#trying to do one attack every day this year again :D

[floralmonarchh]

FIND ME ON ARTFIGHT

[ramblings-of-a-chaotic-neutral]

Hello everyone! I've got to say, I'm very pleased that this au won the latest poll! Gwaine's one of my favorite characters, but I don't give him enough love in my writing. So, I decided to really let his character shine in this au alongside some other characters who I feel like didn't get enough attention in the show. Enjoy! :D

Also, I saw that Merlin was trending again today, so I decided to jump in while that was happening lol! I love that this fandom will just wake up on a random day and decide to take over tumblr!

This au is set in the years between season 4 and season 5 (but Lancelot is still alive because I say so), and the story starts with Gwaine's getting a little worried about his friend. Merlin's getting more and more stressed as the weeks go by, and he doesn't smile very often anymore despite Gwaine's best efforts, which usually involve roping Merlin into whatever mischief he's stirred up recently for a little bit of fun.

Gwaine feels pretty guilty about Merlin's worsening mental state, because Gwaine is thriving for the first time in his life, finding a community and purpose among the knights of Camelot. And he owes it all, everything he now has, to Merlin, who is suffering under a burden that no one can seem to help him with.

So, Gwaine tries all that he can to cheer up his friend and pull him out of whatever terrible place his mind is stuck in, but no matter what Gwaine does, he can't seem to lighten Merlin's mood any. Sure, Merlin will plaster on a smile for Gwaine's sake and tell him that nothing's wrong, but Gwaine can see the dullness in Merlin's eyes, he saw it every time his saw his reflection for years before Merlin barreled into his life and showed him that there was more to life than taverns and wandering.

Before he knew it, a year had passed, and Gwaine hadn't made any progress in pulling Merlin out of his darkening mental state. Gwaine felt so frustrated and useless whenever he saw Merlin's smile the drop the second he thought that no one was watching. This was his chance to finally repay Merlin for turning his life around for the better, for giving him a home, a family, a purpose, but nothing he did was helping!

But Gwaine couldn't give up on helping Merlin. There must be a way to help him, to support him through whatever was burdening him, some way to bring that bright spark back to his eyes. Gwaine just had to find out how.

From the on, Gwaine kept an even closer eye on Merlin, determined to figure out what was weighing down his friend and how to ease his burdens. It was because Gwaine was watching Merlin so closely that he noticed them.

Gwaine will give them credit, whoever they were, they were good at stealth, far beyond anyone Gwaine had met before. The cloaked figure was almost always out of sight, right in the corners of his vision. At first, he thought that this nearly imperceivable figure was after him, but it didn't take him long to figure out that the mysterious figure was following Merlin.

As soon as Gwaine realized this, all of the alarm bells in his mind went off. Was this an assassin sent to kill Merlin? A spy trying to infiltrate Camelot? A bandit planning to abduct Merlin for ransom?

Or, Gwaine realized, this might be connected to Merlin's worsening moods. This mysterious figure was clearly well trained, but they had been following Merlin for over a week and still hadn't attacked, so they probably weren't an assassin or bandit. Was Merlin being threatened by this figure into doing their bidding?!

Finally, after tailing Merlin's stalker for weeks, Gwaine manages to get some answers after following Merlin on a late-night rendezvous outside of the castle. When Gwaine had spotted Merlin sneaking away under the cover of night, Gwaine of course had to follow him! Merlin could be in danger!

Gwaine followed Merlin as the other man made his way into the woods with a surprising amount of stealth. After a long hike through the woods, Merlin arrived at his destination, which, to Gwaine's shock, looked strikingly like a druid camp. There were painted tents, campfires, and even magical symbols carved into the tree, and all signs pointed to sorcerers living there.

Gwaine's anxiety skyrocketed at the sight. Why would Merlin risk coming to this secret druid camp, which Arthur definitely did not know about? Was Merlin being threatened and followed by sorcerers?!

Gwaine crept around the outskirts of the camp, sticking to the darkness. He saw Merlin approach a rather intimidating bald man, who, if the way the others in the camp made way for him as he walked, was the leader of this group of sorcerers.

Gwaine kept his hand firmly wrapped around the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it and run to the defense of his friend at a moment's notice. As he kept watching though, he strangely couldn't see any sign of a threat towards Merlin. While Gwaine couldn't hear much of their conversation, the intimidating leader guy acted almost friendly towards Merlin, and Merlin was relaxed, not showing any signs of fear at all.

As Merlin and his maybe-friend began making their way out of the camp, Gwaine could finally hear some of what they were saying.

"Thank you again, Alator. I'm not sure what I would've done without your help!"

"It is no burden to me or my men, I assure you. It is an honor to assist a man as great as you, Emrys. Morgana's forces are a threat to us all and an affront to all that is good in this world. We will fight at your side as always and ensure that Morgana's spies never infiltrate Camelot again."

Alright, there was... a lot for Gwaine to unpack there.

First of all, the scary bald man's name was apparently Alator, so that was good to know. He claimed to be allied with Merlin against Morgana, which gave Gwaine some relief.

However, as Gwaine's mind put the pieces together, he wanted to scream with frustration. Merlin was consorting with dangerous sorcerers behind Arthur's back in order to protect Camelot! It was a move so selfless yet foolish that only Merlin could pull it off.

Still, these sorcerers didn't seem hostile towards Merlin at all, so Gwaine could work with that. He just needed a little bit more information on them, some way to confirm that they really were on Merlin's side on not double crossing his friend.

So, Gwaine crept closer into the camp, trying to see what they were up to now that Merlin was gone. He didn't see anything incriminating just yet, but that didn't mean that they were free of any nefarious plans.

Gwaine inched closer and closer into the camp, his eyes trained on the men who were probably sorcerers going about their evening chores in the camp. Gwaine so focused on his targets, in fact, that he didn't register that there was someone behind him until he felt blow to the back of his head and fell unconscious.

As Gwaine woke up, his first thought was that the pounding in his head was just a hangover, which was not by any means an unusual occurrence for Gwaine. That idea was quickly disproven as, when Gwaine tried to raise his hands to his head to try and alleviate his massive headache, he realized that his hands were bound. Once again, this wasn't necessarily an unusual situation for Gwaine, but it did cause him to freeze up with alarm as he remembered where he was and what he was doing before everything went black.

When Gwaine was finally able to peel his eyes open, he was greeted with the sight of several angry-looking men, including their intimidating leader whom Merlin had spoken to. What was his name... ah yes, Alator!

Putting on his friendliest and most innocent smile, Gwaine immediately tried to talk his way out of the situation. It had worked for him in similar situations, so why not give it a shot?

"Well, hello there gentlemen! I was just here looking for my buddy Merlin, have you seen him? Lanky fellow, dark hair, always wearing a neckerchief? A great guy, really, you'd know if you had met him!"

Gwaine scrutinized each of his captors' reactions to Merlin's name. Maybe this way he could find out what their intentions with Merlin. However, all of their expressions remained stubbornly neutral, except for Alator, who simply blinked at the mention of Merlin.

After an awkwardly long silence, Gwaine again tried to get some sort of reaction out of these mysterious men.

"I could have sworn I saw him heading this way, and I got worried about him, ya know? What kind of friend would I be if I let him wander around the forest at night all by himself! He's the kindest person I know, but he can somehow find himself in trouble at any time."

Again, much to Gwaine's rising frustration, Alator simply blinked. After another awkward pause, Alator finally responded.

"You are a knight of Camelot, correct? And you hold Emrys is high regard?"

Gwaine frowned at the seemingly random questions, but he figured it couldn't hurt to keep the conversation rolling, especially if it can get him some answers. Admitting to being a knight of Camelot in front of a bunch of potentially dangerous sorcerer might not be the best move, but they were willingly working with King Arthur's personal manservant, so these guys must not have that much of an issue with Camelot, right?

"Why yes, I am a knight of Camelot! Sir Gwaine, at your service! Based on your question, I assume that Emrys is some nickname you have for Merlin?"

In response to his question, Alator merely gave a single, solemn nod. Man, this group really needed to work on their communication skills.

"In that case, I do hold Emrys in very high regard! In fact, I'd say he's the best person I've ever met!"

Finally, that comment got a reaction out of them! As soon as Gwaine told them about how much he values Merlin, the men in front of him started nodding and murmuring amongst themselves. Gwaine hoped that they were happy about having a common friend and not plotting ways to kill him.

After reaching some consensus, the men all turned towards Gwaine simultaneously, which sent a shiver down Gwaine's back. What were they planning?

Alator then waved his hand, and his eyes flashed gold, confirming Gwaine's suspicions that he was dealing with sorcerers. Gwaine flinched back and braced himself for whatever spell had just been sent his way...

Only to feel the chains binding him fall to the ground, leaving him free and unharmed. Gwaine glanced down to check that he was, in fact, still in one piece before staring at Alator in shock.

"I can sense the honesty in your heart as you speak Emrys's praises. Know that any friend of Emrys is a friend to us. We apologize for our previous behavior, as we did not know that you were also an ally of Emrys. Please, join us for a cup of tea so we can discuss this further."

Gwaine, reeling from his host's sudden change in attitude, let them maneuver him outside and give him a seat at their campfire, with Alator and his men sitting with him around the fire.

Gwaine looked around at his hosts, who sat silently around the fire, not even talking amongst themselves. The silence made Gwaine's nerves stand on end, so he decided to fill that silence himself. He might as well get to know his gracious hosts and fellow friends of Merlin, right?

"So, who are you guys? How did you meet Merlin? Hey, maybe we can compare stories of him! Let me tell you, I've got some crazy stories to share about adventures he's dragged me on!"

The men sitting around him shared a silent look at each other before Alator answered.

"We are the Catha, masters of combat and one of the last surviving sects of priests of the Old Religion. I am Alator, the leader of the Catha. I first met Emrys when I betrayed Morgana to follow a better, more peaceful path. Emrys showed us that Morgana's hatred lies opposed to the will of the gods, and we chose to place our loyalty in him instead. What stories do you have concerning Emrys?"

Gwaine nodded, feeling a strange sort of relatability to these intimidating magic-wielding warrior priests. They, like him, were on a path of meaningless destruction and found a better life by meeting Merlin.

"Ah, I can remember meeting Merlin like it was yesterday! There I was, drowning my sorrows in a tavern, when in walks a skinny looking guy and his pompous friend! They got into trouble pretty quickly, and I couldn't miss out on all that fun! I jumped into the tavern brawl to help them, but I got pretty banged up in the process. But, it turned out that it was my lucky day, because wouldn't you know it, I had accidentally saved the life of the prince of Camelot himself!

I didn't think much of prince Arthur at the time, but his manservant sure made a great impression! He brought me back to Camelot on his own horse, took me to the royal physician, gave up his own bed to me for the night so I could recover, and then covered for me after I got drunk off my ass in the tavern, again.

But then some jackasses posing as knights tried to hurt Merlin, and I stepped in to defend him and wound up getting banished by Uther, but then Arthur welcomed me back and even made me a knight when he became prince regent! And I've been lucky enough to have Merlin at my side ever since!"

Gwaine watched as many of the men's eyes widened at his story, unsure of what exactly they were so shocked by.

"You mean to say that you stood up to Uther Pendragon, the mad butcher king, for Emrys's sake? And came back to his side as soon as you could despite the threat of death hanging over your head?"

"Well, I did manage to see Merlin on one other occasion while I was banished, but he sought me out for that one. Apparently Arthur was having some trouble on his big quest to the Perilous Lands, so Merlin called me in as backup."

The Catha started whispering amongst themselves at that, with even Alator leaning forward in interest.

"Emrys specifically sought out your skills on such a monumental quest? You understand the significance of such an honor?"

Gwaine nodded, his expression shifting from a wistful one to a much more serious one.

"Of course I understand. Merlin's such an amazing person, and it shocks me every time that he thinks I'm someone worth relying on. Still, that only motivates me to not let him down. He saw something in me that no one else did, not even me, and he found a way to bring it to the surface. He changed my life, gave me a purpose, and I will never underestimate how much he's done for me."

This time, all of the Catha were nodding their heads in approval of Gwaine's appreciation for Merlin.

"You truly do see the significance of Emrys, Sir Gwaine. I can see your loyalty towards him clearly. For that, I would like to make you an offer.

Emrys's enemies are our enemies, and there are many of them. Morgana's forces grow stronger by the day, and we can only do so much with how few of us are left. Emrys himself faces many dangers, and we cannot always protect him as much as we'd like, seeing as how we cannot enter the city of Camelot. You, however, are at Emrys's side every day.

In working towards our shared goals, will you work alongside us to protect Emrys and keep Morgana's forces at bay? We can provide you with training that will put you far ahead of any of your peers and weapons that shall make you a formidable opponent to even the most powerful sorcerers. Will you accept our offer?"

"Ah, I see now. It was you lot who have been following Merlin around recently! Well, that certainly gives me quite a bit of relief, knowing that he isn't being followed around by someone who'd want to hurt him. I'd be happy to join in on your mission to protect Merlin!"

The Catha started murmuring approvingly amongst themselves at Gwaine's acceptance, until Alator spoke again.

"That is wonderful. It is an honor to be able to work alongside a warrior held in such high esteem by Emrys himself."

As Gwaine shook Alator's hand, accepting his offer, he got the feeling that this was the start of an amazing alliance.

And it sure was. Over the next months, Gwaine trained alongside the warrior priests whenever he could, becoming accustomed to their stoic natures and silent demeanors. They taught him fighting styles that he had never even heard of before and gave him information on people who were trying to hurt Merlin, allowing him to keep an eye on and eliminate threats to his friend before they had the chance to strike.

The Catha figured out pretty early on that Gwaine was rubbish at learning anything about magic itself, but when they placed enchanted weapons in his hands, he could wield them effortlessly and adapt his combat style to whatever the effects of the enchantment were. He even got a sword that could burst into flames!

As Gwaine's abilities to wield stronger enchanted weapons improved, the Catha started letting him fight the powerful sorcerers that Morgana sent into Camelot. Soon enough, he was equipped with indestructible armor armor that could repel spells and curses, weapons with some of the most formidable enchantments that the Catha could muster, and even a growing reputation throughout the land!

Luckily, the helmet that the Catha provided him with obscured his identity, so no reports of a rogue and enchantment-wielding Sir Gwaine made their way back to Arthur, as funny as that would be. Still, reports of the "indominable magic knight" that had defeated some of Morgana's most powerful sorcerers made their way across the land, even into Camelot's court. Some council members wished to capture the unknown knight and kill him before he became a threat, while others saw an opportunity to make a powerful ally against Morgana, and Arthur was constantly on the fence between those two arguments while Gwaine sat at the round table, quietly smug.

Meanwhile, Merlin, checking in with the Catha: What's this I hear about a warrior using powerful magic weapons to fight Morganas men?

Alator: Don't worry, Emrys. He's one of ours, fighting against Morgana in your name. He's one of your most devout followers in fact.

Merlin, not wanting to meet another Emrys fanboy who looks at him like he's a god: Uh, just tell him to keep up the good work and to let me know if he needs anything.

Soon after reports of the magic knight made their way to a very conflicted court of Camelot, Morgana sought out the magic knight, ready to either kill him for being such a nuisance or make an ally out of him. After all, surely a knight wielding such powerful magic would never be on the side of Camelot?

However, when Morgana managed to trap the magical knight and surround him with an army of a hundred sorcerers, the knight managed to defeat her and her entire army before escaping. He rained down fire and lightning upon them, the very elements fighting alongside him, as he cut down her army and left her defeated and humiliated.

Of course, reports of Morgana's defeat travelled to Camelot, where the court was even more incensed over the topic of the magical knight. He was capable of beating Morgana, surely he would be a great ally and could ensure Camelot's protection! But he was also now a magic-wielding threat even more powerful than Morgana! Sure he was now the foremost threat to Camelot!

In the end, Arthur and some of his most trusted knights decided to go on a quest to seek out this magical knight. Gwaine wasn't particularly worried, because how could they possibly find him if he was already travelling with them?

During the journey though, they receive word of a magical beast terrorizing nearby villages. The knights all try to fight the beast, but to little success, and it even managed to injure Merlin's leg before escaping!

Merlin's injury turned out to be not life-threatening, but he couldn't stand on his leg for very long. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Merlin entrusted Lancelot with slaying the beast after his injury, enchanting Lancelot's sword so that it could kill a creature of magic and his chainmail so that he wouldn't be hurt by its claws.

Gwaine, meanwhile, was furious with the creature and, that night, summoned his enchanted armor and weapons to go slay the beast and maybe give its head to Merlin as an apology for being unable to stop it from hurting him. Or maybe he would just treat Merlin to a night at the tavern when they got back.

So, Lancelot and Gwaine both tracked down the beast that knight. When they both arrived at the beast's lair with visibly enchanted weapons, they take each other by surprise. Lancelot is on guard, unsure if he wants to trust the now-infamous magic knight, but Gwaine just laughs and removes his helmet, and Lancelot is shocked.

Lancelot and Gwaine seeing each other with enchanted gear: spiderman pointing meme

Gwaine asks Lancelot where he got that enchanted sword, but Lancelot is tight-lipped about it, just saying he got it because he needed to protect Merlin. Gwaine chuckled and said that he understood.

After they finish slaying the beast together, Lancelot asks Gwaine if Merlin knows that he's the magic knight. Gwaine shrugs and says that he suspects that Merlin doesn't know, but wouldn't mind it if Merlin did know.

Lancelot, as soon as they get back to Camelot: So, did you know that Gwaine is actually the magic knight?

Merlin, spitting out his tea and having flashbacks to his conversation with Alator: HE'S WHAT NOW?!

Things get cleared up between Lancelot, Merlin, and Gwaine pretty quickly from there. Gwaine takes the magic reveal very well, excited at the prospect of going on magical adventures with Merlin and glad that his friend can actually defend himself, because he's rubbish with any type of weapon.

From there though, a sort of friendly competition sprung up between Gwaine and Lancelot, as both of them consider themself to be Merlin's best friend. Soon enough, there's two magical knights running around foiling Morgana's plans, and Arthur's ready to tear his hair out over it.

From there, more knights figure out about Merlin's magic and, if they're accepting of it, they also train with the Catha and receive enchanted weapons. It almost becomes its own secret society within the knights, all united with the sole purpose of protecting Merlin. They eventually have Elyan, Percival, and number one Emrys fanboy Mordred join their ranks.

Arthur eventually finds out approximately where the magical knights are hidden (their meeting spot when they need to meet outside of Camelot), and he sends Leon in disguise to infiltrate them, not knowing that they are knights from Camelot. Being the knights of the round table, they of course recognize Leon immediately and give him the full story, and Leon joins them and just tells Arthur that he "couldn't find the magical knights."

Gwaine laughs his ass off at every round table meeting where Arthur becomes more and more frustrated at not being able to catch the magical knights, and out of the corner of his eye, he can see Merlin having a good laugh over it too.

And I'll cut it off there for now! I had lots of fun writing this, I feel like I should write about Gwaine more often!

Let me know if you would like me to write a continuation for this au!

And, as always, thank you for reading through my ramblings! :D

[princesssmars]

another one of my dreams that i have to write out because it flabbergasted me and two of my friends. but this time about hazel from bottoms.

ok, reader is the new girl at school. in my dream i was kind of a loser (accurate) but because i can write what i want (and i've read @ptolemaeacles cheerleader headcanons ten times) im changing it.

so reader is trying out to be cheerleader! it helps you make a few friends, isabel being the best one because she’s amazing, beautiful, and a little weird in a really endearing way. she finds you interesting, given your natural talent for dancing and how despite doing vulgar dance moves on the football field, off of it you can be a shy and sweet person!

because of this isabel, brittany and you are pretty much always together. and since they're popular and seen everywhere, that means you are seen everywhere!

which means hazel cant take a fucking break.

walking to sit with pj and josie during lunch and means almost having a heart attack when she sees you handing out flyers for the next school event, looking so ethereal in your cheer uniform she nearly trips over herself.

or when every morning she sits two rows over from you in math class, not so sneakily staring at you for minutes at a time while doing her worksheets.

despite being close to a genius, she thinks there's no way in hell you have ever noticed her. never seen the way your eyes will drift to her when she's sitting in the bleachers while, you're practicing, how you're heart will race when the teacher is calling names for project partners with the chance that the brunette could be in your group.

so sure you had a crush that was going nowhere, but you had a nice bunch of new friends, so people we're starting to like you!

all except one.

mrs. fucking barnes.

for whatever reason, your second period english teacher had decided on your first day to make your senior year a living fucking hell.

put a good amount of effort into an essay? you get a d minus!

want to share a comment you had about the book the class is reading? shut up silly, jeff is going to popcorn read and stutter over a basic sentence!

but one friday, you decided to skip class and the next week she went ballistic.

now, since moving to town, you had noticed that the people here were a little odd, regularly seeing a normal interaction or conversation go to the extreme in seconds.

so, when you're hovering over the toilet in the girls bathroom, a small thought in your brain that loves to say what if's asks: what if somebody bursted in here right now?

when you finish and stand up to pull your jeans up, only to be interrupted when the stall doors bust open with a loud bang! you think for split second that god can literally hear your thoughts and is making you pay for whatever sins you've committed.

those sins must have been fucking murder to make up for how mortified you felt standing in a cramped girls bathroom stall, your pants down with three people staring at you/

the first, mrs. barnes, wearing a look thats a mix between anger and regret.

the second is nettie brown, a girl you recognized from your art class who you remember complimented your heels and you did the same for her coat.'

and then, standing in front the sinks with eyes that look as big as fucking saucers, hazel callahan herself.

your brain catches up to your body and you manage to splutter out a string of curses and yells, forcing the door back closed as the teachers splutters out an excuse about someone telling her you had started doing weed in the bathrooms.

you hear her and some more shoes shuffling out of the bathroom, taking a minute to gather your bearings before you leave the bathroom. when you open the door again you rest your hands on the counter, your eyes closed as you take a breath. when you look up to your reflection, in your peripheral you see a figure standing awkwardly at the back of the bathroom, blue eyes avoiding looking at you.

"hazel?" you ask under your breath, turning around to look at her dead on. she flinches to attention like a child called to attention.

"uh...i just wanted to make sure that you were alright, what she did was really fucked up."

"oh," you mouth, grateful that after something so embarrassing this girl who you barely knew was waiting in a crappy bathroom to make sure you were alright. if it was possible your crush on her just grows. "thank you. that means a lot to me."

her face lights up so brightly you think it could light up a city.

"no problem! i mean, really who cares that much about weed, anyway? i've never cared about bush anyway-"

the room gets silent.

as she quickly rushes out an apology and leaves, all you can think about is how its weird you've been shocked like this twice in a span of ten minutes, and that you have got to ask hazel callahan on a date.

i made this a lot cuter than it was in my dream. i was in the bathroom, looking at these really nice coats on the counter ?? when the door opened, hazel just said "y'know ive never minded bush" and the sheer confusion made wake up.

i put my senior year english teacher in here because. i still hate that bitch.

[utilitycaster]

To elaborate on this post specifically with regards to Worlds Beyond Number, well, Suvi says it all, really:

They love being on my tab, they love having fun, they love being protected by me, but they never listen to me and they don't care.

Because here is the thing. Suvi is of the Citadel, which is part of the Empire. We do not have a full understanding of the geopolitical system but as a rule an empire is participating in conquest; sometimes two empires both exist and attack each other and so the exact scenario gets very gray and complicated but I think we do all agree the Empire is not great.

Suvi is of the Citadel. She holds a position of great privilege within the Citadel. This is in part because her parents were, as far as we know, betrayed and murdered by an enemy of the Citadel (having themselves been, again, based on what we know, reformers and rule-breakers as well as extremely capable spies) and she was adopted by one of their closest friends, who became the Sword of the Citadel.

She is not the Citadel. She is a 20-year old who was primarily raised within it, with all of the above complications of her parents. She is not single-handedly responsible for every action the citadel takes. She is not personally trying to stop Ame or Eursulon, only saying that there will be consequences if they leave. Consequences that she has experienced after Ame ran into the kudzu and Eursulon went after Naram and they all attempted to break Ame's curse; consequences she knows will become more and more dire if she continues to disobey Steel, particularly a direct order; consequences that already resulted in Ame being in a coma for a month. (The court-martial, I will say, is entirely on Suvi; the rest is not).

And in all of those situations: Ame and Eursulon were, as Suvi says, happy to have Suvi's purse pay for room and board, and her wizard's staff open doors, and to be put up and fed at the Chantry, and take the skyships, and train at the Citadel and have a marvelous time there. It's been several days and they could have left sooner, and they didn't. It's very "no ethical consumption under capitalism, which means that I can do whatever I want" rather than like, attempting to make slightly less harmful choices from Ame and Eursulon. Their choices aren't coming from a principled stance against the Citadel and Empire; they are coming from a "well, thanks for all the fun and the safe place to stay and the resources for research but you told me not to do something I wanted to do and I won't wait an hour to try and see if we can come to a solution that works for everyone."

For that matter, they're making these choices in part because of what a wizard of the citadel is saying to them; and yet Suvi's presence was said by that very wizard to be crucial to Ame's survival, and they're still not waiting.

[stepping outside of all of the above and the below: I think all the actions being taken, as a listener, are fucking great because this is D&D and conflict is fun and also all of these characters are like, the equivalent of 20 years old and level 2; this is not me saying Suvi is right and Ame and Eursulon are wrong. Rather, Suvi is no less right or wrong than the others, and she is extremely justified in feeling hurt and angry and that her friends are willing to take and not give.]

Something I've found in a lot of sf stories but especially actual play is a pretty strong and frankly, weird bias within the fandom of exactly this nature, as the linked post said. Someone affiliated with an empire or a power is somehow, as an individual, responsible for every harmful action that power commits. They're brainwashed. They're evil. They don't get it. They just need to come around to the right mentality. And that right mentality is, of course, that of the good rural person with nature magic. They are a leader within their small community and hold an immense amount of power over them - and perhaps beyond - but don't worry, they use it correctly. They're wise and they're right about everything.

Except they're not. They are frequently either idealistic to the point of ignoring the realities of the situation, or very limited in their viewpoint, or do not realize the immense privilege of being in their position as both a person in nigh absolute benevolent power within a small domain and also the only person with that power. Those wise, provincial, nature-based characters rarely understand that to exist within a complex and yes, extremely flawed and even ill-intentioned system like the Citadel is to be, even as a person with privilege within that hierarchy, a cog.

Suvi cannot just leave. She exists within a vast system and she is not stupid or brainwashed for acknowledging the realities of it. I think that yes, a very possible path forward for her is one in which she grows to question the Citadel's practices. I also think that to treat her as the embodiment of this entire empire, or to expect that her only way to be a good person is via a sudden about-face at the cost of everything she has, when she is a level 2 apprentic, is not just overly simplistic but flat-out incorrect. And I think that to assume Ame is objectively correct for not waiting a very brief amount of time for Steel (when, in fact, one could argue she should have left immediately upon being contacted; she had been absent from her duties for months already) is similarly oversimplifying to the point where one's conclusions are no longer useful.

Recall that witches' familiars are said to embody the traits within them that, to be an effective steward of their position, they often must set aside. Ame has been letting hers lead her.

[imtryingbuck]

From Then To Now

~ gif not mine credit to owner ~

Pairing: Steve Rogers x fem!Reader

Summary: When Steve and Y/n takes the next step in their relationship he thinks about the day they met.

Word count: 883

Warnings: fluff. smidge of angst. 

Masterlist

Steve had a habit of overthinking things ever since he was just a young scrawny boy who couldn’t run down the street without wheezing and gasping for breath, his overthinking tendencies haven’t changed unlike his body and health. Always overthinking and worrying about the smallest things.

Like right now he paces back and forth, up and down, around the bed and every now and again he would lightly tug at his hair. He knew himself that he was overthinking things once again but he just couldn’t help it. The thought of things going wrong had his mind racing, trying to think of all the ways he could fix each scenario that could happen.

He finally had something good in his long existence that he did not want to mess up, he was finally happy and he wanted that happiness forever.

“Stevie are you ready?” Oh the way his heart fluttered hearing the voice belonging to his other half. “Steve?”

“Yeah… no I’m not ready, sorry love”

“That’s okay, I can help you if you want?” He’s always loved that about her, no matter what or who you are she would help you. That’s how they actually met.

Four years ago Steve and the rest of the Avengers were downtown fighting against the aliens that were destroying their city. It was chaotic. The terrifying screams of civilians rushing and shoving each other trying desperately to escape, the loud screeching from their enemies, the surrounding buildings being destroyed and crumbling down around them.

Steve’s eyes bounced around the area trying to find a way to get the upper hand when his eyes land on a woman running towards one of the creatures who had its back to her. His first reaction was to frown, it was just him and his found family that were crazy enough to run towards the fight whilst everyone else ran away so why on earth wasn’t she? He watched as she picked up the bumper of a wrecked car, pulling it back and swinging it, striking the creature in its side getting its attention on her, she stumbled back as it came towards her just as he went to throw his shield she shocked him again by raising the bumper above her head bringing it down on the creature’s head. And again. And again. And again.

Once it was finally down and no longer moving she ran over to where the alien was going over towards, his heart clenched when he saw her picking up a little child. Steve could hear the little boy crying for his mommy and the woman telling him that she was going to take him to her.

It wasn’t the last time he saw her that day, no he found her after they defeated the enemy, she was tending to the people who had been injured in the attack.

“H-hi ma’am” he stuttered out behind her.

“Hi? Oh, Captain America, hi!”

“That little boy? From earlier, is-is he okay?”

“Thankfully he wasn’t injured, I found his mom they got separated when everyone started running. But I’m happy he’s okay”

“Is he your nephew or something?”

“No, I just saw him crying on the ground and that thing trying to get him.”

“You’re a good person.”

For the rest of the day Steve stayed by her side helping with the clear up, they laughed and joked about everything and anything Steve appreciated that she took his mind off of things that happened only a couple of hours prior. Just as she was about to leave Steve shyly asked for her number.

After weeks of texting back and forth each smiling and giggling like schoolgirls Steve gained the courage to ask her out on a date which she replied instantly and eagerly with a yes.

Asking her if she would be his girlfriend was the best day of his life especially when she said yes and then she kissed him.

“Steve?”

Her voice cuts his trip down memory lane off. “Yes love?”

“Are you okay? D-do you-are you having second thoughts about moving in together?”

A year into dating Y/n brought it up to him one night when the were cuddled up in bed about the prospect of him living with her, it made sense since when Steve wasn’t on missions or training he was there at her home. The blond agreed happily.

“What? No Y/n-“

“It-it’s okay if you are-“

“Y/n, love I’m not having seconds thoughts I’m just overthinking about things, but I swear baby I want this” wrapping his arms around her waist he pulls her into his chest, placing a lingering kiss to her forehead.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m more than sure my love. You want to help me pack the rest of my things?”

“Of course but you’re carrying everything, mister.” Laughing and agreeing with her, they began packing the remaining of his things.

Looking around at the apartment that his things now occupied alongside his other half’s he was watching as she rearranged the photos of them on the shelve above the fireplace.

“I love you Y/n/n”

“I love you Stevie”

He finally found his place in this world, right here in the apartment he now shared with his love, and there wasn’t anywhere else he would rather be.

Tags: @imcinnamoons | @pigeonmama | @capsbestgirl77

[chaosduckies]

Friends In Small Places (Chapter 4)

As I’ve mentioned when I had first started writing this, this piece is meant to be gloomy. So, I give you the fearplay chapter. I’m so sorry for the delay, but I hope you enjoy! (I have no idea how to feel about this scene-) Also, I get to put my three years of spanish classes to use :D (Translations are included)

Word Count: 3.5k

CW: Anxiety, panic attacks, slight gore mentioned

4-Liam 

A week can pass by quickly. 

Cas and I have been slowly getting to know each other a little more. Not a whole lot since some topics were a little too hard for him to talk about. Classes at college were getting even more tiring, and before I could ask to take the classes online it turns out that they had already handled it when I brought up the subject. So, now I was practically staying at Cas’s house almost all of the time. Although it isn’t too bad, I’ve noticed something about his behavior. He likes to stay close by me. 

It’s not a bad thing, I’m not complaining at all, it’s just that it’s nerve wracking whenever he asks if I’m okay with him sitting near me. I’m not used to him all that much. I know most people are fine with being around shifters but of course I’ve believed all my life that most shifters were scary, intimidating even. It’ll just take some time to get used to living with one I guess. After all, I was supposed to be a therapist. 

Today I was just writing some notes while Cas sat on the floor, a bright smile on his face as he looked at his phone. I was about to ask what that was about, but then I remembered him telling me something about seeing his parents sometimes this week. Was that today? If it was I should probably get ready. The only thing I knew was that I was required to be there the entire time. They didn’t tell me what was going to happen, how long it would be, but I’m sure Cas would tell me on our way there. 

I shut my computer closed, placing my notebook on top of it before shoving it into my bag and glancing over at Cas. He seemed excited to meet with his parents. I would be too if I had been separated for however long. Then again I live in an entire different city than my parents. They do like calling every once in a while though. I don’t think they let Cas have his own parents phone number. 

“Excited?” I mumbled, walking a little bit closer. I’m pretty sure we’ll have to leave soon. It was already noon and I was mainly waiting on a text or a call that explains that his parents were ready to see him. For some reason he’s not allowed to go in early which I find is kind of irrational, but I can’t just go against them. Heck, I wasn’t even supposed to be part of this organization. 

“Mhm. Last time we were only allowed an hour to talk.” He smiled sadly at me, still looking positive about today’s outcome. I do hope he gets to see them today. I think he needs this. But I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone as excited to see their parents as Cas was. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, but how old are you?” I asked, looking up curiously. He can’t be more than three years younger than me. He doesn’t go to school, and I doubt he’s any older than myself. 

“Eighteen. I know, I act like a child.” He chuckled, messing with his hands. Nervous? I don’t really think I could do anything about that. Actually, for someone who has depression and struggles with emotions, he doesn’t lose control a whole lot. Only ever twice has he in front of me, minus the times where he starts growing a couple feet from either watching someone thing or thinking about something. I try my hardest to shut it down before anything bad could happen. Last time I freaked out and couldn’t do anything useful to help him. 

“I don’t think you act like a child.” I laughed, hearing my phone go off. I hurried to pick it up, seeing Cas quite literally beam with a shocked smile. I told them we’d be right there, and then carefully climbed into his hands. Today would be a good day. I don’t know why I get the feeling something bad will happen. It’s just the way they had sounded on the phone… 

——————

The building looked relatively normal on the outside, with a fancy look that had screamed “We’re rich,” there were different sized doors, but what caught me off guard was that there was an entire security system right at the front that makes sure you’r not bringing a weapon. Cas set me down near the human-sized doors, telling me to just do what they say and we’ll eventually meet up again. It’s kind of awkward taking instructions from someone younger than me, but he’s been here for much, much longer. 

I went through security, answered a few questions, like who I was with, how long I would prefer the visit time be, mostly questions about Cas if I were being honest. Was this why he was only allowed a singular hour to talk last time? Because he had someone else? I don’t really mind spending a few hours here. What could go wrong? I answered as long as Cas and his parents were going to be here. I’d feel bad if I set a time limit. Plus, I’m sure his parents would love to spend some more time with him. 

Eventually they lead me to a huge waiting room, where I was guessing I would be able to keep an eye on Cas. I was I trusted to stay in there in case something goes wrong, but I sincerely doubt it. What was there to be upset about in the first place? I think everything would be fine. I was just staying on the sidelines anyways. Maybe meet his parents, talk for a while. Heck, maybe I’ll even get to know a little more about him. Cas doesn’t answer some questions I have. All for good reason I hope, it’s not like I was going to force it out of him anyways. That would just be plain wrong. 

Out side of the room, Cas had walked in, standing up near the platform I was guessing they’d be at. Weren’t they supposed to take me up there too? A woman wearing a suit walked into my holding room, taking a seat right next to me, “Kayla Cruz. I was Casper’s old therapist.” She giggled, holding her hand out. Oh? What was she doing here then? Why was she replaced by me of all people? She certainly looked like she was more trained for this job than I was. Something wasn’t right here. 

“Oh, um, Liam Rover. It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled, shaking her offered hand and watching as Three people wearing a guard outfit instructed Cas about something to which he nodded to. Wasn’t I supposed to be up there? I think I know which way to go to get up to him. I guess I can wait an extra couple of minutes. I have no idea why, but I had a bad feeling about everything. Maybe I could ask Ryan later? I know the person he was placed with is a shifter who can only reduce their size, was this really any different? I’d have to ask. 

The woman next to me watched, a frown on her face as she looked at Cas, a worried look on his face. His eyes darted all around the room, still waiting for when his parents walk through the safety of the doors high above where I was sitting. Was it supposed to take this long? Why was I the one worried? Was it just a feeling? 

Th woman next to me glared at me from the corner of her eye, a smirk appearing on her face, “They told you he was meeting with his parents today?” She leaned back in the seat. I nodded my head, confused. “It’s technically true, but the company has deemed Casper here too mentally unstable to meet with anyone but shifters and his corresponding therapist, which would be you.” 

My heart sank. 

What the hell. This was just wrong! I have to go up there before they do anythi- I stared up at the platform, seeing a singular guard walk in, say something to Cas, have a short conversation that made his eyes grow wide and slide slowly down the metal-looking wall behind him. My eyes darted around the room, searching for a door to go and help him. Of course I was terrified about what they’ve done, mostly the outcome of what’s about to happen, but it’s not like I can just leave him here. I know what they do to shifters who can’t control their emotions. Their either sent off to a special captivity prison, or they… I can’t think about that right now. I am not about to become the reason Cas gets sent to a place like that. I don’t have the heart in me to do so. 

I found a door that looked like it lead to the room, and almost as if they knew I was searching for it, it unlocked. I threw it open, rushing out, my heart beating fast and uncontrollable. My legs were about to give out from underneath me, breath shaky, my mind screaming at me to get the hell out of here. But I don’t. I knew what was about to happen. They weren’t letting Cas see his parents. I heard slight screaming and yelling in another room that sounded like a woman’s and crying from a kid. But I didn’t focus on that right now. I was more worried about the situation in front of me. 

What do I do? Something tells me this isn’t going to be anything like that other time. Cas has always watched how he reacts to things, what he does, but right now he’s not. He’s most definitely depressed, and there was just something else I couldn’t pin point. People do dumb things while they’re upset. They regret it all later, so it would be best if I make sure Cas doesn’t so anything he’ll regret. Because then that’s an entire different problem to deal with after this one. 

���Cas!” I managed to scream at the top of my lungs, knees buckling underneath me, but I force them to keep me standing upright as his gaze falls onto me. I jumped, chest heaving up and down as I struggled to find the words to say. My body was frozen in fear, not even able to move a single limb from it’s place. He winced when his legs uncomfortably hit the wall opposite of him. I didn’t know what to do. It’s almost like… they wanted him to lash out. Why would they want that? Soon enough, guards ran in, yelling orders while one tugged at me to head back inside, but I didn’t move. Instead, I rushed forward, avoiding the somehow careful limbs that were trying to move into a compact position on the floor. 

A guard was running after me, but I guess someone held him back since I was somehow gaining ground when I was running extremely slow and tripping every once in a while. I found Cas’s head, seeing him scrunched up as much as he could manage as of right now. He laid on the ground, arms and hands covering his face and knees up against the chest. He still realizes that he can hurt people. Maybe I can actually do this? Still, the size difference between us is huge. 

Cas wasn’t crying or anything. Just mumbling words I surprisingly couldn’t make out. He didn’t sound angry. Just upset. That makes it easier to deal with. People do horrible things out of anger. And I could only imagine how devastating it would be if Cas wasn’t thoughtful enough to watch himself. 

I found his head, buried underneath his arms and muttering incomprehensible words to himself. He groaned a bit, slightly turning his body to face the wall, moving his arms away from his face to lay them down. I guess he didn’t see that I was so close to him because his arm almost killed me. I quickly jumped out the way just before I would’ve been nothing but a pile of flesh and bones on the ground. My heart skipped a beat, unable to stare at the spot on the ground where I could’ve died. My breathing became a ragged, and the sounds close to me were slightly muffled, but it’s not like anyone was saying anything important to me. 

Cas turned his head, eyes meeting my frozen minuscule frame and gasping. He moved his arm away from me, doing his best to slowly sit up without alarming the multiple guards in the room, along with the weapons they probably have imbedded in the room itself. I could tell he was still upset, but right now I was too focused on the fact that I could have died. That reminded me just how much power Cas had over me. Even if I was the one who was watching over him. 

“L-Liam I-I’m so sorry I didn’t mean-“ He tried apologizing, voice hitching just before sucked in a sharp breath. My entire body was shaky, but I forced my legs to push me back up and walk over to the towering being. More people had walked in, Cas pressed his back closer to the wall scared. He knew what was going to happen. I knew what was going to happen. I just had to make sure it wasn’t the worst possible outcome of the the two. I don’t think I could handle the guilt that way. 

The week I’ve spent with Cas has been amazing really. Even though sometimes I get a little jumpy from the fast movements, or feel uncomfortable at times when he’s around me, Cas really isn’t bad at all. We’ve hung out for a while, watched movies, played a few games. I think we’re friends? With that thought in mind I’d hate to see them take him to a place he doesn’t even deserve to be in. Of course I was afraid of him still, instincts and all, but I don’t want him to end up being alone. 

I stood up, taking shaky breaths as I tried my hardest to stay upright. Come on I’m not even hurt- I was just terrified. Shocked. A little unstable right now even. If I had tried talking to Cas now he wouldn’t hear me. The distance between my and himself was huge. I looked back up at him, taking deep breaths. He stared worriedly at the people making their way in, looking ready to advance if he tries anything. 

“I’m not scared. I’m totally fine.” I kept muttering to myself. It usually worked when I felt like this. It’s what my dad would keep telling me. Little did he know that I was terrified of everything going on around me right now. 

Cas’s attention turned to me, a hand reaching taking up my vision as I stood frozen in fear. The next the thing I knew I was pinched tightly between two of his fingers, arms pinned to my sides and barely able to move any part of my body. The pressure against my chest increased, threatening to break my ribs. That was the least of my worries. I couldn’t breathe right now. 

“I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you like that!” He freaked out, holding me dangerously close to his face. He’s not being his usual careful self, but that was expected when a person was upset. I gasped for air, trying to free my arms from the prison I was in currently, but Cas just kept looking over the the people on the ground that was far, far below me and muttering words in a language I couldn’t hear. 

My heart was racing fast as my lungs had begged me for air. I managed to free one of my arms, and I forced my voice to work for once, “Cas!” 

“…Lo siento. Lo siento mucho. Estoy arruinando todo...” (*Translation: I’m sorry. I’m very sorry. I’m ruining everything…*)He kept on muttering over and over again, and it just makes me wish I had paid attention to my spanish classes in high school. Something about him being sorry? I think have much, much bigger problems at hand though. 

Cas shifted me in his literal death grip, allowing me to breathe, but he was pressing down harder, and a sharp pain erupted from my leg, but I was fueled by the adrenaline. 

“Cas!” I screamed again, trying to pull myself out of his grip. His eyes darted to me, wide and shocked. It took him a moment to realize, but he let go, laying me down in his open palm, running a hand through his hair. I coughed for air, wincing when I checked out the leg that felt like it was on fire. Most likely broken, but nothing I couldn’t handle. It was fine though. I know he didn’t mean to. But still, my fear never wavered at the fact that he could quite literally kill me by not even trying to. 

“¿Estás bien? I-I didn’t mean to-“ I nodded my head, biting down hard on the bottom of my lip. It’s okay, you know him good enough to know that he wouldn’t do any of this on purpose. I had to remind myself before gathering up my remaining courage to actually do my job. 

“Cas, just take a few breaths, okay? You didn’t do anything wrong.” I had only hoped he heard over how shaky my voice was. He slowly nodded his head, I closed my eyes, hoping that when I opened them the ground wouldn’t be so far from me. When I peaked out, the ground was a bit closer, people stood on the ground, frozen in either fear or shock. I calmed my heart down enough to actually get a few more words in. 

“Feeling a little better?” I asked, putting on the best smile I could manage right now. He slightly nodded again, continuing to take slow breaths. 

“What happened?” I asked calmly, genuinely worried about what was said before I rushed in through here. Cas eyes me sadly, wincing, “I won’t… be able to see my parents for a long time.” He whispered, suddenly aware of everything around him again. He moved further into the wall, away from the people below us. 

“And that means?…” He bit the bottom of his lip, “Apparently I’m too unstable to even see my own family.” He sighed, and I could tell he wanted to cry, but he knew what would happen if he gave into those feelings. 

“I-I have a little brother. He loves trying to climb up anything he can,” He started laughing sadly, “You can imagine how much fun he has when he and my parents come for visits.” He sniffled a little, smiling. Oh. Oh. He’s calming down in his own way. 

Why was the world so adamant on having people watch over the “dangerous” shifters? Cas doesn’t need me… and maybe shifters don’t actually need anyone to watch over them. 

“Yeah?” I smiled, laughing with him while he seemed to have calmed down. 

“… I’m sorry, Liam.” He pressed me up agianst the bridge of his nose, this time a lot more gentle. I winced from the sharp pain in my leg, but sucked it up. I think Cas needs this. Even if I was scared he’d accidentally hurt me again. 

Cas let me down, facing the crowd on the ground that had rushed to help me up, limping the entire way until multiple people were talking behind me, rushing into places. I turned back, ignoring the warning from the people helping me. Cas gave a sad smile as the red band on his wrists started blinking, clasping themselves together like magnetic handcuffs. Cas sighed. 

I heard people in another room yelling, even a child’s voice. It’s his parents. I gasped, finding a door to another room I haven’t been in, seeing a guard and a person with a suit and tie in there. Through the small window, I saw a tall man trying to comfort his wife, who sat crying on the bench while the child stared, screaming at the guard to let him see his brother. My heart sank. 

They weren’t going to kill Cas. I knew they wouldn’t. I just hoped I would be allowed to see him in the hospital they’ll be placing him in. This wasn’t right. Not at all. 

——————

Aghhh plot build up my beloved. This chapter leads up to something reallyyy important for later.

Aww all Cas wanted was to see his little brother 🥺

I hope you enjoyed! I have no idea how to feel about this chapter if I’m being honest, but I hope it’s alright TwT work is affecting my writing grahhhh. Thank you for reading though!

The drawing I did for this chapter is right here!

Taglist: @da3dm (If you would like to be added, leave a note or dm me! :D)

[snz-eriya]

A Strange Feeling (D/an H/eng snzfic, H/S/R, ft. C/aelus)

me: man I think I have writer's block again

also me: *writes nearly 2k words of horn*

anyway this is a valentine's post for @mochindayo !!!!!!! ur art is so good I wanna eat it and u deserve to have the best day ever every day!!! I hope you enjoy this fic I give as tribute to your amazingness :')

Caelus pressed on the button to open his door, wearily. It wasn’t like time was very clear if one were to look out the window, given that they were in space. Time itself was a little vague on the Astral Express. Nevertheless, he had been attempting to sleep for what felt like five years. Though to his exaggeratory mind, it was probably more like a few hours. But for some reason, his mind was running wild. No thought was consistent, only one random idea after another that captivated his attention and kept rest just out of arm’s reach. Eventually he got tired of trying, and decided to walk around the ship in hopes to tire out his body.

Or his mind, hopefully. Though it never really did seem to quiet down.

He walked past March’s room, and then Dan Heng’s. Just before he was about to turn the corner, he paused. He stepped backwards until he was in front of Dan Heng’s room again. Then back a few more steps to March’s. Then back to Dan Heng’s. 

He likely would have seemed to be a lunatic in someone else’s eyes. But there was a strange feeling that he got when he walked past specifically Dan Heng’s room. An indescribable feeling. An emotion? Something that made him uneasy. Whatever it was, it made him pause. He reached a hand out, to test if the door was unlocked. It probably would be. Dan Heng’s ‘room’ was the archive, after all. And as private as he was, he didn’t really mind if someone came in without permission as long as it was for a good reason. Was feeling weird a good reason? Probably not, but who knows? Maybe Dan Heng was dying, or attacked, or something. Probably not. Unless Dan Heng refused to be loud even when dying.

Opening up the door, Caelus was relieved to see that Dan Heng was not dying. Though he expected the other to at least be asleep or something at this time(?) of night(?). But no, his fellow Nameless was up and about, at the archives, sorting through various documents and books they had collected over their journeys. Which, that was good, it wasn’t like Caelus could be bothered to remember every detail of all those wordy papers (he could barely stand to read a few sentences without getting bored) but when everyone else had already gone to bed? He could have done it earlier and avoided spending time with everyone.

Caelus had a feeling just standing there and not saying anything for an extended period of time would not give him any avoidance for creepiness, so he decided to speak up.

“Dan Heng?”

The other jumped, as if surprised by his presence. Kind of strange. The doors weren’t exactly quiet. Not a big deal though. Maybe he was just focused.

“Caelus…” Dan Heng muttered, relaxing. Maybe he was expecting an enemy too. Or for Caelus to be dying instead. In any case, he turned back to his work. “Is there something you need?”

Caelus stood for a moment. Not really. For the weird feeling to go away? But how was he supposed to describe that? “Uh… no,” he eventually replied. Dan Heng looked back at him, an eyebrow raised at his answer.

Silence stretched between them once again.

Caelus really had to stop chasing every feeling that interested him.

“Uh… so… still working? Y’know everyone else is asleep,” he finally spoke up again, the awkward energy starting to get to him.

“I could say the same to you,” Dan Heng responded coolly. It seemed like he dropped trying to figure out what Caelus was doing there, and instead turned back to the archives once more.

Caelus still felt weird. So, ignoring his own note-to-self, he approached to stare at Dan Heng’s work over his shoulder. To be honest, his eyes were so tired that the words sort of jumbled together into an incoherent mess. It was more so just to get his crew mate’s attention.

And get his attention it did. Dan Heng glanced over, turning to face Caelus again. “If you don’t need anything, why are you still here? You should be sleeping.”

“Y’know I could just… say the same thing to you, right?” Caelus replied, trying to keep an exhaustedly smug grin off his face. “You’re archiving this late? I didn’t know there was still stuff left to archive.”

“There’s always things left. Please leave me be. I have work to do,” Dan Heng requested again. Though, like he had the mind of a child, it was like being told to stop doing something just made the trailblazer want to do it more. 

“I can help, if you want. I’m sure I can handle the, uh…” He picked up a random book, squinting at its title. “Underground Encyclopedia of Plants and Fungle.”

“Fungi. You’re not a child. You know how to read,” Dan Heng sighed in exasperation. Putting a hand to his head like the interaction was giving him a headache. 

“Meh, close enough. C’mon, it’ll get done faster if we do it together.”

“It’s fine.”

“Look, I know you like it all to be perfect, but there’s gotta be some kind of autocorrect in this thing, right?”

“Please, Caelus, just leave me be.” 

Dan Heng sounded desperate, which was strange. Typically Dan Heng would act annoyed but compliant, even more so when it came to March than him. But looking in the Nameless’ glassy eyes, it seemed like he was a few seconds away from begging.

Wait, glassy eyes? Oh, fuck. Was he actually dying? Was that his dying wish? His last words?

Caelus opened his mouth to apologize for making Dan Heng’s last moments so painful, when–

“heh’GKshu!” Dan Heng quickly turned away as soon as the sneeze rang through him. And suddenly Caelus realized that he wasn’t dying. In the traditional sense, anyway.

“Oh,” he said.

“What?” Dan Heng replied, turning back like nothing had happened at all.

“Uh, you’re sick?” Caelus stated, because it was obvious. After the evidence, anyway.

“I’m not,” Dan Heng immediately denied, turning his head away with arms crossed.

“Uh-huh.” Caelus’ eyes lidded disbelievingly, he had a small smirk on his face. “So why’re you still working, huh? To convince us that you’re not sick? Or to convince yourself? Because, just saying, I never would have seen you if I wasn’t already worried you were dying.”

Dan Heng scoffed. “Well, I’m definitely not dying.”

“You are sick, though.”

“heH’GXkshu!” 

Dan Heng faced Caelus again after turning away to sneeze, about to protest for a second time. Caelus managed to shut it down before it started again.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re not sick, and the whole sneezing is just… a coincidence?” He waved his hand absently.

Dan Heng didn’t reply that time. His arguments had been effectively dismantled, and Caelus wasn’t stupid, just nonsensical most of the time.

He sighed, resting his head on an open palm, kept upright by the table. Caelus waited for a moment to see if anything more would be said, but he was met with silence. He took it as permission to carry out his plan.

He reached over and placed the back of his hand onto Dan Heng’s cheek, only to be met with his disapproving stare. “Wrong spot,” he muttered.

“Oh. Right,” Caelus recalled, moving his touch to the man’s forehead instead. He was met with a dry, hot temperature, something that he assumed was probably not good. 

He pulled back, hands on his hips. “Yeah, in my very professional opinion, you should be in bed. Not at a desk.”

“But–”

“Nuh-uh, doctor’s orders, unless you want me to get a literal doctor in here.”

“Caelus–”

“I will call Natasha!” Caelus pulled out his phone, just to make his point entirely clear.

That seemed to shake the last of Dan Heng’s resolve. His shoulders lowered like he had given up all remaining fight. “Fine.”

Caelus smiled, pleased with his victory. “Good. Now, c’mon.” He took Dan Heng’s hand and started dragging him up without another thought.

“Wh- huh? My bed’s right there,” Dan Heng looked down at his blanket and pillow cluelessly, then back up and Caelus as he continued to be pulled away.

“Yeah, that’s not really a sickbed. Or a bed. Or anything other than a poor man’s attempt,” the trailblazer replied. “You need a real bed. A Trailblazer-patented bed, at that.”

Dan Heng sighed. “You’re ridiculous. There’s no changing your mind, is there?”

“The only person on this ship more stubborn than you is me.”

That was fairly accurate.

As soon as they had left Dan Heng’s room, its owner soon crumpled down into another sneeze.

“heH’IGHkshu! hih’GXKshih! hh- heh… hih-”

“Stuck?” Caelus wondered, glancing back at his companion. His expression was pained, one eye closed and the other watering. He panted, desperately waiting for the urge to take over once again, but it remained out of reach.

“Here,” the trailblazer spoke, opening the door to his room as the lights flickered on all at once. He dragged Dan Heng along with him. The result was immediate.

“hEH’KGhshu! heH’GKshih! heH- hIH’XGkhuh! huh…”

Dan Heng sighed in relief as the fit finally came to an end. He looked about fifteen shades brighter red, though whether that was from the fever or the embarrassment was anyone’s guess. Caelus, for all the satisfaction being helpful gave him, wasn’t exactly willing to let Dan Heng suffer for his weak fulfillment. 

“Now, to bed with you.” He wrapped an arm around Dan Heng’s shoulders, practically carrying him the rest of the way to bed.

The other man had enough energy to cooperate by the time he was being lied down, allowing Caelus to tuck him in like a child despite his protests. He had to admit that it was comfier than his own room.

Caelus let out a breath, like he was exhausted from a workout. “Okay. Now, sleep.”

Dan Heng raised an eyebrow at him. “I can’t do that on command.”

“I’m pretty sure you can. You almost passed out as soon as we got in here.”

Had he? He must have been more tired than he thought.

“And where will you be sleeping? Sharing a bed with me wouldn’t be smart if I’m ill.”

“Yeah, ‘if,’” Caelus rolled his eyes. Then, he pointed his thumb down towards the ground. “The floor.”

Dan Heng stared for a moment. “...The floor.”

Caelus glanced to the side, then back to his companion. “...Why are you surprised? You do it.”

That couldn’t really be argued. For some reason it just felt inhumane when it came to his friend rather than him. Though that was something he could unpack another day.

“Try not to worry about it, Dan Heng. Maybe worry about yourself, for once. The rest of us are fine.” Caelus gave him a real, genuine and caring smile, before walking off towards what was probably a closet.

It was a bit hard to tell, his vision was starting to fade away, and unconsciousness was pulling at him. It was a little embarrassing to admit how relaxed he felt, in his friend’s room rather than his own.

But it gave him a feeling of safety.

And Caelus’ feeling had gone away too, he realized as he glanced back at Dan Heng’s sleeping form. He still didn’t quite have a name for it. Maybe… a feeling that something was wrong. But not just wrong in general. Something that was wrong with someone he cared about. And that was a feeling he wanted to hold onto.

[galaxythreads]

Hi, do you mind if I rant a little? Because I found one of your posts while browsing the Loki tag and I’ve since found several more. Then I found your WandaVision one and it reminded me all over again how annoyed that finale made me. I’m sorry, I know it’s been a couple years since it came out, but MY DAYS! What were they thinking in the writers room!? It could’ve all been resolved if Wanda didn’t know what she was doing and sincerely apologised after for it, but… SHE KNEW!? The whole time! And then felt justified for it! “They won’t know what you sacrificed” still being one of the worst lines to come from Marvel. What happened to Wanda crying her eyes out in Lagos because she caused casualties? What happened to Wanda having a panic attack in AOU because she realised what she’d accidentally caused to happen? I had my own opinions about her before, but now I can’t stand her. It would be alright if Marvel went down the villain route of Wanda grieving so much she can no longer care to do good, but they’re still trying to act like she’s a good person after this, as if they haven’t made all her casualties only POC, as if she had a right to enslave an entire town and gaslight her husband and kids. I’m sorry, I’ve gone on for longer than I meant to about something you’re probably not even bothered about anymore. I don’t even know if I’m making sense

rant away, you're good. I remember that i made that post after months (weeks?) of frustration about seeing people praising the ground that Wanda walks on when all I could see when I looked at her is one of the most selfish people in the entirety of MCU. Her character was so good until WandaVision and MoM. She and Loki were my favorite characters.

"It could’ve all been resolved if Wanda didn’t know what she was doing and sincerely apologized after for it, but… SHE KNEW!?"

EXACTLY. There is a massive difference between "i did this without meaning to, I am so sorry" vs "I know I am actively hurting these people and I DO NOT CARE" she comes across as so cold and so selfish because she doesn't. Wanda in WandaVision doesn't care about other people, just what she wants. I just can't help but think about the beginning of her arc vs the end and just feel massive disappointment. And I think it wouldn't be as annoying if it wasn't framed like she was a hero. If they intentionally took her on a dark path and let her be evil, it would have been fine and I would have enjoyed it because I would have been in awe of the clever writing.

But she's not. Wanda is not a hero in WandaVision for holding an entire town captive. she's not a hero for being aware of what she was doing and then doing it anyway. Like I guess the problem with WandaVision is that the finale and the rest of the series seem to disagree with each other, if that makes sense?

Wanda knows what she's doing in every episode until the end, where she's suddenly more sympathetic because she's not trying to hurt people?

like this scene:

this scene was clearly intended for her to BE the villain

but then you get to the end and the finale is like "NOPE! She was actually a good person the Whole Time :D"

look at her! Would I say she's in her right mind? no. but she is aware, she is responding, she is conscious, she KNOWS what she is doing because she understands that the wall can be exited and entered, she is aware these people are here to RESCUE the townspeople and she threatens them. She has what she wants, that's all that matters. WandaVision is an amazing villain origin story. but somehow after all of this she still doesn't have to face any repercussions???

gughsguhgusdghsdglihsdg. Yeah, it's been years and I'm still mad.

but this

are not this:

[cawthorntales]

Moonwood Cove 1861

~

I was sixteen when my world changed forever. Over the years clashes with werewolf hunter got more and more frequent and bloody. The Green pack in Sunset Acres was almost entirely wiped out by a coalition of hunter calling themselves the Butchers. The summer I turned sixteen they managed to capture my dad, Francine, Olvier, Beota and Debra .

With my father captured it meant I was alpha. I knew dad would want me to move the pack and lay low. He always said the pack comes first. A lesson he had drilled into me in every alpha training session we had through out my childhood. But he was my dad. I couldn't just leave him and the others to die. The pack agreed.

Myself and twenty pack members went to rescue our stolen family. While my mom and brother lead the rest to our emergency hiding zone.

*

We arrived and began our attack on the hunter compound. The battle was hard fought, but we managed to defeat the Butchers and rescue my dad and the only other survivor Francine, but the rescue and victory came at a great great cost.

*

"Because of you sixteen members of the pack are gone!" My dad roared not hiding the anger and disappointment in his voice.

"I-I'm sorry. We wanted to save you and the others from the hunters. I-I never wanted this to happen." I cried still trying to keep the blood out of my eyes from where a wolves bane laced dagger had slashed down my face. I knew the wound would never heal and would leave a scar. A permanent reminder of that awful day.

"No you wanted to save me. As the alpha in charge in my absence it was your job to keep the pack safe. It didn't matter if they wanted to help me or the others. It was your job to do what was best for the entire pack. Instead you were reckless and sentimental. Those are not things I taught you Grayson!"

"D-dad I'm sorry. I-"

"No Grayson. Sorry doesn't and can't fix this. You're were an alpha, meant to lead the pack. You were to put your emotions aside and protect the others. I don't know where I went wrong in teaching you. You've disappointed me. You're no son of mine."

"Dad y-you can't mean that." I cried trying to hold the tears back as my world crumbled.

"I do mean it. See even now you're letting your emotions win. A leader needs to know when to hold it in. From this moment on you're exiled from the pack and our territory. This is goodbye Grayson. What a waste of effort on your teaching and training. I underestimated your ability to be an alpha. You're too soft to do what is best for everyone. I don't want to see you again. You've done enough damage to the pack with your carelessness."

"I'm your son!"

"That's the only reason you're leaving with your life after what you did. Now go Grayson and stay away."

"What about mom and Silver?"

"They'll understand why I am doing this. They understand that the pack as a whole comes first and what it means to lead. Now go!"

I bolted. As I ran the tears streaming down my face, I turned around to get one last look at my father knowing I'd never see him or my mom, or my little brother again. Nothing would ever be the same again. I had lost everything I had ever known and everyone who had ever mattered to me.

~~

Writer notes: Pretend Grayson's scar is fresh and bloody. I can't edit pictures and I found no cc to match the vision I hade.

If you would like to enter now adult Grayson's bc set in modern times here is the info link https://www.tumblr.com/cawthorntales/753141690978713600?

And if you are thinking to yourself this prologue was in the 1800s how is he in modern times. In my world building werewolves eventually stop age and can only die if killed by wolves bane weapons. Kind of like how vampires work, but not the same methods of death

[sucker-for-yanderes]

Night Terrors

Obito x f!Reader

Content: dubcon/noncon, rough sex (p in v), stalking, PTSD, death, mentions of blood and violence, classic yandere behavior, and angst with a happy ending :D

It happened again. You woke up in a cold sweat from your night terror once more. The same one every time. Your comrade and best friend dying in a tragic accident before your very eyes. Before ever achieving their goals of becoming hokage and showing you how great he was gonna become. It's been years since then, and yet you're never able to shake it off.

Post traumatic stress disorder is apparently the name for it. You developed some other health conditions under it; as cheesy as it is, broken heart syndrome and night terrors. And due to that, you were unable to continue as a shinobi of the leaf village. You made a living as a normal leaf village citizen, trying to keep it together. What more could you ask for? Oh, right...

You'd ask for it every day. You'd make that same wish. Pleading with whatever powerful entity was out there to bring him back to you. To bring Obito Uchiha back to you. Often, you visited the site of his grave. Your heart ached knowing his body wasn't even really there. Unable to recover his body, his name was simply engraved onto stone with a bunch of other ninjas who bravely died in the war. Although, you don't know if it was really brave if their deaths meant nothing.

After the great shinobi war, you'd become quite the pacifist. Your PTSD made it difficult for you every day. Plagued with panic attacks on the daily. Loud noises made you dizzy and almost drove you to the point of a heart attack once or more times. The sight of blood makes you faint. And you can barely even muster up the strength to smile anymore. And that wasn't even the worst of it.

Other than rude awakenings, it was avoiding ninjas who were once your comrades, once your friends. It all just made you want to crawl up and die. But you knew that's what he wouldn't have wanted for you. Out of everyone else back then, he was the only one who believed in you and made you feel like a person.

Oh no, is the day over already? The sun began to hide itself behind the mountains surrounding the Konoha village. The night sky's shade getting darker with every passing hour. And there you were, sitting on your knees in front of Obito's grave. You dreaded the night time. Because it meant the same night terror would come to you yet again. Sobs escaped you after holding it in all day.

Back then before everything started, you'd no idea how much that class clown from the ninja academy would affect your life. And little did you know, the eyes watching you from afar were about to change the trajectory of your life yet again.

It was time for bed. After doing your nightly routine, you climbed into your soft and cool sheets. Trying to make bed time not seem so scary, you did everything you could to help. Self care was of top priority. And even so, the torment in your head was all the more triumphant. With hopeful thinking and practicing positive imagery, advice from the therapist you see, you finally let yourself succumb to slumber.

To your surprise, the next day you woke up to the sound of chirping birds and the warm sunlight. The night terror had left you alone for a night. Perhaps treatment is working? Maybe you shouldn't discontinue your medication after all. After so long, finally. Progress. Relief washed over you as you began your morning routine full of content and hope. Tears in your eyes from exhaustion. You'd been so tired of the night terrors. Or rather, the night terror.

The same thing happens the next night, and the night after that. And then, the dreams hit. They're not night terrors. They are simply dreams. But funny enough, a masked man comes to visit you. Every dream you have, that same man is there. He was mysterious, charming, silent. He'd whisk you away in his arms and show you the beauty of what it means to be happy again.

What you didn't know, was that that same man you see in your dreams was seeing you in real life. And it turns out he's not so mysterious and unfamiliar at all. In fact, he knows you well. Very well. You were there on that fateful day, by his side. Not leaving until he'd forced you to, for your own good, of course.

As you turn over in your sleep, the masked man pulls off his mask. The moonlight softly illuminates his face, though half of his is scarred with ridges from that accident. Nonetheless, his handsome face peered down to gaze at you better. He was different. If you saw him now, he doesn't know if you'll be able to accept him. Especially after everything he's done. Too many thoughts consumed him.

Yet, the Uchiha's love perseveres, drowning out the loud sounds in his head. His red and purple eyes lock onto you as you sleep so soundly in the comfort of your own bed. His red eye took on a shape of the mangekyo sharingan. It only makes sense, as he is the one who's been manipulating your dreams for the past week now.

The Uchiha had been stalking watching over you for a while now. It hurt his heart to see how damaged you were. So badly did he want to take you far away from all of this and just live peacefully with you. However, he doesn't want you to resent him for (for lack of a better word) kidnapping you. There is no better word if that's literally what he's about to do lol. So for now, the least he could do was save you from your night terrors.

A new day arrived and again you were glowing. Another night went by with no night terror. You began to feel free. For the first time in so many years, the crushing weight on your soul began to lift. Today, you'd go a little out of your comfort zone when some old friends invited you to join them for some ramen. You had said yes, to everyone's surprise.

It was evening already and you were there meeting up with everyone from the old days. Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, Iruka, and Asuma. "Wow, (Name), I was surprised you accepted our invitation for once, great to see you!" Guy's face lit up along with everyone else's as soon as they saw you. "Same here. It's rare anyone gets to see you these days. I'm glad you're finally deciding to open up more." Kurenai winked as she took her seat, notioning for you to sit beside her.

"Yeah, I'm really glad you're here." Kakashi looks over at you fondly with kindness in his eye, you were sure that he is smiling under that mask. You smiled shyly at him as he took his seat next to you. You can't help but feel a bit nervous sitting with some of the leaf village's top ninja.

After all, who were you? Just someone from the past. A has-been. You shake those negative thoughts away and try to look on the bright side, just like your therapist told you to. In fact, had you continued down the path of a ninja, there is no doubt that you would have become one of the best and brightest. After exchanging life updates, it didn't take long for more conversation to roll in.

Throughout the night, you'd noticed Kakashi's gazes at you which could've easily been mistaken for, what's the word? Longing? Yes, that's it. As the night went on, the wilder things got. That's when Kakashi would begin to be more handsy with you. Obviously, you'd noticed, but decided to brush it off as nothing in the end.

However, the Uchiha standing watch could not brush that off. No, Obito was not taking this lightly. Selfish as he were, he did feel somewhat guilty. What right would he have ruining a romantic relationship between you and Kakashi? A 'living' man? I mean, what exactly are Obito's intentions anyways? 'Come back into (Name)'s life as a dead man and traumatize her further?' Who was he anyways?

Despite the fact that he's a wanted man under this new guise, and would be found out immediately, he'd been living in the shadows for far too long to be able to step out into the light now. He could never be accepted. He's just someone from the past after all. A has-been.

Obito reflects on the life you could live without him. You'd eventually get over your night terrors completely, without his help. You'd visit his grave less often until you no longer do. You'd do more things to make yourself happy, maybe even get a position as a shinobi again after regaining your courage, which you could do without a doubt. Lastly, you could lead a happy life with Kakashi.

The thought broke Obito.

He thought to himself that he should be happy for you. But he couldn't bring himself to. Not even in a hypothetical scenario. The truth is, the Obito you knew might as well have died back then, but his love for you didn't. It never will. How could it? It ties him to you wherever you may go. He will follow you. He just can't bare the idea of him fading out of your life, of you forgetting him. That's when he really will just die.

That's why every time he sees Kakashi's hands on your shoulder or on your thighs, laughing with you, he can't seem to keep it together. It doesn't make it better that he can literally see from Kakashi's point of view as well as he has his sharingan implanted in his left eye. Kakashi was going to steal you away if he didn't do anything about it.

So that's why...

He's doing this.

.

You wake up in your dream. Around you there's what looks like empty space and earth. You search around the barren landscape until something in the distance catches your eye. That masked man from your previous dreams is walking up to you. You'd be happy to see him if there wasn't something off. For some reason, you have a feeling in your gut that tells you something isn't right. You try to move, but you can't. You're stuck standing there, there's nothing else you can do except watch him get closer and closer.

Before he can reach you, his body twists into his right eye. Your chest sinks at the unnatural movement. 'Oh no. The night terrors are back.' The thought gives you chills as you shut your eyes tight in an attempt to shield you. The setting changes when you open your eyes. Now in a dark place that seems familiar somehow, an earthy stench fills the air. And then it hits you. You know this scenario all too well.

There's Kakashi and Obito rushing to get you to safety while the enemy casts their ninjutsu. The loud rumbling signals you to look up at the falling debris as your comrades drag you along by your hands. Eventually, the scene fades to you sitting on the ground after having fallen. Kakashi is tugging on your hand, pleading with you to get up on your feet and flee. But he's met with resistance as another hand holds you in place. Both yours and Kakashi's eyes (well, his eye) trace back to the one holding you. Your eyes widen in terror as you see only half of Obito's body. The remainder of him is crushed by this huge boulder and other rocky debris. Despite the screaming and digging with all your might to get him out, you're unsuccessful. Kakashi stands behind you, unable to watch.

And then everything else all fades to black. It's just you and Obito as he's crushed. "I... couldn't save you." You sobbed as you weakly hold his hand, defeated. The silence is deafening. Your heart and soul relive the feeling of being shattered once more. "I..." Your eyes shoot towards Obito as he begins to mutter something. "Obito!" Tears well up in your eyes, spilling over. "I... don't.." You lean closer to hear what he has to say. "I don't want you to forget me." Dread consumes you. "How could I ever?!" You cry out. "Don't leave my side, (Name). Please, don't leave me." He continues. You're shocked to feel his lifeless hand grasp yours tightly.

And with that, your gut feeling once again warns you of an incoming danger. "Obito?" His grip tightens to the point of causing you pain. "Don't leave me." With his firm statement, the Uchiha looks up at you with his glowing red eye. The ground turns wet with blood as it rains down from the sky. You shriek in horror as more tears escape you. You hold onto your head trying to shelter yourself from the cold blood shower.

.

And then you jump awake in your familiar cold sweat. You're left dazed, confused, unable to process. You'd been doing so good, but that was the worst one yet. Honestly, you feel like you should've known it was too good to be true. You try to calm down, mind racing to a thousand different subjects to try and distract you. Standing up, you go to the kitchen to look for your medicine. Maybe if you take another dose, everything will be fixed. Before popping the pill in your mouth, something else steals your attention.

Your bedroom window swings open. You set down the pill on the counter top. You're on high alert now. You make your way over towards the open window to investigate, but your investigation is cut short when someone grabs you from behind, hand covering your mouth. 'This has gotta be another dream, please, please.' You think to yourself once more. Your unknown attacker tosses you gently onto your bed followed by climbing on top of you.

After a while of struggling, the moon reveals your assailant after the clouds continue on their path. You stop your struggling as your face twists in confusion when you realize it's the masked man from your dreams. "Who are you?" Are the only words that slip out of your mouth. Obito shivers hearing your voice up close after so long. Though, he says nothing. You wait for his response as he has you pinned down on your bed. The only thing you can see that would be considered making eye contact was the glowing red eye through the hole in his mask.

Lowering your guard as you feel a strange sense of calmness, you go to touch his hair. To your surprise, he allows you. The moment you make contact with him, there's a feeling in your gut you haven't felt in a long long time. "You seem... so familiar. Why?" Still no answer. The mystery man continues to gaze upon you. Your hands move to his mask. His hand holds onto yours hesitantly, as if he's debating on letting you remove his mask. Eventually, he gives.

Slowly, you remove his mask to reveal a very familiar face. On queue, the tears flow so heavily followed by sobs as you cover your mouth with your hand. Immediately, you hold him close, pulling his body on top of yours. You don't care that he's nearly crushing your smaller body. You'll never let him go ever again. Tightly you hold onto him as he embraces you all the same. It's all coming back to you now. The way he even smells. He's so different and yet, it's as if nothing's changed.

You hold him there crying into his shoulder for so long. You could hold him there until you died for all you cared. Obito lays beside you, holding you close while doing so. He'd cry too if he could. After all, he was Konoha's crybaby back then. "I don't know how, but you're alive. I know I'm not dreaming." You cry out softly as your fingers trace the details of his face. Obito can only give a weak smile. "Where did you go? Everyone missed you. I... I missed you. So much." You continue to sob uncontrollably once again. Obito can only shush you and hold onto you tightly. "I can't give you all the answers. But, I do know this." He began as he lifted your chin up to meet your teary eyes.

"I love you. I always have. I couldn't bare the thought of being completely out of your life." His words hit you in your gut, causing more tears to fall. With no hesitation,"I... love you..." You confessed between sobs and gasps. Obito smiles as he moves hair out of your face. "Will you let me into your life as I am now? I'm not the same as I once was before-" "You're still Obito. My Obito. Besides, I don't care about any of that. I never want to lose you ever again. Please don't come back into my life just to leave me again. I don't think I'll be able to survive that." You cry out, not caring about sugarcoating your words. You didn't care about anything else, not the small details, not the future. No. You only cared about the importance of this man in your life whose heart is still beating.

Your fragile heart and fragile soul and fragile mind were so desperate to have the love of your life back, you didn't care to question him further. Your prayers had been answered. That was enough for you.

After sobbing into his chest for hours, you listened to his heartbeat until you gradually fell asleep. It was as if his heartbeat sung a lullaby just for you to help you sleep better. That night, you didn't have a night terror. Nor did you for the following months.

Every day you cried happy tears. You weren't rotting in your bed anymore. The unkempt room turned bright and spotless. You'd come home to the man you love every day. It was a little too perfect.

You'd said you didn't care about anything else, only that Obito has returned back to you and is yours. But... the questions your mind formed would begin to get louder. 'What happened to him while he was gone? I for sure thought he died. Not to mention, his left eye has been returned, no, replaced. What's that all about?' 'Why can't he come outside with me?' 'Then again, he disappears sometimes and never tells me where he's going.' 'Why doesn't he reveal himself to Kakashi? They were like brothers.'

You honestly felt terrible for even having those thoughts. Obito had obviously been through something more traumatic in passing events after that accident. You considered it too early to pry. But also, what right did you have to ask him any of those questions? Your best hope might just rely on Obito opening up to you about it all eventually. After all, you trust Obito.

For now, you shook the thoughts away and focused on putting one foot in front of the other as you walked back to your apartment, both hands holding onto the grocery bags full of ingredients for tonight's dinner.

.

It wasn’t much longer till the Uchiha could no longer hold back and finally sink his fangs into you. Obito had to make you his now. He felt a sense of urgency, fearing you two could be torn apart from each other once more. He couldn't allow that, no. His longing for you was all piled up and had Obito feeling frustrated in all kinds of ways. Finally, that moment when you had bent over to pick up your plate, Obito grabbed you from behind as you were in the midst of cleaning up your finished plate.

Kissing on your neck passionately and softly, you giggled at the tickle as he set your plate back down on the table as if it were just in the way. Obito's arms then snaked around you holding you close to his taller figure. He was losing patience, acting as if he were on a mission. 

Tossing you over his shoulder, you yelp in surprise. Obito made his way over to your bedroom where he threw you down carefully. With a happy expression, you look up at Obito, the man you love. You expect to see a nervous and flustered Obito, but instead you're met with an unfamiliar expression. As his big, muscular, scar ridden body climbed atop of you, he started to scare you. The situation had begun to settle in and you decided you'd wanted a time out.

Obito discards one item of clothing of yours at a time, and then his own. Pleading with him to stop, you’d think he was deaf. He brushes your hands to the side and stares you in your eyes as if to tell you that resistance is futile. He’d been playing it slow and safe for too long. He can barely hold it together as his eyes turn to hearts at the view of you beneath him. Face flushed and a sweet smile, Obito caresses your face and tells you how pretty you are. 

Absolutely starved with a craving for you, he positions himself at your entrance as you plead with him one last time to stop. But there was a look in his eyes you didn’t recognize, pooling with a predatory heat that sent a surprisingly pleasant shiver up your spine. Obito tilted his head to the side as he pressed himself up against your soft, plump lips. Slightly parting to receive another greeting, again and again with more and more pressure for every meeting. 

Obito pulled back to search your eyes, suddenly realizing his hand slipped towards your neck. But all that stared back at him were eyes full of trust. You were driving him over the edge. His member twitched painfully. He pushed his lips back into yours, more desperately than before. The arm kept around your waist also moved, also in favor of rising to head level. Obito gently cupped your cheek as he deepened the kiss, letting out a rugged groan when prying your mouth open.

The sudden boyish hunger caused you to lean your head back, but his tongue slipped inside your mouth and forced your tongue to tangle with his anyway. The tiny meager whimper you let slip out caused Obito to moan at the sound. You were making sounds only he’d hear. Knowing that made him all the more satisfied. “Obito please-” You were cut short when Obito’s lips, which were still pressed firmly against yours, bit at your lip as if to tell you to shush. You shut your eyes as you winced in surprise. 

Obito was enjoying having you all to himself in all of your bashful and beautiful glory. You were going to be his first, and he was going to be yours. You’d be the only ones for each other for all eternity. His heart has always bled for you, but seeing you now made it beat in a different way. The anticipation was almost killing him, his patience grew thinner with every growing second.

Hands palming at your soft and plush skin as he heavily showered you with kisses all over, telling you how much he loves you in between them. Telling you how happy he is that you’re finally his. Was he… crying? Tears roll down his cheeks as his cock gradually hardens further as he rubs his exposed pink tip against your slimy entrance, not quite ready to receive him.

And yet, he would take you. Your face twists in agony as he selfishly forces himself inside your snug pussy despite your obvious struggling. The unfamiliar feeling has you speechless and breathless. He stops himself halfway inside to bask in the feeling with his head lowered, his body shivering with overwhelming pleasure. Whilst you were in overwhelming pain, the only thing you could do now was hold onto Obito for dear life, your arms wrapped around his neck.

Beads of hot tears welling up in your tightly shut eyes as your body scrambled to adjust to the foreign object inside of you. Your body convulsed in response to Obito’s size, both in his thickness and length. Without warning, he selfishly lowers himself, his cock seeps into you deeper and deeper. Causing you to gasp and cry out. Your hitched breathing and pained mewls only turn him on even more. You tell him he’s too deep, but he seems not to care. In fact, he argues “But isn’t this so great that we can be so close? We’re practically one with one another! We’ll never be torn apart like this.” He pecks you on the forehead, as if to reassure you that everything is going to be okay. “It’ll feel good soon. I promise. I’d never hurt you, (Name).” You call him a liar in your mind and shoot him a pouty look. But you moan as you feel his cock twitch inside you in response. “Fuuuck, you’re taking me so good. I can’t believe I’m almost all the way inside.” Your jaw drops as you look down, only to see more of him not inside you. But you feel so full… You throw your head back in dread of what’s to come. So much pressure inside of you, you’re scared you might break and split open. 

You cry out as Obito’s bulbous tip hits the deepest part of you. He grits his teeth and moans as your walls squeeze around him like you’re trying to suck the chakra out of him. He keeps himself there for a moment to bask in it all. He smiles as he looks down at you with hazy eyes, softly brushing his hand against your face. Obito was all the way inside you now, balls deep. His eyes were like fire in the dark room as he peered down at you, struggling to contain the animosity threatening to unleash itself.

Meanwhile, your body convulsed underneath the weight of his body. All of a sudden it hit you. It was starting to feel good. The pressure felt like it was scratching an itch that just itched so bad. These unfamiliar feelings scared you. Beginning to feel strange and light headed, you call out his name. “O-Obito… wait I feel weird, pl-ease.” Your voice hitched in your plea. Your body focused on the swirling and tightening sensation in your gut, feeling like you may snap any second. 

And then you did. You squealed and cried out as you came on his unmoving cock. Stunned and heartstruck, Obito barely kept it together as he felt he might come just knowing he made you climax by just sheathing himself inside you. Obito leaned close to you. “I’m going to start moving now.” He whispered in a low voice as he pet your head. You slowly turned your head upwards to face him, unaware of what he had just told you in your dazed state.

Poor little you was still coming down from your high, completely unprepared for what he would do to you next. Obito began to brutally thrust his cock in and out, you felt completely unwarned, well that’s what you thought. Of course he did warn you, but he failed to make sure you actually understood him, though he cared too little.

Obito’s harsh thrusts made you moan and sob uncontrollably. the love making continued all up until the morning when you two could no longer go. Well, that was around the time Obito came to his senses that you couldn't take anymore.

Obito caressed your face as he spooned you, pecking loving kisses on your damp forehead. He adored your fucked out expression as you were still on the come down. Never again will the two of you be separated. Ever.

(I'm sorry for the abrupt ending guys, I just reaaally wanted to post this. Maybe I'll update it or do a part 2? Lmk :p)

[lazy-writer-owo]

A Pirate Live.. (Ch. 1)

Shanks x OC! fanfic

Summary: How young! Shanks and young! Josephine met for the first time when her father Edward fought Roger. feat. Buggy and this is like an epilogue to a long story of Josephine Edward.

Warning- (non)

P.s. English is not my first language so please bare with me, this is also me attempting to break my comfort zone of writing an x OC fic and my first one piece fic :'D Enjoy!

Third pov.

Josephine sits by the railing of the ship looking at the luscious forest Infront of her, Marco stand beside her keeping his sharp eyes on the young lady.

Her mischevious behaviour could have slip pass by him any moment but after an order from pops have made him stay behind to babysit the adorable little lady. Josephine Newgate, a ripe age of 8 years old the little lady have spend since her birth on the ship surrounded by pirates and the danger of the marines. But nothing could sway her as she knows her father and her big family would keep the danger away from her.

"Marco, can we pleasee go there? i want to see the fight so bad" Josephine begs at the blonde haired man after a few rumble and explosion happened deep in the forest, she have always want to see the notorious pirate that her father would always complain about name Monkey.D Roger. She never met the Roger Pirates, her father forbid her to ever come near them because of their dangerous nature.

"No, you know pops would kill me and he would grounded you from going on the docks yoi" Marco says as he lean on the railing beside her, bored at his babysitting duty and all he ever wanted was to join pops and the others.

The little girl pouts at his answer and the worst thing to be punished that she can't explore any island that they docked at. The little girl then do her best 'puppy face' towards her brother with her hand clasp together infront of her "Pretty pleasee Marco, i promise i would hide and stand far awayyy i just want to see them fight pleaseee"

Marco let out a sigh shaking his head and frown at the girl "No means no, you cause enough trouble this week". Marco crosses his arms over his chest, his demeanor now serious.

"But-" Josephine try to reason with Marco again before she was shut down quickly by Marco harden glare at her. "Okay..i guess i be in my room until they come back" the girl says defeated as she hops down from the railing and walk towards the stair leading to the lower deck.

Marco shakes his head with a sigh

Josephine pov.

I open the door to my room before shutting it and lock it, i glance around my room before ducking down of my bed reaching my hand under to retrieve my stash.

A sword that was supposed to be put away after training session and a small pouch for with a small sketchbook in it, Im determined that today is the day that i will see Roger and my father in action. I will draw the fight in real live!

After my body is halfway through the small round window beside the ship i glance back whispering "Sorry marco I promise i be quick" before pulling myself before slip and fall with a yelp into the shallow sea water.

After succesfully went on to the dryland,making sure pineapple head is not on the deck. I waste no time but make a dash into the luscious forest heading to the loud noises of swords clashes to one another and angry war cry. My lips broke out into a big smile, excitement course through everysteps i take as the noises grew louder and louder.

A Clearing come into view with 2 people quarelling one another, one is a familiar silhouete of my father while the other is a man with a red coat and a red pirate hat sat upon his head. But the most noticable about the other man have a long black moustache "wow he can rival father with that moustache of his.." i duck behind the thick branch of a fallen tree peeking at them.

My mouth open in awe at the sheer power that the other man can withstand my father's attack and his haki, no doubt that is the man that rival my father. Monkey.D Roger, every each time their swords clash blew a gush of wind that blew my hair only widens my eyes and mouth to watch the 2 most dangerous pirate of the sea fought in-front of my very eyes!

But the blast blew and cut through some of the trees around me, i let out a yell as the trees fall around me before a warm hand grasp onto my hand and pull me up and dash away from the clearing to behind a rock. My eyes closed as the debris and dust stings, as we lean behind the rock catching our breath after the slight run of adrenaline. Then i realize that im with an unkown person before i reach for my sword and point it at them with a yelp "W-who! are you!?".

Standing before me is a boy same age as me with both of his arms raised in defense as the tip of my sword point at him. A strawhat rest on his head covering his fiery red hair, what an odd color. Is the boy also a pirate? i mean he have a sword strapped on his waist. Finally! a kid who is also a pirate like me!. He look at me with a tint of red on his cheeks before he snap us out of the state

"What are you doing here? do you know how dangerous it is here?!"

Taken aback by his outburst i lower my sword pointing my finger at him voice raise "and why do you care? im here to watch my father!"

The boy tilt his head confuse at my word "huh? your father?" his eyes blinking looking at me weirdly "No way, your father is a pirate from Whitebeards Pirate?"

i huff, a sword still in my hand as i put my other hand on my hip "Duh and he is-"

"Shank duck!" a voice cut through my sentence before another boy jump from on top of the rock straigh to me. I let out a scream as i see a flash of blue before a body just slam on to me knocking me on the ground, my sword flew from my hand. i let out a grunt as a ringing in my ears and hea throbing at the hard impact of the ground, the red-haired boy panic to see his best friend knock the defensless girl "Buggy! what are you doing! get off of her!"

The boy on top of me then scream aswell at his friend "She was pointing her sword at you! im only trying to help!".

i open my eyes and see a boy with a big red nose, we make eye contact before i let out a scream "GET OFF OF ME YOU WEIRDO!!" i push the blue haired boy ontop of me away before scrambling bakwards hand reaching for my sword before the red-hair quickly come near me to stop me from getting to my sword "Hey hey wait dont!"

"Stay back!" i point my sword at them, i though that i could be friend with the kid but they just want to kill me at this point "Y-you were with the roger pirate right, that's why your friend try to kill me!"

The red hair boy quickly shakes his head along with his hand as he grew nervous "No no! trust me im only trying to keep you away from the battlefield!" i snap back with "Then why is he trying to snap my neck?!" i point back at the blue haired kid

"Because you were trying to kill Shanks!"

"No i wasn't!"

"You were pointing the sword at him!"

What a good first impression huh. We glare at one another like you can see the electric connecting our intense staring contest before it was broken by Shank stand in between of us "Okay, okay stop it. My friend here can be a bit of an idiot since he does not have any common sense in his brain"

"Hmph clearly, what kind a man knock down a lady" I huff as i lower my sword. "You're not a lady! what kind of a lady handle swords!" Buggy as his friend says his name yelled pointing his finger at me.

"A kind of lady that can beat your ass!" i scream back as i went near him. Shank facepalm at the scene infront of him before he reach between them and push them apart slightly "Buggy please stop insulting her, it has been forever since we met anyone that are the same age as us in a pirate crew" The red-hair smile widely before turn his head to the girl.

"Im shanks, the idiot that knock you is Buggy we're from the Roger Pirate crew" He says still wearing the big smile as he extend his hand for a proper shake. Josephine look at the boy eyes widened slightly as she heard him, they are from the Roger Pirate? no way!

"W-wait i didn't know that the Roger Pirate have children on the crew, my father never mention that" The girl blinks at the new discoveries before buggy bugs in (hehe) "Well who's your father??"

"Oh its-"

"Josephine!!" a gruffy voice yelled as the three children tense and look up to see a figure of non other than Whitebeard descend with his weapon raise aiming at the two younger roger's crew. The boys scream frighten by the sudden appereance of the very angry Whitebeard, Roger appear infront of the children using his sword to block the attack creating a loud blast of wind that almost knock away the children.

All three of the children were shaken, buggy knees weakened as he sat on the dirt eyes wide. While Shank have wrapped his arms around the girl's waist and cover her head eyes closed by the debris and dust. Out of instict Shank have quickly pull Josephine close shielding her away from the danger, a sense of protectiveness over the girl.

"Get your filthy hands away from her!" Whitebeard voice booms as he aims at the two boys before the girl pull away from Shank's embrace spread her arms wide "Father don't!" she screams loud with her eyes close. Whitebeard weapon then stopped once again by Roger's hand hold tightly on the handle "My my i didn't know you have a daughter Whitebeard Hahaha! This is interesting my friend!"

"You're whitebeard daughter?!" the two boys yelled out shock to know the girl infront of them are no ordinary daughter to a common crew member but THE Whitebeard daughter.

The girl says nothing as she open her eyes to meet the glare of her very upset father, before meekly says "Im sorry Father.."

(To be continued....)

[miseryoforpheus]

intro post <3

Hey there!

Im Jamie and my pronouns are They/She/he

Im a neurospicy minor (but I will swear and also am fine being moots with/talking to adults as long as no one is a creep to me it’s all good)

Uhhh welcome to my online diary :|

Happy to make friends if u want - feel free to DM me

online diary blog w lots of Neil Gaiman reblogs bc he’s my idol

Fun facts about me:

Umm ok (trying to think of fun facts now)

Im Italian but grew up in England, would love some more Italian moots <3

my favourite authors are Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett (but it’s been like that since before I read good omens lmao) also Rick Riordan and Alice Oseman

certified gravity falls child

if u couldn’t tell by the URL I’m obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology

nostalgic for a time I wasn’t even alive - late 80s and early 90s mainly but also like 70s

nostalgic for a time I WAS alive (barely but it still counts bc I do remember it) - the late 2000s

I did a quiz to see what Beatles band member I’d be and got Paul Mcartney

damn u rlly don’t realise how boring u r till u try and do an about me huh

Music I like:

Hozier, Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, Harry Styles, YUNGBLUD, Beatles, Elton John, Queen, Renée Rapp, TV girl, bears in trees, Ricky Montgomery, NOAHFINNCE, MARINA, Fleetwood Mac

getting into:

Nirvana [used to love them a few years ago but then a mean girl made fun of me for it so I stopped listening to them but I’m starting again]

Dominic Fike Paramore

mother mother

MCR

the neighbourhood

The tags I will use:

Jamie answers asks - u guessed it this is for answering any asks

the most boring soap opera - my life stuff because my life is the most boring soap opera

MOTD - mood of the day which is just a lil thing I do

for the record:

I stand with Palestine 🇵🇸

please click here every day:

also free Ukraine 🇺🇦

aro and ace people are LGBTQ+ and this is an aro and ace and aroace safe blog

in general this is a COMPLETELY safe space

if u want anyone to talk to btw I’m always here to chat, can’t guarantee i’ll be able to help but I am always willing to listen literally any time we don’t even have to be moots or anything just DM me ok? Ily all take care of yourselves ok loves? <3

Also one last thing just for ppl that know me, I have no problem with u following this blog or anything but be warned that I’m not gonna filter my opinion at all on here bc I need a place to be myself and if u don’t want to see that i understand and idm just pls don’t take it as a personal attack or anything if u ever think something I post relates to you, I promise it’s not I just need to vent <3

My MOTD ratings:

0-2 > feeling really really really shitty

3-4 > shitty like I have too much sadness and anger and everything inside me and it feels horrible and yeah yk [reckless behaviour is strong here for me + pretty strong intrusive thoughts]

5 > normal. Numb. Yucky. Normal level of intrusive thoughts [for me at least, everyone is different]

6-7 > smol happy, probably was a bad day that got better

7-8 > :D

9-10 > fucking ecstatic

[marvelfanfn2187a113]

The Same Page Part 4/?

Part 4 is finally here, enjoy!

Warnings: panic attack, I think that’s it. I’m not big on editing so there’s probably some mistakes.

Synopsis: you let your anger override your fear, and John is there to help.

Same Page Masterlist:

You didn’t dream the rest of the night.

When you awoke, you found that your anger was just as potent and alive that it had been in the middle of the night.

Mycroft was asleep in the chair beside your bed, Sherlock slumbering on your bed right by your side.

You knew how hard they were working to make you feel safe, but that didn’t change how much they had lied to you in the past two years. You weren’t ready to let that go just yet.

Your shaking fingers found your phone, and you pressed John’s number, relieved when he answered right away.

You got straight to the point.

“I need you.”

John didn’t hesitate.

“Where are you?”

“Mycroft’s.” You lowered your voice when the man in question stirred. “I can’t be here. With them. Not right now. Please come get me.”

“I’m on my way.”

…

John was nervous, not a feeling he was incredibly used to. He had faced down murderers, terrorists, basically every form taken by the scum of the earth, and yet none of that had prepared him for what had happened in his life the past two years.

As if losing his best friend to suicide wasn’t bad enough, he had to watch you, the girl who had become like a little sister to him, spiral into a depression that nearly destroyed you, and nearly destroyed him to watch.

And now that the person who had caused all that pain—albeit for a good reason—was finally back, he knew you had to be just as angry as him—if not more. That wasn’t something he was used to. He almost never saw you angry—he was always the hothead at Baker Street, never you.

But this was different.

You slid into the car the second John slowed to a stop in Mycroft’s driveway.

“Do they know you’re leaving?”

“Just drive.”

John hesitated. “They’re going to-“

“John. Drive.” He saw your clenched fists, your narrowed eyes, and your tense jaw, and knew that he had never seen you this angry before. It wasn’t something he was about to mess with. He stepped on the gas and the two of you journeyed away from Mycroft’s house.

“What happened?” John asked after several minutes of tense silence. Something had to have made you snap like this.

“I realized I was the only one,” you weren’t looking at John, your gaze directed out the window.

John frowned, “Not the only one. Only a handful of people knew-“

“The only Holmes.”

Oh.

“I’m sure they thought-“

“Mycroft was the one who told me the news. About—about the suicide,” you spat the word out, your teeth gritted in anger. “He watched me fall apart day after day for two years-“ your voice suddenly caught, your anger giving way to tears. “And my mum and dad…they knew, they knew all of it, and they let Mycroft lie to me. They lied to me,” this time when your voice broke off, you didn’t bother trying to start speaking again. The tears had overwhelmed you, and John watched helplessly as you cried into your hands next to him.

John pulled into the parking lot next to a cafe that you both liked, and he leaned over your armrest and wrapped his arms around your shaking frame.

“I’m so sorry.”

…

“I’m sure she’s alright.”

“Alright? Sherlock, you don’t understand, she hasn’t left this house in-“ Mycroft broke off, turning away from his brother to continue scouring your room for evidence to your whereabouts.

Another thing Sherlock wasn’t used to: being the calm one. But perhaps Mycroft was right, perhaps he wasn’t grasping the seriousness of the situation, because he wasn’t used to you being like this, not being able to care for yourself. You had always been rather independent, and Sherlock was all but certain that your grief wouldn’t have robbed you of that quality.

But perhaps he just didn’t understand you. He never had, not really.

But you always understood him. You were a quiet girl, so when Sherlock wanted someone to wow with his observations, you were a perfect listener, and when he went quiet for days on end, intent on his work, you would curl up on the sofa across from him and crack open a book, the two of you lapsing into comfortable silences.

You didn’t have his kind of intelligence, but you loved to listen to his ramblings about whatever case he was on, and every once in a while you would give him an angle that he hadn’t thought of. You weren’t a partner-in-crime the way John was, but you were good company, and you were very patient with him, a quality not found in most people Sherlock met.

But more than any of that, you were his baby sister, and while he had never completely grasped average human sentiment, he knew that he would rather die than see harm come to you. He wanted to see you safe and happy, the way you had been two years ago before Moriarty had robbed you of both.

“Sherlock!”

Sherlock snapped back into focus at his brother’s outburst.

“What?”

“Would you please just focus? I can’t have you distracted, not with her missing.”

Sherlock sighed impatiently.

“We don’t know for certain she’s missing. Just because she isn’t in the house doesn’t mean she’s lost. Have you tried John?”

“Yes. He doesn’t answer.”

“Well then there is your answer. He would have answered unless she asked him not to.”

Mycroft nodded. He may have been more accustomed to you in the past two years, but Sherlock knew John.

…

“That’s the third time he’s called.” John sounded almost worried. You didn’t care.

“I know, John. Just ignore him.”

The two of you had gone inside the cafe, and John was sipping on a cup of coffee while you picked at a muffin.

“I know you’re angry at him, but he’s going to be worried sick about you.”

You didn’t bother with a response to this.

John sighed, “So what now?”

You look up at him, biting your lip. You really hadn’t thought any of this out.

“I don’t know, I guess. I just needed some space.”

“You’re going to have to face him. Both of them.”

“Can’t I just stay with you for a little while?”

John hesitated. He didn’t think it was a good idea, but he also knew how stubborn you could be. If he denied you, you might just push harder.

“Alright. For a bit.”

You smiled at him, and the two of you fell into silence for a while.

“They care about you.”

You were surprised by John’s sudden change in demeanor. His eyes were like laser beams, hyper focused on you, and his sudden analysis made you squirm.

“I know that. But they-“

“What would you have done, in their condition?”

You stared back at John, meeting his gaze.

“Why are you asking me this? Don’t I have a right to be hurt by what they did?”

“Of course you do. But this, what you’re doing now, isn’t going to solve anything. You know that they only acted to protect you, and even though their actions hurt you, their intentions were out of love. You trying to hurt them back won’t fix what’s happened.”

You shake your head, “I’m not trying to hurt them back. I just…I don’t think I can-“

“You don’t want to face them, I get it. But you have to. They’re your brothers, and they care for you. Forgive them.”

You stared at John, and he stared back. While your resolve seemed to be wavering, his was rock solid.

You hated what Sherlock and Mycroft had done to you.

But you couldn’t find it in you to hate them.

Your resolve cracked, and with it, your anger.

A smile crept across your face.

“And I suppose punching Sherlock was going to change something?”

A soft chuckle escaped John’s lips.

“No, no it wasn’t. But it was fun.”

You laughed, the first real laugh in…

Well, in a while.

“Was he surprised? When you hit him?”

John’s laugh grew to a full out belly-laugh.

“It was the most picturesque example of cartoon shock, you should have seen-“

John froze. You weren’t laughing anymore, not really. You had a smile on your face, but it seemed frozen, almost a grimace. John knew that look, that polite, forced smile of yours. He hated it when you used it on him.

“What’s with the face? What’s wrong, are you ok?” He didn’t want you hiding anything from him.

“I-um,” you gulped, blinking rapidly. “I think I-I want to call Mycroft now.”

John felt a mixture of worry and relief. He was glad you seemed to be ready to start forgiving your brothers, but you seemed on the verge of a panic attack now.

You reached your hand out, and John left his seat to kneel next to yours, allowing you to latch onto his arm while he pulled out his cell phone.

“Alright, ok that’s great. I’m calling him now, just, can you breathe for me?”

You coughed out a shaky breath, and John smiled nervously at you as he pressed Mycroft’s number.

“Good, that’s good, again?” Just then Mycroft answered his phone.

“Where are you? Is-“

“The cafe near Baker Street, Sherlock knows it. Hurry,” John hung up on Mycroft and turned all his attention to you. “He’s on his way, with Sherlock, alright?���

You nodded, your eyes darting around the cafe as you lifted a hand up to rub your chest, your breath coming in quick gasps now.

John took both your hands in his, and spoke in a slow, even tone.

“Hey, look at me.” When your eyes met his, he smiled at continued. “This is a bit much, yeah? You haven’t been this far from Mycroft’s house in quite a while,” John was encouraged by your nod. Responding was a good sign. “Yeah, well that’s alright. I know you’re a bit overwhelmed, but there’s nothing to fear. I’m right here, I’m here for you, and Mycroft’s coming to take you home.”

“Are you John Watson?”

John turned instinctively at the sound of his name, and was alarmed to find a woman dressed suspiciously like a reporter standing over him.

“Now’s not a good time, give me some space please,” he tried to turn his attention back to you, but the reporter was insistent.

“How do you feel now that Sherlock Holmes is reported alive?”

“No comment, go away.”

Just then the reporter caught sight of you, and recognition lit up in her eyes.

Oh no.

“Y/N Holmes!”

You flinched at the sound of your name, and you tried to back away from the reporter, but your progress was stopped when the back of your chair hit the wall. John moved to stand in front of you.

“Y/N Holmes, how long have you known that your brother Sherlock is alive?”

“No no, no, stop it, leave her alone!” It was one thing to interrogate him, but John wasn’t about to let this reporter anywhere near you, especially not now.

“Did you help him fake his suicide? Was Mycroft Holmes in on it? Did Sherlock murder Jim Moriarty?” The reporter was trying to move around John now, elbowing her way closer to you.

You were hyperventilating now, one hand wrapped around your knees while the other was grasping for John’s. John instantly moved to grab your hand, but he was beaten to it.

“Back away, unless you’d like to lose your job.” Mycroft Holmes put himself between you and the reporter, grasping your small hand in his and carefully pulling you to your feet. Sherlock was right behind him, holding your shaking frame up with an arm around your shoulder and guiding you toward the door, where John could see Mycroft’s car waiting outside.

“Mr. Homes! I just have a few-“

Neither Mycroft nor Sherlock even bothered to respond, they simply ushered you outside with John right on their heels.

…

Once safe and sound in his car, Mycroft finally turned his full attention to you, quickly analyzing your condition. Quick, shallow breathing, darting eyes, shaking like a leaf. It wasn’t good.

It also could’ve been worse, though. Your hand was gripping tightly to his, and your eyes seemed to finally be focusing on him.

“Mycroft…” he was relieved to hear you speak, it was a good sign. He let you fall into his arms, and when you did he pressed his hand to the side of your head and leaned you against his chest.

“Breathe when I breathe, alright?”

You followed his example perfectly, it was an exercise you were quite used to.

Mycroft noticed Sherlock staring at him, shock and discomfort distorting his features. Mycroft understood the look. If he had seen himself like this two years ago, he wouldn’t even recognize himself.

It wasn’t that he didn’t love his siblings, it was just that showing it had never been something he had been comfortable with.

Sherlock’s “death” had forced him to almost permanently vacate his comfort zone.

He was not a touchy-feely man, and he did not believe in babying you simply because you were his sister. But when you had fallen to pieces after Sherlock left you, Mycroft had quickly realized that if he didn’t change some of his ways, you might just never be able to pull yourself back together again.

“I’m sorry,” Mycroft came back to himself when he heard your soft voice. “I shouldn’t have-have left. I wasn’t thinking.”

Mycroft shook his head, “Don’t apologize. You were upset, I understand.” He pulled you away from him and brushed your short hair away from your face, “how are you feeling?”

Your small hands gripped onto his.

“Better now.”

…

Sherlock was relieved when Mycroft’s car pulled into his driveway. The small car felt even smaller when he was stuck watching you and Mycroft. Your bond was something he didn’t understand, and he wasn’t used to not understanding Mycroft.

When the car pulled to a stop, you seemed recovered enough to walk inside, Mycroft letting you hold onto his arm the whole way. When the two of you were gone, Sherlock turned to John.

“Thank you. For watching her, that was…good.”

John gave a weak smile.

“I care about her too. You take care of her, she’s a good kid.”

“I know.”

John turned to leave, but hesitated.

“She’ll forgive you soon enough. She loves you guys.”

Sherlock allowed a smile to cross his face.

“Thank you.”

Taglist:

@navs-bhat @chaoticglitterkitten

[wrenrogue]

kuroken au where a certain stray black cat keeps bringing kenma dead mice every other day. Kenma doesn't know what's going on because he doesn't even own the cat to begin with. Eventually kenma let's the cat into his house and soon enough, he starts to befriend it and eventually adopts it, naming it Kuro. The cat never stops bringing kenma gifts though and becomes Kenma's emotional support animal when he's feeling especially anxious.

One day after a particularly bad panic attack, kenma kisses kuro on his lil head, thanking him for all his help and is full of love for him when BAM, kuro turns human, a very hot and very naked human man.

Kenma almost panics again but he manages to keep his composure and asks the guy who he is and where his cat is. Sexy man has a hard time speaking, making a fool of himself by trying to speak so he stays quiet and covers himself with his hands instead.

Kenma notices the guy's discomfort and brings him a towel to at least cover himself. Eventually after like an hour, the man speaks. He apologizes to Kenma and explains that his name is Kuroo Tetsurou.

He found an amulet on his way home and the owner of said amulet (a witch) found him and thought he was the thief that stole it in the first place. As punishment, he got turned into a cat. And he'd been stuck as a cat for about two years or maybe more, he's not sure.

He took a liking to kenma and felt the need to provide for him, hence the gifts. Kenma then asked what broke the curse and kuroo turned beet red at the question, mumbling an answer. Kenma wasn't having it though and asked again more firmly.

Kuroo sighs and says "apparently the curse would only be lifted if my soulmate kissed me" and now it's Kenma's turn to turn red. Both are completely awkward and conflicted about the whole thing, but eventually kenma decides to help kuroo reconnect with his old life.

They start by buying kuroo clothes of course. As they look for Kuroo's family and friends, kuroo and kenma start getting closer. They're very aware that they're soulmates, but they don't know how to address it. Every touch and glance they share is excruciating, because they want to do something about it, but they're too shy to act on anything.

Eventually, the day before they're set to visit Kuroo's old apartment, Kenma's had enough and decides to take matters into his own hands. They're on Kenma's bed, kuroo talking about his old life and watching kenma play his game, when kenma asks "kuro, what will happen to us after you find your friends and family?"

There's silence after that and kenma feels panic rising within him, maybe he shouldn't have said that. Kenma doesn't realize he's shaking and lowkey hyperventilating until kuroo is right next to him asking if he's okay and if he needs anything.

"You." Kenma says, "I need you." because it's true. Kenma has grown to love the comfort kuroo brings him

He's grown to love kuroo and wants to keep him for as long as he can. Kuroo brushes Kenma's hair behind his ear and hazel eyes meet gold. Somehow there's an understanding between them. They close the gap between them, their lips gently pressing against each other

When they part, they're breathless in the best possible way. Kenma then says "you never answered my question"

and kuroo just laughs before saying "I want to stay in your life if you allow me too?"

"Only if you do one thing for me." Kenma says.

"What is it?"

Kenma puts his arms around Kuroo's neck and says "Kiss me again?"

Kuroo smiles against Kenma's lips and says "i can do that yeah"

"Then get to it" And they close the gap between them again and spend the rest of their night lip locked and in each other's arms

The next few days kuroo does reconnect with his friends and roommates, and then later his family. He introduces everyone to kenma after their emotional reunion and explanation for his disappearance.

Kuroo's friend bokuto in particular sits next to kenma and asks "So how does it feel like to date your cat?" Kenma chokes on his drink while bokuto laughs and kuroo yells at him.

[kaihuntrr]

part eight: high tides

happy new year! heres where the story really gets going >:D

There was nothing more calming than watching clouds pass through the baby blue skies. The cool and salty sea air filled Martyn’s lungs as he emerged from the lower deck, stretching his arms above his head as he yawned. He looked around the ship, noticing Grian talking to Scar, Joel standing with Cleo, and Lizzie steering the ship as always. 

It was usually quiet for the first few days into the hunt. Though, heading to the world border should have meant fighting something around now, shouldn’t it? Shouldn’t there have been some cool fight with a big monster by now?

We’re close to the border, but not close enough.

Martyn walked up to Lizzie, a small smile on his face, “Hey.” 

“Hey,” Lizzie smiled back and turned to face him, “Did you have a good nap?”

“Yeah, but no one rang the bell, so there’s nothing much to do,” Martyn shrugged. They could play games, do some leisure activities, or sleep. Martyn enjoyed his sleep. Martyn hummed, “I’m thinking of seeing Mumbo, though. Know where he is?”

“Likely in his cabin. You know he likes it there.” Lizzie shrugged.

Martyn should’ve assumed Mumbo was there in the first place.

Martyn nodded, “I’ll give him a visit then, thanks.”

“Anytime, hunter.” Lizzie smirked, Martyn stopped in his tracks as Lizzie giggled. Teasing? Again? Couldn’t those jokes start later? The Canaries should be lucky that Martyn allowed the jokes for their amusement. It was getting annoying, but it was manageable. 

“Do not call me that.” Martyn glanced at Lizzie, rolling his eyes as he huffed. Scott was the only one to call him that, no one else. Lizzie tilted her head and Martyn smiled. He’ll let it off the hook once.

Martyn walked back to the lower deck, being careful with his footing as to not creak any floorboards to wake Bdubs up, and knocked on the wooden door at the end of the small hallway. 

He heard Mumbo’s voice through the muffled door. “You may enter.”

Mumbo’s cabin was a personal study for him. Martyn knew how many books and notes Mumbo had stashed in there, even creating detailed illustrations of higher class monsters’ anatomy in case they needed it. Mumbo’s notes were refined in this room, too. He couldn’t just submit his incomprehensible scribbles to the researchers, so Mumbo was constantly working on those when there were no monster attacks. Martyn enjoyed his time there, spitballing ideas with Mumbo or examining every note on the beasts for as much as he’s able to.

Martyn opened the door and shut it slowly behind him. He looked over at his friend, “Hey Mumbo,” his eyes widened as he saw the mess of papers scattered on the desk before him, all sorts of illegible writing and crumpled up paper scraps now chaotically placed on top. Martyn glanced at Mumbo and the papers, forcing a small smile, “What are you up to?”

Mumbo’s cabin had papers attached to strings and cork boards along with a few framed fangs of the monsters they’ve killed, glistening in the sun as windows were placed behind the desk, giving light to the room. There were books neatly organized into shelves, all about the documented creatures and Mumbo’s personal journals from the fights the Canaries had been in. Mumbo was like a personal library, storing loads of useful information for the rest of the hunters to work with.

Seeing Mumbo’s desk in that messy state caused Martyn to start worrying. Mumbo himself looked rather disheveled, with his clothes messy and loose with his hair unkempt. 

Mumbo gestured to the seat in front of his desk, “Come sit down, I need to talk to you about this,” Martyn pulled the chair closer to the desk as he sat down. Mumbo looked at the papers, “I’ve been thinking about those legends and how they’ve been described….”

“And?”

“It still doesn’t make sense to me,” Mumbo shook his head. His hands combed through his hair, trying to look a tad more presentable. “Sea princes are supposedly larger than any A class creatures. I can’t think of why they haven’t been spotted yet if they were that big.”

Mumbo had a point.

For a creature so elusive, it had to have some kind of way to hide itself. Martyn recalled the stories of sea princes being able to turn invisible, or go at high speeds underwater to avoid detection. Those monsters had some trick up their sleeve, and Martyn wasn’t sure what it was.

For some reason, Scott’s words echoed in Martyn’s mind.

“The sea is as deep as the skies are vast. You may not know everything there is to what lies beneath.”

People knew of the monsters and legends, but not much else. Scott’s words had a sense of truth in them. Capturing a sea prince would be the highlight of researchers. For something like that to be lurking under the waters, as dangerous as it was told to be, they could uncover more mysteries of the ocean.

Martyn shrugged, “Well, we don’t know everything about the sea, just its monsters.” He looked at one of the papers on the desk; a story about the sea princes forming the world border with a simple flick of their fins. Powerful monsters. He looked at Mumbo, “But if we take one down, maybe we’ll be able to learn more.”

“Maybe, but,” Mumbo leaned away and crossed his arms, “they sound very… fantastical,” he waved his hands, emphasizing the final word with a hint of skepticism in his voice. “Golden blood, a thundering heartbeat? It’s a lot to look out for.”

Martyn’s eyes narrowed in thought. It was a lot to look out for, which is why it was so confusing no one had ever seen one. But that was the reason they were farther out at sea, going to the world border. If people had been too afraid to look there, they might just notice it first.

Before TIES at the very least.

Mumbo raised his hands, “Don’t get me wrong– I believe in you and in this mission! We wouldn’t be sent out if it was an impossible task,” he sighed. He lowered his voice, Martyn looked at Mumbo in silence. “They’re just unlike anything in our notes.”

“That’s because they’re legends, Mumbo,” Martyn tilted his head, smiling. They were real, he was sure of it. Wasn’t Mumbo excited to find one before? Maybe it was the realization that the crew was actually looking for one, Mumbo got cold feet. Now wasn’t the time to chicken out. “We don’t tell stories of regular beasts because we take them on all the time. But no one has ever seen a sea prince before, so finding one makes it all the better.”

Mumbo chuckled, Martyn internally sighed in relief. At least Mumbo wasn’t too deep in his thoughts. “Better for you to tell a whole tavern? I don’t think you were supposed to say anything about it, since it’s such a big deal and all.”

Martyn’s eyes widened. Was he not supposed to say it? Shouldn’t the world know what they were doing? It wasn’t like the sea princes could hear Martyn announce it to a tavern. The tavern goers likely wouldn’t even remember because of all the drinking that night. They were fine. Besides, even if they weren’t allowed to talk about it, Martyn was bound to tell Scott. He just had to!

“Ah. You’re right,” Martyn scratched the back of his head. He smiled in embarrassment, “It’s… it’s just exciting to talk about. I’ve had this goal for a long time, and now I can almost reach it.”

I can almost reach Scott, too.

“Good on you then, but let’s not announce it to the whole world until we’ve done it, alright?” Mumbo raised an eyebrow and smiled, his jovial tone more pronounced. “It’s one thing to be on the mission, another to actually do it. I’m excited about it too.” There it was! That spark of excitement once again. Martyn could see the gears turning in the other man’s head, practically begging for ideas about these mythical beasts and what to do with them.

Martyn leaned closer on the desk, “You should be! It does make me wonder what kind of things Doc could make out of it,” he looked down at the notes of different A class monsters. Doc could create all sorts of things with their hauls, what more could he do with a sea prince? Martyn put his hand under his cheek, “If their scales really are the toughest material, maybe they could reinforce the ship better, or their sharp fangs could be used for harpoons….”

Mumbo nodded along, glossing over another tale of the sea princes; a story about their control over the beasts, manipulating them to attack human ships to feed off of the survivors. His eyebrows furrowed, “If their powers were real, imagine if we could–”

Mumbo was interrupted as the piercing sounds of the bell rang throughout the ship. Both Martyn and Mumbo’s eyes widened as they looked at each other. A beast was near.

Martyn pulled his gun out of his holster, immediately standing and rushed to the door, “We gotta go, come on!” Martyn didn’t bother to look back, he knew Mumbo would follow.

It had been beginning to get boring, but now the real fun would begin.

Martyn rushed out onto the upper deck as the ship swayed from left to right. He looked around to see the others with their weapons out and aimed at the distant beast as it swam towards them. Its vibrant red and orange carapace stuck out of the blues of the ocean, spikes adorned its back as the water began to part around it. Martyn could spot its fan-like tail crashing against the waves, coming ever so closer to him and his crew.

Martyn saw Cleo ringing the bell, but they stopped the moment their eyes laid on him and Mumbo.

“Nice of you two to join us.” Cleo smiled at the two as they pulled out their guns from their holsters. 

Martyn looked at the beast as it approached, holding a hand over his eyes, “What’s the beast this time?”

“It isn’t the size of a class B, so it shouldn’t be a problem,” Grian shrugged. He turned to Mumbo, “What do you think?”

Mumbo pulled out his telescope as he walked to the railing, “It’s a class D, scuttler–” he flinched as he saw the beast poke its head out of the water as it closed in the distance between them, “Its underbelly is soft, wait for it to jump!”

Scuttlers were simply shrimp, but bigger and uglier than their regular counterparts. As a class D, Martyn didn’t think of it too much. A swift strike to its underbelly, or breaking through its carapace to strike at its brain was enough to kill it.

It wouldn’t be a problem.

The beast roared as it sped towards them. Joel stared the beast down as he pointed his cannon at it and motioned to the crew, “Brace yourselves! Scar, Bdubs– fire!”

Scar and Bdubs shot their cannons, rattling the deck of the ship. The round metal balls hit the hard exoskeleton, causing cracks to appear in its armor. The scuttler dove down, resurfacing on the other side of the ship. Grian and Cleo shot at the beast, bullets pinging off its armor. Lizzie made the ship faster, swerving around the monster for the others to get a better shot at it.

Tha-thump.

Martyn whipped his head around as he heard a faint sound.

Tha-thump.

“What’s that noise?” Martyn looked around quickly, trying to make sense of what he heard through the chaos and noises of battle. The adrenaline rush he got in battle was usually crazy, but he was sure his own heartbeat wasn’t the one he was hearing.

Joel shook his head, his attention on the scuttler as he loaded his handgun and ran towards the beast, “Gah, who cares– focus on the beast!” 

The beast let out an ear-grating screech before scuttling up the metal walls of the ship. It reared its head back and bit at the edge of the deck, the top of its jaw crushing the railing along the upper deck as Joel narrowly avoided the sudden action with a stumble that sent him rolling to the deck, cracking his shoulder against the wood.

The scuttlers smaller claws grabbed the ship’s side, where the metal plating began, as it bit harder on the wooden railing. The reinforced wall made an audible crunch as the wood behind it chipped.

Martyn rushed to help Joel up, firing at the scuttler himself as he dragged Joel away from it. His bullet bounded right off its shell before the beast opened its jaws to take another bite at the deck. He looked up, “Lizzie! Can you get the ship out of here?!”

Lizzie shook her head. “I can’t! The thing’s grip is too tight! I’ll just take it with us!” She messed with the levers next to the steering wheel in an attempt to shake the beast. Her heart visibly sank, but she had a determined look on her face, “You have to kill it!”

Joel pushed Martyn off him as he pulled himself to his feet. “Cleo, Bdubs, with me! Shoot for its claws!” Joel shouted at the two, motioning to the beast before them.

“Scar, Martyn, you two wait for my signal! Mumbo, come here, we gotta lure it!” Grian gave Scar and Martyn a nod before he looked at Mumbo and grabbed a harpoon.

Mumbo hastily followed Grian as they began to climb the ladder, “Aw come on, why me?”

“Who wouldn’t want to take a bite out of a nobleman?” Grian laughed. He took small glances at the fight below him and Lizzie attempted to move the ship, shaking his head with a smile before climbing faster.

“Joel, running out of bullets here!” Cleo loaded the last of their ammunition and fired it off on the scuttler’s armor as it continued to slowly chip away.

“Take a harpoon then!” Bdubs hurriedly grabbed one of the large spears and tossed it Cleo’s way. They grinned and threw the weapon at the monster’s forehead and the scuttler roared as it let go of the ship. Bdubs locked eyes with Grian as the captain signaled for them to stop, “Get down!”

“Up here, monster!” Grian shouted, readying his harpoon. The crew ducked, flattening themselves against the ship, leaving Grian and Mumbo as the only visible targets. The scuttler growled and dove down beneath the water.

Martyn and Scar hefted their own harpoons. Martyn clenched his in a tight grip as he prepared to jump.

The scuttler rose out of the water, exposing its underbelly.

“Scar, Martyn, now!”

Martyn locked eyes with Scar for a brief moment before the two of them took a running leap off the side of the ship and drove their spears into the beast’s soft underside. The scuttler wailed and thrashed wildly but collapsed backwards into the sea. Water splashed and rocked the hunting ship as Scar and Martyn stood on the monster’s still convulsing chest, waiting in anticipation for the few seconds it took before it stopped moving.

One beast down, a lot more to go.

Martyn took a deep breath. Hunting was fun, but gods, it was tiring sometimes. 

“Good job there, Martyn!” Scar wrapped his arm around Martyn’s shoulders and grinned. 

Martyn smiled, “You didn’t do so bad yourself, Scar.”

Scar released his hold on Martyn and the two moved to take their harpoons out of the dead beast’s flesh. One, two–

Martyn slipped on the beast’s carapace as he pulled out his harpoon. The weapon fell into the ocean, plunging into its depths as Martyn tumbled down with it. The sudden cold waters closed around him, the impact hadn’t given Martyn the chance to hold his breath as shock took hold. He scrambled to grab onto anything secure, his hands skidding uselessly against the scuttler’s shell. Nevermind the spear. It had already sunk out of reach. 

Don’t panic. 

Martyn could feel himself sinking deeper. The cold, salty water got into his eyes, forcing them shut as he tried to swim up. Water rushed into his ears, filling it with the deathly silence of the ocean and–

Tha-thump.

That sound.

Tha-thump.

Was it louder than earlier?

Tha-thump.

Martyn was pulled out of his thoughts as he felt something grab his arm. His head broke the surface and he gasped for air,opening his eyes to the bright skies as Scar held him.

“Martyn– Martyn!” Scar’s eyes widened. He gave Martyn a smile, “Don’t panic! Everything’s okay, look at me.”

Martyn took short breaths. He saw the ship next to them with his friends looking on. At least they were nearby.

Scar pulled Martyn up and got him on the scuttler carcass. He gestured to the ship, “You’re safe. Let’s head up so you can dry off, okay?”

Martyn nodded, focusing on his breath as he climbed up the ladder to the deck. Solid ground. The most solid ground he could have while he was out on sea, at least. Martyn shook off some of the dripping water and shivered as the sea air passed him. He stared at his feet and crossed his arms, suddenly flinching as he felt something get thrown on him.

Oh. It was just a towel.

Martyn started drying himself off as Grian turned to him, “Are you alright?” He looked up at Martyn, his eyes narrowed as they locked eyes.

“I’m– I’m good,” Martyn shook his head, forcing a smile. He tilted his head to the open seas, “The water’s a lot colder here.” He shivered as he continued to dry the water out of his clothes and hair. 

“It’s getting colder too. It is autumn after all,” Grian shrugged. He turned to the front of the ship, the engine purring as they moved across the water, “Plus, we’re getting closer to the world border.”

Martyn’s eyes lit up. No time for feeling shocked. If the border was close, he had to be ready. Grian motioned for Martyn to follow him, and he did. “How close are we, exactly?”

“Not too far now.” Grian smiled, crossing his arms as he rested against the railing. He stared into the distance and narrowed his eyes, as if looking for the tell-tale signs of mist and sharpened rocks.

Martyn looked around, seeing the others work on repairs on the ship while Lizzie continued to steer forward. Another moment of silence until the next battle. Martyn untangled his braided hair and began to dry the soaking mess. He looked into the distance too, “Hey, Grian?”

Grian’s eyes glanced at Martyn, “Hm?”

“...What made you stop believing in the sea princes?”

Grian flinched, “That’s a loaded question.”

“Aw, come on Grian,” Martyn rolled his eyes as he began to braid his hair, “You and I both told those stories to your brothers and Lizzie, how come you’ve stopped believing in them?”

Grian hummed and Martyn stayed silent.

Martyn knew that he and Grian had grown up with similar stories and had told them to the others. But at some point in their life, Grian’s stories had come to an abrupt stop. And Martyn didn’t remember Grian sharing his excitement when the king had told them about their mission either. Martyn looked at Grian as a sharp sigh escaped the captain.

“They scared Jimmy,” Grian said softly, “I loved making fun of him for it, but…” He looked down and clenched his arms, “They freaked him out.”

“How so?”

Grian snorted. “You of all people should know, Martyn.” He looked at Martyn and raised his eyebrows as he shifted against the railing, “Just because they’re glory stories to you doesn’t mean it’s like that for everyone.”

Martyn rolled his eyes, “I know that,” he sighed. He bit his lip, remembering the past. Jimmy was a scaredy-cat, always screaming at the sight of anything. Maybe if Martyn had stopped teasing him so much, Jimmy would’ve loved hunting as much as he did. “I wished you’d told me sooner so I could’ve stopped teasing Jimmy too.”

“I wish I did, but,” Grian’s voice lowered, “These were the cards we were dealt with.”

Another wave of silence washed over the two. The rolling sea and faint birdsong were all that they could hear, along with the intermittent sounds of hammering as the ship was being repaired. 

Maybe Grian should stop staring into the sea like that. He looks awful.

Martyn placed a hand on Grian’s shoulder, “Well, people won’t have to be afraid anymore,” he looked at his captain and grinned. “We’ll take on that beast.”

Grian smiled, but it quickly vanished. “I wish he could have seen that.” 

Martyn didn’t know what else to say after that. Perhaps the silence was good for now. He looked out into the distance, seeing the faint outline of rocks up ahead. His eyes widened and his heart soared. They were close.

Though, it was odd that there was only one monst–

“Another one?!” Bdubs’ scream alerted the two, Martyn turned to look behind him.

A shrill shriek echoed over the waves, revealing another scuttler.

“These are class D!” Mumbo shouted, “They may not be too large, but they swarm!”

The beast began to charge at them, but something looked off as it came closer. Martyn ran to the nearest railing to the scuttler, leaning over the edge to take a closer look. His eyes widened.

It had fresh wounds.

There were cracks at its exoskeleton and looked to have one of its eyes missing. The water around it was clouded in blood as it swam towards them. It echoed a roar and rammed the ship, its sheer speed and impact caused the ship to sway violently as a loud crack was heard.

That wasn’t normal.

As the ship reoriented itself, Martyn’s first thought was to look for the beast. It wouldn’t be hard with all the cloudied blood. 

Huh.

Wasn’t it going to attack them?

Martyn watched as the beast swam… away from them. It was… running away…? Why? 

Martyn shook his head. He turned to his crew, a manic grin on his face. “It’s fleeing, let’s strike it down!”

“Hey! What gives?!” Bdubs slammed his hands on the railing and was shaking with excitement.“Give us a proper fight!” 

“Nothing more exciting than another beast, especially from one that runs.” Joel chuckled. He put a hand on Bdubs’ shoulder and smiled at him, then at Martyn. 

Now we get to give it a taste of its own medicine!

“You can’t swim forever, beast!” Martyn leaned against the railing, watching as the creature swam further and further away from them. It could swim away, but it clearly wouldn’t last for too much longer. 

The ship’s engine roared as it continued to gain speed, completely disregarding the carcass of the previous beast for the thrill of the chase. Martyn and the rest of the Canaries cheered on as they followed the bleeding beast. 

They failed to see the scuttler’s lifeless body get dragged under the waves by something far larger. Larger than anything the hunters have ever faced.

Sometimes, the hunter becomes the hunted.

[lokisasylum]

The hate against Jimin & PJMS is so forced....

In fact its SO forced that now ANYONE can drag ANY member & instead of the guilty party suffering the consequences they can just switch their pfp to Jimin's and say "pjms started it" and army are such SHEEP that they'll believe it and keep on parroting "pjms are the most vile creatures"

But you know what I've seen in the last 48hrs?

Jikookers dragging Taehyung for no apparent reason, knowing that kths will only attack Jimin, not the golden boi wonder who's album is coming up.

So after they get Jimin dragged, who has to come and clean the mess? That's right, pjms through all the ReportForJimin accounts.

I reported over a 100+ accounts yesterday between Targeted Harassment & Hateful Speech (most of those accs had been reported NUMEROUS times before & were still around), while I was still streaming FACE and trying to keep ya'll informed here on tumblr about random Jimin news. And while reporting I saw NOT A SINGLE jikooker OR ot7 reporting. It was always us while at the same time being attacked by everyone.

The next nasty thing I saw were actual Army OT7s who are Palestinians, expressing their discomfort at being pressured to buy and support JK's album when a lot of them were caught in this awful war and it was more important for them to fight for their lives and their families than focusing right now on an album that will still be available for purchase and streaming weeks and months from now.

GUESS WHAT HAPPENED????

The got dragged AND ratioed by everyone; "ot7s", JK solos & Taekookers alike.

I saw them get messages like:

"So go k*ll yourself then."

"I hope you get blown off along with your family."

"You all deserve to d*e anyway."

"Jungkook's album is more important than your pity-war, cry about it"

Yeah, those were legit messages being said to these armys. And all it took was one of them fighting back by stating that armys were stupid for defending an album that had Scooter Braun's disgusting hands all over it. The same Zionist who's on Israel's side & gives money for these wars disguised as "wanting peace", instead of standing up for people who were actually suffering or being killed as a result of this war, for the narrative of these JK solos, Taekookers & even some "armys" to switch to:

"Oh, that explains it. They're just jealous of JK because Scooter is helping him"

"Its prolly a bitter pjms who's afraid that Golden will surpass Face next week."

And the whole thing just went to hell from there with Jimin getting called animal names, pjms getting blamed for EVERYTHING AGAIN.

And the stupidest part is, they're acting as if there aren't any Palestinians within PJMS/Jimin stans side who ARE boycotting, who ARE participating in protests, who ARE risking their lives too.

I did also see a large group of armys openly declaring being Zionists & those were cancelled pretty quick. But why does it take so long for regular antis to get cancelled as well? They just get to roam free, spreading their one-sided hate around for weeks, months, years to come.

And in the end its always "pjms are the worst" when all we're trying to do it to keep supporting Jimin with streaming/buying parties every day. The majority of us don't even keep up with what the other members are doing, we're just here for Jimin only. But still we get dragged into pity-fights between the other solos.

ESPECIALLY that BlockForV acc who acts as an ot7, but is actually a solo acc day in and day out targeting Jimin & pjms for attention (they're the ones trying to drag Jimin into that issue with gdragon over that Nike Dinner Party where BOTH Jimin & RM got invited alongside other Idols and Hybe employees, by cropping pictures of that dinner party to make it look like only Jimin was there. We didn't even know they were doing this because apparently Taehyung is also under investigation for something?? So they're trying to divert attention by getting Jimin dragged)

It's tiring, man...