#though im sure if she happened to spot the flash and captain cold getting hot and heavy in an alleyway she'd take pics of that too lmao

[coldflasher]

Okay, new headcanon that that's what happened to Shawna Baez, aka Peek-A-Boo, after she gets released in Rogue Air! She becomes a pap photographer. Who better to get those high-risk pap shots than a teleporter? She can get right up in the action, snap a pic and be gone in the blink of an eye...

I was late to Flash Disappearance Day but Im right on time for Zoom and Grodd destroying the city center. To all tumblr users from Central City, stay safe out there today.

[empiresmostwanted]

Hi!! From that quote prompts list, a few that stood out for me were “it’s a brutal world” and “what are you humming?” for Rex? Im imaging either a mechanic/civilian reader or a shiny new clone trooper is accompanying the 501st on an off-world mission and they are sitting by the campfire late at night, a little shaken by the battle earlier in the day. Rex notices and goes to comfort them, and perhaps there is a singing motif??

Also! I loved Sabacc Face and im making my way though your other works this weekend 💕

Thank you so much @maulpunk for the prompts 😘

I'm sorry it took me so long to write, work has done a number on me this last week or so. Grrr. But I was happy to get back to writing this, although I must apologise for straying a little from the parameters of the request (it turned out to be a little too angsty for a singing motif, oops). I hope you like it all the same!

(P.S. Thank you so so much, I'm thrilled you liked Sabacc Face. It was a lot of fun to write, I hope it was just as fun to read!)

posted on AO3 | the prompt list | my writing

Words: 1.5k | Warnings: Post-Umbara Arc, Grief/Mourning, Angst (and lots of it, sorry-not-sorry), Emotional Hurt/Comfort, a certain Besalisk's name is briefly mentioned (okay, I am sorry for this one)

GHOSTS IN THE UMBRA

20BBY

☾

CT-0292 couldn't sleep. When he closed his eyes, rounds of blue plasma bolts flashed through the darkness behind his lids. Hands, his own hands, held a DC-15 carbine aloft, and one single finger under his control pressed on the trigger, mowing down the Umbarans in their disguises.

But they hadn't been Umbarans. They'd been his brothers.

A strangled sound escaped him, somewhere between a gasp and a sob that he caught in his throat. His chest ached with the effort to hold it, the urge to release it. And it ached as if his brothers had occupied a place there, the loss of them leaving the muscles of his heart to constrict around empty space.

He blinked away sharp tears, then pushed off the weighted blanket – its presence more suffocating than soothing – and climbed out of his rack. He gathered up the armour stacked in a neat pile from the foot of the bunk's frame and applied it, piece by piece, from foot to neck.

If he couldn't sleep, he might as well be useful. He'd never been very good at keeping still.

Around him, his brothers lay in their cots; some slept, restless, while others remained painfully conscious. From his own squad, only himself, Wil (Private), and Ridge (Private) remained. The others, along with their sergeant, had fallen to General Krell's lightsaber.

All was quiet. And Ridge was nowhere to be seen.

0292 shook his head, lightheaded, the back of his neck prickling. After checking his blaster was fastened to his belt, he tucked his helmet under one arm and crept through the rows of bunks like a ghost, leaving the sterile barracks behind.

For a moment, he stopped outside the blast doors as they sshhed to a close behind him, and took a deep breath. Had he caught the scent of rain and salt water in the air, it might have grounded him; but this planet was as unfamiliar to his nose as it was to his eyes and ears. With the tang of metal in his nostrils and on the tip of his tongue, he set off across the floodlit compound.

Beyond the sensor wall, he spotted the warm glow of a natural fire flickering in the perpetual dusk, its light peeking through the mist and the dense formation of local flora. He frowned. Patrol taking a break, perhaps?

CT-0292 made his way to the airbase's entrance. As he approached the gate, he passed skeletons of Umbaran machinery looming out of the fog, and squads of troopers pacing as silent as wraiths.

The planet was reclaimed, but no one had come out of the campaign unscathed.

At the gate, two troopers bearing the colours of the 212th stood guard, blasters held across their bodies, and faced the darkness beyond. With the sight of their armour came a fresh wave of guilt, at once hot and cold, that settled in the pit of his stomach. He cleared his throat upon approach; one started as if he'd been shot, and the other patted him on the shoulder.

"Easy, trooper," said 0292, holding out a placating hand. "Just passing through, lending a hand to patrol. That them over there?"

They followed the direction of his pointer finger, to the small fire burning gold in the gloom. The one coiled as tightly as he himself nodded, and turned back to him. "They're taking it in turns to sweep the perimeter."

"Thanks." He inclined his head, and stepped over the threshold of the airbase.

As his footsteps tapped a muffled rhythm into the damp earth, the chill air cooled the sheen of sweat on his forehead, and pressed cold fingers to the nape of his neck. With a shiver, he donned his helmet and activated its spot-lamp, before succumbing to Umbara's gloaming.

*

CT-0292 walked through the forest of Zabrak Spines, their bioluminescent ridges reaching towards the sky and cutting through the umbra like angry wounds. The glow of giant red thorns shrouded the woodland in an unsettling pallor.

Every small noise was amplified in the stillness around him: the snapping of twigs beneath the feet of tiny creatures, the whooshing of spectral wings overhead, and what seemed like footsteps somewhere behind him, approaching – but when he looked over his shoulder, there was nothing there. Each sound sent a spike of cortisol through his body, and he tried not to hyperventilate to the beat of his pulse.

The immediate threat from the Umbarans had been neutralised. But he and his brothers had found out the hard way that this shadowy world kept its secrets close.

You're out of the woods when you're out of the woods, his instructor back on Kamino used to say. It had seemed redundant to him then.

"What's that you're humming, trooper?"

He nearly jumped out of his skin. He looked back and came face-to-face – or helmet-to-helmet – with Captain Rex materialising out of the fog, easy to identify by the jaig eyes and the modified armour.

The captain removed his bucket, brow furrowed in concern, and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Relax. I didn't mean to startle you," he said with a smile that did not reach his eyes. "It sounded familiar, the song you were humming."

"I didn't realise I was humming it aloud," the trooper admitted, face heating as Captain Rex fell into step beside him. "I was thinking of my instructor, back at the facility: she smuggled her own radio into Tipoca, and she'd play it for us during downtime. That one was her favourite, I think. I don't know the words, though. Just the tune."

"Ah."

They walked for a way in companionable silence, each lost to their own thoughts. Confronted once more with the familiar face of his brothers, CT-0292 replayed the moment of terrible realisation, and the skirmish with Krell. The Jedi – if one could even call him that – might have been dealt with on a permanent basis, but his reach would extend far beyond his death.

"Couldn't sleep, either?" asked the captain, dragging him out of his own memories.

He shook his head.

Rex sighed. "It's a brutal world out there."

CT-0292 couldn't be sure if he was referring to Umbara, or the entire galaxy. 

"I admit," he began, "I wasn't expecting to kill other people. I've been training to take down and disable battle droids for nearly ten years, and I thought I was ready, but this …"

It didn't even begin to cover the atrocity of slaughtering his own, knowingly or not.

They heard the voices of their brothers before they saw them, hushed and sombre. Upon stepping out of the forest, they found themselves in a small clearing, lit from above by towering plants, incandescent with pink and purple and blue light, and lit from within by a humble campfire. At least ten troopers were gathered around it, talking in lowered voices amongst themselves.

Rex came to a halt on the edge of the clearing, and stopped 0292 with a hand on his arm.

"If it's of any comfort," he said, "every one of us here is feeling the same right now. No campaign is easy, no life lost is worth less. But this mission has taken its toll more than any other. You say you're not ready, but I recognise the blue bird painted on your bucket. I saw you take charge of your squad when Sergeant Jax was killed, and you kept the rest of them alive. There might well be a promotion coming your way."

A promotion. He'd always harboured the hope of making his way up the ranks, proving his worth and ability along the way. Seeing the captain in action, the way he was respected and admired, had only solidified that desire. But he hadn't entered the GAR as a sergeant, or a captain. It had never really occurred to him before now that someone would have to die for him to take their place.

But he nodded, and said, "Thank you, Captain."

"What's your name, trooper?"

"CT-zero-two-ni—"

"Your name, trooper," Rex clarified. The smile on his lips belied the sadness in his eyes.

CT-0292 removed his helmet. "It's Vaughn, sir. My batchmates called me Vaughn."

"Then welcome to the five-oh-first, Private Vaughn. Over there are your brothers. It won't always be easy, but whatever happens, we look out for each other. And I know you barely got to see General Skywalker in action, but I can promise you that he – and Commander Tano – are nothing like Krell. You'll see."

"Thank you, sir."

Captain Rex clapped him on the arm, then strode off across the clearing, towards the campfire. Vaughn followed, kicking up the smell of damp earth and decaying foliage, sickly sweet in his nostrils. He was pleased to see his squadmate, Ridge, among the ranks of troopers around the flames, and another who'd introduced himself as Sterling just one rotation prior.

"Room for two more, boys?"

☽

Thank you so much for staying to the end! Even though I enjoy reading some good ol' angst, it's definitely tricky to write, so it was nice to stretch those muscles for this prompt. Hope you liked it 💜

[usopp-writes]

Wedding - Part 3

@one-piece-26 - This got much longer than I thought, but here’s the last part.

Marco fidgetted with his shirt. It was white and he kept it mosty open, only haivng it buttoned at the bottom. the shirt was also tucked into a pair of black pants, which was surprisingly comfortable, yet tight. He’d kept his belt, tassel and sandals, though Izo had tried to convince him to wear shoes. That was not going to happen and Thatch might just laugh at it.

“You look amazing, Marco. I’m sure Thatch will look at you all day and night.” Ace grinned, as he came to pick Marco up. he should have been there earlier, but had a narcoleptic attack, but Marco seemed fine. Just a little nervous, but that Ace got. Who wouldn’t be nervous when binding yourself to one person?

“Thanks. I’m doing the right thing, right, yoi?” Marco knew what Ace thought about love, but the younger man flashed him his brightest smile and patted his back gently. “You and Thatch are perfect together and if anyone should marry on this ship, it should definitely be you two. Everyone’s been betting on when you popped the question and only Oyaji and Izo got it right. I didn’t bet, because if anyone knew you at all, would know you would do it on a sunflower field and most likely the one you had your first real date on.”

Marco blushed at this, but smiled. Ace knew him too well, even though he hadn’t been that long among them as others. It was comforting and also why he’d chosen the younger to be his best man. By loic he should have chosen Jozu, Rakuyo or someone else, who’d been with him longer, but Ace knew him the best and could read him even better than most, except for Thatch, Izo and Oyaji.

“Hot damn. I did participate in this bet and won.” Ace’s eyes had turned away from Marco and he’d spotted Thatch coming with Izo. Behind them the crew and allies were all waiting for things to start. Marco followed Ace’s gaze and let out a sharky breath. Thatch was indeed hot and he had his hair down.

Unable to take his eyes of Thatch, Marco bit his lips lightly. How in hell was he going to last until everyone was drunk, when Thatch looked so hot and amazing? It would be a real test, but at least no one would blame them for kissing a lot. That was part of a wedding after all and Marco looked forward to lock lips with his soon-to-be-husband.

Thatch didn’t see the crew and allies. He didn’t even see Ace. All he saw Marco and his heart started to race. Marco’s hair looked fluffy, but the clothes highlighted what Thatch loved about him. His eyes, biceps and if Marco was to turn around, his firm rear too. Gosh Marco looked stunning and it took Thatch’s breath away for a brief moment.

He stopped in front of Marco, both just looking at each other, as Ace and Izo was lining up and sending the signal to the muscians. “You look stunning.” Thatch breathed, a happy smile danced on his lips. Marco smiled too, cheeks dusted in pink. “And you’re gorgeous, yoi.”

It was then the music started and Thatch held his hand to Marco, who grabbed it and their hand tangled together. Ace and Izo walked first and stopped in front of Whitebeard and looked at the couple, who now walked towards them, Bink’s Sake playing softly in the background. Marco and Thatch could barely keep their eyes from each other, which had a few chuckle silently. They also took their time to get to Whitebeard, but no one bothered, seeing how happy the two were.

As they stopped, they finally looked at Whitebeard, who was smiling brighter than he had done in years. Tears of happiness was in his eyes,but he didn’t bother. His sons were happy and getting married. He was blessed with the task to bind them into marriage. How could he nt be happy?

“My dearest family. Who would have thought that we would be gathered like this for a wedding? And then on top, the wedding of two family member, who found a lover deeper than the ocean and stronger than me? It makes me so happy to see them having found the purest love of all and I’m blessed to bind them in marriage on this day.” Whitebeard started, his voice loud and strong enough to carry to all, yet it sounded gently and calm.

“Marco and Thatch have both decided to say their vows to each other now. lase start, Marco.” Whitebeard looked at Marco, who turned to face Thatch, cheeks now redder than before, but he didn’t think about it. He took Thatch’s hand and looked into his eyes.

“Thatch. You were a pain in the ass when you first decided to join us. Always asking such annoying questions, not bothered with getting a daily bath on the sea. However, it slowly turned into a fun activity and I refound my inner brat. You taught me to not put the whole crew’s problems on my shoulder. You taught me to share and you became my best friend. Having you at my side when I was lost or needed to talk. I don’t know how you manage to get so close, but I don’t want it to change. Your cheerful personality, your smile and your warm embrace is addictive and I want to have you at my side every day. From this day forward, I promise to be at your side, caring for you on the best and worst days. I love you, yoi.”

A few cheers and whistles was heard, making Marco blush even more. His heart hammered in his chest, though his face was one big smile. He’d said all he wanted to say, not going blank as he’d feared. 

Thatch started to blush lightly too at the words of his lover. “Marco. From the very first moment I met you, I knew you were different. You intrigued me. Nt ony because of your powers, but your personality. So stern and responsible, not what I expected from a pirate. Then I saw you smile and I knew I could be your friend. My daily sea baths was just a way to get to know you. And I did. After all, I became your friend and closer to you. I don’t know how long I’ve had these feelings for you, but it doesn’t matter. All that matters is now. You’re my soulmate, the one I want to be with. I promise to spend the rest of my life with. In good and bad days. I love you with all I am.”

More cheers and were some sniffing? Thatch didn’t know, as all he focused on was Marco, who had turned a shade redder, but was still smiling.

“Now you’ve given your vows, I will with the blessing of the Sea Goddess, now pronounce you husband and husband. May you always be best friends and love each other. You can now kiss.” Whitebeard smiled.

Under the cheers and whistles from the family, Thatch and Marco shared their first kiss as a married couple. For a brief moment everything around them toned out and all there was, was them.

After the ceremony, the party started. Thatch and Marco couldn’t really let go of each other. People came to congratulate them and cheer with them. Booze floated freely and most were already tipsy, as food was yet to be served. It itched in Thatch’s fingers to cook, but he’d promised Jessica he would let her handle it. She knew what he liked and how he liked it.

Marco and Thatch was sharing a passionate kiss, when a laughter gave Marco the chills. It wasn’t one of their family’s laugh. Marco broke the kiss and stared at the beach from where the laughter came and he groand a little. Not long after, the owner of the laugh was in front of them. “Someone tols me that you two lovelies have promised to love each other forever. Congrats, Marco, Thatch. Guess that means I have to win both  of you to get the birb to join me.”

“Hey Shanks. Thanks. How the heck did you know where we were and what is going on?” Thatch looked baffled, while Marco looked around to see if he could sense any guilt in his family. “Ah you know, my nose got wind of a party and when I came, someone told me it’s your wedding. Why didn’t you invite me?” Shanks faked whined, earning a hit on the head by Benn.

“Sorry to crash your wedding, but he was impossible to keep away. Congratulation to you two. I’ll keep him at bay.” Benn said and dragged his captain with im, much to Marco’s relief. As both were gone, Thatch leaned towards Marco and whispered into his ear. “He’ll get drunk and after we had some cake, you and I can ditch them and go to our room and complete our wedding.”

Marco shuddered lightly and pulled Thatch into a hungry kiss. That did sound like a great plan. It took a few hours though, but thanks to their family, Shanks didn’t get to bother them all that much. There were a few speeched too, one from Ace and one from Izo. Whitebeard also held a speech, as did a few others, though they were mostly drunk speeches.

The cake was huge and Marco wondered how the hell Thatch had managed to make that one, let alone keep it cold. It had different flavors and Marco groaned happily, as the taste of rum-glazed pineapple filled his mouth. He kissed Thatch again, before taking a piece of cake, gesturing Thatch to do the same. As soon as they had told everyone that they could get a piece of cake, both Thatch and Marco left the party behind. Now it was time to be alone for the newly wed couple.

Lying on the bed, limbs tanlged together, Marco let his fingers go through Thatch’s hair, a pure and content smile dancing on his lips. “I love you, yoi.” He whispered, not really believing he could be this happy. “I love you too.” Thatch smiled and captured Marco’s lips. No matter what tomorrow brought them, they would be facing it together. As a married couple.