, desperately seeking reassurance in the plans he had meticulously crafted.

As he waited for the cue to head out and face the enemy, Officer Song resolved to push aside his fears and doubts. He may not have Seonghwa's guidance and leadership at this moment, but he knew he had to stand firm and lead the troops to the best of his abilities. With determination set in his heart, Mingi braced himself, ready to face whatever may come in the battle that awaited him.

Just as he was hoping to receive any updates about the general or word from Physician Jung, a soldier burst into the main tent, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. The strategist's heart skipped a beat, looking forward to some semblance of reassurance amid his mounting anxiety. However, instead of providing the updates he had been desperately seeking, the soldier stammered out his words.

"S-sir, I'm afraid it's time we head out and be on standby," The soldier managed to say between breaths, "The Ruhon army should be arriving anytime soon."

Mingi's hands clenched involuntarily, his mind racing with a mix of apprehension and determination. Despite the lack of information about Seonghwa's condition, he knew that duty called and he had to lead his troops into battle. With a firm nod, he suppressed the trembling in his hands and resolved to face the conflict head-on.

"Let's go out and make General Park proud." He declared, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. With resolve burning in his eyes, he led his men out of the tent.

Moments later, Officer Song found himself mounted on a horse, the weight of his armour pressing against his shoulders as he surveyed the Joseon army lined up behind him. They stood at attention, ready for his orders, their anticipation palpable in the air.

As he gazed out at the empty land ahead, where the enemy forces would soon emerge, Mingi could hear nothing but the thundering of his own heart in his ears. His hands tightened around the hilt of his sword, a familiar weight that offered some measure of comfort in the face of uncertainty.

With a deep breath, he forced himself to focus, pushing aside the uncertainties that threatened to overwhelm him. He may not be Park Seonghwa, but he had undergone rigorous training and was a capable fighter in his own right. Reminding himself of his own combat skills, he squared his shoulders and steeled his resolve.

"We stand ready." He declared, his voice carrying across the ranks of soldiers behind him. Despite the nerves gnawing at his insides, he projected an air of confidence, determined to lead his troops with strength and determination.

I hope you're proud of me, hyung-nim.

His breath hitched in his throat as he finally spotted a tiny speck on the horizon, growing larger and more distinct with each passing moment. His heart raced as he realised that these were the enemy soldiers they had been waiting for. With a loud voice, he yelled the order for all soldiers to get into position.

Tensions were high as everyone readied themselves, their nerves stretched taut with fear at the absence of their strongest warrior to lead them. But as the figures drew closer, Officer Song's brow furrowed in confusion.

Something was not right.

Instead of a formidable army, only a few Ruhon soldiers were riding toward them, their arms raised in what appeared to be a gesture of surrender. Mingi's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard their cries.

"Soldiers of Joseon! Please don't attack! We have come to surrender!"

A sense of astonishment rippled through the ranks of the Joseon army as they processed the unexpected turn of events. One of the Ruhon men even went so far as to pull out a white flag, waving it frantically to signal their willingness to concede defeat.

The strategist's grip tightened on his sword as he studied the Ruhon soldiers before him, their faces worn with exhaustion and defeat. Despite their assurances, he couldn't afford to let his guard down yet, not after the treacherous tactics they had previously employed against Seonghwa.

"Hold it right there! How can we believe you're telling the truth?" He demanded, his voice firm and unwavering.

The Ruhon soldiers let out heavy sighs, their arms still raised in a gesture of surrender, "Please, we're telling the truth. Most of our troops have been depleted from the last battle," One of them explained, his voice tinged with desperation, "Our ruler has sent word just this morning to put this war to an immediate stop. A messenger is on the way to your royal palace to convey the message to your King as we speak. We come in peace to relay this message, and that is all. All remaining Ruhon troops will be retreating from our camp after this."

Mingi remained silent for a moment, weighing their words carefully. Finally, he lowered his sword, signalling for his own troops to stand down, "Very well," He said, his voice tinged with caution, "But know that we will be watching closely. Any sign of treachery from you, and we will not hesitate to defend ourselves."

The Ruhon soldiers visibly relaxed at his words, nodding quickly, "You have my word." One of them assured before they turned around and began riding away. The tension dissolved as they disappeared from sight, leaving Officer Song and his men standing in disbelief. Relief washed over them, dispelling the earlier fears. The strategist's expression mirrored the collective sentiment of his troops—a mix of relief and disbelief.

"Well, I guess we should head back to camp and await confirmation then," Mingi said, his voice filled with a hint of exhaustion. His soldiers nodded eagerly, grateful that the tense situation had been resolved peacefully. They began to disperse, their spirits lifted by the unexpected turn of events.

Now, everything fell into place, and the pieces of the puzzle aligned once again. His earlier suspicions about Ruhon's swift recruitment of soldiers now made perfect sense. It was clear that they no longer possessed enough manpower to continue fighting this war.

Returning to the main tent, Mingi was relieved to find a messenger waiting for him, "Officer Song, there you are! You have a letter from Physician Jung Yunho," The messenger announced eagerly. He hurried over to receive the paper, unfolding it with urgency. His eyes scanned the neatly written words at lightning speed, absorbing the contents. Once finished, he released the breath he had been holding, sinking into the seat behind him, "Oh, thank heavens the general is alright." He breathed out, a weight lifted from his shoulders.

The messenger's face immediately brightened at his words, and he quickly left to share the good news with the others. Mingi couldn't help but smile; everything was finally falling into place.

Peace, at last.

But his moment of relief was short-lived as a commotion erupted outside. The strategist frowned and left the tent to see what was happening. He found his soldiers blocking the entry of a woman, which puzzled him. Women weren't allowed in this area.

"Forgive us, ma'am. Women are not permitted here," One of the soldiers explained. Mingi pushed through to hear her response, "Yes, I know that, but you don't understand. I'm here on His Majesty's orders. We received word that General Park has been poisoned, and I've been sent specifically to treat him."

As he caught sight of her petite figure, his eyes widened in recognition. Not because of her uniform, which indicated she was a female royal physician, renowned for their medical expertise, but because she was the one he had been searching for all this time.

I finally found you, my one.

« Preview of Part 20 »

"The audacity of those Ruhon bastards, attempting to poison my strongest warrior. That's nothing short of treachery, isn't it, my Queen?" The King grumbled, his concern for Seonghwa evident in his furrowed brow. He had even dispatched their most skilled female royal physician to the war zone, trusting her to heal him.

Anxiety filled his being as his wife sighed beside him, offering a comforting hand on his back. She had yet to muster any courage to mention the trouble caused by their fourth son during the general's absence, not wanting to add to her husband's worries, "I wish I had an answer for that, Your Majesty." She murmured sympathetically.

Before the royal couple could further drown in their pool of misery, the royal secretary rushed in with a few letters. He hastily performed the formal bow, only to have the King wave it away.

"Forget the formalities, Secretary Choi! Tell us what updates you have this instant!" His Majesty's voice was urgent.

San nodded, swiftly unfolding the papers and reading each one aloud. With each letter, a weight seemed to lift from the room.

"The first letter is from General Park," He began, "He reports he's safely home and receiving treatment from his own doctor."

Relief washed over the King's face.

"And the second?" Her Majesty pressed, her tone hopeful.

San's voice steadied as he continued, "The second is from the ruler of Ruhon. He acknowledges defeat and officially surrenders. He is also requesting an audience to discuss a peace treaty. It would seem the war is over, Your Majesties."

"Oh, thank goodness it's over."

After a moment of everyone digesting the news, His Majesty furrowed his brows in slight confusion, "Wait, General Park is home already, you say?" His voice carried a note of incredulity, "How odd. That would mean he began travelling back before there was even news of the enemy's surrender. Why would he return home all of a sudden? Did something else happen?"

The Queen's heart sank at that. For weeks, she had harboured the hope of shielding Yeosang from his father's potential wrath, but now it seemed fate had other plans.

I'm sorry, my son.

Woohoo, only the final part is left, and we're done with the main story! Psst, try going over to the Spinoff Masterlist to see if you can spot anything new HEHE🙈

As always, thank you so much for reading, and please let me know your thoughts! <3

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[specterllaw]

F@cking the boss - Harvey Specter x Reader Part 1/2

Summary: After being interviewed for a job offer that was meant for your roommate you meet a fascinating boss who sees right through all of your lies

You sighed as you approached your apartment door, it was painted a dull faded orange that now looked like someone had been smoking in the halls for years, you sorted through the stack of mail you grabbed on your way into the building. All of it was bills or advertisements until you got to a thin envelope, it was addressed to your roommate but it came from a big law firm in Upstate Manhattan. Pearson and Hardman, you had seen their commercials way too many times. Curious you ripped opened the paper envelope, flipping open the folded paper inside seeing an invitation to interview as a new assistant for one of their senior associates. You smirked a bit walking inside as you shut your apartment door and plopped down on the couch, grabbing your bowl of weed from the table smoking it gone before going to your room to find clothes for the interview. See normally you’d never open your roommates mail, but recently she had taken it open herself to open her legs to your boyfriend and get you fired from your shared job, so you felt like you deserved this.

Monday morning

You gulped nervous pushing open the hotel door and walking farther into the conference rooms trying to figure out where the hell this meeting was being held, until you saw the giant sign, ‘PEARSON AND HARDMAN LAW FIRM INTERVIEW NEXT DOOR ON THE RIGHT’. You took a deep breath hoping for it to give you some confidence as you walked through the door looking at all of the other females who were waiting, they all matched the type of your roommate, blonde hair, big boobs, and mini skirts. You felt like you were dressed too professional as you walked up to the desk “excuse me?..is this the interviews for the law firm?” You asked politely to the woman sitting at the desk “yes, yes it is, go down that hallway to the left and you’ll meet with Mr. Specter” she said pointing down a short hallway. You felt like the ground was shaking under your feet as you made your way to the makeshift office that had a well dressed man sitting behind the desk looking at you with raised eyebrows. “Who are you?” He asked tilting his head up towards you like he was better than you in a sense. "My name is Y/n L/n, I'm here for the..assistant position?" You offered as you took a seat in front of him, he watched you closely "Everybody is, darling, what makes you so special?" He asked crossing his arms "I'm determined in my work, I have no boyfriend, no kids, and I'm looking for a good job to get my foot in the door to becoming the best lawyer in New York" You said stubbornly eyeing him in the same manner he was to you, you knew what he was doing, intimidation. "...okay" He said unsure "What do you have experience with?"

Next Monday

You were in complete shock, you were on your way to walk to the law firm when a car had stopped in front of your path, you stopped getting your pepper spray out and ready before the window rolled down revealing Harvey Specter sitting in the back "You think I would let my new secretary walk to work? No Princess, in the car" He demanded as you stuttered rushing to the other door sliding into the seat. "Listen. Today's gonna be alot, Y/n, You'll be meeting my former assistant and who's retiring after today, you'll meet Louis Litt, jackass on a stick, he threatens or tries to flirt you tell me got it?" You nodded "You'll meet Mike Ross, my hired associate, you'll also answer to him partially under my word and he'll answer to you." After Harvey got done briefing you, You were trained by a pregnant woman named Donna, had a meeting with Jessica Pearson, a meeting with Louis Litt, and Mike Ross. Now you were being motioned in by Harvey who was sitting at his desk, his suit jacket sitting on his chair as he watched you, he looked hot as hell, and you knew you were shamelessly checking him out, unknown to you he was doing the same thing.

You took a seat in front of him as he offered you a soft smile "Hey, How's your first day?" He asked raising an eyebrow "I-It's good..I'm enjoying it so far..Louis was very...stern though" You mumbled, he raised his eyebrows "Nothing over the line, right? You're alright?" He asked, "I'm fine, Mr. Specter, I'm a big girl" You stated nervously, you knew you had been lying to Harvey since the interview, you were not qualified to work for Pearson-Hardman and you weren't anything like his past receptionist. "Well, I'm heading out for the night, care for a drink?" He offered standing up, grabbing his jacket and files "U-Um actually, I've gotta get back home" Truth was, you had to meet your dealer to get your next bag of weed. "Great, We'll drink there" He said quickly, you could tell he wasn't going to let go of the topic and Donna did warn you, Harvey liked to get close with his receptionists, they were like brother and sister. You huffed going to grab your coat and bag as Harvey called for the elevator, You followed behind eyeing him up and down any chance you got.

As you entered your apartment you realized your dealer had already been there, there was a bag of pre-rolled's on your coffee table. You were quick to dive for the bag grabbing it as Harvey walked in, watching you in confusion "Hiding something?" He asked raising an eyebrow "N-No" You protested crossing your arms, hiding the bag of joints under your arm. He tilted his head walking closer, if he was anybody different you probably would've pepper sprayed his ass, but he was hot and a damn good lawyer. "You know, Y/n..Wanna know something funny about me?" He asked as he stalked closer to you, you looked him in the eyes as you slowly shuffled back towards the wall keeping the bag tightly tucked in-between your arm and chest. "Hmm?" You asked before bumping into the wall, watching as Harvey took slow, agonizing steps towards you until you felt his breath on your face "I know when people are lying...and I know you're lying about a lot of stuff" He said quietly, not breaking eye contact with you, narrowing your eyes you put a hand on his chest. "I don't know what you're talking about Mr. Specter" You offered raising your eyebrows. He slammed his hand against the wall by your head almost making your knees give out and you fall to the floor, Harvey was huffing and you were trying to even your breathing from how hot he was currently "What're you hiding, Y/n" He asked alot more sternly, your arms dropped in defeat, the bag falling to the floor in between your feet and Harvey's. He smirked kneeling down as he picked up the bag with two fingers dangling it infront of your face. "Nothing was it?" He asked again, his tone was antagonizing, like he was teasing you. "Nothing at all" You proposed as he raised his eyebrows leaning closer before pulling one of your joints out, putting it between his lips, lighting it, all before blowing the smoke into your face. "Seems like a pretty good something to me, you get this from Mike?" He asked, your mouth dropped in shocked "That is Mike!" You gasped as he watched you, placing the joint between your lips he smirked "Inhale" He whispered as you took a hit, you inhaled then exhaled before slowly moving to the couch, Harvey close behind.

Your joint bag was gone, you and Harvey had smoked the entire thing and were now stoned off your asses, laying naked in your bed recovering from the most mind-blowing sex you've ever had. "You just ate an entire bag of pretzels how do you not have cotton mouth?" You asked in disbelief, he just laughed rolling on his back, you could see his bare chest and stomach as the sheet started to fall down around his waist. "I'm Harvey Specter I don't get cotton mouff" He stated before laughing as he made eye contact with you "Mouff? Harvey Specter does too get cotton mouff!" You laughed as you handed him your water bottle looking at him as he took a huge gulp. This was a different side of Harvey, one that laughed, that hugged, that cared.

"Harvey?.." You asked after the two of you stopped laughing "Yes?.." He asked turning towards you, draping a hand over your bare waist "Do you sleep with all of your receptionists?" You asked quietly, you could feel his fingers brushing up and down your side as he looked at you "Do you lie and fuck all of your bosses?" He challenged, you raised your eyebrows slapping his chest "ow! I'm kidding!" He laughed "No...I don't..I'm stoned, but, I know you're a sweet woman, who is already amazing at a job she was never qualified for" He stated, you studied his face, watching his breathing. He was truly the most Handsome man you've ever seen.

"Am I fired?" You asked playing with his hair slowly "No...I like you too much to let you go, and it's hard to find a lady to boss me around while also following my orders" He stated kissing your forehead before you tucked your head against his chest dozing off.

[writeroutoftime]

benedict bridgerton blurb

pairing: benedict bridgerton x reader (requested by @obsessed-oops)

summary: BELATED valentine's day blurb based on “when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” - When Harry Met Sally

a/n: definitely taking inspiration from "an offer from my gentleman" and made the reader not from the ton. this feels rather rushed, but I was trying to keep it a 'blurb' and get it posted since it has been so delayed. anyway, please enjoy and have a fabulous day!

oOoOo

Benedict had been in a mood all morning, sulking and sighing to himself as the rest of his family broke their fast together. Though he tried his best to hide it, there was little that could get past his mother and all seven of his siblings' watchful eyes.

"What has got you all in a twist this morning?" Eloise probed with furrowed eyebrows.

He simply offered her a stern glare before going back to pushing his breakfast around his plate like a small child. He was not about to share with his entire family that he had gotten into an argument with you - his secret romance - and how he was positive you wanted nothing to do with him anymore.

"Nothing that concerns you. If you'll excuse me." he muttered, pushing his chair back rather harshly before exiting the dining room.

Before he could leave entirely, his mother's voice stopped Benedict in his tracks. "Benedict, do not deny yourself the chance to be happy. Follow your heart and it will never lead you astray." she offered with a warm and knowing smile. How was it that nothing escaped her notice?

It took a moment, but Violet's words washing over him and soon enough Benedict burst out of Bridgerton House, and ran down the streets, pushing himself to run further and faster. He knew he must look a spectacle to the rest of the ton, and Lady Whistledown would most certainly comment on it in her next column. Despite all that, all that Benedict could focus on was you and being with you for the rest of his life.

He knocked rapidly at your door, heart threatening to burst out of his chest with each second that passed without you opening the door. When you finally appeared before him, Benedict sighed with relief.

"Benedict!" you gasped. "What are you doing here? What if somebody saw you? And why are you breathing so heavily?" you questioned, pulling him inside and shutting the door behind you.

"I've been an idiot, y/n." Benedict admitted the moment he caught his breath. "I'm sorry for my words and my actions. I have hurt you when I vowed to myself I would never."

Shifting on your feet, you crossed your arms. "Well thank you for the apologize, Mr. Bridgerton. But you ran all the way across town just to tell me what I already knew?" you probed, not willing to give in so easily.

To his credit, Benedict looked rather ashamed before he continued on. "No, I came here because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” he confessed.

Your breath hitched at his words, but you reigned yourself in before you could get too caught up in the romance of it all. "Last night you made it quite clear that the only association between us would be behind closed doors and under the cover of the night. What changed?"

"I let my fears of what the ton would say about me, about us, I admit that. But I don't care, y/n. Someone helped to remind that I need to allow myself to be happy and follow my heart." he explained before dropping to one knee and taking your hand.

"I know this is not the grandest of proposals, but what do you say, darling? Will you give me another chance and stay by my side through whatever comes our way, the rest of our lives?" he asks, smiling nervously up at you.

There would be so many reasons to say no. To push him away and argue that it would never work between the two of you. But, like Benedict put it, you knew you needed to allow yourself to be happy. So, there was nothing you could say but, "Yes!"

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

New Faces in New Places

Pairing: Derek Hale x Reader

Word Count: 3.3k

Warnings: none really, just run of the mill teen wolf dangers lol

Genre: fluff I'd say

Summary: After a few signs from your familiar you're moving to a new town and you find out very quickly that it is anything but ordinary

***

You cross-reference the address your mom gave you with the building you're currently parked in front of. It looks like the right place but man, moving to a new town is always a hassle.

"We finally made it Ellie. You almost burned down my old apartment to get me here but- we made it. You'll have to wait here though, okay? I know mom trusts this guy but I'm not too eager to bring you into a vet's office for no reason." You say to your bird before you get out of the car. You make sure to leave the windows down because heavens know how long you'll be here. You walk into the office, startled slightly by the sound of the bell over the door. A Black man walks out of the back room wearing a lab coat over his maroon colored button-down. He's bald and has neatly trimmed facial hair.

"Hello. How can I help you?" He asks.

"Hi, Dr. Alan Deaton, I'm guessing?"

"Excuse me, do I know you?"

"Not me. But you do know my mother."

"And who is your mother?" He asks, an eyebrow quirking up at you. You wave a hand over your wrist, exposing your family crest marked into your skin, and show it to him.

"My goodness." He gasps stepping back. He swings open the door by the counter and gestures for you to follow him through the doorway he originally came through. "It's like seeing a ghost. I never thought I'd be seeing that crest again after your mother and I went our separate ways. Wait is she-"

"She's fine. Living her best life in Europe." You say, eyes shifting around the room to take it in as you lean against the metal exam table.

"That's good. What brings you here then?"

"Actually, my familiar. Kind of. She knocked over a candle that burned this spot on a map and when I did some digging, spoke to my mom and she told me it had to be here. Also that I'd find you at this place."

"I wasn't aware your mother still knew where I was but honestly leave it to her to keep track of her associates." He chuckles.

"Yeah, she told me if I was coming to Beacon Hills I had to find you first. So what do I need to know about your little town?" You ask.

"Oh well, we definitely get a lot of strange activity here. Beacon Hills has a nematon."

"Beacon Hills has a nematon?" That gets your attention. You had no idea.

"It was cut down many years ago so it's been dormant for quite some time until recently when a group of teenagers accidentally reactivated it."

"A group of teenagers reactivated a nematon?! What the hell kind of teenagers are running around here?" You blink at him.

"They weren't trying to. They were only trying to track down their parents and stop some human sacrifices."

"And they somehow reactivated a nematon? And they did that accidentally on their own?"

"I didn't know it would reactivate a chopped down tree but we also didn't have many other options at the time."

"So I take it you're quite involved with this group of teenagers?" You ask.

"Their ringleader works for me." He shrugs.

"Their ringleader works for you? So you're the adult to our resident Scooby gang." You laugh.

"What?"

"A Scooby gang is the term I use for a group of teenagers who have a knack for getting into shenanigans they have no business getting into." You shrug.

"Well, you know. Druids are advisors by nature."

"Sure- to supernaturals usually. Is this group of kids supernaturals?"

"Not all of them."

"Not all of them?! Are there a lot of supernatural kids around here?"

"Relatively?"

"What does that mean-?" You shake your head.

"Deaton! We need your help! It's Isaac- something's wrong he's not healing!" The frantic yelling along with loud movement from the front of the office turns your attention from Deaton to the doorway, your question forgotten as a man with dark hair comes barrelling in with a younger boy behind him carrying another. They all halt at the door when they see you standing there and you're smart enough to pivot so you're standing next to Deaton, out of the way assuming they intend to lay the half-conscious one on the table.

"Well don't just stand there bring him here. What happened?" Deaton asks. The man steps to the side boy carrying the other can lay him on the table.

"Wolfsbane." You say quietly, immediately picking up its signature with a magical scan of the boy.

"What?" Deaton's gaze snaps to you.

"It's Wolfsbane, we have to get it out of his system if you want him to heal himself. Do you know what kind? How it got in his system?"

"Does that matter?" The man asks staring at you from across the exam table.

"Kind of. All of that stuff affects potency and subsequently the best solution to-"

"Y/n." Deaton says gently.

"He's a bit old for your Scooby gang but I take it he's part of it?"

"I should've prefaced. They aren't all teenagers."

"Noted. But he is. And he's dying." Your gaze shoots down to the kid on the table again. "How do you want to go about this?" You ask crossing your arms.

"Can you tell me if it's yellow wolfsbane?" He asks.

"It's not." You say after a moment of your eyes flitting across the gash in his side.

"Good. So we can burn it out of him."

"You're going to induce a fever?" You ask and Deaton shakes his head.

"He's bleeding too much too fast. You'll have to burn it out."

"Me?" You blink at him.

"You know how to right?"

"Of course I do." You say.

"Well I don't keep a torch in the office so yes you'll have to do it." Deaton nods. You hardly notice the other two watching your conversation like it's a tennis match, both sets of eyes darting back and forth between you as you talk quickly with Deaton.

"Very well." You sigh rotating your neck and cracking your knuckles in preparation. You grasp the young boy's hand.

"What is she doing?" The man asks, almost growling as he shoots a glare.

"Saving Isaac's life. Back down Derek. You came here for help." Deaton says.

"Hi, Isaac. My name's y/n. I'm gonna do my best to make it quick but this is gonna be uncomfortable for a little while so- feel free to scream or break my hand." You say gently to the boy on the table, Isaac you presume, before closing your eyes. When they open again your irises are literal flames that shock the two people watching you carefully as their friend's life is in your hands. Isaac groans, his back arching off the table and his fingers squeezing around your hand with a strength that would probably crush it if he wasn't currently bleeding out on the table. It takes longer than you expect, seeking out and burning the wolfsbane coursing through his blood, but after a few minutes his blood starts to boil and you know there's no more of the deadly plant in his system. You close out your spell and wait for his grip to loosen before releasing his hand.

"I think you should wrap that gash. He's clear now but- there's no way of knowing when his healing will kick in." You tell Deaton. Deaton nods and grabs a gauze pad and medical tape.

"He'll be okay?" The other teenager looks at you and Deaton.

"Yeah he'll be fine." Deaton nods.

"What are you?" The teenager looks at you curiously.

"Who are you?" The man asks, his gaze is still skeptical but much less hostile, there's something in his eyes that you can't quite identify. Akin to awe but not quite.

"Scott, Derek, this is y/n. She's new in town. Y/n, this is Scott McCall and Derek Hale."

"Members of your Scooby gang." You say.

"Why do you keep saying that?" Derek asks.

"Before you walked in here Deaton was telling me about a particularly atypical group of teenagers that had a knack for getting into shenanigans."

"I'm not a teenager." Derek says.

"You haven't already met Stiles have you?" Scott asks. You turn to Deaton with a confused look on your face.

"Scott's best friend. Shenanigan might as well be his middle name. He's quite the erratic kid." Deaton explains.

"Ah- well, no. You, four are my intro to Beacon Hills." You say. Isaac groans as his eyes finally start to open. His half-lidded gaze turns to you and his brows furrow as he tries to identify the stranger in the room.

"You saved me." He mutters. "Are you an angel?" He asks suspiciously making you giggle at the question.

"No sweetie. In fact, some people would call me the opposite."

"Y/n don't freak him out." Deaton chuckles.

"No angel, just a witch. But welcome back. Whoever did this knicked you real good." You tell him with a soft smile and gentle squeeze of his arm.

"Well- thank you." Isaac says.

"A witch?" Scott blinks at you.

"Yep. I don't understand how this kid got wolfsbane poisoning. Are there hunters in Beacon Hills?" You frown at Deaton.

"Sometimes." Deaton says.

"One of them's an ally now though. He helps us a lot." Scott says.

"Hunters and werewolves working together. This is one interesting little town." You muse.

"You'll get used to it pretty quick." Deaton chuckles.

"Oh I'm sure. I'd hang around but Ellie will start to get antsy if she doesn't get out of her carrier soon so I have to find my house. I'll be in touch Deaton. I have a feeling this conversation is far from over." You say.

"You can call me when you get settled if you have any immediate questions. Or swing by later." Deaton says writing his number on the back of a card.

"You rest up Isaac at least a few hours before you do anything strenuous. And watch that gash, if it doesn't start healing within the hour come back to Deaton. And I assume you two will look after him. Nice to meet you all." You say to the trio of wolves before taking the card from Deaton and leaving the office. You don't notice the way Derek's eyes follow you but Deaton does, and he has to make a conscious effort to stifle his smile.

A week later and you're mostly settled into your new home. Ellie is also pretty well acquainted with her new space, which is great because she can be quite particular.

"Something interesting out there Ellie?" You ask when your bird perches by the window, staring outside as intently as a bird can. Her wings flutter fiercely for a moment and she attempts to pry open the window with her beak. You quickly stand from your couch and whistle at her, tapping your finger to guide her over.

"I take it we have to be somewhere? Now when I take you out there wait for me to get on my bike before you start rushing off to whatever danger you're chasing." You warn her as you put on your shoes. She coos at you with her head tilted slightly and you roll your eyes before leaving your apartment. Outside you barely manage to get the bike running before Ellie flies off down a street.

"Dammit Ellie." You huff, speeding after her on your bike, looking up every so often to check her flight path. She eventually perches on a perches on a light by a warehouse and you take off your helmet ready to curse her for being so frantic but the sound of voices inside grabs your attention.

"I told you not to rush off you silly bird." You hiss at her when she flies down to sit on your shoulder as you approach the door curiously. You can see two people standing to the side but ready to jump in along with three, no four, people circling each other and you can hear growling, which is cleared up when one of the faces is revealed to be Scott from Deaton's office. You've had a couple more conversations with Deaton since your first one and have since learned that Scott is the ringleader he'd mentioned that first day and that he's got a whole bunch of supernatural friends. You whistle loudly enough to get everyone's attention and six pairs of eyes snap to you. You recognize Isaac in the bunch too. The two other guys they were growling at don't match any of the descriptions Deaton's given you so, process of elimination tells you the other two people looking at you must be Stiles and Lydia.

"Whatever you think you saw, you didn't we were just teens doing- teen goof things." Stiles, you're pretty sure, frantically says.

"You know Stiles I'd have expected a better excuse from you." You say. "That is Stiles right?" You ask Scott. He and Isaac nod which causes Stiles to look frantically between the three of you.

"How do you know my name?! And you two know her? Why don't I know her? Who are you?" Stiles asks.

"I'm gonna ask that you hold all questions briefly." You tell Stiles before turning your attention to the two unidentified individuals who still look to be on guard. "You two, I'm guessing, do not belong here." You address them only to be met with a growl that you immediately counter with a command. "Ciúin." You say sharply and their aggression dwindles. "I suggest you both return to where you belong of your own free will while you can. This territory is not up for grabs." You say sternly, flashing your magic in warning. The boys glare at you as if they are planning to challenge your demand but neither seems willing to take the risk when they meet your warning gaze. After a stretch of silence, they let out another growl at Scott and Isaac before leaving.

"We totally could've taken them." Isaac huffs.

"What did you do?" Scott asks.

"Nothing really just- a scare tactic I learned some years ago." You shrug.

"Well thank you." He nods.

"Can I ask my questions now?" Stiles asks.

"Stiles, Lydia, this is y/n. She's new to Beacon Hills." Scott says to his friends.

"So how do you already know her?" Stiles asks.

"She knows Deaton. And, she saved Isaac's life." Scott says.

"Yeah." Isaac nods. "Hi again." He says to you with a shy smile.

"Hi, Isaac. You look much better than the last time I saw you." You return his smile with one of your own when he straightens up at your attention.

"So do you! I- I mean, now that I'm not like half-conscious or whatever." He says awkwardly shifting his gaze from you.

"Hey, how did you even know we'd be here?" Scott asks you.

"Ellie." You say lifting your shoulder slightly to show off the bird still perched there contently. "She flew right to you." You add, handing her a treat you conjured.

"That's a pigeon." Stiles says.

"She's my familiar." You correct him.

"You have a familiar?" Lydia asks.

"Correct." You nod.

"What does that mean? Is she not human?" Stiles asks Lydia.

"I'm a witch. Think druid but cooler." You wink at him. "Don't tell Deaton I said that." You add in a stage whisper that makes the others laugh.

"So is that how you knew my name?" Stiles asks.

"No. Deaton's just been giving me the 411 on everyone I need to know about so I made a guess based on the names and descriptions I have." You say.

"Scott we've gotta have a talk man. When you meet people who might be of significance like witches you're supposed to tell me!" Stiles says.

"I figured you'd meet her yourself soon enough." Scott shrugs.

"Before this continues- because I'm sure it will. What were those guys doing here anyway?" You ask interrupting the couple's quarrel that's about to start.

"They were- sending a message." Isaac says.

"A message? To whom?" You frown.

"Scott. Looks like word's gotten around that he's an alpha."

"It's a good thing you showed up when you did because I had a really bad feeling about them fighting." Lydia mutters.

"I guess Ellie's taken a liking to you all. She's the one who sensed there was trouble."

"Thank you Ellie." Scott says nodding at your bird.

"You all should get out of here and head home before any more trouble comes looking for you." You say.

"Will you be alright getting home?" Isaac asks you.

"I should be asking you all that." You chuckle.

"Stiles will drive us." Scott tells you.

"So?" Isaac prompts.

"I appreciate the concern hon but I am an adult, with enough magical power to level a city. I'll be fine on my bike." You laugh. "Now you guys get going." Everyone starts to move towards the door except Stiles, who starts to object when he sees his friends leaving.

"Hang on now just because you stopped a fight doesn't mean you can- woah woah hang on!" Stiles loses his train of thought as Scott drags him towards the warehouse entrance and you chuckle.

"Come on man don't be an ass." Scott mutters to his friend.

"I just want you to know I have more questions for you that I will be asking at a later date!" Stiles calls to you even as he's being removed.

"Deaton has my address! Have him give it to you and you can come by and ask as many questions as you want!" You shout after him.

"I will do exactly that!" He points just before the group exits and you laugh to yourself in the empty warehouse.

"You brought me across the country to protect this group of teenagers?" You ask Ellie. "I hope you know we'll have no more peace." You scoff at her before the two of you leave the warehouse yourselves.

A few hours later a knock on your door pulls you away from the movie you're watching. You place your mug of hot chocolate on the table before walking over to your front door and checking the spyhole to find Derek on your porch.

"Derek?! What are you doing here?" You ask with a frown. You haven't seen him since you met last week and quite frankly you weren't sure you would. He seemed rather apprehensive around you all in all.

"I- heard you helped the kids out of a jam earlier. I wanted to thank you." He says.

"Oh- no need. They probably could've sorted it out themselves honestly but Ellie really felt we had to step in."

"Ellie?"

"My bird, familiar."

"Familiar- that's right, you're a witch."

"I am indeed." You chuckle. "You- said you came here to thank me? I don't want you to feel like you have to do-"

"Oh I don't! Didn't. I'm not here out of obligation I wanted to come. It's not every day someone as pretty as you moves to Beacon Hills."

"Are you flirting with me Derek Hale?" You ask, surprised at his direct line.

"Depends on if it's working." He says.

"Are you here to ask me on a date or not Derek?" You ask. There's a moment of silence before he replies.

"Will you go on a date with me?" He asks.

"I would love to." You smile at him.

"I've been trying to work up the courage to ask you that all week." Derek breathes out.

"How cute. Do you have a phone?"

"Of course I do."

"Do you have it with you?" He hands you the device eagerly and you input your number for him. "You can call me when you've figured out the details." You say handing it back to him. "Okay?" You prompt when all he does is give you a goofy smile.

"Okay." He says still giving you a pleased look that makes you want to laugh at how cute he is. You jolt suddenly when your own phone rings on your coffee table.

"Oh shoot- one second." You say rushing to grab it. Unknown number. "Hello?" You answer walking back over to your front door where Derek has his phone pressed to his ear, looking at you cheekily as he speaks and his voice comes through your device.

"I'll pick you up at 7:30 on Friday?" He asks and you laugh before you give him an answer.

"Didn't realize you already had a plan."

"Oh, I've been planning all week. If you said yes I wanted to be ready."

"Then I will see you Friday. For now, you should go home, looks like it's going to rain." You say noticing the clouds obscuring the usually starry night sky. Derek looks up as if he didn't even realize.

"Right. I'll see you Friday." He says with one last smile before he takes off. You smile to yourself as you return to your movie and hot chocolate. Friday just can't come soon enough. Maybe moving to Beacon Hills was a more perfect idea than you gave Ellie credit for.

***

[sashaisready]

Chapter Eight - She said stop

Bucky Barnes Mob AU x Femme Reader

You're hard at work in Pepper's Bakery when notorious mob boss James 'Bucky' Barnes darkens your doorway one typical afternoon, and life is never the same again.

Warnings: Drinking, some noncon kissing/groping with minor character

18+ - see Masterlist for full list of warnings

Chapter 9

Series Masterlist

It had been three weeks since the phone call and Bucky had not been back to the bakery since. Neither had any of his men.

You knew you should be relieved. You had been uncomfortable having such close association with a mob boss and being on the periphery of his world, you couldn't get used to being followed or having watchful eyes accompany you everywhere you went. You weren't confident schmoozing in high end restaurants or being someone's arm candy. This was a clean break, it was over.

But...you missed him. You didn't want to admit it to yourself, but you did. You missed looking up as he came in and finding his smile in the doorway. You missed the way he looked at you, gazing at you intently as you spoke to him. You missed the fluttering in your stomach when he joked with you, the jolt of electricity when you passed his card back and your hands grazed. You missed his shocking blue eyes, the way a single glance from them made you feel like a deer in headlights.

You had thought about texting him. But what would you say exactly?

Hey! I know I rejected you but can you come back to the bakery and flirt with me? 🙂

Hi! I'm sorry I said no to the date – I'm a big coward and I'm scared you'll think I'm unsophisticated and boring (and maybe slightly scared of your job? Idk) xx

I know you hate me and I get it but can you just come to my apartment for a few hours and lie on top of me?

You sighed as you adjusted the cake stands and began to wipe down the counter.

"That's it" Wanda snapped.

"What?" you asked.

"You. You haven't stopped moping and sighing since that call. And as you're not going to call him, we are going out tonight. No arguments" she said sternly.

You scoffed. "Out where? I'm not in the mood Wa-"

"I just said, no arguments" she interrupted, folding her arms. "You're going to put on a tiny dress and we're going to get drunk and dance and maybe hook you up with a hottie. This place is closed tomorrow for Pepper to do her audit so we don't need to get up for work - no excuses".

You roll your eyes, knowing full well she'll wear you down eventually so you might as well give in now and save yourself the bother.

"Fine..." you huff. "But you're buying the first round..."

"Good" she sang triumphantly. "Let's get you cheered up..."

*

Later that evening you strolled into a nightclub at Wanda's side. You liked dancing but clubbing wasn't really your scene, still - it felt good to be out and getting your mind off things. You were wearing a blue dress, one of your favourites. Not too revealing but it highlighted your best features and you felt good in it. You wore heels, they were a decent height – but still comfortable and not the ridiculous type you couldn't walk in. Wanda had styled your hair and you'd both gone to town on her impressive make-up collection, carefully accentuating your eyes and lips. You both drew a few admiring stares from men as you strolled in which caused Wanda to shoot you a wink.

You hadn't been here before, it was somewhere Wanda had heard about. It was busy – but not too packed. The atmosphere was lively and buzzing, a mixture of people dancing and splayed over the seating areas enjoying their drinks. There were a lot of handsome guys here, none quite as handsome as Bucky (you couldn't help but think), but still easy on the eye.

There was a VIP section in the far corner, roped off and protected by a couple of burly bouncers. You couldn't see much due to the angle of the seating (you supposed privacy was a VIP perk) but a throng of beautiful girls dressed up to the nines were being ushered inside.

"Drink?" Wanda shouted over the music as she gestured with her hand to her mouth.

You whipped back around to face her, nodding enthusiastically as she drags you over to the bar.

Wanda ordered two fruity cocktails, handing you one as she pulls out her purse to pay. You push her bag away from the bar.

"I'll get these" you said firmly, retrieving one of the hundreds from your own purse.

"I have built myself up something of a nest egg recently..." you wink.

Wanda laughs and takes her drink as you hand the money over to the bartender.

"Can you break this okay? Sorry..."

Working with cash yourself you know it can be a pain when someone gives you a large bill.

"No problem..." he laughs as he takes it from your hand.

You sip your drink eagerly as you lock eyes with him. You suddenly feel a flash of recognition, but can't place him. He had dark hair and glasses, and seemed to look back at you with the same hazy recollection as he handed over your change. Was he a customer? Maybe.

You were just about to ask if he ever went into the bakery when Wanda hurriedly pulled you to the dancefloor. The mystery man was suddenly forgotten as you followed her, stuffing the bills back into your purse.

Unnoticed by you, the barman watched as you disappeared into the crowd and hummed thoughtfully, then craned his neck to peer over at the VIP area.

Wanda was right, this was just what you needed. You were letting loose on the dancefloor, the alcohol sweeping away all of your inhibitions as you moved to the music with your best friend. Your mind began to clear and soon enough you weren't thinking of anything, no Bucky, no work, nothing. Only the song that was playing and the freedom that you felt in that moment.

You and Wanda took turns going to the bar over the next few hours, bringing back all manner of elaborate cocktails and shots as you slowly began to feel intoxicated. All on Bucky's dollar, of course. You weren't a lightweight by any means by hadn't drank like this in a long time. The bartender you recognised had been replaced with another, and you'd already forgotten his face as you enjoyed your night.

After some more dancing Wanda mouthed that she needed the bathroom and you nodded, asking if she wanted company. Just as you asked her - a cute blond guy appeared next to you, grinning and dancing close. He had a sweet smile, very all-American and clean cut. You smiled back at him.

Wanda's eyes flitted between you and the blond, then grinned and shook her head at you – implying she was fine to go by herself. She gave you a knowing look and shot off to the Ladies, leaving you alone with him.

The music was loud so he leaned over and spoke into your ear.

"You wanna dance?" he asked.

You turned to face him and nodded enthusiastically, he smiled and took your hand – and the two of you moved to the music for a few songs. Occasionally he gave you a little spin or dipped you, which made you giggle. His hand felt nice in yours and you allowed yourself to get swept up in the warmth of him, powered by the booze in your veins.

"I'm John, by the way. John Walker." he said into your ear.

You smiled, leaning to him and telling him your name.

"I think you're very pretty" he shouted over the music, just as the end of the song dropped out, meaning his voice carried loudly across the dancefloor. A few fellow clubbers turned to look at him, and you cackled as he hid his face in mock embarrassment.

"Thank-you" you replied bashfully.

"Can I get you a drink?" he asked.

You nodded – but then realised you hadn't seen Wanda in a while. You surveyed the room for her as John went ahead of you to the bar.

You soon saw her curled up on a sofa with Vis, who must've shown up at some point while you were dancing. They were making out heavily as usual and you rolled your eyes, smiling. Wanda caught your eye and grinned at you, pointing at John and giving you a thumbs up. You rolled your eyes again, miming 'get a room' as Vis saw you and gave you a wave.

You chuckled at your friends' antics as you got to the bar. John had ordered you a gin and tonic and moved it in front of you as he paid. You furrowed your brows slightly, he hadn't asked what you wanted and you didn't really like gin much. You weren't a big fan of people making decisions for you without checking. Still, you didn't want to be rude so accepted it – giving him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, you were a bit tipsy and wanted to go with the flow.

John smiled at you as you sipped the drink. You smiled back, feeling a bit shy and unsure of what to say. The evening's beverages had gone to your head a bit, making you feel a bit unsteady on your feet.

"I meant what I said" he shouted over the music, leaning into you. His breath was hot on your ear and you realised he was slurring slightly. "You're really pretty".

You blush, smiling up at him. "Thanks, that's sweet of you".

Without warning he pins you against the wall of the club, shoving his tongue into your mouth and harshly groping your breast with his hand. The kiss is rough and sloppy, he tastes like stale beer. He misses your mouth initially so you end up with his saliva spotted across your cheek.

You gasp and roughly push him off of you.

"Hey! Stop, John!" you shout angrily, wiping your mouth and adjusting your bra where he had felt you up.

He rolls his eyes and moves in again. You move your head to face him and glare daggers at him.

"I said stop". 

He scoffs. "C'mon don't play hard to get, honey. You've been rubbing up against me on the dancefloor and you let me buy you a drink. We both want this".

Your jaw clenches as you feel your rage simmering.

"We were just dancing, I didn't sign a contract to do anything else. And I don't even like gin" you scold.

He laughs mockingly at you. "All girls like gin..."

You raise your shoulders in disbelief. The worst part was you had thought he was cute and probably would've made out with him eventually. But not like this. And not now he's behaved this way.

You roll your eyes and go to move away from him but he pushes your shoulder hard against the wall and tries to continue the kiss. You hit him, hard. The back of your hand strikes his cheek with a loud 'thwack!'. The sound rings out even over the loud music and he cries out, staring at you in disbelief.

"I said stop..." you repeat defiantly.

His eyes harden, he glares at you with fury and his face contorts into an ugly grimace. You feel your breath hitch as he bares his teeth.

"You little..."

But he halts as a gloved hand comes down hard on his shoulder and yanks him away. John is suddenly jerked backwards.

"She said stop..." warns a low voice.

"Who the fuck asked you-" John yells as he turns to face whoever dared touch him.

Both yours and John's faces fall as you realise who it is, but for slightly different reasons.

Bucky. 

[chrysalis-the-butterfly]

Sir Pentious perhaps?

Certainly, my dear!

Send me a character and I’ll list:

Favourite thing about them: His dorkiness! I like how he starts out trying to be intimidating so he'll be thought of as a formidable foe, and then learns to embrace his naturally dorky self and be a better person. Maybe there's a message there about toxic masculinity? Or maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Least favourite thing about them: That so-called 'joke' in Episode 6. You know the one. I mean, you can't have a whole episode taking sexual assault seriously when it happens to Angel Dust and then turn it into a joke when it happens to Sir Pentious. I'd have preferred it if, instead of Pen being dragged into the sex room, Valentino overheard his "sex with everybody" line and started offering him a job at the porn studio and making him flustered, and that was what motivated Angel to stand up for his friends.

Favourite line: "The only cool thing here is to say 'No' to drugs! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to not have sexual intercourse before marriage!"

brOTP: I like the enemies-to-friends thing he had going on with Angel Dust! My favourite moment is in Episode 5, when Pen is trying to shield his cookies for Lucifer from Angel's grabby hands, and then he has to stand up straight to salute Lucifer with a quick, "Your majesty!" before he goes back to shielding the cookies, but it's too late because Angel's taken one, but Angel doesn't make a big deal of it, he just says, "Heya, short king," to Lucifer as if there's nothing out of the ordinary going on. They're like brothers! Pen is the responsible one and Angel is the naughty one, but at the end of the day, they've got each other's back. It's fun to watch!

Also, now that Sir Pentious is in Heaven, I love the thought of Emily becoming his new best friend! She could show him how Heaven works, and he could teach her what he knows about Hell, and together they could try to find a way to let Charlie know that redemption actually works.

Plus, there's the angst potential of Sir Pentious interacting with Molly - he knows who Angel Dust is, and she knows who Anthony is, but they don't know they're talking about the same person... I'd love to see a Pen/Emily/Molly trio going on escapades in Season 2!

OTP: CherriSnake! I wasn't sure about the ship at first, but it's grown on me. It's a neat example of the enemies-to-lovers trope, where Sir Pentious' admiration for Cherri as a worthy opponent turns into something more romantic. And they could have bonded over being inventors - Pen with his gadgets and Cherri with her "brilliant explosive contraptions". Too bad he only confessed his love a few seconds before his heroic sacrifice...

I think I like this ship for its potential. What will Cherri do now that Pen is gone? Will she find out he's in Heaven? Will that motivate her to stay at the Hazbin Hotel, to get redeemed herself and be reunited with him? It's rife with story possibilities!

nOTP: Sir Pentious and Vox (StaticSnake?). Mainly because Vox told Pen to kill himself in Episode 2. That was unacceptable.

Random headcanon: Sir Pentious has a son! Remember that moment in the pilot when Angel said, "Harder, Daddy!" and Pen replied, "Son?!" I think Pen did actually father a child when he was alive, and he'd been scouring Hell trying to find him again. (And for a moment there, he thought Angel was declaring that he was his son.) Pen never found his son in Hell, but now he's in Heaven, maybe he'll have better luck...

Unpopular opinion: I actually quite like Sir Pentious' singing voice! It's nowhere near as bad as people make it out to be. And I much prefer it when characters' singing voices match their speaking voices, instead of being wildly different. (Looking at you, Vaggie.)

Song I associate with them: @hazbinned made a video of Pen being kept awake at night by Angel blasting out "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor, so now I associate that song with Sir Pentious! LOL!

Favourite picture of them:

[whatactuallyhappenedwa]

~The Cult of Everything~

Research has shown the existence of an organized secret society that dates back to 300 a.c. This organization, often made of members of old money and extensive amounts of weatlh, answers by the title of ''The Cult of Everything''. The Cult of Everything is a group found on the believe that once the last thing is said, the last thing is thought out, the last object created, that the world will simply cease to exist as it will have ''run out'' of itself.

Their work is iniciatially very difficult to be spotted, since at first glance most of their members seem to be doing good, often members of the arts or avid donors for movie companies, museums and so on. Unfortunately the dangers lie in the cult's new practices to saturate all and every new idea that has come to life. something that is most apparent with the current state of modern films nowadays, endless remakes and recycled ideas in order to purge the effects of the original idea. Yes, we are aware of how absurd it is to claim that a secret society of rich people is to blame for the current situation of today's creative market, but rest assured that our team is working on gathering concrete proof of our claims as I write you this, dear friend.

If you'll allow me to speculate, I dare say Dr. Brutus Powderfist is involved in the cult, not only that but he seems to be one of its most fierce members. The exclusive balls held on the Powderfist's mansion are most certainly used as a cover or excuse for a meeting with other equally powerful members, but of course we can only tell you this allegedly.

I am aware of what our collegues think of my work, dear friend, and I care little for their childish insults. However, I much hope that my words travel safelly to you, dear Edgar, so that perhaps my work was not in vain. My life has been put in danger many times since I began my research on this ancient group, more times than I can count. Yes, while sabotaging movies and artpieces is not consider of any crime, I am also led to believe that this group has a much vast and advanced set of knowledge than the outside world. Who can truly say how many new discoveries had been kept under wraps by the wealthy members?

They are aware of my presence by now, I'm sure of it, and that's reason enough to fear for my life. So I beg you, Edgar, if something is to happen to me, take this straight to Abigail, and she'll know what to do. I understand your position would never allow us to truly live as we wanted, but for once in your life put your morals aside and help me and my associates uncover the crimes of this nasty bunch! I won't rest until that's done, I've always been stubborn and you know that.

-Yours forever, despite it all, Miles Mccandless

(This, along with many documents of equal ludicrous claims, were found alongside Mr. Mccandless body when he washed up the River Thames, in London. Once accused of being part of this fictional group, Dr. Powderfist was quick to point out Mile Mccandless' mental decline even before writting these papers. Likewise, Mr. Edgar Azazul chose not to speak fully about the incident, but made it pretty apparent his disdain towards Miles' foolish claims.)

[lilbagdermole]

Toph's Characterization, ATLA Comics - A Dissertation

Chapter Two - The Rift (Part Two)

You can read Chapter One of this dissertation here.

Before we start this Chapter. I would like to preface this - I am not defending nor supporting Lao and Poppy's neglect and emotional abuse towards Toph throughout her childhood. I believe that Toph's trauma should have been delved into and explored in a more serious manner (and not utilized as a mere fuel to an mediocre conflict between her and Aang). With that in mind, let's begin.

Part Two of 'The Rift' comic picks up where we left off - Toph reuniting with Lao. Now, I ask you, how do you predict Toph's father would react upon confronting his daughter for the first since she left to aid Aang and the other's during the war?

Before I reveal the canonical encounter, let me just present a couple of facts about Lao and Toph's relationship (exposed to us in the animated series):

Lao loved his daughter greatly - so much so that he sheltered her all her life due to her disability. Though he was emotionally neglectful, he believed what he was doing was in Toph's best interests and to protect her form the harms of their world;

Lao never denounced nor did he ever disapprove of Toph's ability to Earthbend. He even hired an Earthbending Master to teach Toph the basics; He even mourns the fact that, in his belief, she would be unable to become a master because of her disability (which obviously isn't true);

Lao: I'm pleased to hear that Toph's private lessons are going well. But I want to be sure she's not trying anything too dangerous.

(...)

Lao: Yes, and sadly, because of her blindness, I don't think she will ever become a true master.

Even after seeing Toph decimate her captors after being kidnapped, Lao didn't look repulsed nor disagreeable. He was concerned and ultimately his over-protectiveness led to Toph fleeing her home and returning to Aang. But he never scrutinized her bending capabilities.

Lao: Of course it doesn't change the way I feel about you, Toph. It's made me realize something.

Toph: It has?

Lao: Yes. I've let you had far too much freedom. From now on you'll be cared for and guarded twenty-four hours a day.

I am not, in any means, shape or form excusing Lao and Poppy's treatment of Toph nor am I sympathizing with their desire for Toph to present herself as some dainty, helpless and vulnerable little girl. They failed to understand her. But it's clear that what they did come from a place of concern and love - they associated blindness with weakness and wanted to do everything to protect their only child.

They never blamed Toph for disappearing with Aang. In their perspective, Aang had kidnapped Toph and they were merely trying to "save" her and return her back to her home. Because everything they did fundamentally came down to their (flawed) love for Toph.

Now, after nearly two years apart... How do you believe Lao (an overprotective and caring father) would react to seeing Toph?

Huh. Well that's certainly not what I had anticipated.

I get what Bryke were trying to do - to emphasize Toph's new-found avoidance of her past - they want to hammer in the ideology that Lao was a dreadful man, vengeful to the point of refusing to acknowledge his own daughter after she fled her home to save the world.

But, it just doesn't seem like something that he would do. Do I believe he'd be disappointed and resentful? Yes, of course. But, he loved his daughter and he would not do this. Bryke pulled this to try and justify the horrendous and impromptu conflict between Aang and Toph (because let's be honest, had Lao not been portrayed like this, Toph wouldn't have any argument or any defense for her abrupt disrespect and harshness against Aang in later panels).

So after this happens - Lao flees the sight but Toph and Aang are insistent on talking to her father and someone responsible for the refinery, respectively. This culminates in a battle with the Rough Rhinos - guards of the refinery.

One Rough Rhino tries to slash Toph (something that could have been lethal or, at the very least, would have harmed and hurt Toph) and she defends herself. Aang ends up saving the man and scolding Toph for potentially hurting him.

"We do just enough to stop them, nothing more! He could've been hurt-"

"We do just enough to stop them, nothing more! He could've been hurt-"

"We do just enough to stop them, nothing more! He could've been hurt-"

I hope we're all familiar with the Aang kill counter meme, if you aren't, please do yourself a favor and go search it up to better understand the absolute absurdity this phrase is coming from Aang.

And even if Aang had never once hurt a single person whilst surviving through a war and defending himself against countless threats that wanted to incinerate him, take him captive or imprison him, I just can't get past the idea that Aang would care this little about one of his best friends getting harmed (or worse) and scolding her for protecting herself.

Toph could have been seriously maimed by the Rough Rhino, yet Aang preferred to gently secure him on the ground and give him an opportunity to attack them both, than opting to jump in and assist Toph - he is quite literally staring at Toph being attacked and does nothing until she defends herself.

And instead of questioning how Toph is, ask if she is harmed or even helping the other's that are fighting on their own against the Rough Rhinos... we get this exchange:

More Toph and Aang contrived conflict to fuel a forced narrative that made no sense to begin with.

It's as though Bryke made it their life mission to make all their characters OOC in any and all projects regarding the ATLA cast. And it's also hysterical that, despite Toph doing something that Aang has done immeasurable times before, they are painting Aang to be a wise, all-knowing, good being whilst Toph is continuously painted in a very antagonistic light (even though, considering the circumstances, she had every right to defend herself AND be mad at Aang).

This just doesn't feel like them. It feels as though we're observing two different characters and not the ones we were introduced to in the animated series.

On that note.

Remember when Toph said this in the episode "Bitter Work":

Toph: No. That's the problem. You've got to stop thinking like an airbender. There's no different angle, no clever solution, no trickety-trick that's going to move that rock. You've got to face it head on. 

(...)

Toph: If you have the attitude of an earthbender, you'll stay in your stance and stop the rock.

Toph taught Aang to face his problems head on instead of fleeing them as he tended to do. It's that very principle that she deals with all her problems: when she's trapped in a metal box and invents metalbending; when she writes her mother a letter despite knowing that her parents were most likely displeased with her actions; when she's the only member of the Gaang capable of standing up against Katara; when she fights against any and all opponents... She always fights head on, never runs away from her problems.

She's just as stubborn as her element, after all.

Running away from her problems isn't Toph. It's never been Toph.

Until now, apparently.

Well, according to Bryke, Toph now avoids her problems the moment someone disagrees with her.

And just as I touched upon during Part One of this analysis - Toph just continues to disrespect Aang's culture, beliefs and traditions in favor of her newly acquired character traits: future apologist and Satoru defender. I've cut the other comments she makes through out this issue but, I can guarantee you that they're just as insensitive and OOC as the one I just displayed.

It's impressive how much Bryke are capable of butchering fan-favorite characters... Like, this is not Toph. It's looks like her but personality wise, this is a watered-down, stereotypical and the fanon portrayal of Toph. She lacks any of her previous sensitivity and endurance; her vulnerable and emotional side is no where to be seen (besides her moments with her father); she lacks the understanding and compassion that she once held for her friends.

She's no longer a dynamic, three-dimensional character. She's a hollow shell of herself reduced to a snarky, badass earthbender with daddy issues.

Toph eventually meets up with her dad in private and Lao continues to be just as OOC as previously.

And, we get this gem here:

I swear to all of you I am not a Lao apologist - but he would never say this. HE LOVES TOPH - he did everything he did because he loves her. And now he's belittling her, insulting her and down right orders her to obey him. This is not the same man that said that seeing Toph be who she is did nothing to affect his love for her. It's implied he even would have supported her becoming a Master Earthbender yet now disapproves of her choices.

This is just contrived nonsense to stir Toph's "arc" and give her opinion some valid groundwork. But, I just think we could have explored Toph's trauma and isolation as a child without making Lao hostile and malicious towards her.

It would have been so much more impactful and realistic to have Lao learn that, though he had good intentions, he failed to understand Toph and lost her because of his inability to relate to her; he failed as a Father and forged his bond with his daughter becomes he was too blind to see her for who she was.

It would have been so satisfying seeing Toph confront her father about her past emotions, trauma and her loneliness and watch him struggle to conform and accept the capable, independent and strong girl that his daughter had become. Seeing Lao dismantle his assumptions of Toph and acknowledging her feats, accomplishments and growth would have been so incredibly gratifying and it would have been a great way to tie up this plot.

But, instead, we got this: discord and angst for the sake of drama.

And I was about to consider this fanfiction level of characterization but that would be a disservice to all the fantastic and creative people who are capable of writing these characters in more compelling and honorable ways than their original creators.

Anyway, Katara, Toph and a bunch of other people get trapped underneath a collapsed, underground mine and this is how Aang reacts:

I get it. We got to push the K@t@nng agenda. But, Bryke, please. Toph is one of Aang's best friends; his only friend that's his age, his earth bending master and someone who he cares greatly about. And your telling me he only cares about Katara...

Whatever, you know what, we have to give prompts to Bryke - they consistently make Aang obsessive over Katara and, hey, atleast his indifference towards Toph and her well-being remains constant.

And if I have to read this, so do all of you:

Sweetie...

And we end this part here.

Thank you all for reading my thoughts and opinions! It means the world that I'm not alone in my hatred of Toph's portrayal in the comics!

[olichat-reads]

Imagine | ProHero!Bakugou x Villain!Reader #3

Summary: your sides on the field doesn't waver your loyalties to each other

a/n: i haven't posted any fics in a hot minute so i'll just.. yeah.

🌟

You don't even bother looking up when you heard your front door being unlocked, having gotten the heads up from the distinct way your bestfriend fucking stomps all throughout the hallway before he reached the door to your apartment.

"Oi. I haven't seen you in awhile."

"Mm. I've got a big mission to plan for," you mumbled distractedly, going over the newest tips your informant sent in.

Bakugou gave you a once over before walking over to nudge you aside from your laptop, save the document you were working on and promptly shutting it. "Hey-"

"Ass in the kitchen. Now," he all but demanded you, with an underlying threatening glint in his eyes. How dare he. In your own home too. You scoffed at the absolute gall of this man but begrudgingly shuffled after him anyways.

"You look like shit," He snarked as if your exhaustion was the greatest inconvenience in his life. "Stayed home the past 3 weeks and you didn't have time to look after yourself?"

"Its a big mission, Katsu," you clarified, as you slid into a seat at your little kitchen counter, resting your chin onto the palm your hand, watching your bestfriend squirrel around the kitchen with familiar ease.

"Could've asked me for help," he said, not sparing you a glance as he dug your drawers for forks. You raised an inquiring eyebrow at that.

"Its for work, Katsu."

"And?" The bastard popped a pink mochi- your last pink mochi- left on the defenseless countertop into his mouth, chewing loudly. You felt your eye twitch. How dare.

"My villain work?"

"I am aware," he deadpanned.

You couldn't help but huff fondly at that, taking the box of takeout he offered your direction. You smiled at the sight of your favourite order. He even got you that cream cheese crossoint you loved so much even though he says the price is a crime all on its own. You'll forgive him for the mochi theft. Just this once.

"I'm planning to take down some pretty big names, you know?" You started, snapping your chopsticks to mix your food idly, before raising your gaze to meet his. "Dead or alive."

Red eyes held yours.

"My statement still stands."

You stared at each other for a moment, unwavering, both unwilling to back down from where you stood. Eventually, you conceded first.

"Katsu, you're the number one pro hero in Japan. You can't get caught being associated with a villain. Much less actively help me out with the illegal stuff."

"Who said anything about getting caught? I'm not number one for no reason."

You had to huff a laugh at that. "I doubt the reason is to help a villain though, Ground Zero."

"I'm helping you, dumbass."

You blinked at that, before tilting your head, confused.

"That doesn't change anything? I am a villain." Katsuki rolled his eyes like you were the being so fucking stupid.

"Are you now?"

"Yes? Wh-" you tripped over your own words, apalled at what Bakugou was trying to say. "I am. I'm villain Red. Top 5 most wanted villains in Musutafu. Succeeded in evading three top 10 Pro Hero during the biggest heist in Musutafu in the last decade. Responsible for the serial assasination of multiple big named Pros and political figures. Do I need to go on?"

"Yeah, yeah, no need to read me your entire evil resume-"

"ExcUse mE-"

"It doesn't matter," your bestfriend said with such finality, his eyes blazing with an intensity that made your jaw clicked shut. "You're still that snot-nosed brat I promised to watch her back because her situational awareness is shit."

"First of all. We were 8, Katsu. Secondly, rude. I've gotten way better and you know it."

"You're also the same Y/n that cried herself into a panic attack because you couldn't save that kid, even when it wasn't your fault. The same Y/n who has standards even when it comes to crime and isn't afraid to make it known to the rest of the world, good and bad. You may be gray but I know for a fact your victims aren't as sporadic as you make them seem. You're not the big, bad villain you let the world see. I know that."

You had to huff out a ghost of a laugh at that. Of course the great Ground Zero saw through your facade as a feral assasin with body counts piling up faster than

"Your point?"

"I trust you." with my everything went unsaid, but you heard it all the same. Clear as the day. You couldn't help but falter, any protests or arguments ready to slip of your tongue dissolving into exasperated fondness you had for this stupid blonde in front of you.

"..Thanks, Katsu."

You knew if he ever asked for help for his side of the job, you wouldn't hesitate for a second. It was a risk you're willing to take, every time, if it meant keeping your best friend alive. Sometimes it was hard to believe that this devotion went both ways.

"Ok. Now that we all that gross mushy stuff aside," Bakugou started, making you laugh. "Who are we killing?" And there goes the moment, you sighed, rolling your eyes.

"Katsu, I swear. You need to turn down the condoning crime thing. You're making me nervous."

"Tsk. And to think you were just bragging about being the top 5 wanted villains-"

"I can still make it to top three if I kill you now, you know. So, shut it, Ground Zero," you growled, only to bristle even further at the feral grin that spread over your bestfriend's face.

"There's the big scary villain-"

"I will throw you out the fucking window don't TEMPT me-"

🌟

a/n: i have a bunch of unfinished drafts that i might just post as is and call em drabbles bc CLEARLY. they're not gonna be finished anytime soon :')

[kachikirby]

GranEssex Chronicles: Chapter 4 - Visitation

A few months have passed since Meta officially joined the crew as Kurabe's apprentice. His training, both physically and mentally, has been going perfectly. In the warrior's mind, the child was an excellent student. Though today's training was cut short as she received a call from her boss.

"You want to visit Meta tomorrow?"

The general nodded. "Yes, I'm interested in seeing how much your training with him has paid off."

"I don't have an issue with you coming over, sensei, but..." She looked at the second person in the call. "Why are you bringing him with you?"

The "him" in question was Reedy, Kurabe's co-worker and so-called rival.

"The feeling is mutual, trust me. I rather you not be here, either." He uttered while adjusting his glasses.

"Then why do you want to come to my ship?"

"I'd like to see how Meta is doing. And to make sure a certain cursed blob of grape jelly is not abusing him." He seemed to glare at her, which was returned in favor.

"Reedy, that's enough. Any more unnecessary antagonism and you'll have to remain at headquarters. Understood?" Z said as his eyes sent chills throughout the Limet's entire body.

"Same goes for you, Kurabe. I don't need any infighting at the moment."

The glare he gave also sent chills down the warrior's own spine.

"Y-yes, sir." Both people immediately replied.

"Excellent. So Kurabe, what time works for you tomorrow?"

"Well, I believe any time works."

"Wonderful, we'll be there at 1 AM."

She replied with a slight chuckle. "Very well."

"Kurabe, that was a joke. 1 AM is too early even for me." Z said while laughing. "We'll be there by noon."

"Understood. We'll be expecting you then."

"Excellent. Until then."

With that, the call ended.

The warrior then gave a slight sigh. "Well, I should probably inform the crew about this. Especially Meta..."

She pressed a button that connected her voice to the intercoms.

"Attention all crew members, meet me in the meeting room, now. That is all."

She wasn't exactly thrilled about this whole mess of a situation. She had no problems with her mentor coming over. She looked up to him like a father and was honestly hoping that her student would get along with him. No, her issue was with that stuck up know-it-all Reedy. There was no doubt if he even disapproved the slightest with how Kurabe was raising Meta, he would put him in a foster home. The thought of that it... it put a pit in her stomach. She knew why Reedy disliked her. He didn't really keep it a secret. He considered her a spoiled brat who only gained her position because she was General Z's student. Which in Kurabe's mind, made him sound like the spoiled one by acting as if he was the ultimate authority just because of his position. Of course, she couldn't directly say that, or he would rant about how difficult his life was as a Limet. She took a moment to try and calm herself, but it didn't work. Her mind simply kept going back to that single thought. The thought of losing Meta.

Before her thoughts could drive her crazy, she heard a loud knock on her door.

"Who could that be? I told everyone to head to the meeting room." She thought aloud as she headed towards it.

Kurabe opened the door to reveal Meta, who had a concerned look on his face as he looked up at her. She was slightly surprised by this, but decided to question him about it.

"Is something wrong, Meta?"

"That's what I want to ask you sensei. Your voice on the intercom, it sounded like you were in pain."

"Oh, I just had a paper cut that was acting up. It's nothing." She responded quickly, glad that she somehow thought up an excuse on the spot. There was no way she could tell him about those thoughts she was having.

"Sensei, you've told me to never lie. Please don't lie to my face." Now Meta sounded hurt. This, of course, broke Kurabe's heart enough so that she couldn't stay silent.

"Tomorrow my mentor and an associate of mine will be visiting. This associate is named Reedy, and he doesn't think I'm fit to take care of you. There's a chance he'll try to take you away from me and I..." Her voice became more choked up as she continued to speak and placed her hands on his shoulders. "...I don't want that to happen. I can't imagine losing you, Meta."

Seeing and hearing this made the child pout a bit. "...do you want me to beat him up for you?"

Hearing this sudden shift in tone, Kurabe laughed. "As much as I would like that, it wouldn't be a good idea. He'll probably try to ask you a few questions about living here. All I ask is that you be honest with him."

There was a moment of silence before the child gave an understanding nod in response.

"Also, he's a Limet like Mercury, but a lot less likeable."

He tilted his head upon hearing that before asking yet another question. "What about sensei's sensei?"

"As I mentioned, he's our boss as the leader of The Organization. He's a bit of a stubborn old fool..."

"So, do you not like him?"

"Quite the opposite."

Meta looked confused.

Kurabe chuckled. "Despite his stubbornness, he's a kind man. The type of person that makes you feel safe. Except for if you get on his bad side. I might be stronger than him, but even I wouldn't dare cross him unless I really had to."

"Oh..." The child uttered in understanding.

"Well, let's go to the meeting now. Everyone is waiting for us." She said while taking his hand.

He nodded and followed her to the room.

---------

By the time they got to the meeting room, it seemed like the rest of the crew was already there. Kurabe herself stood at the head of the table and Meta sat across from Mercury next to his mentor.

The warrior then cleared her throat, ceasing all conversations from the Bukisets and other crew members in the room. "Sorry to call you all here on such short notice. To put things briefly, General Z is coming here tomorrow, primarily to meet Meta and to see how his training has been going. Oh, also, Reedy is coming. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. Any questions?"

"Yeah. You need me to distract Reedy for you, Captain?" Mercury was the one who spoke up this time.

The warrior only shook her head. "While I appreciate the offer Mercury, we both know that would only be delaying the inevitable. If Reedy is anything, it's persistent."

"Ah...good point. Well, it was worth a try. But wait, why's he coming here anyway?"

"He thinks he's the ultimate authority of all children."

Kurabe's response was bitter enough to let Mercury understand exactly what she meant by that.

"...Is he coming on his own ship? Because if he is, I could-"

"No, I believe he'll be coming with my mentor."

"Well, there goes that idea." She gave a sigh as she sat back in her chair.

"I have a question, captain." Next to speak was one of the Bukisets. "Tomorrow I'm on kitchen duty, how much food should I prepare?"

"More than usual, since I think they will stay for lunch."

"Understood. Are they allergic to anything?"

"No allergies."

The Bukiset nodded.

"Any more questions?"

There was a moment of silence.

Kurabe nodded. "Then this meeting is adjourned, please return to what you were doing prior. "

After everyone left, Kurabe, Mercury, and Meta were the only ones that remained.

The woman turned to her superior. "Are you worried?"

"Only about Reedy. But a talk I had with a certain knight helped me calm down." She said, smiling at Meta.

The woman then gave a smile as she adjusted her hat. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

"I still think you should let me beat him up."

Kurabe giggled upon hearing the child say that. "You can when you're older."

She patted his head affectionately.

---------

The next day, Kurabe seemed to be even more anxious as she waited for the arrival of her mentor's ship.

"Calm down and have faith in Meta."

These were the words she had been repeating to herself since she woke up. However, her worries were still not eased. This was especially true when she jumped upon hearing Mercury call for her.

"Captain, the ship's here." She said while entering her room.

After taking a moment to calm herself down, Kurabe turned back to give a response. "Well, let's just get this over with..."

"Are you going to greet them?"

"At least the general."

"And the other?"

"Nope, unless he greets me first."

The woman gave a slight chuckle as they entered the hanger and saw two people stepping off the ship.

"Welcome aboard, General. I trust that you had a safe trip?" Kurabe said with a salute.

"At ease."

She stopped saluting.

"Yes, I did, thank you."

General Z was a Star Warrior just like Kurabe and Meta. He was gray and his eyes mostly closed most of the time, making people wonder how he sees. He also carried a walking staff with him, but those who knew him knew that it was just for appearances. He didn't actually need it at all. Behind him stood a well-dressed humanoid man, colored mostly in shades of gray with short hair and glasses. This was, of course, Reedy. He seemed to be looking down on Kurabe, both figuratively and quite literally. He adjusted his glasses before speaking.

"Kurabe."

"Reedy." She replied.

Z cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Enough of that. I understand you two have your differences, but we have more important matters to attend to. Where is young Meta at, Kurabe?"

She quickly straightened herself up.

"He is over there, sir."

She gestured towards the ship's crew, lined up at the ready.

"Come forward, young one. I'd like a good look at my successor's student."

The child tensed up as he approached the old man. Z looked over Meta as if analyzing him. Meta himself was doing the same and what he saw... or rather felt surprised him. He was radiating with power, a power that could dominate anything that got in its path. That wasn't exactly what surprised him, though. It was his emotions, or rather, the lack of them. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't read the old man.

Z suddenly smiled. "After living for so long you learn a few things, such as masking emotions. I can tell by your emotions you are quite impressed by my power, aren't you?"

The child stared in shock as he blinked.

"Y-yes..." He barely managed to utter.

Z laughed. "You have nothing to worry about, young Meta. I've sensed your strength as well. You have plenty potential. I'm sure Kurabe has said the same thing to you."

"Uh...uh-huh!" The child nodded enthusiastically upon hearing that.

"I have no doubt that with Kurabe's teachings, you'll be more than able to reach that potential, if not surpass it." Then an idea crossed his mind. "Kurabe, is the training room open?"

"Yes, it is." She immediately responded.

"Excellent. Young Meta, we're going to see how effective your training has been." Z said cryptically.

"Sir, are you sure that's a good idea?" Reedy quickly asked.

Z open his eyes, causing him to pause. "It will be a simple exercise, nothing more."

Something about the way that was said made Meta shudder. Frankly, Z's way of speaking reminded him a lot of Kurabe. Although there was something much more mysterious about Z. He couldn't quite explain what, but the feeling was there. Honestly, all just made him uneasy.

The general must have noticed this, as he opened his eyes towards Meta. Unlike the sharp eyes he gave Reedy, his were now soft.

"Trust me, Meta, it won't be anything too bad."

The child nodded in understanding. For some unknown reason, he felt he could believe his words.

"Kurabe, lead the way please." Z said looking at his student.

"As you wish, sir." The warrior replied as she began to guide them.

---------

As they walked to the training room, Reedy decided to converse with Mercury and slowed down to start walking beside her.

"How've you been, Mercury? It's been a while since we last talked."

The woman equally slowed down to match his pace. "Things are fine. A bit more hectic since the kid joined us, but it's also definitely gotten a lot more interesting around here."

Reedy pushed up his glasses in questioning. "Hectic how? If he's being a nuisance, I'd be happy to take him."

She shook her head. "Oh, he isn't a nuisance at all. "Hectic" probably isn't the best word. I think it's better to say that things have gotten a lot livelier since he arrived. Not only that, but the captain herself has also changed..."

Reedy scoffed.

"Changed? She's the same as ever as far as I'm concerned. She's nothing more than a spoiled brat." The man declared, to which Mercury transformed into a kettle in response.

"Hey, pot."

"Yes, yes, very cute. But you can't deny that I'm right, Mercury."

"Considering I've spent the past couple of decades with her, yeah, I'm pretty sure I can deny it."

He then picked up the kettle-Mercury and began to carry it.

"Well then, would you care to explain to me how she has..."changed"?"

He used a free hand to give air quotes over the last word.

"She's a lot happier now than she's ever been. She's far more open with herself now that she has a kid to look after. She used to spend hours locked in her room or in the training room. Now you'd be hard pressed to not see her with Meta."

"Hmph. If she was that desperate for a child, she could've put the work into finding a husband."

"Before you got married, did you ever think about having children?"

"No, but maybe there would actually be someone able to keep her in line then. Not saying that adoption is a bad thing, it's quite good, as all children deserve a loving home." He particularly emphasized the last two words as he tapped the sides of kettle-Mercury.

While he couldn't see her face, Reedy could tell that Mercury was frowning.

"One. She has someone to keep her line. You're holding her. Secondly, you act like she's a wild beast off the battlefield."

He seemed to give a smirk. He then gave a slight squish to her side, pulling it in an overtly dramatic fashion.

"If she really isn't, then why does no man show interest in her? Or woman? Since she's unfortunately going to become the leader of The Organization, who's going to be her successor?"

As he raised the kettle-Limet into the air, Mercury tried her hardest not to laugh at the pseudo-dramatic performance he gave as he uttered that.

"You act as if people haven't shown interest in her. You'd be surprised by the number of love confessions she deals with. It's Kurabe who hasn't shown an interest in romance, Reedy. If you actually took the time to talk with her instead of writing a false narrative, you would know that."

The man sighed as he lowered the kettle-Limet once more. "Believe me, I've tried. You'd have a better time getting oil and water to mix."

"Yet it's always you that instigates arguments between you two. Let me ask you a question, Reedy. How many students have you had?"

"In combat or tactics?"

"Combat."

"Ten, perhaps fifteen. I'm primarily relegated to teaching tactics, you know?"

"Yes. Now let me ask another question. How many those students kept in touch with you after they left?"

"Five, maybe. I'm a busy man. I don't have time to talk to every single one. Besides, I train them well enough so they don't need to contact me for help."

"There's you're issue, Reedy. To you, everything is business. Anything that isn't related to work is pointless... minus your family, of course. But I digress, that single aspect is part of why you despise Kurabe. She has the exact opposite mindset as you and as a result is a more successful teacher. You can't stand the thought that she's better than you. Am I wrong?"

Reedy took one of the sides of the kettle-Mercury and pulled it like it was putty with an annoyed, slightly angry look in his eyes.

"And how much of that is because she's a Star Warrior? Because she's the general's student? Have you forgotten everything both of us went through as the first Limets to join The Organization? How we had to fight tooth and nail to have someone even look at us as anything but monsters?"

He began to stretch the other half of her body.

Mercury stared at him in an equally angry way, yet the way she spoke sounded unusually calm.

"No, Reedy, I haven't forgotten. But your points against her make zero sense. Her being a Star Warrior means nothing. Her students didn't gravitate towards because of her species, it's because of who she is. Her being the General's student also means nothing. She started at the bottom just like the rest of us. She didn't receive special treatment despite what you may think. And in case you've forgotten, I would be dead if it wasn't for her. I may respect you, Reedy, but one more word against her and that will change."

For a moment, the man became silent in slight surprise.

"I see. I may have gone too far. How unbecoming of me."

Then he gave a slight chuckle as he patted the now-blobby mass of metal on the head.

"It seems you've changed much as well. I'm at least proud that you've become a lot more independent."

With a slight pout, Mercury transformed back into her humanoid form, comically crushing the hand she was being held in.

---------

Eventually, the group reached the training room. Z looked around the room nodding in approval.

"Yes, this will work perfectly."

Suddenly, Meta spoke up. "Excuse me, sir-"

"Old man. You can call me that if you wish."

The child tilted his head, confused why this man would want him to call him such a thing. "Ok. Mr. Old Man Sir, what are we doing here?"

"I'm glad you asked."

Z walked onto the middle of the room and looked directly at Meta.

"This exercise is very simple. Get me to move from this spot and you win."

"By get you to move, what do you mean exactly?" The child asked.

"Use whatever method you can to move me. Even if it's a miniscule distance, as long as I move, you win."

Suddenly Z's feet turned into stone.

"Though it will be easier said than done."

Admittedly, Meta had a feeling it would be something like this. However, he nodded in understanding.

"So, method doesn't matter. Sensei told me to analyze a situation before attacking but..." He thought as he observed the situation.

No matter how hard he tried, Meta couldn't see any kind of opening.

"That staff he has... he'll probably use it against me if I attack head-on. So instead of attacking, I'll use a different strategy..." Meta thought to himself.

Sending mana into his hands and feet, the child began to charge an attack. The past few months had been dedicated specifically to mana control as well as using Copy Abilities without copying. While he was nowhere near mastering anything, he at least learned a few helpful tricks. Electricity began to surge from his feet, and he dashed at Z. Meta swung his sword which was easily blocked by his opponent, but that didn't bother the child one bit as that's exactly what he wanted. He let go of his sword and got behind Z using his enhanced speed. Meta touched Z and used all of his mana to teleport both himself and Z. However, he was only able to move a single inch. The puff looked disappointed until Z started laughing as he reached out a hand to help steady him.

"Congratulations, Meta. You passed."

The child only blinked in surprise.

Kurabe then commented with a smile. "If you remember, he said all you had to do was move him from his spot."

Realization hit Meta as he looked up at the old puff.

"You never intended this to be a test of strength, did you?" Z smiled in response.

"Of course not. While you are indeed strong, I'm still leagues above you. This exercise was about testing tactics and thinking on the fly. Remember this lesson, young Meta, some fights are impossible to win with brute force alone. Some enemies you will face can become intangible. Some might not even be able to feel pain. Fights are like puzzles. You have to look for a solution or an opening, and exploit it."

The child looked at him, slightly puzzled, before nodding in understanding. "I get it."

"Excellent. Let's all eat lunch!"

"You all move on ahead. I wish to speak with Meta. Alone." Reedy suddenly spoke up as he adjusted his glasses.

The air suddenly became tense.

"Is he really doing the questioning right now?" Kurabe thought to herself. It seemed to get worse as she was reminded of how opposed he was to having Meta as her student.

"Reedy, can't it wait until after we eat? Meta used up most of his mana, he needs food in his system." Kurabe said, trying to hide her anxiousness.

"I believe it would be better for all of us it we get it done and over with." He replied simply.

While his words were understandable, the warrior had a feeling there was another message hidden within them. It was "I rather do it now before you have the chance to possible influence his answers.".

Mercury piped up with her own stance on the situation. "Reedy, look at the kid, he's barely able to stand without wobbling. Do really think he can answer any questions you have clearly?"

He gave a slight sigh as he looked at the struggling child. "Very well, but I will be monitoring your interactions with him."

"Reedy, that's enough."

Suddenly, the general spoke up, causing both Reedy and Kurabe to stand straight up. "The boy will be eating next to me. That way neither of you can influence him. Understood?"

"Y-yes, sir!" Both people immediately responded, as if on cue.

The general nodded before gazing slightly towards the child.

"Not that any amount of influence can change his heart..." He thought to himself.

---------

The cafeteria was filled with an awkward silence. Kurabe, Mercury, and Reedy were all sitting together while Meta was with General Z.

"You do realize that once he's done eating, I'll be in questioning him, right?" Reedy asked.

"I'm well aware of it and am trying to ignore that." Kurabe mumbled in irritation.

"Afraid you'll lose him?" The man asked.

"Reedy, enough." Mercury said in a harsh tone.

The man instantly became silent as he returned to his meal. As much as Kurabe hated to admit it, that aspect was absolutely true. She was absolutely terrified, especially considering how nitpicky Reedy particularly was to her. The more she thought about it, the more she became... lightheaded.

While this was going on, Meta had a question he wanted to ask.

"Mr. Old Man, why do you have someone like that work with you?"

The general looked in the direction he was pointing and saw it was towards Reedy.

"What do you mean?"

The child pouted in response. "He's rude to sensei for no reason. I don't understand. Why would you keep someone like that around?"

The general gave a slight sigh. "Reedy has his issues, that much is true, but he's still a reliable man. As you grow older you will inevitably have to work with people you don't like. That's an inescapable fact about life. Though I do wish he would stop being so hard on her."

Suddenly, Kurabe stood up, sweat noticeably dripping down her face.

"I-I need to go get something from my room..."

The general gave a silent nod in understanding.

"Are you sure you aren't just running away from what's about to happen?" Reedy calmly asked her as he pushed up his glasses.

Kurabe tried to ignore him and walked, but as soon as she reached the door she fell to the floor.

"CAPTAIN!"

"SENSEI!"

Mercury and Meta were the first people to jump to their feet and run to her side.

"S-she's at least breathing but-"

Before the subordinate could continue, the child glared at Reedy, lightning coming out of his hands.

"What did you do to her!?"

Reedy looked at the boy's angry, grief-stricken face.

"I didn't do anything physically but-"

He then looked at Mercury's concerned expression.

"It seems that I did go a bit too far in my teasing. I wasn't aware that she was taking it that seriously. But that's hardly an excuse."

He walked over to one of the phones and dialed a number.

"Please send a medical officer to the cafeteria immediately."

He then began to walk out of the room.

"I take full responsibility for this and..."

He took a moment to look back at them.

"I'm greatly sorry for my actions."

Those were the last things he said before the door shut. Mercury just stared at the door, wanting to go after him but also not wanting to leave Kurabe's side. Suddenly, she heard a voice from behind her.

"I'll stay here and watch over my daughter."

Z, who had been silent the whole time said as he walked over to them.

"Go talk to him, Mercury, you know him better than anyone."

She nodded and left after the man.

---------

After spending several minutes looking around the ship, she found him staring outside one of the ship's windows. She stood next to him but didn't know what to say.

"You probably hate me now, don't you?" Reedy asked with a regretful sigh.

"I'm mad at you, but I certainly don't hate you."

He looked back at Mercury for a moment, but then looked back out the window.

"The child probably hates me, though."

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it, he probably does. You made a terrible first impression."

"Can't say I blame him. I should have listened to you, Mer. If I just kept my mouth shut this wouldn't have happened. I should leave."

The woman frowned. "Reedy, you're just running away if you do that. Yes, most of the ship wants you dead, but what else is new?"

Reedy chuckled. "Your attempt at humor is appreciated. Mercury, may I ask you a question?"

She looked at him in concern. "What is it?"

"Meta loves Kurabe, doesn't he?"

Upon hearing that, Mercury gave a slight chuckle that soon erupted into a fit of laughter.

"I-I'm sorry, but... I think it's a bit obvious..." She uttered after taking a moment to calm herself down.

Reedy sighed at that reply. "I suppose you're right. Given what just happened, I don't think my interview will be necessary."

"You mean the one to see if she's properly raising her?"

"Correct. She fainted because she was afraid of losing her son. As a parent myself, I should have noticed it sooner. Unfortunately, I let my pride get the better of me. It's clear to me that they need each other, and I don't wish to cause any more damage than I already have."

Mercury gave an audible "Hmm..." as if she was thinking aloud. "If you don't want to cause any more problems, then you need to apologize. Not to me or to Meta, but to her. Unless you want to keep running."

He gave a slight sigh in response to that serious tone she spoke in. "You're right..."

"I'm always right." Mercury said with faux smugness.

"I wouldn't say always."

Turning around the two saw Kurabe, standing there with her cape wrapped around herself as usual.

"Captain, are you ok?" The woman asked.

"I'm fine, but thank you for your concern, Mercury. Now then..."

She looked at Reedy coldly, who just looked straight back at her in silence. The man gave a slight sigh in attempt to break the awkward silence that had developed.

"Look, I'm sorry for harassing you as much as I did today."

Kurabe just stared back until sighing herself. "I suppose that's the best I'm going to get out of you, Reedy. Apology accepted, but..."

"But...?"

"I want you to interview Meta. While I hate the thought of you taking him away, it's only fair that you get the chance to speak with him."

There was a moment of silence, as if the man was so surprised by this response that he had to take a moment to process that what he just heard was true.

"Are you really sure you want me to after that?" He then asked.

"No. But I'm honestly tired of the two of us constantly being at each other's throats."

Reedy crossed his arms and nodded in agreement. "Good point, I'm starting to find it very tiring, if I'm going to be honest. But what does he think?"

"I talked to him about it after I woke up. He still has his reservations about it, but he's agreed to go along with it."

"I see..."

There was a moment of awkward silence.

Then Reedy crouched down to her level and reached out his hand to Kurabe.

"...what is it?" She asked.

"Don't you know what it is?" The man grumbled, slightly looking away in embarrassment.

"Why do you want me to shake your hand?"

He then gave a sigh.

"Don't you want to... bury the hatchet...?" He mumbled it, but it was audible enough for her to hear it.

Kurabe gave a slight smirk. "Oh, I'm sorry, I can't really hear you if you mumble."

"I said I want to bury the hatchet!" He shouted before realizing the number this was doing on his pride.

Closing her eyes, Kurabe walked up to him and took his hand.

"Apology accepted, Reedy."

---------

After a short bit of discussion, the location of the interview was decided to be in Meta's room due to it being a more private and quiet area that he would be the most comfortable in. This was where Meta was waiting now as he squeezed the metal stress ball he received from Mercury. Admittedly, he was a slightly nervous about this interview, but there was something else that he was feeling. It was anger towards that man. Who did he think he was, hurting his mentor enough to make her faint?! He squeezed the ball even harder than normal as he laid back on his bed. However, he promised his mentor that he would go through with this interview and had to put up with it.

After a few minutes of waiting, he heard the door to his room open and looked up to Reedy enter. Immediately, the man could tell that Meta had his guard up, which was perfectly understandable given everything that transpired earlier. Reedy adjusted his glasses as he took the chair from the desk and sat in it.

"As you know, my name is Reedy and I'm here to ask you a few questions."

The child stared at him silently as he squished the ball harder. The gaze he gave him was cold. Reedy sighed in response to this. He wasn't going to make any progress like this. The man then noticed the ball he was squishing. Maybe some small talk would help.

"I assume Mercury made that for you? Only a creation from a Limet could survive that much pressure."

The child nodded silently without looking at him.

"I also take it that you like to squish things? In that case..."

Reedy took off his glasses and transformed into his original blob-like state.

"...you're also squishy?" The child uttered.

"All Limets are. Though some may be squishier than others."

As much as Meta still wanted to remain on guard, he was also curious. Was his squishiness different from Mercury? Or would they be the same?

Meta walked over and picked up the blob and pinched him, stretching him as far as he could.

"You're rougher than Mercury but somehow more stretchy." He concluded.

"Half of it is because I'm a stronger Limet than her. The other half is because I'm used to my children pulling on me like you are." He explained.

"I see."

Reedy finally caught his attention, just as he was hoping. However, being used to being squished as much as he was didn't mean that he still didn't like it.

"I'd rather talk to him in my normal form, but this will have to do." He thought before speaking up. "Are you ready to answer my questions?"

The child became silent again, but he looked at him in a way that knew he just wanted to get it over with. "Yeah..."

"Excellent. My first question, how do you feel about Kurabe?"

Meta sighed as he remembered what he was told.

"Just be honest." He thought.

Then he answered. "She's really strong but also really nice. I feel safe when I'm with her. She's a bit scary when she gets angry, but it's almost never with me. When she does get angry with me, it's always because I deserve it. Her training is harsh, but she always comforts me afterwards and makes me a lot of yummy food to help me feel better. I think you could say I like her a lot."

The child gave a slight squish to the blob.

"I see. Would you say that she does a good job of taking care of you?"

"Well... I feel safe here... and I don't go to sleep hungry like I sometimes did back on that horrible planet... and she really seems to care about me despite some bad things I did..."

"It appears that you are happy here then. How do you feel about the rest of the crew?"

"Um... I haven't spoken much with the Bukisets, but they seem to be really patient with me. I really like Ms. Mercury. She's really squishy and she's really nice even though I touched her heart thing by accident."

That didn't surprise Reedy all that much. Children tended to do that.

"Was that the only time you did that?"

"Yes. She seemed really uncomfortable, so I didn't want to do it again. Also, because she said not to because it's her heart."

"I see. I'm sure I don't need to tell you, but don't touch a Limet's core without permission."

The puff tilted his head in curiosity. "...is there some other reason?"

Reedy paused, quickly weighing his options. There was no easy way to explain it to a child.

"Mercury will explain it to you when you're older. I'm sorry but it's a delicate matter."

Meta nodded in understanding.

"Good, now then. Did Kurabe force you into being her student? Did you actively choose to learn how to fight or did Kurabe make that choice for you?"

"Well, when I first came here, she wanted me to call her "sensei", but then she said I could just live on the ship if I didn't want to train under her. I decided to learn how to fight because I wanted to become stronger."

"So, the final decision was yours? You didn't feel pressured into doing it?"

"No, not at all. If anything, she kept saying I could live on the ship without becoming her student and it'd be fine. I was the one who wanted to be trained by her."

"So, she would of been content with just raising you. I see. Last question, say you given the choice to live on a peaceful planet with a new family. Would you take that offer or stay here with Kurabe, despite knowing you could be put in danger at any moment?"

The child simply stared at him.

"Do you know where I grew up? I hated that place, but it made me used to being in danger every day. But I had to survive alone there. Here, I at least know I won't be dealing with it alone... I have sensei and everyone on the ship..."

"I see."

Reedy turned back into his humanoid form and put his glasses back on.

"Our interview is done. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here. You'll be with Kurabe and Mercury for a long time."

The child gave a big smile in combined happiness and surprise. "R-really!?"

The man gave a nod as he adjusted his glasses once more.

"Yes. I see no reason to remove you from here. In fact, it seems taking you away from Kurabe would just cause more harm than good."

"You just realized that!?" He shouted with a pout.

"Shamefully, yes."

He only continued to pout.

"Thank you very much for your time, Meta." He uttered with a sigh before walking out of the room.

---------

Reedy walked down the hallway and saw that General Z was waiting for him.

"General, I would like to apologize for-"

"Save your breath, Reedy. You'll need it for our training session later." Z said, putting a lot of emphasis on training.

The man sighed. "Understood, General. Are we leaving now?"

"No, I'd like to speak with the boy before we do."

"Very well. I will wait for you at the ship." Z nodded and walked into Meta's room, where the child was once more playing with the stress ball.

"Come with me, Meta, I have something to discuss with both you and your mentor."

Curious to what this would be about, he decided to follow the old man. Upon reaching Kurabe's room, he quickly knocked on the door. Almost immediately, the woman in question opened the door. Upon seeing her student, she had one thought on her mind.

"Meta, how did the interview go?" She asked, hoping for the best.

"He said he saw no reason to remove me because doing so would be harmful."

Kurabe felt a large weight remove itself from her the moment she heard that. "That's wonderful! Now sensei-"

General Z opened one eye.

"Father, what is it that you want to talk about?"

The old man smiled. "Did you really think I would visit without bringing gifts?"

Admittedly, she was surprised by this.

"You should have told me ahead of time. I would have gotten you something you had I known." She replied, feeling slightly bad.

"Nonsense. Besides, now I have a grandson to spoil." Z said jovially.

The child tilted his head, as if confused as his mentor's cheek blushes became more pronounced.

"So, these gifts?" Kurabe said, trying to get back on topic.

He laughed heartily at this reaction. Z pulled out a book from seemingly nowhere and handed it to Kurabe.

"I know you like expanding your culinary skills, my dear. This is a book compiling the greatest recipes in the galaxy. Now for young Meta."

Z pulled out a replica of his staff, but much smaller.

"I know you've chosen the path of the sword, but just in case you become interested in the art of staff."

"Thank you very much, father!" Kurabe exclaimed happily before she looked at her student. "What do you say, Meta?"

"Thank you, Mr. Grandpa." Meta responded shyly.

Z gave a hearty laugh as he patted the child's head. "Well, I should be going, I can only stay away from my office for so long. Kurabe, keep up the excellent work and Meta, always remember this... a Star Warrior's heart is their strongest weapon. Stay strong no matter what adversity you may face."

"I will, father." The woman nodded.

Meta stayed silent for a moment before speaking up. "I understand. I'll try to remember."

"Good. I'll make sure to visit sometime in the future. No promises that it'll be anytime soon, you know how my schedule is."

With one final laugh, Z left to go meet up with Reedy. It was at this moment that the child thought of something.

"Sensei, where's Mercury?"

"She's probably talking to Reedy. While the two of us have our differences, those two are on much better terms. It's part of why I don't just ban him from visiting." She said half joking.

"...I still think I should beat him up." The child pouted.

"You can when you become stronger. He might seem like a push over, but his strength is the real deal. He's the third strongest of the Top Five for good reason."

"Are you the strongest then, sensei?"

The warrior gave a proud huff. "Indeed, I am, but just barely. Father is second, Reedy is third. As for the other two, the fourth is Bio Raiden, the strongest ninja in the galaxy, and fifth is Momo, a powerful mage who isn't a slouch in close combat either. You'll probably meet them at some point."

The child looked at her with determination. "Then if I get strong enough to beat you, I can beat him as well and make sure he doesn't bully you anymore!"

Kurabe chuckled and patted his head. "I'll look forward to that day."

---------

As Kurabe had said, Mercury had been conversing with Reedy for one last time before he and the General left.

"Do you believe I made the right decision, Mer? Of letting him stay here I mean."

"I think you already know my answer to that, Reed."

"I figured as much. You know, Mer, maybe you're right about me making false narratives. I mean, the way she desperately wanted to keep him here... and how the mere thought of him leaving destroyed her. No spoiled beast would act like that. She's still a thorn in my side though."

Mercury gave a chuckle. "Yeah, she can be like that for me at times, but it's worth it to me."

"I see. I was going to offer you a spot on my crew again, but it seems that won't be necessary. I still don't fully trust her, but I do trust you, Mer. Make sure Meta stays happy."

While the woman gave a bit of a sigh, she then replied with a slight smile. "I will, Reed."

"There you are, Reedy." Their conversation was cut off by General Z. "Come, let us leave."

"Understood, sir." The man nodded.

"And young Mercury, it was nice seeing you again."

"Likewise, sir."

Reedy then turned to the woman. "I have to go now. Let's talk again, ok?"

"Of course. Now come on, you're not welcome here anymore!" She said while laughing.

"Alright! Alright! I get it!" The man replied, laughing equally.

---------

As Z and Reedy got on their own ship, a thought crossed Reedy's mind.

"You know, General, I never asked what you think about Kurabe taking care of that child."

His superior gave a laugh. "I don't think you need me to answer that question."

"I'd like to hear your opinion anyway, sir."

The old puff gave a sigh. "They need each other. The way Kurabe looks at Meta is the same way I looked at her when I took her under my wing. The look of parental love. Meta will help her just as much as she'll help him."

He nodded quietly. "I see... I think I can see that..."

Reedy then narrowed his eyes, as if realizing something. "Sir, was this an attempt at teaching me a lesson?"

"Perhaps."

"That means yes." He sighed.

"So then, what lesson was I trying to teach you?"

"That I allowed my own biases to control how I view things. Specifically, how I view Kurabe."

"Exactly. and what will you do to change that?"

Reedy paused to think. "I don't know."

A simple statement but for someone like Reedy who prides himself on knowing everything, it was quite the pill to swallow.

"Then that is something you will have to learn."

Reedy just wordlessly nodded. The ship began to rumble and in a matter of minutes it was gone from sight.

[wisteria-project-archives]

FAQ

What is "The Wisteria Project?"

In universe, that is the name of the project started by Vega 5!Wis's father, who discovered the clones and the lab facility they were inside. The objective was to be able to release all of the clones safely from suspended animation, and adopt them out to families that would be willing to love and care for them, and pass the story of their unusual origins onto them. Did they succeed? Mmmm...sort of...

Out of universe, that is the name I've put to developing all of these characters, through art, writing, and whatever else will help me tell their stories!

I have questions about the clones’ lore…

See this post! But also feel free to send an ask if you got another question (especially if it’s for an individual clone!) :>

Can our OCs be friends/lovers/etc??

ABSOLUTELY!! I would love having more fwends for my silly gorls, and I’m a multishipper, so they could potentially smooch 👀👉👈 Feel free to ask in DMs/asks/notes/etc….I am shy and I barely know how to ask y’all 😅

Are your asks/DMs open?

Also ABSOLUTELY!! Please feel free to say hi or give me an excuse to yap about any of the clones :> Only request I have is to keep things SFW…the OTAS NSFW section is perhaps the only place I feel comfortable talking about that stuff lol

Why clones? Where did this concept come from?

I’ve never made proper OCs before, even for farming/life sim games. For player insert characters, I just make myself 😂 Normally it’s not a problem, each game is its own lil universe. But with the My Time games, they all take place in the same world…so between having a “me” in both Portia and Sandrock and those games taking place at the same time, more or less, I had to be able to justify that somehow in universe. And then I thought, what if they were just clones??? After all, this is kind of a sci-fi world and it’s implied that the Old World was VERY advanced, so it’s 100% plausible, isn’t it?

If you’re wondering whether they’re still self-inserts or not, the answer is kind of? They’re separate characters from me and always have been, but all of them take inspiration from parts of me and my life or the lives of people around me!

What about each individual clone and their story?

When it comes to creative work, I’m very much a top-down person. Everything stems from a core premise, purpose or idea, and whatever else it needs on the side to flesh it out or to get it executed comes afterwards.

Portia!Wis and Sandrock!Wis were tied very heavily to the stories of their respective games, but I also use them to expand on or analyze some central part of the generic player character. For the clones in other cities, their central premise was based on me thinking about what little we know about these other places, and what kinds of people would come out of being ingratiated into their respective cultures. Who would you become growing up in the culturally rich and laid back city of Walnut Groove? What about the power hungry army of Duvos? Right on a war front in Lucien? etc.

How the hell can you tell the clones apart?!?

I know, it's hard! 😂 But these are the primary distinguishers:

Color: I associate each clone with a particular thematic color, all in a rainbow. I mark their tags with a respective color heart emoji! You'll see it as the background of their ref arts, and I try to incorporate them in some form into their designs.

Hairstyle: Each clone wears their hair differently, though they all share some features like the hair part or tucking it behind their ears when it's long enough.

City/country: Each clone is associated with a particular place. Note that it's not necessarily the place where they were raised in, just the place that they're most strongly associated with (and also, to be able to distinguish them somewhat because there's a bit of overlap where some of them live with each other lol). When I refer to a clone, unless it's obvious which one I'm talking about, I'll always prepend the first letter of their place to their name (e.g. Sandrock!Wis -> S!Wis)

Surname: Every clone has a unique surname….but I’m not expecting anyone to memorize all of them lol 😂

[flamechasr]

a special message for you ♡ @binarystarduet

HIIII MAOMAOMAOMAO. i have said it once before and i will again, you are my favourite silliest star twin creature still. i literally jumped up and down the day i got my gift recipient and at that time i had JUST woken up because i was literally so excited to make more things for you!!!! i got an excuse to make you furina stuff LOL it felt like the stars aligned for me or something bc i mentioned that i wanted to make furina stuff for you on the individual gifts before but i was doing pair edits and it was easier with yachimei + jeanlisa for you and anne but this time i get to go off and i. went off. SJDSJDN literally have never edited this much, or been this excited to edit. i am still not caught up with fontaine or anything but i know enough to love you and i'm still unfortunately ill about my genshins especially in recent days as i got feelings for furi and it's like...... you being her is just perfect and everything, but beyond that i also love YOU, i loved making all these, and i'm honestly so grateful that we've been talking more in recent days because i've always wanted to talk more, you were just always so nice to me and your energy is very contagious like omg i am always hyped and pumped to talk to you so Please please i mean this never hesitate to shoot me a message whenever. i love to talk always, it's a precious and special experience especially with you because i simply enjoy our moments so muchie and i hope we do even more in the coming year!!

explaining my gifts a bit! i know you love aesthetics and stims and i was going for those primarily but you know how i feel about my aesthetics and stims .... i think youre so much better at them god honestly so im like nervous making them wondering if you'll like fhdhshhddh which is pretty ridiculous since i know you'll love anything but :pweading: . i did my best and i put love into all of these so i truly hope it is okay. i made almost everything the same day except for the poem and gfx so like the soyoanon board was something i came up with the day after we were talking about bandori and you told me abt mygo and ave mujica and im like ! i can make something up from that yes i do love bandori art. but i don't actually know anything about soyoanon so i only went by vibes which is like... sharing tea after school in the evening vibes, and after school vibes in general because anon reminds me of cherry blossoms and soyo reminds me of a nice warm evening so thats what i came up with, again im not very confident with my aes but i hope i got it . cry. and then hikawa sisters of course because you are sayo and i know you love hina-chan and i chose that card in particular bc i always associate you with stars! and i don't know i think it's tender. and i love you both ofc omg my hina-chan as aya and you as tsugu you're so so cute and i hope this brings you happiness! :^}

the icons came as a "i'll throw this in" gift but its also bc you told me that you felt insecure (??) about having so many bandori kins but like . don't be i love you so much :} I went back and forth a lot on the style until i eventually settled on the star design with an alternate normal ver. the colouring is slightly diff bc i made them on separate instances and i didnt save the psd but we'll pretend like they're the same ajdjsjs

finally my abundance of furinas..... this goes without saying but i love my furi so much partly because of my inherent genshin spin but i actually Understand now and i love you... the stim board is bc i thought it would be fun to make one for her and it was ! she is so you like the teatime aesthetic and her love of cakes and i incorporated both so i hope you likeys.... even though im not good with stims i think it looks okay and i gave a bonus neuvi as well. tee hee. talking about the poem a bit i wrote that like the same day oz assigned me to you because i was so excited and that morning i listened to la vaguelette for the first time and i came up with that. because you said i can gift whatever else and i was thinking the only other thing in my arsenal is writing (art too but i have been terribly unmotivated on that end ....) i have not yet properly gone through fontaine or her story and of course it is Your feelings but i tried to put that into pretty words as well, plus i made my qpp and my best friend read through it first and they both liked it so i hope you will too... smile. the gfx set i was gonna make from the start but it took a couple days of inspiration-gathering, and i was thinking how we talked about like. how you like working with colours but struggle with like creating a design like making from a blank canvas but i do love making designs so i put my whole mind into the set and i really like what came out of it !! these are just tumblr gfxs that you just stare at and not use but regardless i really hope you enjoysies everything, i love you so much!!!

(hey!! this is ava i just scheduled the posts since elysia had them in drafts, hopefully we're right on time! thank you for being awesome and we all hope to continue being friends with you for a long time. <3)

[asmaanada]

Chapter 1

On my birthday, I visited a house that was shrouded in mystery. I walked there straight from the train, and it was a sunny day with no wind, rain, or other ominous weather to give it a foreboding air. I could see the goods train passing in front of the house's entrance as it glided along the bridge in the valley. However, I won't say that everything was absolutely normal because I doubt there is anything that could be considered normal.

First, I want to explain how and why I arrived there. Due to health issues, I had to stay in the town, and one of my friends learned of this. He wrote to me about the house and said he thought it would be ideal for me. When I was travelling to London from the north, I made a resolution to stop by the house. However, it was midnight when I boarded the train and I promptly fell asleep. When I awoke, I glanced out the window at the brilliant aurora borealis.

Ironically, though, I was completely persuaded that I hadn't slept at all, and in this state of ignorance, I guess I felt humiliated since I was on the verge of arguing with the man seated before me because he had so many cunning tricks in addition to acting in a way that was so out of character. I had to accept him on the premise that he was a capable engineer because he had a pencil and a pocketbook, so he could hear and record his observations, which I assumed related to the jolts and bumps of the train cars. Though he appeared to be a gentleman, his behaviour was intolerable because he would look at me whenever he heard a collision.

I turned to my travelling companion and said: "When I woke up, the sun had not yet risen and it was cold. I saw the pale light of the railroad fires and the veil of smoke that blocked the stars and sunshine.

Do you see anything wrong with me, sir? Excuse me. I honestly can't take it any longer, so

The man graciously turned away while expressing pity for my trivialities.

You and I are unrelated, sir.

He abruptly stopped speaking before uttering the letter "o," which he quickly recorded in the notes. Being unable to converse with the guards and these bizarre features initially worried me, so it's fortunate that I had the thought that this man is probably He should write psalms for a hymn-singing religious group. I appreciate this sect even though I do not subscribe to it. I was about to ask him a question when he started to talk.

"If you know that I'm concerned in enhancing human nature in general, you'll understand why. All day and night, I engaged in association and communication with spirits."

- Oh!

The evening talks have begun.

The man went through the pages of his notebook and kept talking.

Manners are ruined by evil voices.

- Voices but unquestionably new

New souls

I could only repeat the word he likes, "Oh," and inquire enquiringly about his most recent interaction, to which he solemnly replied.

The saying "a bird in the hand is worth two in the air"

-But it can't be two in the bush, can it?

-I obviously heard it as two in the air.

He responded assuredly and continued, saying:

- Look! This unique message was delivered to me by the ghost of Socrates.

I hope all is fine with you, my friend. There are two train cars with 17,000 and 70 souls in them, but you cannot see them. Pythagoras is also present, but he is unable to speak. Nevertheless, he hopes that you enjoy travelling. Galileo Lycus' spirit came into the world as well. She added that everything would happen on time and added, "I am glad to meet you, Amiko." Additionally, the following events took place during the night:

The Gentleman's Spiritual Relationship seemed to me to be such an unprofessional business as science has always seen it at that lovely hour of the morning when I walked among the leaves that had already fallen from the golden, brown, and burgundy trees, as I looked around at the wonders of creation and contemplated the unchanging and harmonious laws by which they are preserved. However, that I came to this house and stood to carefully inspect it, it was a single house, sta

It was constructed around the time of George II; It was empty but was inexpensively repaired in a year or two to make it habitable; It was as stiff, frigid, formal, and bad-tempered as the most enthusiastic lover of the entire George Quartet could hope; Cheap, I say, because the work was only superficially completed, the paint was already peeling, the siding had fallen in the garden, the trees were quite close together and excessively shading the area, and there were six tall poplar trees in particular. It was simple to determine that the property had been abandoned and that no one would want to buy it due to the front windows' dark and awkward placement.

I felt nothing special to occupy my time after moving into this home, and the days passed with routine boredom. For example, every morning in the summer, I get up early and organise my room because the silence and isolation all around me affected my daily routine. Being surrounded by people you recognise who have passed on is dreadful. Knowing that the people you care about don't feel you is incredibly painful. Painful is that halted life, the torn threads of yesterday, those closed books and benches, this unfinished but deserted occupation, the calm of the hour is the calm of death, colour and cold are partners, even when there is nothing left to do but wait. On some air, domestic familiar

I once saw my father at the same time, still alive and in perfect health, as if nothing had happened. He was leaning on his hand and seated with his back to me next to the bed when I saw him in the open. I'm not sure if he was sleeping or depressed. I spoke to him after noticing that he was still, but he did not respond. Panicking, I put my hand on his shoulder as I thought, and then he vanished as if nothing had happened.

For all of the above reasons, and in a less straightforward and succinct manner, I discovered that early morning is the best time for ghosts to appear, and any house can be somewhat haunted. Since it may be more advantageous for me (early morning and in a haunted house) at that time, I considered wandering around the village. I ran into the home's owner at the door as I was leaving while my mind was focused with the reason I was leaving this residence. That's why I asked him to join me for breakfast. I brought up the home during breakfast, and without introducing myself, I questioned him:

-Is it possessed?

[maxislvt]

Around The Christmas Tree

Summary: An omega certainly wasn't on Agatha's wishlist, but she finds herself appreciating you despite her hesitations.

Warnings: smut, omegaverse, alpha!Agatha, innocence kink, knotting, rough sex, oral sex, fingering,

A/N: First time writing Agatha and it made me feel very slutty and breedable

Event Masterlist

❃❃❃❃❃❃❃

Through the years, Agatha found herself putting up with a lot of Wanda's insanity. Cranking out insane contracts or developing something new for a market of consumers every week were the perils of associating with such a young, overarching alpha. Many people praised and congratulated Agatha for her patience with Wanda, some even insist she be compensated for it. Agatha always insisted the money she got was enough, but she started to question how true that was after a while. It was one faithful Christmas day when she concluded that money was not enough to make up for Wanda's insanity. Nothing would be at that rate.

By no means was Agatha a Grinch, but she much preferred quieter celebrations rather than the company's annual Christmas bash. That didn't stop her lovely co-worker from stopping by her house with an uncomfortably large gift box.

"Do I even wanna know what's inside this thing?" Agatha carefully examined the box in the middle of her leaving room. It was heavy and probably something she didn't need. "Are those…breathing holes??" For a moment, she considered sticking her finger through one just to get an idea of what was inside. Then, it dawned on her. Breathing holes meant that whatever was inside the box was alive. "Maximoff, what is in this box!?"

Wanda shrugged with an oblivious smile. "I don't know, open it." The younger alpha sat down on the couch. Slightly drunk and buzzing with excitement. She had taken pity on her fellow alpha. Much older and so stiff she'd barely made any other friends. "I'm sure you'll love them, just open the crate and look in!"

Agatha hesitantly removed the lid only to immediately slam it back down. A small yelp could be heard underneath her. "Wanda, what did you do?" She asked through gritted teeth. If looks could kill, Wanda would be dead four times over. "You can't just buy people mates! That's unethical!"

Wanda rolled her eyes as she got up and removed the lid. "Don't do that, omegas are real sensitive!" She grumbled and opened the box all the way. There you sat, barely clothed and completely unaware of your surroundings. Wanda picked you up and presented you to Agatha like you were some newborn puppy. "They're so cute and they really need a home, just take them!"

Agatha couldn't bring herself to look at you. You weren't ugly, the exact opposite. If she looked into those big puppy dog eyes, she'd never be able to look away. "I don't care how cute they are, you can't just dump a mate on someone like this!" Standing her ground wasn't easy. "Take them back or something. I seriously don't have time for this!"

Wanda looked at you with a knowing smirk. "Alright then," She said with an exaggerated sigh. "I guess I'll just have to take them home with me." Your legs carefully wrapped around Wanda's waist as she walked towards the door. "I just hope Tasha's willing to share with me."

Agatha groaned as she took you from Wanda's hands. "No, absolutely not! The last thing the world needs is another mini Maximoff running around!" She settled you into her arms and began pushing Wanda out of the house. "Now go away, I have to find clothes for this poor thing."

You nuzzled into Agatha's firm grasp. "If it helps…I think your house is way cooler than Ms.Maximoff's." The gentle squeeze of your body made you laugh. You let yourself be carried around the large house. "Do you live here all by yourself?"

"Well, I used to. At least I have an excuse to use one of those guest rooms now." Agatha sat you down on her bed. She glanced over your body a few times before humming. "I don't think I have any clothes that'll fit right so I'll buy you some tomorrow, just find something you like for now."

You nodded and entered the closet. "Wow, this thing is huge! Can I sleep in here?" Never before had you seen a closet so big or so full. Shoes that were at least twice your worth as an omega and brands couldn't even begin to pronounce. "Oh, these are so cool! I want some!"

"I was hoping you'd sleep in an actual bed, but I'm not going to stop you."

After explaining all the high-quality brands she owned and washing you up, Agatha had finally gone to bed. Well, she lay in her bed underneath the covers but sleep just wouldn't come to her. A billion thoughts swarmed in her head about what to do with you. Agatha couldn't comprehend what dubious methods Wanda had gone through to get you. She continued to toss and turn throughout the night. Her brain had been plagued by thoughts of you. It wasn't until your scent filled the air and you entered her bedroom that she calmed down.

"I'm…I'm not used to sleeping by myself." Your voice was incredibly small. "I know you gave me a room and I really like it but —"

Agatha raised the blanket and patted the space in front of her. "Come on, we have a big day tomorrow anyways." Having you in her bed was more therapeutic than she wanted it to be. Her arms possessively wrapped around your body and pulled you close. "Rest up, superstar."

❃❃❃❃❃❃❃❃

Agatha tried her hardest to keep her distance, but you were far too cute for your good. You were like a cat. Always curled up on her lap or laying against her. Your affection wasn't just physical, but also came in the form of doing things around the house. You'd cook and clean whenever you had the chance. Cookies, cakes, and entire meals were just for you and Agatha to share. Her resolve stood strong for the most part. The two were close enough to keep that beautiful smile on her face but not so close to risk Agatha succumbing to her urges.

However, parts of you were starting to linger. Your scent was all over her bed and the mere thought of you was enough to get her worked up. Agatha was doomed. You unknowingly had her wrapped around your finger.

"Um, Aggie?" Your voice was barely a whisper behind the door. The door wasn't a thick enough barrier to keep you from completely melting on the floor. "I need you. I know you wanna wait but I can't do this by myself. " You mindlessly pulled at the door knob hoping it would bring Agatha to you faster. "It hurts!"

Agatha was immediately drowned in your scent. Slick dripping down your thigh and barely able to support yourself. It was cruelly unfair how cute you looked. "Oh, does my little superstar need help?" Her hands held you like you were porcelain. Hurting you wasn't an option, but she was about to go feral. She carefully laid you over the bed and spread your legs. "We'll go slow, but tell me if it hurts." You tasted as good as you smelt. She buried her face between your legs and ran her tongue up and down your slit.

"Ah, that feels so good." You practically melted around Agatha's tongue. Her long fingers worked you open and stretched you out with ease. Your fingers tangled in her hair and pulled her impossibly closer to your face. "Right there, please. I like that, it feels good.." Your hips had a mind of their own as they rutted against her face. Never before had the stinging lust underneath your skin burned so hot.

"That's my little superstar, don't hold back." Another one of her fingers entered your dripping hole and began pounding into you. When you began to squirm and kick, she simply held you down. She'd spent weeks denying herself of you, and now she had you. "Oh, you're gonna look perfect filled up with pups. Isn't that right," She rasped out.

The mere thought made you whine. "Need your pups!" Your hips desperately followed Agatha's fingers when they pulled away. Being empty and untouched was dreadful. It didn't matter you could see Agatha doing her best to underdress. Any amount of waiting was too much. You helplessly tugged at her belt and pants.

Agatha laughed at your desperation. "You poor thing. You never had an alpha to make you feel better, have you?" It was just teasing. An excuse to see you blush and whine, but having you confirm it was almost like an aphrodisiac. More fuel to the burning fire of her lust for you. She hooked your legs over her shoulders and smiled. "I'm gonna be your first and only. No one is gonna be able to fuck you like I can."

A guttural moan escaped your lips as Agatha's cock stretched you out. It was a long, satisfying pain. There was nothing to compare it to, it just felt good. Being full made your mind go numb. "You're…big!" All the words in your head were disappearing and had been taken over by more primal thoughts. Being filled and owned was all you cared about at that moment.

Agatha tried to go slow. Inching her hips forwards until she filled you up all the way and dragged them back out. She gently pushed her hand down on the bulge in your stomach. "Does that feel good? Is my little superstar cock hungry and dumb?" Your whimpers filled her ears and chipped away at her self-control.

You all but screamed when Agatha began thrusting deeper into you. "More, more please!" You were locked into a full-blown mating press. Agatha's cock practically drilled into you. The swelling of her knot had already started and you couldn't possibly get any fuller. "It won't fit!"

Agatha was practically rutting into you. "I know you can take it! Who's my precious little superstar?" Her hand gently caressed your face. "Don't you wanna feel good together? Just let your alpha do all the work." You didn't exactly have a choice in the matter. Agatha was already in the process of knotting you. Filling you up to the brim with as much cum as she possibly could. "There you go superstar, make your alpha proud."

Your orgasm crashed over you with reckless abandon. It was leg-shaking and left you with much to hold on to. No thoughts or embarrassment, just the feeling of pure satisfaction and desire. "Good, real good…" You mumbled softly, barely conscious enough to say much else.

"Huh, you really aren't one for words." Agatha chuckled as you nodded sleepily. "That's just fine, I'll take good care of my little superstar."

[mokutone]

For the ask thing if you're still doing it (love your art so much by the way, as a fellow Yamato Enjoyer): a member of the akatsuki of your choice! Also feel free to replace the otp/notp questions with something else about them that you have opinions about if you want :)

hehehe! i will use this as an excuse to talk about obito via tobi :)

answers under the cut!

favorite thing about them — HE'S FUN!!! like back when he was a kid he was a huge goofball, and despite everything, that clearly hasn't changed! he's more annoying than ever! the akatsuki generally...honestly bore me? a lot? but i've come around to tobi. i also used to draw him constantly when i was a kid bc he was the easiest face to draw lmfao. swirl.

least favorite thing about them —i dont like what he did to yamato :( not a fan. wish he wouldnt have done that.

favorite line — i like when hes like building up for a big reveal and then he flips down to the other side of the branch and is like "frill-neck-lizard no jutsu!" and his cloak comes up around his head. fucking clown. love it.

brOTP — ghGHHSGHSDGHSDG. ITS. COMPLICATED. i think i am most compelled by his relationship with kakashi? but...my god you can't call that a brotp. what they have isn't friendship, it's like...its just like a bond made out of the need to prove the other person wrong, or at least to be understood? i don't even know if they like each other. i don't know if they ever even liked each other.

OTP —ehhh??? i don't really care. his crush on rin is rlly cute though i think.

nOTP — YAMATO 😰

random headcanon — he wants to be held as he cries. he wants to be held as he cries. he wants to be held as he cries. he wants to be held as he cries. he wants to b

unpopular opinion —i do think, as a kid, he genuinely cared about kakashi.

I know i just said that they maybe never even liked each other, and I stand by that as a very real possibility, but I don't think that means he didn't care. you can care deeply about somebody without liking them. you can care deeply about somebody while hating them. the two aren't mutually exclusive at all. care is based on love, opinion is based on taste, etc etc

i think kakashi pissed him off a lot, and i think he was routinely humiliated by kakashi (because like kakashi who was fucking. six years old. when obito was ten or something. was kicking his ass REPEATEDLY! good god!!! i'd feel humiliated too!!! 😭) and then Kakashi the nerve to be stuck up about it, and tell Obito what a loser he was. Salt in the fucking wound, Kakashi. Salt in the fucking wound.

but i also think he felt a huge depth of like, frustration that came from compassion for kakashi. clearly he understood on some level that his teammate was struggling with some shit and was taking it out on him, and that pissed him off, and he had every right to be pissed off about it!!!

but. he also told kakashi that he thought sakumo was a hero for putting his friends before a mission even though that alienated sakumo. and when kakashi lost his eye, and obito was dying, he had the kind of. compassionate focus, to be like "i can do this thing for you, even though I'm dying." and i do think there's a part of him that was like "maybe this will finally get through to you, maybe you'll finally understand what I'VE been saying this whole time!" and kakashi did! and that stuck with him for the rest of his life!

like. for sure, kids can have extremely emotionally complicated relatioships!!! He can both have compassion and fury for his obnoxious teammate. Let's give him a little credit, come on.

song i associate with them — THE UNDERDOG BY SPOON!!! i am OBSESSED with this as an obito v kakashi song, especially as little kids. oh my GOD. obito is generally somebody i connect w/ a lot of the music i listen to, but this one is the biggest one by far. i've literally been fighting off the temptation to make a fucking obito lyricstuck (BLEH) to this song for at least a full year. send help. send reinforcements. send a therapist. i'll need it.

here. here. picture this with his final mamma mia fight with kakashi.

The thing that I tell you now It may not go over well Oh, and it may not be photo-op In the way that I spell it out

But you won't hear from the messenger Don't wanna know 'bout something that you don't understand You got no fear of the underdog That's why you will not survive, right!

that like. "it may not be photo op, the way that i spell it out," as obito does his fucking wild grin because he is going to GET kakashi this time he is going to fucking GET HIM!!!!

and then the instrumental after, building and building and building and then! gunshot! AUGH!!!!!!!! IT MAKES ME CRAZY !

favorite picture of them

hole