#tw referenced rescue
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serickswrites · 1 month ago
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Better Me Than You VIII
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7
Warnings: referenced captivity, referenced torture, referenced forced to watch, referenced forced to hurt, referenced blood, referenced wounds, referenced rescue, guilt, begging, mcd
"Please, Team Leader, I need you to forgive me. I know you're going to say there's nothing to forgive. But there is. And I need you to forgive me." Smallest Teammate spoke calmly and slowly. Silent tears tracked down their cheeks.
They had to do this. They had to say all of this. They had to say everything. "I'm so sorry," Smallest Teammate whispered.
Smallest Teammate could still feel Team Leader's skin split beneath their knife. Could still feel Team Leader's blood on cooling on their skin. Could still feel Team Leader laying unresponsive in their arms.
Could still feel the moment their heart broke when they realized Team Leader had bled out before they could get to help. They hadn't been able to breathe since then. Hadn't been able to stop crying.
Team Leader was dead because of them.
"I am so sorry, Team Leader. Please, please forgive me," Smallest Teammate whispered quietly to the body that lay on the slab in front of them.
They had refused to be separated from Team Leader's body. Had refused to let go when Teammate Two had started compressions trying to bring Team Leader back. Had refused to be pulled away when Teammate One had said there was nothing they could do. Had refused to let go of Team Leader's body when Teammate Three tried to comfort them.
The ride back to Base had been silent. Painfully silent. Smallest Teammate rode in the back of the vehicle with Team Leader. They couldn't leave Team Leader.
Teammate Two had lain Team Leader on the slab, Smallest Teammate following along silently. They brushed back Team Leader's hair off their face carefully. Team Leader's eyes were closed and their face was lax, as though in sleep. Teammate Two gently covered Team Leader's body from the neck down so Smallest Teammate didn't have to see their wounds. The wounds on Team Leader's body that they had inflicted.
They had killed Team Leader.
"I'm so sorry, Team Leader," Smallest Teammate said as they took Team Leader's icy hand in theirs. "Please, please forgive me."
Tags: @aarika-merrill @gala1981 @lthrboy @bookworm7543 @echo-of-umbra
@whump321 @st0rmm @whump-lover-and-reader @corbytheking @acer-whumpstuff @annng567
@defire @artisticdemon @tender-traps @crazytechpersonzreal @orangeduckweed
@st0rmm @a-living-canvas @whumpy-mountains @pic-star01 @mousepaw
@jumpywhumpywriter @knightinbatteredarmor @hufflepuffwritingstuff2 @anightmarishwhump @steh-lar-uh-nuhs
@celestialsoyeon @ay5ksal @corbytheking @dragonfireridge @pedro-pedro-pedro-pedro-pe
@painsthegame @theslaughterrrrrr @a-living-canvas @lthrboy @dragonfireridge
@pepeniascat @emanresus-blog @loverofwhump @clever-kills @dedicated-whump-blog
@whumpy-mountains
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bloodmoonsbloodbank · 1 day ago
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Tws: miscarriage (forced), referenced torture but not detailed
Alpha!Simon and Omega!Reader who are trying for a baby but before they even confirm that they’re pregnant Omega!reader gets captured on a mission and uh oh
Omega!Reader who is sex repulsed but wants pups so during their next heat them and Alpha!Simon try for pups
Omega!Reader and Alpha!Simon are so excited but want to keep it a secret until they’re certain
Omega!Reader and Alpha!Simon and the task force get sent out on a mission. They figure it’ll be fine it seems standard nothing they haven’t done before
And then something goes horribly wrong and Alpha!Price has the choice between pulling Alpha!Simon or Omega!Reader
He pulls Simon
His logic is sound, why would anyone hurt an omega? Sure you’re part of their task force but you’re an omega you’re still highly valued so at the very least they won’t kill you and your pack can get you back and he knows you’re a tough soldier, that you won’t crack
Alpha!Simon who explodes at Price in the safe house in front of Soap and Gaz revealing to the team that you guys had been trying for pups
The team that is horrified
Alpha!Price who didn’t know his boys were trying for pups
Alpha!Price who prays you aren’t pregnant because he would be heartbroken if anything happened to you or your unborn pups
Omega!reader who is pregnant and captured
Omega!reader that is pregnant and tortured
Omega!reader who’s captors can tell by their scent that they’re pregnant and try to use that to get information from them
Omega!reader who refuses to crack like the good soldier they are even when their captors threaten their pups
Omega!reader who panics when their captors start getting physical Omega!reader who gets feral snarling, growling, snapping once their captors start targeting their belly
Omega!reader who is heartbroken and sobs in their cell when there’s blood soaking their pants after a few days
Alpha!Simon who apologizes to Alpha!Price and reassures him that he made the right call with the information he was given and that it’s his fault for not telling him
Alpha!Simon who is the first to see Omega!reader when they are rescued, tied to a chair beaten and bruised with a red face from crying and a raw voice from sobbing
And he knows
Alpha!Simon who crouches in front of them and reassures them as one of the boys untie them
“No he’s not mad, you made the right choice, it’s okay, you followed your training like the good soldier you are, you’re such a good boy it’s okay, it’s not your fault”
Alpha!Price who still feels guilty about his choice
Omega!reader who stays in their room for weeks mourning and refusing to come out
Alpha!Simon who understands this was hard on them and dutifully takes care of them while they mourn
Alpha!Simon and Omega!Reader who both feel responsible for what happened but reassure each other that it’s not their fault
Omega!Reader who some what goes back to normal after a while and the pack supports them not bringing it up but being there if they want to talk about it or still need comfort
Alpha!Simon who makes sure next time they’re trying that Alpha!Price and they whole team for that matter knows
Chat is this anything? Idk I’m tired so it might be a little messy, I might edit and fix it up in the morning. I thought of this in the shower so half of it disappeared before I could write it down but I think I got the gist of it still. Send post
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underlovedpmdevent · 7 months ago
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Celebrating the lesser-loved PMD entries!
Hello! Welcome to my silly little PMD event! This is an event for celebrating the three least loved PMD games, that being PMD Gates to Infinity, PMD Super, and PMD Adventure Squad! There's a criminally low amount of stuff for these games, and I aim to help fix that!
The gist is that people write stuff, draw art, compose music, and more for these three games! Do as much or as little as you want, there's no pressure!
You can find the prompts here!
It's planned to last a week, starting at the beginning of Augst, but I'm thinking I might rerun this again in early September if there's enough interest!
The tag for this will be #underlovedpmdweek!
Here's the rules!
No Explorers-centric content. It can be referenced, but it cannot be the focal point of any of your submissions. Same goes for Rescue Team.
Please include "tw post apocalypse" on any submissions you make that are of a post-apocalyptic nature. Post-apocalypse makes me extremely uncomfortable, especially in regards to PMD, so I'd rather not see anything like that.
No NSFW content, if that's ok.
No bashing any of the PMD games, please. And yes, that includes no bashing of Explorers or Rescue Team.
If you think I should add any more rules, please let me know! Also please let me know if you have any questions, or if you have any prompt ideas!
If you're ok with it, I'd really appreciate if you reblog this post, so that more people know about this event!
I'm really excited to see everyone's submissions, and I hope you all have fun with this!
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roachsideblog · 18 days ago
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Hi, I'm Duckies! 23, he/him, I write darker things so Watch Out. Roachtruther and Fic Writer. I've actually been writing since 6th grade, which is uh. Over a decade now lol
This is my TV-14 (DLSV) blog.
My Main Blog: @tinyduckies (also TV-14 DLSV)
My 18+ AO3: tinyduckies
My 18+ Sideblog: @sideroachblog
Minors can interact with *this* blog and my main, not the other sideblog listed above. I ask that minors don't read my 18+ fics highlighted orange (the others are fine, highlighted blue). Ultimately I cannot parent you and do not care to do so, so if you fuck yourself up reading my adult fics I blame your parents.
Heed the TWs!!
Masterlist Under the Cut
Completed:
1. Roach Wouldn't Really Do It...
GhostRoach ANGSTY Hurt/Comfort One-Shot
HEAVY TW: Suicidal Thoughts
2. Leg Day
18+ Oneshot, SoapRoach Public Gym Shenanigans
3. Exhaustion's a Funny Thing
18+ Oneshot, GhostRoach Totally-Not-a-Date
TW: Mild Homophobia Mention, Alcohol Consumption, Drunk Sex
4. The Apple of My Eye
SoapGhost Hurt/Comfort One-Shot
TW: Mortality, Parental Death/Hospice Care
5. Subatomic
Röanig [RoachKönig] One-Shot, Developing Friendship/Crush, Can Be Read as One-Sided or Mutual Pining
Mild TW: Referenced Child Abuse, Emetophobia, Canon-Typical Violence, Smoking
6. Frozen Solid
KeegRoach Hypothermia Fic, pt. 1 but can be read by itself.
TW: Head Injury/TBI, Broken Bones, Unconsciousness, Drowning, Hypothermia
7. Rope Training
18+ Oneshot, SoapGhostRoach. Title explains it lol
WIPS:
1. Outside Looking In
18+ longform content, has occasional smut. SoapGhostRoach. Takes place after Roach is rescued from an Ultranationalist prison camp. From Soap's perspective as he grapples with his crush on Ghost while learning more about Ghost's intimacy with Roach, as well as Roach's past first-hand rather than by word-of-mouth.
~90k words, >2/3 complete, updated every month/every two months because I work full time.
Don't read if you hate communication issues/miscommunication in fic.
HEAVY TW: Mentioned Rape/Noncon, Torture, Starvation, PTSD, Panic Attacks, Flashbacks, Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts, Alcoholism/Drinking, Smoking, Implied/Referenced Cheating, Internalized Homophobia, Canon-Typical Violence
2. Melt to the Touch
18+ KeegRoach pt. 2, post-Frozen Solid where they reconnect and focus on getting together while Roach recovers and Keegan deals with his father's shitty behavior tying him to America when he'd rather move on with his life. Has occasional smut.
~16.5k words. I dunno if I'll finish it. I would love to but you know how it is lol
TW: Injury Recovery, TBI Recovery/Management, Fatherly Issues.
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stfreekeddie · 14 days ago
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Okay so, one shot fanfic of demon Eddie.. at some point he says.. "When I tell you to sit on my face, don't just put 10% of your body weight down, fucking sit on it. Sit like a chair. Don't ask if I can breathe. Just sit down." 😈
Take Your Seat
Demon!Eddie x Fem!Reader
TW/CW: Body image talk, body dysmorphia referenced, some smut, dom/sub, cursing, face sitting, MDNI 18+
A/N: I honestly love this and I know Demon!Eddie would be very much on board with all of this. Quote and all. So enjoy
Word Count: 1.2k
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There was never any shyness about what he could or couldn't handle, this was especially the case when it came to bedroom activities with his lover. Eddie knew what he was capable of. He also realized some things took some explaining to his other half.
Lately, you hadn't been feeling the best about your overall appearance. Insecurities were normal, but this particular spell was about your weight. It was a feeling that seemed to linger often in the back of your mind. A feeling that sometimes brought on some rather anxious thoughts. Body dysmorphia, you knew it well. All too well.
The cruel and bitter effects of social pressures and hindering trauma. It was a mental hell.
Eddie, luckily, had a sixth sense for such things when it came to you. He was essentially a walking mood detector. Even the slightest shift and he knew something was amiss. "What's the matter, pretty girl?"
"Nothing."
"Sweetheart."
The firmness of his voice and that drop in octave. You knew better than to deny again, otherwise he would just stare at you with those red-tinged puppy dog eyes until you caved, "I've been.." A slow exhale left with a waver in it, "struggling with my body lately." You admit finally, managing to at least hold your emotions together through your words.
Hearing you explain, seeing the sincerity and pain in your expression, Eddie's eyes softened from their more stern gaze just seconds before, "Why didn't you say so, sweetheart?" There was no real heat in his question, his words coming from a place of concern for you. He was well aware of the struggles you had with things regarding your appearance. Your body in general, really.
A thought crossed his mind, morphing his look of sympathy into one of mischief with his familiar crooked smile. The idea maybe just bold enough to work.
"Follow me."
That was all his uttered before taking your hand in his larger, calloused palm and tugging you ever so gently along towards the bedroom. As gently as a demon could, of course. Behind the closed door of your shared sleep space, Eddie's hands were quick to find your hips. Almost lightning fast. His lips pressing against your neck seconds after, "My little one." The rumble in his voice. God, the countless times it made you melt. Now was certainly no different. Only problem? Your mind was being a major cockblock.
"Eddie.. Eds." You murmur softly with slight push back on his chest, knowing the mixed signals you were giving right now with no fault of your own, "I don't- I mean, I just feel gross.." The words are accompanied by a frown, the most subtle quiver to your lip as if the emotions in your chest threatened to spill over.
Despite your insistence of your outward look - solely through your eyes, mind you - Eddie smirked down at you. His arms, already moving to loop around the width of your midriff with a snug hold, "And that is why this.." His hand pulling back from it's place behind your back long enough to motion between the two of you, "needs to happen. You, missy, need to be reminded how delectable you are." His hand returned to its place with fhe other - splaying his fingers on the small of your back. A short shrug followed it, "Consider it a.. particularly important side quest."
You couldn't help but spare a smile and an eye roll at his reference of games, "A side quest? Really?" You asked, hiking one brow up. Eddie replied in a chuckle, "Yes, a side quest in the game of life. Rescue my princess from the grasp of a wicked mind dragon. Your knight with a six-string sword and devilishly handsome looks."
Okay, now he was getting a bigger smile out of you, "You are the biggest dork known to man." The words leaving your lips with the air of a giggle. He smirked, dimples shamelessly on display, "A dork who also knows how to absolutely ruin you. Let's not forget that part, pretty girl." The blush now painting your cheeks was enough to signal he was on the right track, "Now, be a good girl and let your knight slay that nasty dragon, hm?" The soft, sultry edge of his voice nearly making your knees buckle.
You were more than just gone for this man.
"Eddie.." You manage out.
"Yes, princess."
"Can you-"
"Demi form?"
He took the words right out of your mouth, simply nodding to confirm the shared wavelength you two just had along with the pink on your cheeks deepening to an obvious but lovely scarlet.
As if like smoke, his horns and claws faded in so flawlessly that you couldn't help but be in awe every time it happened. His tail whipping slightly to the side, it did a few twitches in it's settling before he smirked at your reaction. One he never grew tired of.
"See, the way you look at me in this form. At me, in general." The metalhead began vocalizing his thought, "Makes me feel so damn good." He explained, his gaze never leaving yours as if to make sure you knew his genuineness. "Now.. time to make you feel good."
In a slow progression of undress, the shuffling of clothes harmonized with the breathy sounds between lovers, Eddie pulled back long enough in admiration. Reminiscent of an art collector admiring his favorite piece, "Shit, you are stunning." He breathed out, the words on his exhale like you had taken the air from his lungs. You shuffle a little, nerves still having a lingering hold.
His clawed fingers curled under your chin, carefully tilting it up, "I'm gonna get on the bed, princess. And you're gonna take a rest on your best seat." His words followed closely by him gesturing to his own face with a wiggle of his brows.
Climbing on the bed, Eddie eagerly lounged back with every intention of pleasing you. It was one of his favorite past times, after all. When you gingerly climbed over him, reverse straddling his face, you were hesitant to lower yourself down.
"Babe. Sweetheart. What are you doing?"
You hear him ask, the question making you more than a little flustered as you stammer out, "Uh, s-sitting. Like you asked." You reply, weakly trying to pass off your feeble straddling as a fulfillment of his request.
"Baby, this isn't sitting. I said sit on my face." Eddie repeated with a slight chuckle mingled in a tinge of frustration. Not at you, just the hesitation.
"Eddie, I-"
"When I say sit on my face, you don't hover. You don't put a measly crumb of your weight." Eddie cut you off a little more firmly, that dominant tone seeping into his words, "You sit like a good girl. Like I'm your chair." He left no room for you to argue, his forearms coming up to hook over your thighs.
"But what if-"
He cut you off once again, "Ah, no. You talk too much, moan too little, princess. I'm a demon. I can lift you like a feather and fuck you like a fleshlight. The give-a-shit I have to breathe between your damn thighs is extremely slim." A growl edged his words, "Now, I told you to sit."
With that, his flexed his arms to pull you down by your thighs until your heated apex was smothering him. And fuck, if he wasn't the happiest demon for it.
You, though? The moment his elongated tongue surged into your tight pussy, well - that mind dragon was slayed pretty quick.
Maybe you should have a seat more often.
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miscellaneoussmp · 1 year ago
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Holy shit, a proper fanfic? It's more likely than you think. I'm normal about hgduo, I'm so normal about hgduo and that's why I wrote this. Anyways, here's Cellbit throughout the years (cw/tw: blood/violence/death mentioned/referenced throughout, general Cellbit fuckery, highly repetitive narration):
Cellbit is just thirteen. Well, in actuality, he doesn't know his name, and his age is just as obscure when he meets Badboyhalo. The demon teaches him all sorts of things like how to not waste food, words to use instead of swears, and a fun game. 'Fetch' Bad calls it. Cellbit thinks the demon is lying to him sometimes. He laughs every time Bad yells at him for swearing, but he tries not to most of the time. It's not his fault that he didn't see that arrow, or maybe it is? Bad teaches him to be aware of his surroundings.
Cellbit is sixteen, well in actuality he still doesn't know his name instead Bad calls him a flurry of assorted nicknames ('Little one' the demon seems to settle on when he thinks Cellbit is sleeping. In reality, he doesn't sleep). He doesn't know how long it's been when he loses sight of Bad. He thinks he must be feeling empty. Alone, maybe? He doesn't know. He walks off the battlefield with an iron knife in hand and the taste of iron in his mouth.
Cellbit is just nineteen. Well, in actuality, people call him Cell, and he finally knows how old he is as the courts seemed hellbend on proving his age when he sits across from a psychologist. They seem nervous, maybe it's the mutliple armed guards? Who knows, certainly not him. They ask him a very simple question: Why? Cell answers truthfully for once, "A demon told me not to waste food, so I don't." He shrugs like it's the most mundane thing in the world, and to him, it is.
Cellbit is twenty-six when the cargo ship he snuck on runs aground. He tries his best to ignore the looks from nervous brown eyes and pissed off green eyes. He introduces himself with his full name in front of the people who live on this island. One of those people is Bad. It feels nice to know that his oldest friend now knows his name. Cellbit meets his son for the first time, and he thinks the world of the little one.
Cellbit is twenty-six when he thinks he's fallen in love. Cellbit is twenty-six when he makes the worst decision in his entire life. Cellbit is twenty-six when he wakes up with a white streak in his hair. Cellbit is twenty-six when he gets engaged. Cellbit is twenty-six when he gets married.
Cellbit is twenty-six when his son goes missing along with the rest of the children on the island. Cellbit is twenty-six when he pushes himself headfirst into looking for any clue possible. Cellbit is twenty-six when he meets his sister. Bagi is twenty-six when she finds her brother. Why did she get to be happy? Why did she not find him sooner? She wasn't. She tried, and she was so close. Cellbit is twenty-six when he gives up his knife to Bad. He'll get better use out of it. Cellbit is twenty-six when he picks up a different blade. His mouth is filled with the taste of iron again. He wants his son back. He wants the children back. Rage consumes his very soul. Bagi is twenty-six when she realizes her brother is the murderer. 'Is he proud?' The question goes unanswered. Cellbit is twenty-six when he feels thirteen again. "Do you like it?" He asks, his voice far too soft. "You've gone soft." He hisses to his oldest friend. Cellbit is twenty-six when he confesses murder to his husband.
Cellbit is twenty-six when he enters hell for the second time in his life. Under the red sky feels like home. He feels alive. This time, Bad is his enemy. Cellbit is twenty-six when his son dies. Cellbit is twenty-six when he takes a final ten seconds to say goodbye. Cellbit is twenty-six when he hunts people down for fun with Baghera. Cellbit is twenty-six when he's sure the demon is lying to him. He feels empty again. Cellbit is still only twenty-six when he and Baghera are rescued by their children. A fresh start. Cellbit still feels empty.
Cellbit turns twenty-seven, and he celebrates. He celebrates with his son, his niece, and his oldest friend. They celebrate with fighting mobs.
Cellbit is just twenty-seven when his oldest friend, Bad, forgets his name. Cellbit is just twenty-seven when his mentor, Bad, forgets to write a letter. Cellbit is just twenty-seven when the question he asked long ago is answered. 'I'm proud of you, you know that, right?' Cellbit doesn't even know. Cellbit has just turned twenty-seven when the person who knows him the best, Bad, dies. Cellbit doesn't even know.
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atimeofyourlife · 6 months ago
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I tried to hold back, but you drew me in
wc: 1787| rated: t| tw: referenced domestic violence, mentioned vomiting| read on AO3
Buck starts at the 118 before Tommy leaves. Tommy tries to keep his distance from Buck, but they eventually become friends and something more. Set pre- s1e1 First in a series of one shots of different times Buck and Tommy could have met.
Tommy wasn't surprised that they were getting a new probie, after all they'd been running a man down since Sal had been transferred out. He told himself he wouldn't get attached, they would only be working with each other for a few months, just until everything for Tommy's transfer to airops was finalized. He knew he wouldn't still be at the 118 to see the end of the probationary year. 
But then he met the kid. Evan Buckley. 25 years old. Legs that went on forever, an ass that didn't quit, sparkling blue eyes, and a smile that lit up the room like sunshine on a rainy day. And that adorable birthmark that Tommy just wanted to kiss.
And sure, there was the cocky facade that so many young men had when they'd made it through the academy. Evan Buckley was hot, and he knew it, showing off and flirting with anything that moved. But under that facade was a heart of gold, a kid who would try to see the best in everyone, who would try to connect with everyone. Tommy was falling, and falling hard.
Tommy tried to push it away, to forget about it, but with every shift, Evan made that harder and harder. With how hot he was when harnessed up to do a rope rescue, or in his turnouts all covered in soot after a fire. With how gentle he was with kids, a unique ability to keep them calm no matter the scene ("I think it's because they know he's one of them." Hen had joked after a call to an injury at a playground, where Evan had efficiently distracted all the other kids from their injured friend.) How he would listen to the little old ladies that became frequent fliers due to falls or issues with their medications. His ability to comfort people, no matter how bad the scene had been.
But he was still determined to keep Evan at arms length. He wasn't being hostile, just cautious. Tommy did everything he had to as Evan's training partner, answering any and all questions he had about the job, wanting to set him up to be a good heavy rescue asset. During downtime at the station, he'd make friendly small talk, and talk to Evan as part of the group, but he kept it superficial. Never opening up for anything deeper.
The call that made him reach out more, extend an olive branch more, was a difficult one for anyone. A DV call where the wife was beaten so badly, she was barely recognizable. Evan managed to hold it together just long enough for the woman to be loaded into the back of the ambulance before he was turning to throw up in the bushes at the edge of the property. He really felt for the kid, because he'd had a similar reaction on his first DV call. Evan was quiet all the way back to the station, and disappeared off alone the moment the engine pulled in. Tommy left him, knowing that sometimes after a hard call being alone was needed.
But then he didn't reappear. He would come out when there was a call, but kept to himself on the way there and at the scene. Only speaking when necessary. Then keeping himself away from everyone else when they were back. When it was nearing the end of the shift, Tommy decided to do something about it. He extracted himself from where he was watching Howie and Hen trying to beat each other at whatever videogame they'd started playing, and went looking for Evan. It didn't take him long, finding him in the locker room, his back to the glass. Tommy pushed the door open quietly, not wanting to startle him.
"It's just. It reminded me of you. Can you please call me back or something, I just need to know that you're okay, that you're safe. I love you." Evan's voice was soft, but thick, as if he'd been crying.
"Evan? Are you okay?" Tommy asked softly as he entered, moving to sit next to Evan on the bench.
"I'm fine." Evan straightened up and wiped his face, putting his phone back into his pocket. "If you're here to make comments about what happened-"
"Any first responder that tries to claim that they have never lost their lunch, or at least been close to it, at a scene, or because of a scene, they're either lying or it's just not been their turn yet. I've been doing this job for over a decade, I've seen it happen to almost everyone I've worked with." Tommy replied.
"Ever happened to you?" Evan asked after a moment.
"More than once. First time was because of a scene a lot like the one we were on today." Tommy admitted. "I always find DV scenes difficult. Some people find them harder than others."
"It made me think-" Evan started, but cut himself off. Tommy wondered if it had anything to do with who he had been trying to call.
"DV calls are so hard for me because they remind me too much of my mom." Tommy said quickly, something he'd only told Howie and his therapist. "She was too scared to leave, she never got out. Is. Is there someone it made you think of?"
"My sister, Maddie." Evan said quietly. "I think her husband hurts her. He's always been a controlling asshole, and I think it's got worse. But I don't have proof. I haven't seen her since I was nineteen, she was supposed to leave Pennsylvania with me. I didn't realize it at the time, but I think he stopped her. Did something to her to keep her from leaving. I call her and leave voicemails, and I send postcards to the hospital where she works so she knows where I am and he can't get hold of them. But she stopped responding. I haven't heard from her in over two years. I don't even know if she's-"
Evan cut himself off, but Tommy knew what he was implying. He didn't know if his sister was alive, or if her husband had killed her.
"What about your parents? Surely they would let you know if anything had happened?" Tommy asked.
"I don't really have a relationship with them. I can count on one hand the amount of times I've spoken to them since I left home. And they pretty much abandoned Maddie when she married Doug."
"That's awful, Evan." Tommy said, unsure how else he was supposed to respond. "If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you."
"Thanks, Tommy." Evan whispered, managing a small smile.
After that, Tommy found himself actually becoming friends with Evan. It was easy, chatting and joking around on shift, Tommy lookimg forward to when the team would go out for drinks after work. Wanting the opportunity to spend more time with Evan. And he knew he was going to miss Evan endlessly when his transfer came up. He hoped he could stay friends with Evan, and Hen and Howie, but he had seen, and knew from experience how hard it could be to keep in touch. Different shift schedules, and busy personal lives taking up too much time to have anything more than the occasional catch up text. 
For his last shift, he was expecting something. Likely something small, but at least a goodbye, maybe drinks after work. He wasn't expecting the house to be taken offline for the last hour of the shift, with Hen and Howie jumping out the back of the ambulance with balloons and streamers, or getting shoved face first into a cake. He didn't expect the cards and little gifts, the kind and friendly words. The tight hug from Evan as he said how much he would miss working with Tommy.
The evening out for drinks that lasted a lot longer than usual. People drifting out as they needed to get home for their responsibilities, wives, girlfriends, kids. Leaving Tommy and Evan alone together at the end of the night. They headed out at the same time, waiting outside the bar together for their Ubers. Evan kept up a stream of chatter as they waited.
"At first I thought you didn't like me much. Like, you did your job and taught me everything you needed to, and answered all of my questions about it, no matter how weird or repetitive they got. But other than that, you wrre almost cold." Evan said, and Tommy hated that he'd made Evan feel like that.
"I was worried about getting too attached, knowing I'd be leaving after a few months. I've had it too many times before when friends have moved on, we've said we'll keep up, still make time for each other, but life gets in the way. And soon, at the most it's texts at birthdays and Christmas. Maybe a check in if we've been on the same scene. I didn't want that to happen again." Tommy replied, baring himself to Evan. "But you're. You draw people in, Evan. You drew me in."
"I hope that doesn't happen to us. You're so easy to be around, Tommy. I feel like I can be myself around you, that I don't have to hide parts of me." Evan admitted.
Tommy saw his chance, the liquid courage pushing him to do something he never would sober. He tucked his fingers under Evan's chin, pulling him into a kiss. He could feel Evan's surprise, and nearly pulled back, hoping that he hadn't ruined their budding friendship. But after a moment, Evan kissed back. It was a little hesitant, but became more sure. Tommy kept his eyes closed for a moment after he pulled back, wanting to savor the moment. When he opened them, he could see the almost dazed look on his face. It was Tommy's first time seeing the other man speechless.
"Like that?" Tommy said softly. "You make me want to not hide this part of myself any more."
"I. Yeah. It works." Evan stumbled over his words.
"So that was okay?"
"Better than okay." Evan's smile widened, and Tommy wanted to see it everyday for the rest of his life.
"What are you doing Saturday?"
"Uh, Saturday?"
"I was thinking we could do something. You free?" Tommy asked as a car pulled up.
"Yes. I. I am free." Evan replied
"If you text me your addresss, I'll pick you up around eight?"
"Yeah. Eight's great."
"Great. I'll see you Saturday." Tommy climbed into the car, looking back at Evan.
"Yeah. Saturday." Evan replied, a soft smile still on his face as Tommy pulled the car door shut behind him.
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ifbench · 9 months ago
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Gates, Super, and Adventure Squad Event Interest Check!
So! In the nearly four years I've been in the PMD fandom, I've noticed that the vast majority of the PMD fandom doesn't care about any of the games after Explorers. Gates consistently gets hated on, Super is often treated the same as Gates, and nobody ever talks about Adventure Squad.
So, I'm gonna try to change that, with an event that's all about these three underappreciated games.
The rules are simple:
No Explorers-centric content. It can be referenced, but it cannot be the focal point of any of your submissions. Same goes for Rescue Team.
Please include "tw post apocalypse" on any submissions you make that are of a post-apocalyptic nature. Post-apocalypse makes me extremely uncomfortable, especially in regards to PMD, so I'd rather not see anything like that.
No NSFW content, if that's ok.
No bashing any of the PMD games, please.
If you're interested in this, please reblog this post!
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serickswrites · 1 year ago
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Recording VIII
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7
Warnings: hospital, referenced captivity, referenced torture, referenced temporary character death, referenced restraints, referenced rescue, hurt/comfort, hurt/aftermath, hurt/recovery
James lay in the hospital bed, looking smaller than Max had ever seen him. The hospital had cleaned his hair. Cleaned the wounds on his face, and Max imagined, cleaned the wounds that were out of sight under the blankets. But James still looked terrible. He was almost as pale as the sheets he was under and his face still swollen from all the beatings. The bruises on his throat were more pronounced than before. 
But he was alive. 
“Hey, buddy,” Max said as he entered the room. 
“Max,” James croaked. He blinked his one working eye. “You have to hurry.”
“I’m here. We’re all here, James. They’re just letting one of us in at a time. You’re in a fragile state.”
James swallowed before speaking again. “You have to hurry. He needs our help.”
“Who?”
“Lance. He needs help. Dexter,” James’ eye welled up with tears, “Dexter is going to hurt him. We have to help him. Please.”
“Why would we help him?” Max didn’t agree with Kyle’s interrogation style, but he agreed with Kyle’s assessment that Lance hadn’t been cooperating. And that he should face the consequences.
“He needs help. He helped me. As much as he could. Please.”
Max swallowed. Could the team have been wrong about Lance? “He’s out. We got him out.”
James sagged with relief. He closed his eye. “Good. That’s good.”
“How did he help you?” 
James was quiet for so long that Max thought perhaps he had fallen asleep again. “He didn’t let me die.” James’ voice was barely audible. “He could have. But he didn’t. I owe him, Max. We have to help him.” 
Max stood up. “We’ll help him. You just focus on getting better.” 
James nodded, his eye drifting closed. “Thanks. For….for everything.”
Max ducked his head. “You would have done the same for any of us.”
Before long, Max was back at headquarters, Lily and Kyle in tow. “I think it’s time for you to be a little  more forth coming with us,” Max said as he sat down opposite Lance. 
Lance surveyed him with wary eyes. “You spoke with James?” 
Max nodded. “I did.”
Lance nodded his head twice. “I’m glad to hear he’s still alive. He seems like a pretty stand up guy.”
“The only thing he wanted was to be sure you were safe. Why?” Max wasn’t willing to give Lance the benefit of the doubt yet. He wasn’t sure that James was right. 
Lance looked away. “He might feel he owes me.”
“Why?”
“Because he didn’t die. I told him he wouldn’t. I promised him he wouldn’t. And he didn’t.”
“That’s why you kept sending the videos and talking on them? So he would know?” Lily shook her head. “But you didn’t stop any of the torture.”
Lance looked up. “If you think that I could have stopped Dexter, could have stopped any of it, don’t you think I would have done that? You think I enjoyed watching Dexter beat him to death?”
“You did nothing to stop it, so yeah.” Kyle leaned against the door jam, arms crossed tightly across his chest. 
“The only thing that would have made Dexter beat him more, kill him faster, was direct interference. The best I could do was make sure you got the videos. And take more than I was ordered to.” Lance sighed. “Look, I know you don’t believe me. That’s fine. But if you aren’t going to believe me and you aren’t going to let me go, you can just lock me up. I won’t fight. I won’t do anything. But I’m tired of answering the same questions.”
Max shook his head. “That won’t be necessary.”
“What?” Lance’s eyes were wary once more. 
“I’m not interrogating you. I’m interviewing you. James wants you on the team. For whatever delusional reason he has in his head, I have to believe him. He brought all of us together, so I trust his judgment of character. So you’re on, if you like.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
“Even though he,” he nodded towards Kyle, “wants me dead?”
Kyle frowned. “If James says you’re good. Then you’re good. Doesn’t mean I have to like you. You have to earn that, newbie.”
“And if I decline?”
“Then we let you go. James will be disappointed of course, but if that’s what you want.” Lily watched him with careful eyes. 
Lance considered a moment. “I’ll join you. I just don’t know where you’ll trust me to be.”
“Wherever James tells us. Welcome aboard.” Max reached over to uncuff Lance but stopped as Lance flinched. “We’re not going to hurt you. We just had to be sure…”
“That I didn’t torture your leader. Yeah, I know. Doesn’t change the fact that I was trapped under a maniac for years. I think we all need a little time to adjust.” Lance withdrew his hands from the table. 
“He asked if you would visit him, you know.” Lily said softly. “I’ll take you, if you like.”
Lance nodded. “I’d like that very much.”
Tags: @scarletfern@whumperfultime@kim-poce@whumpwillow@damnitiscrewedupagain@extemporary-whump@st0rmm@pigeonwhumps@dontworrycomics@magziemakeswhatever@enteredin2eternity@mefattortoise@i-cant-think-of-a-new-username@paininmyheart-imalive@parad0xical2@whumpitywhumpwhump@ohwhumpydays@painsthegame@sweetwhumpandhellacomf@off-brand-likes@averydistinctivewhump@justwhumpythings@kim-poce@bookworm7543@steelandblood @wingsofadragonsstuff @basica11ywhumped@parad0xical2@mypulseisimpulsive@mefattortoise@ohwhumpydays@gala1981@whatiswhump@diamond-flavored-whump@courtneygacha@theelvishcowgirl@aarika-merrill@magziemakeswhatever @bluesoulpeace
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sideroachblog · 5 months ago
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Hey y'all here's that AleRoach WIP I promised!!
~4k words. Dry humping at the end (mostly build up), Alejandro being OOC because this was a bit of a daddy issues fic, Size Difference, Unfinished.
There will be TWs under the cut. They're pretty heavy because this is an offshoot from my fic Outside Looking In, where Roach was rescued after being a POW and experienced *severe* trauma. This WIP doesn't go into detail, but it doesn't mince words and it investigates how Roach's experiences are fucking with his current relationships. Additionally, there are heavy spoilers in here for OLI and it reveals more of Roach's perspective of his relationships with the team, particularly Ghost and Soap.
@youredyingthatsallthereis bc I was asked to tag <3
~~
TWs:
1. References to SA Roach endured while captive
2. Roach still being underweight from torture
3. Referenced Cheating
4. Internalized homophobia
5. My awful attempts at Spanish and writing realistic dialogue for someone who speaks English as a second language. In other words: Alejandro sounds corny as fuck. This man on the damn cob.
~~
TRANSLATIONS
Flaquito = An endearing petname. Flaco means skinny and the suffix -ito makes it smaller/cuter/etc
¡Está bien! = It's alright!
Cuate = Buddy/friend/etc
Mierda = Shit
Cariño = Honey/sweetie
No puedo dejar de pensar en ti. = I can't stop thinking about you.
Tesoro = Treasure
--
“Awfully thin for a member of the 141. How do you run drills? I dunno why they brought you here; you don’t even have a call sign yet.”
Roach looked up from the table where his nose was buried in gun parts, one of the team's assault rifles completely disassembled for cleaning. Colonel Vargas filled the doorway.
Before he could stand to salute his superior waved a dismissive hand and said, “Don't bother. Keep the energy, heaven knows you need it. At ease, flaquito.”
The nickname was a surprise when Roach expected to be addressed by rank. No clue what it meant, though. Halfway up from his chair he hesitated, then plopped back down with straining thighs and a groan. He quipped, “Maybe I'm just too good to leave behind, Sir.”
It was impossible to relax again, on edge and unfamiliar with the man’s temper, bracing for an inevitable smoking. He sat stiffly, spine straight as a board.
The Colonel double checked the safety on his own rifle before resting it in the corner then meandered across what was one of the safe house's bedrooms, now stripped of furniture save for folding tables and gun cases. The space was designated for weapons storage and maintenance. A lone yellow bulb hung from the plain room’s ceiling and offered sufficient lighting—enough to complete duties, not enough to help locate dropped screws or runaway pens.
“You’re in danger,” Vargas said matter-of-factly.
Roach squirmed. “Aren’t we all?”
“You especially. The stairs up here winded you. You have thin bird wrists and negative muscle mass like a frail old lady. What if we’re raided?”
He frowned and said, “I either prove my gun skills or perish, I guess.”
“That isn’t a price I’d expect your Captain to chance paying. Sacrificing fresh meat who needs more time to train, especially when you could put others in danger, too. I’m well-acquainted with John and well-experienced weighing risk versus reward.” The man pulled up a chair and settled in on Roach’s right. “Point is, I’d never send someone so underweight on an operation like this one, even if they stay cooped up in here. Not a newbie. Not in a million years. For Price to make that call, he knows more than he’s letting on.”
“What are you getting at, Sir?”
“You don’t have the eyes of a new recruit.”
He monitored the Colonel in his peripheral for any threatening behavior and swallowed hard. “Just joined the Special Air Service, Sir. If you think he’s hiding something, I think he’s the bloke to ask.”
Alejandro Vargas sat there like a brick wall: an athletic, imposing man of great importance to the Mexican Special Forces, more so than Captain Price was to the taskforce. Only now, with broken ribs where a bullet slammed his plate carrier, was he confined to the safe house in brief recovery. Roach felt like chump change in comparison to his weight lifting build, about six inches shorter and only half the kilos, stuck doing upkeep rather than assisting in the field. Even at his peak, before everything, before Makarov’s Ultranationalist animals held him captive, Roach wasn’t nearly as strong. He reminded himself that he was still healing, still gaining muscle, still making progress on top of how far he’d already come.
…So far, he’d only managed to gain about ten kilos. Ten more and he’d reach a ‘normal weight,’ again, still so unbearably skinny, still far from the size and strength his job required.
Their power imbalance seeded discomfort in his abdomen. Their differences in strength only amplified what stemmed from the subservience a sergeant owed a colonel. It was too similar to Russian prison, Roach beaten and abused by guards double his size who commanded him around like a mule. He tensed without meaning to, leaning away when Vargas’ thick forearms rested on the table, muscles rolling beneath their skin as the man fiddled with a hand guard from the disassembled gun.
The sight left him conflicted. Vargas struck fear in his heart, but struck it in other ways, too. He was attractive, certainly Roach’s ‘type,’ especially considering his confident, benevolent demeanor and how he cared personally for each of his men (at least from an outsider’s perspective). Tough love, but love nonetheless. However, the timing of Roach’s trauma was tragic—happening before he had the opportunity to explore his true sexuality. His thoughts were a muddled mess.
“I just cleaned that, Sir,” he stated. “You’re smearing finger grease all over it again.”
Vargas grabbed a damp cloth and wiped his hands down before using it to tidy the mess. “We’re not on an op. I’m not even your colonel. No need for the formalities right now, Smith.”
Smith. Garrett Smith. The new name was still foreign to his ear, so accustomed to ‘Gary Sanderson’ that he nearly corrected people on occasion. He went to say ‘yes, Sir,’ then truncated the title, hissing, “Yess-s—”
The slight lisp from Roach’s missing teeth made it all the more embarrassing. His cheeks turned pink.
“I’m dead serious about those eyes. Have you seen yourself? Permanent dark circles, thousand yard stare. Even now, you look passed me rather than at me.”
“Mm. I hadn’t noticed,” he lied, sounding as unbelieving as possible. “Interesting observation.”
Vargas angled his wide body to watch the Sergeant work. “Yes, very.”
Roach shrunk into his shoulders when the Colonel leaned forward, into the small uniform shirt that hung baggy enough to have him dress-coded anyway. He prayed the man didn’t notice.
No such luck.
“Not everyone in the world is out to get you. I don’t know who taught you we are. Price wouldn’t put you in harm’s way.”
He shuddered at the memory of Shepherd and replied, “I’m well aware there’s people on my side, Sir.”
“I’m one of them. No need to act like a scared dog.”
What if Price was wrong again? What if Alejandro were schmoozing him, attempting to—Roach gritted his teeth, trying to allow his respect for the Colonel to overpower his panic. “I know.”
“Then relax; I won’t bite.”
His legs screamed to bolt before something terrible happened, old pain from Ultranationalist hands resurfacing. Cuts, punches, yanked hair. Having his head shoved underwater until the bubbles nearly stopped.
When he was first captured, their medics begrudgingly treated his burn wounds with as little care as possible (and he had no idea why they didn’t leave him to die). They ripped off the dressings as if peeling stubborn wallpaper, debrided his skin without anesthesia, re-mummified his writhing form as agony lingered. The worst came later, towards the end of his imprisonment. It happened once. Fingernails digging into his thighs, forcing his legs open. Wrists bound so tightly with fraying rope they sustained nerve damage. Bodily intrusions he longed to forget. Thankfully, his attacker was not gifted in certain areas; however, the bastard compensated with violent thrusts that tore through Roach anyway, mentally and physically, leaving a cloud of disgust surrounding his body even months later. Worse still, the fact that Roach had dreamed of those same activities, gentler, involving trusted individuals. These fantasies were tainted, of course. Everything about him felt rotten after his assault was said and done.
He knew that wasn’t true. The thoughts surfaced regardless.
With a deep sigh, he did his best to loosen up.
“Good,” Vargas praised when Roach visibly shoved down the tension. He plucked a rifle scope off the table and worked the cleaning cloth up and down its length in long strokes, wrist twisting as he did.
Roach watched momentarily, then gazed up and found the man already looking back. He said, “You don’t need to help, if you’re busy. I’m sure you’ve more important duties to tend.”
“More important…? It’s break time. I’m striking up conversation. You intrigue me.” A gleam in Vargas’ eye betrayed the true extent of his interest: Roach was a mystery to solve. A broken man still piecing himself together in the line of action, ‘freshly recruited,’ although it was clear the Colonel knew better.
Roach offered a weak smile. “There’s not much to know.”
“Ah. I see. Hate small talk?”
“Always have, S-sir.”
Vargas replaced the scope and began polishing the other hand guard. “There’s beauty in the little things, you know. Much to be learned from interactions you wouldn’t think twice over. Puzzles made from smaller pieces are more intricate by design.”
“They take longer to assemble. Not much time to spare in our line of work, is there?”
“I’ll spare my time for you.”
As sure as he was the Colonel meant nothing of it, Roach’s face flushed anyway. Even though the thought of Vargas picking out the truth made him queasy, his eyes opened wide, dry lips parting delicately.
“Oh,” he chuckled nervously, “thanks.”
The corner of Vargas’ mouth raised in amusement. However slight, the expression managed to reach his eyes with sincerity.
“Of course. We kinda… left you here toiling alone. I wasn’t expecting to be stuck here as well. I can only assume you feel swept under the rug, maybe a little useless,” he said, wiggling one hand like a balance. “I know I do. But you’ve been lightening the load on our shoulders when we return from missions, though. So don’t feel bad. We appreciate having maintained weapons and an organized living quarters after. Your work at the base is invaluable.”
The words struck a cord in Roach’s heart, feeling more understood than he had in ages. With the 141, he was merely doing his best. His accomplishments were stepping stones in recovery. He wasn’t capable of anything more until healthy, and even afterwards his achievements would be overshadowed by the unspoken thought that he managed them despite everything.
Roach became inseparable from his suffering.
He nodded. “No problem.”
The Colonel clapped a massive hand on his bony shoulder. “Don’t be so shy. I appreciate your hard work, lugging around heavy gear and checking ammo supplies. It hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I’ll be sure to mention it to Price.”
Again, he nodded, unsure of whether to give thanks once more.
“You’re doing great, Garrett. You deserve recognition.”
Tears pricked at the corners of Roach’s eyes. He blinked them back but ultimately failed, and two tiny droplets escaped down his cheeks in white-hot rivulets.
Vargas was taken aback. His brain caught up to speed as he exclaimed, “¡Ay, está bien, cuate! Don’t cry. What’s wrong?”
Roach let him rub circles into his upper back, resting his eyelids as the movement swayed his body. Vargas cupped Roach’s jaw in a warm, calloused palm, encouraging him to turn without force, fingers long enough to hit his sideburns. It felt great to be appreciated, even better to be touched without being handled like glass. In their efforts to help him feel safe, the 141 did the exact opposite of his captors. Instead of treating him like rubbish—like a fleshlight—he became a priceless heirloom that would shatter under a funny look. Intentions aside, he still felt like an object.
Alejandro touched him like a person.
“What’s wrong?” He repeated.
“You—you’re so nice,” the Sergeant whimpered, laying a hand over Vargas’ own on his face. “I dunno what to make of it.”
“Are your teammates not nice to you?”
“They are! They are. Just… Not like that. They don’t say things like that. I f-feel like a dead weight.”
“You’re not. And I mean it.”
Roach cried harder. Vargas stood and opened for a hug, which he lunged into wholeheartedly, draping himself onto the man’s chest as those strong, angelic arms wrapped around him. Breaths heaved Vargas’ sturdy pectorals and Roach along with them. It felt secure. His thoughts calmed to a trickle for once.
Suddenly, a warm kiss pressed into his temple, short circuiting his brain. He sighed as safety eased through him. Roach had never been kissed for himself. Hannah kissed him selflessly, mistakenly. She loved him; she wanted to kiss him for their sake, not knowing he'd never feel it as intended but unconsciously aware something was wrong as she floundered to fix things. It was through no fault of her own, having a coward of a husband who feigned heterosexuality to avoid family drama, and she eventually stopped trying. It hurt, seeing her sneak around with Mike. Gary ignored it, figuring she deserved someone able to cherish her entirely.
Gary did love her though, and Roach believed he always would no matter his identity. There was a reason he chose her to marry. Playing the part was easy with her kind heart and dark, witty jokes. She’d been his best friend, high school sweetheart, and first kiss—supposedly his last and only, if not for Simon coming along.
Simon.
Simon kissed him greedily when he needed reassurance.
‘Are you still here with me?’ He asked wordlessly when they were alone, boxing Roach against the wall in one final measure of security. He was aware of Hannah, his kisses selfish, self-aware, and sorry. ‘I need to mean something to you. I don’t care what, lieutenant or lover, just care for me.
Be there for me.’
Gary wasn’t. He couldn’t be. He orbited Simon because of their difference in rank, never falling in love because they were battle buddies and he was a married man. However, he couldn’t let his Lieutenant in as a brother-in-arms—not when he dreamt of holding him each night. Of fucking him stupid in the supply closets. No, Gary acted selfishly, too, devouring the only male attention ever thrown his way and giving Simon false hope, accepting kiss after undeserved kiss. Simon was kind while Gary was awful, returning the gentle reassurance of his lips despite never fully opening up, caught in Cupid’s purgatory where he lied to his commanding officer and wife simultaneously. Garrett could be better, if Simon would have him. If he could bear putting his damaged self on display for someone who loved him when he was whole.
A thumb wiped the moisture from Roach’s cheek.
This was different. Vargas put comfort in the gesture. It was Roach’s turn to be reassured, promised he was welcome in their embrace. Vargas didn’t need anything, didn’t want anything more than to learn who Garrett was now, and it was similar to Soap’s appeal—except Vargas was less skittish and unsure of what he himself had to offer, unbiased by the team’s grief-stricken reminiscing or the knowledge of Roach’s assault. Most importantly, despite all this mushy emotional crap, Vargas’ touch remained impersonal. Impermanent. Roach could safely make mistakes because he'd either die recapturing Los Vaqueros’ headquarters or return to the UK after the operation concluded.
“Colonel,” Roach whispered, pulling back to scan his face.
“Please. No one’s here. Call me Alejandro.”
“I couldn’t—”
“Really, do it. You’re not one of my men. We could be friends at the end of all this. You need more of those.”
“I’ll be too far.”
“I’ll make time to call.”
He hesitated. His arms snaked away from Vargas’ neck until his hands fell to the man’s chest, stabilizing himself on the broad ribcage waiting there, further examining the man’s expression for hints of annoyance. He found none.
Roach’s eyebrows furrowed and more happy tears begged to flow freely as he asked, “Do you mean it?”
“Absolutely, I do,” Alejandro replied. His grip slid to Roach’s hips to accommodate how the Sergeant repositioned. “Christ, Garrett, you’re even skinnier than you look. I can’t believe Price would… Never mind.”
He was right. He engulfed Roach. Only now, rather than make Roach feel lesser, freakish, and scared, it had him weak in the knees. Roach shivered and flicked his eyes to Alejandro’s lips, starving to feel them tenderly elsewhere, ashamed to desire such attention from the first man to give him understanding and selfless touch.
A Russian accent floated through his mind, dark with arousal and aggression. Maybe he was ‘just a worthless whore.’
“Please,” Roach asked, knowing exactly what he wanted yet not how to phrase it.
“Please, what?” It was an honest question, not a flirty tease.
Roach wanted more than friendship at the moment. A relationship wasn’t the goal; physical intimacy was. To get fucked out of his mind by someone harmless.
One of his hands drifted to the back of Alejandro’s neck who, thankfully, took the hint and leaned forward until their foreheads clunked.
“Please. I’m Roach. When we’re alone, I mean.”
He tilted his head and asked, “Roach? Why that?” sounding pleasantly confused yet excited at the prospect of an answer.
“It’s my old call sign. Don’t tell anyone. Not a soul.”
An answer and a secret, and a clue about Garrett’s past. Alejandro’s face lit up like he’d won a hundred quid. “Okay,” he grinned. Then, the serious tone in Roach’s voice transferred to his. “Okay. Sure. Anything you need.”
“Anything?”
“Anything I’m able to do, I will. I’m a man of my word.”
Alejandro was a stranger he’d known less than a month, but his kindness and sincerity were unending thus far.
Roach chewed his lip and said, “Kiss me again. Kiss me more. You did it right.”
He pulled back, gazing at Roach while one of his hands returned to the Sergeant’s jaw. His smile grew until his cheeks squished his eyes into crescents. “Mierda… How could I say no?”
Turning Roach’s head to the side, Alejandro’s lips reconnected with his temple, then stippled across his cheekbone and down the crooked bridge of his nose. Request granted, the Sergeant closed his eyes in contentment and hummed, reaching up into Alejandro’s hair. Heat rushed to his face and coiled in his belly as the Colonel traced kisses along one of his smile lines, planting a final one at the corner of his mouth before pausing.
“Am I still doing this right, cariño?”
His knees were quaking and his hands gripped Alejandro’s shirt for dear life. Even if he let go, he knew he’d be safe. “Yes,” he said, voice wavering.
“Want me to keep going?”
“God, yes. I’ve never had someone do this before.”
Alejandro frowned. “Not ever?”
“No. I’ve only ever been…” he struggled to think of an appropriate term, “…touched by people who wanted it from me. I’ve never had someone do it because I needed the attention.”
“You have mine now. You caught it the second we met.”
“…Why?” Roach asked.
“None of the files about you line up with who I’m holding in my fucking arms. I’ve met a different man than the recruit I approved on paper—I need to have a chat with Price about that. No puedo dejar de pensar en ti.”
“What does that mean?”
Alejandro grinned and whispered, “You’re peculiar. Mysterious.”
“There’s no mystery,” he insisted.
“Whatever you say, Roach. Even if I don’t figure you out, I'll enjoy learning what I can.”
“You’re too much. Shut up and keep kissing.”
He caught Roach’s chin and guided the Sergeant’s lips into his own, making no attempts to part them or shove his tongue in between, maintaining comfortable pressure that broke briefly between smooches. His exhales blew hot. His stubble tickled when he trailed up Roach’s jaw and planted one below his ear.
Roach shivered and moaned behind his puckered mouth, savoring the way Alejandro curled over his body in response, now looking up so their lips remained connected while the man cradled his head and the small of his back. When Alejandro relented Roach groaned in protest, attempting to pull him back by the collar.
He chuckled. “I was going to ask if you’re still enjoying this. I think I got my answer, th—”
Roach cut him off with an open-mouthed kiss, hoisting himself up on tip-toes instead since Alejandro was immovable and took too long closing the gap of his own accord. It elicited a surprised gasp that Roach swallowed whole, using it as an opportunity to press his tongue against the Colonel’s teeth. Fingers tangled in his hair, offering comfortable encouragement rather than balling into a fist and yanking.
Then, Alejandro moaned.
And the sound rolled as deep and powerful as an ocean current,
And it flowed up the arc of Roach’s spine slow and sweet like molasses,
And Roach couldn’t take it anymore.
“My legs are tired,” he complained, limbs shaking, “and my ass hurts from the chair.”
“My lap is pretty comfortable.”
Just what he wanted to hear. He grinned, winded, huffing desperately through closed teeth, “I dunno if can I just take your word for it.”
“Aw, don’t trust me?”
“What can I say? I’m a skeptic,” Roach laughed nervously. Having little experience, flirting wasn’t his forte. “Can we move to that couch in the sleeping quarters so I can find out for myself?”
Alejandro blessed him with a look of surprise that bloomed into a beaming smile. “Lead the way.”
Roach took his wrist (and was allowed) to drag him. They burst through the door, Alejandro flopping onto the aforementioned futon with creaking springs. Roach straddled him immediately and the Colonel’s hands returned to his hips, untucking the baggy shirt from his loose pants, slipping under its hem. It felt electric. It had him shaking like a dog.
“You alright?”
“Just nerves,” he assured.
“Relax. I’ve got you.”
Unbuttoning his own fly, Roach cursed at the pre-cum already forming a wet patch on his boxers.
“Already excited, cariño?”
“Sorry. Y-you’re very attractive.”
Their half-hard cocks throbbed together.
“You’re one to talk,” Alejandro said and lifted Roach’s shirt, mouth gaping at the exposed fuzzy skin beneath.
The shame of having a body surged in Roach’s mind. “I used to have more definition. I was hotter before…”
Those hot, rough hands roamed further under Roach’s uniform, ghosting over his ribs. Alejandro said, “I want you however you are.”
“I’m doing much better than in September.”
“Good,” He replied and leaned in for another slow kiss.
Roach moaned into it as fingers tweaked his nipples. No matter the pleasure, he put his own hands over Alejandro’s and pulled them off. The man detached at the first hint of resistance.
“Hm? Don’t like your chest played with?”
“No, I do! I just… was curious if you’d stop when I wanted.”
Alejandro’s eyes widened. He was intelligent; he read between the lines before Roach finished writing them.
The Sergeant continued. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make it weird.”
Pulling him in tight, Alejandro buried himself in Roach’s neck and whispered, “Tesoro. If you want me to stop, tell me! It would kill me to know I hurt you.”
“I will,” he smiled, leading the man's focus back to his nipples, who immediately resumed toying with them. “You know, for a bloody colonel, you sure do love to follow my directions.”
“A good one knows when to stop commanding and listen. Competent sergeants know what they need. Besides, it’s still break time. I’m just Alejandro. You’re just Roach.”
Before Roach could reply, Alejandro leaned forward and sucked a nipple into his warm, wet mouth while flicking the other, earning a gasp at the tongue teasing it and wriggling hips searching for friction. Their cocks pressed together as Roach ground his pelvis down, then again, driving the rhythm of their dry humping as fast as he could. Unfortunately, in his affected state, this wasn’t that fast.
He growled in frustration, the pleasure simultaneously too much in his inexperience, yet too little.
“What’s wrong, hm?”
“I want it harder!”
Alejandro tested the waters, applying gentle pressure as he bit Roach’s pectoral.
His reply was somewhere between a whimper and yelp. “Nn!~ Not what I meant!”
The man simply soothed it with his tongue, reaching up to caress Roach’s head.
“The grinding, that’s what I mean.”
With a slow grip on Roach’s waist, giving him time to realize and protest if desired, Alejandro used those massive muscles to rock him back and forth.
9 notes · View notes
aftgficrec · 5 months ago
Note
Hi! I was wondering if you know of any fics that explore the friendship between Andrew and Kevin? Especially how they became close after Kevin came to the Foxes with a broken hand. I just think their friendship is so interesting, and I am so curious about how it started. Thank you!
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@lynntjeeee and @sayonara-you-weeaboo-shits: These asks overlapped, so we combined them and separated fic types with subheads. The last ones under ‘you may also like’ don’t fit neatly but still hold the main ideas found in pre canon Kevin & Andrew stories. Unfortunately most are not very long. -A
also see:
‘a foxhole collection…’ Chapter 30 here
‘The gentle violence of loving you’ and ‘I Don't Know How to Breathe’ here
‘I came for the safety (stayed 'cause you made me feel)’ here
‘Searchlights’ here
‘Trust Me’ here
you may also like:
Andrew loving toward Kevin: friendship or kandrew here
Andrew & Kevin here
kandrew fluff & smut here
Kevin centric here
‘breaking every finger, praying that it makes me clean’ here 
‘do you care?’ here
‘Have a Kevin of the day’ Day 2 here
‘They All Burn the Same’ here (updated)
‘a lot's gonna change’ here
‘splinters beneath our nails,’ ‘Not again,’ and ‘Reasons’ here
‘Just Short Of A Fairy Tale’ here
‘the prince in the raven tower’ here
‘white soap’ here
‘Pieces of Ideas for Works’ ch 12 (also ch 43) here
‘Cross the Board and Crown Yourself Queen’ here
Rescue Me by Demiwitchwoodwalker [Rated T, 4564 Words, Complete, 2022]
Part 1 of Someone(s) To Stay, part 2 here 
“I can protect you, from him and yourself,” Andrew said in a tone Kevin couldn’t quite place after a long moment filled with nothing but the muffled noise of the game playing on Kevin’s laptop. “I can help you stay instead of running further or back.” Kevin stared at him then, finally letting himself actually look at him, and the same feeling from before returned, feeling like a hand clenched itself around his lungs and heart. He pushed his laptop closed, the game’s audio abruptly cutting off, and turned slightly to face Andrew, whose expression had shifted back into the grin that seemed to constantly be present in the day and whose eyes looked almost dead. Kevin’s lips parted, words rising in the back of his throat, but he couldn’t get them past his tongue. How was he supposed to do this? The memory of Andrew the night before floated through his mind again, when he was as close to sober as he could get, more vulnerable than Kevin felt he’d ever seen a person despite the fact that Kevin was the one halfway through a breakdown. "Why?" --- Aka, how Kevin and Andrew make their deal. (Potential triggers are listed in the tags, please be careful!)
tw: self harm, tw: panic attacks, tw: implied/referenced suicidal thoughts
broken wings by diabolicalandderanged [Rated G, 4625 Words, Complete, 2023]
Highlights of the year Kevin Day joins the Foxes as assistant coach!! Including: making the deal, meeting Wymack and taking down Riko
tw: implied/referenced abuse
Escape by 38booksonmyshelf [Rated T, 3430 Words, Complete, 2023]
The night Riko broke his hand, Kevin's only thought was that he had to get out. He went to his father.
tw: implied/referenced abuse
From Bones and Ashes by ScriptaManent [Rated T, 3006 Words, Complete, 2023, Locked]
Kevin has a mental breakdown during the weeks following his injury. He’s “safe” with coach Wymack but he can’t do anything, he can’t even hold a fucking glass and it pisses him off. He knows Riko is out there, looking for him (well, not yet, but he knows he will eventually). Kevin drinks to forget but his mind keeps going back to Riko, to that night when he broke his hand and when Jean collected him, to that night he got out of Evermore without looking back, and to that night he knocked on Wymack’s door, a living mess barely able to think straight. Then, without even a knock on the door, a first glimpse of hope manages to get him back to the surface, at least for a while.
tw: violence, tw: assault
take off your clothes and disappear by lackingsoy [Rated T, 3075 Words, Complete, 2020]
They recognize each other from the start. A yes, a no, and a maybe between Day and Minyard.
tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced violence, tw: alcohol, tw: medication addiction, tw: withdrawal 
Silver Crimson Black by sweetlikesugar [Rated T, 1076 Words, Complete, 2019]
Kevin can barely stand. He keeps swaying from side to side, vision blurry. Whether it’s sweat or tears he doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to know. All he knows is the sickening rage, boiling and curling like a poisonous snake. He’s mindless with it, he’s feral with it.
TWO. by mostly_maudlin [Rated T, 2944 Words, Incomplete, Updated June 2024]
The Foxhole Court is the only place in South Carolina that makes sense to Kevin, but it lacks the discipline, rigor, and partnership that kept him grounded for years. Over four nights at the court in the spring of 2006, Kevin attempts to recreate the only life he knows how to live.
tw: implied/referenced abuse
oh icarus how do you fall (so hard and so pretty) by wxltedrxses [Rated T, 1008 Words, Incomplete, Updated Feb 2022]
An analysis of the rise and fall of Kevin Day
tw: alcohol abuse/alcoholism, tw: implied/referenced abuse
don't want no other shade of blue but you / no other sadness in the world will do by snnycarisi [Rated G, 1713 Words, Complete, 2024]
For just a moment, he could pretend that this man was Jean, that they were both free to do something as frivolous as go dancing, that they were both free at all. He imagined that those were Jean’s hands on his waist, Jean’s breath on his neck, Jean’s body heat making his cheeks colour. That Jean would even want this — want him — after everything he’d done was possibly the biggest fantasy of all. --- After a drunk encounter with a stranger at Eden's Twilight, Kevin calls Jean.
tw: implied/referenced abuse
tfc!written word au by @unkingly [Tumble Fic, 2016]
in a world where what someone believes about you is written on your skin, Andrew and Kevin make their deal.
Andrew & Kevin hc by @filippa-kosta [Tumblr, 2018]
I want to talk about the significance of Andrew & Kevins relationship bc tbh I think it's devalued and misinterpreted a lot, despite the fact it's hugely significant to the series, vital to the plot, & important to Neil
andrew and kevin’s individual recovery arcs… meta by @ketterdamns [Tumblr, 2017]
kandrew/kandreil:
Make Me Believe That You Need Me Most by sambutwithbooks [Rated E, 10598 Words, Complete, 2022]
The problem was that Kevin expected exy to be enough.  Most people went through life without finding a calling, without a modicum of the talent Andrew had and still found ways to live normal, fulfilling lives. Exy- and the comfortable life it offered- should have been enough to tempt and satisfy any rational person.  And maybe that was his first mistake- believing that Andrew was a rational person. 
tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced alcohol abuse/alcoholism, tw: explicit sexual content
Take me as I come (or discard me like the rest) by elias_day [Rated M, 9675 Words, Incomplete, Updated Dec 2022]
Kevin’s breathing picks up. “What would you take for your protection?” “It’s not like you can offer much,” Andrew says. It’s true. What could a broken man like Kevin Day offer him? A man crippled by fear, someone without the backbone to stand on his own feet? Nothing. He could give Andrew nothing. “You’re wrong.” ___ Kevin never thought he could keep his end of the deal with Andrew. Turns out in the end, he did. Only not in the way he thought. A.K.A pre-canon KANDREW turned post-canon KANDREIL with lots of pining and emotionally repressed lack of communication
tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: nightmares, tw: vomit, tw: ptsd, tw: recreational drug use
What is love when it's never fully consumed? by CamilleDuDemon [Rated T, 10522 Words, Complete, 2021]
5+1 significative moments in the relationship between Andrew and Kevin, before and after Neil Josten's sudden arrival at Palmetto State University.
tw: medication addiction, tw: implied/referenced abuse
Temperature of Healing by ReeseMH [Rated M, 5482 Words, Complete, 2024]
Kevin Day, picked up by Andrew Minyard, hand broken and eyes glossed over because he is dead. There is nothing for him, and he doesn't even remember using his good hand to dial that number, coughing up blood before he could tell Andrew where he was. He didn't even know where he was going but the lights of the highway are pretty, and even though he is dead... he's not alone for it.
tw: major character injury, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: anxiety, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon
invisible machinery by grainpatron380 (onesourfish) [Rated T, 2445 Words, Complete, 2020]
Andrew drags his mouth southward and doesn’t bother with apologizing for imagined horrors or future ones. Doesn’t bother to say, I won't, I couldn’t, I would never do something like that to you. Can't promise it. Months before Neil arrives at PSU, Kevin has a nightmare. Andrew questions him.
tw: nightmares, tw: violence, tw: implied/referenced abuse
I Am Ready Now by IKnowWhoYouAre_Damianos [Rated M, 6477 Words, Complete, 2019]
The problem is, he doesn’t hate him. He wants to. Wants to hate this monster so badly, wants to feel the urge to kill him like Andrew does, wants to drive out to West Virginia and waltz onto the court, choking Riko to death until his eyes turn from black and white to red, his skin from tan to blue. But he can’t. Kevin thinks about his relationship to Riko when he was still at the nest. He thinks he's falling. But someone will catch him this time. Can he let go?
tw: domestic violence, tw: explicit sexual content, tw: assault
kevin day prefers the night by thewintersolstice [Rated T, 3027 Words, Complete, 2021]
Part 1 of aftg: everything's the same except kandreil's real, duh. series
Months after breaking his hand and arriving at Palmetto State, Kevin's still struggling with leaving Evermore and Riko's still got a ghostly grasp on him. Andrew takes him for a drive. “Snap out of it,” Andrew says, simple again like it’s easy, and pushes hard fingertips into his skin until finally, finally Kevin can breathe, can fight the sick roll of his stomach and he shuts his eyes, focuses on the warmth of Andrew’s palm until it’s gone again. He pulls away and Kevin hears the press of the bed as he stands up. “Let’s go.”
Oh Captain, Let’s Make a Deal by takitalks [Rated M, 3690 Words, Complete, AFTG Mixtape Exchange 2023]
An exploration of Kevin and Andrew navigating this stand off pre-canon, with a sprinkle of getting together.
Broken promises by ok555 [Rated M, 10783 Words, Incomplete, Updated June 2024]
Kevin doesn't know if he will ever forgive Andrew for what he did to get information about Neil on their ride to Baltimore. What will Andrew do to try and win his forgiveness? Will he even care? Andrew doesn't believe in regret, but what if just this once he does?
tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: suicidal thoughts, tw: depression
you may also like:
higher ground by darkoceanbottom [Rated T, 6085 Words, Complete, 2021]
Kevin Day and identity.
tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: canonical character death
Roaring Like Beasts Full Of Rage by Sashe [Rated E, 30713 Words, Incomplete, Updated June 2024]
The PSU Foxes' luck takes a turn when they take in the Raven's injured goalkeeper Andrew Doe. Andrew isn't exactly happy to be there, treated as a spectacle by the media, an outcast by his new team and a let down by the family that never wanted him. He's especially not happy about the new striker recruit, who no one else seems to think is supicious. or Roleswap canon divergent where Raven!Andrew has a broken hand and Wymack has been raising Kevin.
tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon, tw: implied/referenced csa, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm, tw: implied/referenced psychological abuse, tw: implied/referenced drug addiction, tw: panic attacks
The Truth Hurts Worse by mcmeasle [Rated T, 2742 Words, Complete, 2024]
Kevin chattered on as Andrew opened the door and tuned out the cadence of his voice, Kevin’s full attention on Andrew. Immediately, Andrew locked on to the man with bright red hair sitting in his desk chair, feet thrown on top of the desk with ankles crossed, tapping an impressive looking knife blade over his fingertips. “Welcome home,” the stranger said cheerily, a sharp smile wending its way onto his lips, icy blue eyes locked onto Andrew. —- Or Butcher!Neil makes a house call
tw: violence, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/noncon
decline of the empire by drewdrugs [Rated T, 1507 Words, Complete, AFTG Mixtape Exchange 2024]
Kevin embraced the idea that, even he had never been taught by his father, he was learning to lose now. The structures of his coliseum were crumbling and there was nothing that could be done to stop it. This time, Andrew couldn't do anything for him. Or at least that's what he believed.
tw: recreational drug use, tw: implied/referenced abuse, tw: implied/referenced self harm
NB: this last one is the culmination of Kevin & Andrew’s deal from the very beginning
Interesting by ashestoashes7 [Rated T, 6632 Words, Complete, AFTG 2024 Olympics]
Andrew decided to make the Exy Olympic Finals more interesting. No one else knew what to do with that, not even his own teammates, but Andrew and boredom was a recipe for the unexpected. After all, it was not every day a goalkeeper slammed the ball down the court and bathed the opposition in red.
29 notes · View notes
pixelated-whump · 1 year ago
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TWs: Referenced trafficking (I intended it to be like... hybrid trafficking but you can imagine it as whatever), Suicidal Whumpee
Beneath the cut is a short drabble I wrote surrounding a scenario in my head, but I barely know anything about the fandom I wanted to write it for, so I made it more ambiguous.
Whumpee barely has the energy to lift their head as someone enters their cell. “Are you here to kill me?” They rasp, a glimmer of hope in their chest. They can finally rest.
The person looks taken aback by their question. They pause for a moment before answering. “No, I’m here to rescue you. I’m with an organization that gets trafficked people back home.”
Their response is carefully crafted. Whumpee hates them for it. “...Why? Why me..?”
The person approaches them carefully, like they’re a cornered rat. “Why wouldn’t I help you?” They ask, kneeling in front of Whumpee. Their face is so kind.
“I don’t want to live,” Whumpee says softly. “You’d be doing me a favor by killing me.”
The person purses their lips. “Forgive me for being selfish, but I don’t want your blood on my hands.”
Whumpee lets their head drop back onto their arms. The person places a gentle hand on their back. “Can I pick you up?”
“...Yeah.”
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stationary-cycle-in-motion · 6 months ago
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@augusnippets day 5: concussion
tw: concussion, frostbite, vomiting, referenced physical abuse
It’s been a long time since Padmé’s been afraid of the dark, but the flicker of weak flames makes shadows dance across the wall, and she can’t help but think of monsters lurking in the dark. The cave feels even more claustrophobic now that she’s alone with nothing but her worry and an overactive imagination.
A rustle, like footprints in the snow, and Padmé tenses, reaches for a blaster that’s no longer clipped to her belt. She grits her teeth; she’s always hated feeling defenseless.
Two listing figures collapse into the safety of the cave, and Padmé nearly sobs with relief.
“Rex! Obi-Wan! Are you alright?”
Rex groans as he struggles to drag Obi-Wan’s limp figure deeper into the cave. “I’m fine, but the general’s most likely got a bad case of frostbite.”
“I don’t have–” Obi-Wan’s protest is cut short by a wet retching sound, and the floor of the cave is painted with the remains of the champagne and hors d’oeuvres from the ratification celebration.
Rex fixes Padmé with a longsuffering stare. It isn’t funny, but the morbid terror of losing Obi-Wan to frostbite in a tiny cave, so close yet so far from rescue, is so bizarre, laughter is the only outlet that makes sense. Before she knows it, the three of them are doubled over next to the fire, wheezing and bleeding tears.
As Obi-Wan’s laughter simmers to a chuckle, Padmé looks at him, really looks. His hair is a tousled mess, a thin layer of frost coats his singed robes and skin, there’s vomit all over his knees, and his fingertips are, in fact, blue. He looks a far cry from the composed Jedi Master he usually is, and it’s surreal to remember he’s only human, utterly vincible.
“The frostbite’s not bothering me much; I lost feeling in my limbs hours ago.” Obi-Wan holds his frozen hands up to the fire, scrunches his eyes shut. “It’s this blasted concussion that’s killing me.”
“You got a concussion? When?” Rex asks, concerned, and Padmé knows he’s panicking thinking he accidently gave it to him while he was dragging Obi-Wan through the snow.
“Oh, you know,” Obi-Wan replies absentmindedly. “Anakin just–”
Fear spikes. “Anakin gave it to you?” The bruise on her cheek throbs.
“Threw me into a wall,” Obi-Wan mumbles. “Rude. I can avoid blaster fire perfectly fine on my own, y’know.”
She forces herself to relax. Only an accident. Anakin wouldn’t mean to, he would never. Of course, that was what he’d said after he’d hit her–
A weight slumps onto Padmé’s shoulder, startling her out of her spiral. Obi-Wan turns his head, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
Padmé and Rex exchange bemused looks. “Obi-Wan, are you okay?”
“Fire’s too bright.”
Right. Concussion.
Padmé drapes an arm around his shoulders, pulling him closer and pointedly ignoring how the ice cold of his skin makes her shiver.
Sitting like this, curled into the safety of each other, it’s… easy. Easy in a way comforting Anakin has never been.
The thought shouldn’t disturb her as much as it does.
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aheckinmess · 1 year ago
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(One-shot series 1/3 chapters posted - posts regularly on Saturdays. If anyone knows who to credit for the Hizashi fanart, please let me know!) Read on AO3.
Tags: Graphic violence, Hizashi Yamada x OC, Present Mic, Present Mic saves the day, Hizashi Yamada is a ray of sunshine, angst, hurt/comfort, scared reader, pro hero rescue
Word Count: 4,364 words
Summary: Ichijiku Aoki has lived in hell with Kigai as her captor for three years. During a chance encounter at a dance club, she runs into her first breath of fresh air in years: Hizashi Yamada. Kigai makes it clear that Ichi belongs to him, so dare she hope for a better life and an escape from her prison?
Author's Note: I haven't posted fanfiction in years, but after a two-year obsession with My Hero Academia, I have more than enough content to share. This first series is pretty dark, but there's some comfort and sweetness along the way. Enjoy.
TW: Implied/Referenced Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse
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Chapter 1: Time Signatures
Ichijiku (Tigress)
In another life, listening to the pulsating beat of the music in the club might be fun. I might feed off of the voices singing at the top of their lungs, or delight in the changing colors flashing all around the dance floor. 
But I’m not living in another life. I’m living in hell.
“Give her another shot.” Kigai’s voice rises over the crowd as he gives me a look. Don’t you tell a goddamn soul what I’m doing or you won’t live to see the sunrise. His quirk stretches into my mind and reminds me just who I belong to. Of course, the bruises littering my thighs are testament to that too. Kigai would never let me go out in anything other than skinny jeans, so it’s not like anyone can see, though.
No one ever sees.
The bartender gives me a smile and I play the perfect part of being his playful partner, leaning over to give Kigai a kiss on his cheek, a loving gaze, and a swat at his butt while bile turns over in my stomach. I throw back the shot of tequila before Kigai puts his hands at my hips and looks directly at me. You’d better get out on that dance floor and pretend you’re having a good time. People have started looking at you.  “Why don’t you go have some fun, sugar? I know you don’t feel good, but the dance floor has always helped you clear your mind.”
He plants a slow and tender kiss on my lips, but all I feel is dread. I want to feel happy. I want to feel a flutter in my chest. I want to feel anything. Anything but Kigai.
You’re mine, Ichi. And don’t you forget that. His eyes bore into mine and then he turns away, laughing at a joke Shihito tells him. I can feel his gaze follow me as I put on my brave face and walk through the dance floor.
In some ways, I’m grateful for the tequila. Otherwise I’d never be able to play like everything’s fine. Winding my way through the undulating bodies feels easier to bear than seeing that look on Kigai’s face. The threat that always lingers there. In this mingling of bodies I can close my eyes and lose myself to the music, feel the beat move in conjunction with me instead of forcing me to move with it. 
The only time I’m conscious of is the time signature in the music. Minutes could pass, or it could be hours. What’s important is that Kigai doesn’t cut in and I can’t see those eyes trapping me in their domineering gaze. 
For the first time in three years, I’m reminded of the better parts of life.
And then the better part of life bumps into me.
“Whoops! Hey there, little lady. Sorry for the intrusion.” A blonde man with a broad smile and glasses apologizes to me. “Did I hurt you?”
For a moment my breath is taken away and my façade cracks. The best way I can describe him is pure sunshine. He only looks at me for a moment with that grin but the warmth seeps into my skin and makes me yearn for a normal life. My throat gets tight. Help me. I want to say. Please make him leave me alone. 
“Woah, hey, is everything okay? Did I really hurt you?” His puts a soothing arm on my shoulder as he makes himself heard over the crowd. “Why don’t you come sit down?”
“No!” I panic, forcing a grin on my face and hoping that he’ll shake it off as me being drunk. That’s what everyone else has done. “Really, it’s okay. I just get emotional when I’m drunk. I’m sorry. You just took me by surprise.” I shake my head as if trying to clear my mind and turn away from him. You’re too pure for someone like me, too beautiful for this world. If Kigai knew I slipped up…I can’t drag you down into this. You could get hurt.
“Hey, wait!” I hear him call behind me, but I ignore it and keep moving.
My feet rush towards the bathroom. I head inside and slam the first stall door I see before heaving into the porcelain bowl. Get it together, Ichijiku. I’ll kill Kigai. We can’t. I sob in the stall. We can’t do anything. Kigai has my family on his radar. We’re stuck! What a foul sack of shit. He’s not worth the stripes on my skin. I want to die. I know, Little Cub, and I’d surely embrace death knowing that you didn’t have to suffer this any longer. But we have to hold on. Change is coming. I can feel it in my bristling fur.
There’s a banging at the door that I know means I’m in trouble. I quickly wipe the tears from my cheeks frantically and flush the toilet before wetting a paper towel and dabbing under my eyes. Breathe. Get it together. We’ll survive. I’m right here with you.
I step out of the bathroom and Kigai’s hand wraps around my arm as he pulls me aside.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” He puts on a concerned simper, feeling my forehead with his free hand. You’re supposed to tell me where you’re going and why. You were trying to run away, weren’t you, bitch?  “I thought you were hurt. Did you get sick?”
“I think I drank too much.” I sniffle, looking down so he can’t use his quirk and I don’t have to listen to his haunting voice in my thoughts. It’s a mistake.
His hand comes under my chin. To an outside party it might look like he’s being a tender lover, but there’s bite in the way his fingers dig into my skin. You know I hate when you look away from me, whore.
“Honey, you only had one shot. When did you become such a lightweight?” He laughs. I’m sick of your damn excuses. He runs his fingers through my hair and his hands cup my cheeks as he kisses my forehead. “But if you need to take a seat, go ahead.” Stay where I can see you.
“Thanks, love.” I return his gesture of affection with a hug and a peck on his cheek.
For a while, I sit at the bar again, scrolling through my phone to look busy. I can’t see Kigai, but I don’t need to. His gaze always follows me, even when he’s not in the room.
“It looks like you needed a break, huh?” The blonde from earlier takes residence in the seat next to me.
I turn to look at him as I nurse a lemonade. He’s like a breath of fresh air.
“Yeah.” I look down at the table again and trace around the rim of my glass. “Sorry about earlier. I think I’d been dancing too long and was getting overheated.”
“Yeah, the dance floor can get overwhelming if you’re not used to it.” He laughs. The sound sings through my bones. 
“What’s your name?” I ask.
“Yamada Hizashi. But you can call me Hizashi.” He tilts his head like a puppy and the lights around him make him appear almost angelic. “What’s yours?”
“Ichijiku.” 
“Nice to formally meet you, Ichijiku.” He answers. “Was that your boyfriend I saw earlier?” 
“Yes.” I smile into my cup to hide the disgust in my eyes. God, I wish he wasn’t. “He was making sure I was okay.”
“Ah, good to know. From back there it looked like he was going to hurt you, but I was obviously mistaken. I’m glad you’re safe, you know?” 
Something about the way he says it makes me look up at him and feel more hope than I have in a long time. I feel seen and heard. After a cursory glance around the club without seeing Kigai, I feel safe enough to answer.
“Kigai’s not a dangerous man. He doesn’t hit me and he likes to make sure I’m taken care of.” My eyes scream the opposite. I hope he catches it. I hope he doesn’t. “He knows my favorite colors and we watch my favorite movies all the time and he loves me. He never calls me names and he always asks before he touches me; Kigai doesn’t want to hurt me.”
Hizashi’s hand moves closer to mine and when I look at him I don’t feel sick.
“So you don’t need my help at all, do you?” He asks. He doesn’t break my gaze. 
My lips part in a relieved gasp;  I’m ready to tell him everything, but my eyes hold terror as Kigai catches my gaze from across the room. What the hell are you telling him? His smile follows me even though he’s standing beside the DJ. Abruptly, I stand and move away from Hizashi.
“It would be better if you stayed away from me.” I hiss under my breath, cursing myself for wishing for a normal life. Cursing myself for dreaming that I’d ever be able to get away from Kigai. What was I thinking? If Kigai finds out, it’ll be my head. But at least Hizashi knows. Maybe he can get help! Why would he help me? He probably has no idea I need help. I was reading too much into it. No one ever notices the bruises. Or they make excuses if they do.  That’s right. No one cares about you. Who cares about a stupid whore? She’s not a whore. Kigai’s a manipulator and a rapist, and that’s all there is to it, fiend.
“Are you looking at my girl?” I’m suddenly face to chest with Kigai. Shit. He was closer than I realized. Fuck!
“Kigai, honey, it’s okay. I was just coming to find you. It’s fine.” I place my hand on his arm and squeeze, trying to redirect him. 
“No, it’s not fucking okay.” Kigai growls, glaring bullets into Hizashi’s eyes. 
“Hey, man. You have the wrong idea.” Hizashi puts his hands up, looking composed and calm. See? He knows nothing. Everything you told him went straight over his head. “She bumped into me earlier and I was just making sure she’d gotten back to the bar safely.”
“She bumped into you? Or were you trying to cop a feel?” Kigai snarls, dangerously tense.
“Kigai, please.” I beg, pulling at the front of his shirt to make him look at me. Why the hell did you let him get close to you, huh? You know you belong to me. Not some sleaze who’s just going to fuck you and leave you out to dry. After everything I’ve done for you. His words reach into my mind and I do the only thing I can to get out of the situation. I reach up around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. 
Thankfully, Kigai seems to take the bait. He becomes more possessive, gripping my hips so hard I know there’ll be bruises there in the morning. His tongue invades my mouth and he tugs fiercely at my lip. When he pulls back, he still turns a fiery glare onto Hizashi.
“Don’t you get near my girl again, got it?” Kigai wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me close to him. My eyes lose their shine. I guess that’s it. We’re stuck again. All in good time, Little Cub. All in good time.
He pulls me away and I risk one last glance back at Hizashi. One last hopeful plea begging him to help, but he’s not looking back at me. 
. . . . .
Six months go by that Kigai refuses to take me out again. For six months he beats the lesson into me.
“You were trying to be a clever little whore, weren’t you?” His foot connects with my jaw, but I don’t make a sound. I take it. “Thought you had a savior. Someone to take you away from me, right? But you’re mine! If you left me do you know what that would mean for your family? For you?” He yanks me up by my hair. “They’d be up shit creek without a paddle and it’d be all your fault!” 
“I’m sorry, love.” I whimper out, hating the taste of the words on my tongue. “It won’t happen again.”
“Damn right it won’t.” He lets go of me and I catch the brunt of my weight on my arms. Tears trickle down my cheeks and then suddenly he pulls me into his arms and then onto his lap on the bed.
“You know I love you, right?” He coos in my ear, saying the words that my heart wants to hear in the most twisted tones. “It’s just…seeing you with that other man…mmm…I hated seeing that. You know he was just trying to manipulate you, right? Use you when you were vulnerable?”
You’d know all about that wouldn’t you? I wish I could have been more specific…told him something more concrete. Then maybe I wouldn’t be stuck here. It’s not your fault, Dear One. “I know, Kigai. I’m sorry. I wasn’t feeling good and I just wanted someone to talk to.”
His grip tightens on me. “You could have found me.”
“You were busy, Kigai, I didn’t want to ruin your time.” I turn and kiss his cheek to make the comment more believable. “I love you.”
“Mmm, that’s what I like to hear.” He kisses under my ear and it burns. Nauseous flames swim along my body until he leaves me broken under the covers. I curl up into a ball as he gets up from the covers and starts grabbing his clothes. “C’mon, baby, get your clothes on. I think you’ve learned your lesson. I’ve got a surprise for you.”
I don’t question it. I’m silent as I pull on my clothes and fix my hair. When I’m ready, I take the arm he offers me. 
“You’re gonna like this, baby.” He rubs a small bruise he made at my neck, smiling as we head out into the street and he looks at me. You’d better not tell anyone it’s anything other than a love bite, got it? Or I’ll have your family hunted down with a snap of my fingers.  “Look at how beautiful you look with my marks on you. Everyone will know who you belong to, yeah?” 
“Of course. Only yours.” I nod, swallowing past the lump in my throat.
Before long he leads me to a karaoke bar. The sight of it puts a pep in my step; even though I’d rather be here with anyone else except Kigai, this is the most I’ve gotten out in months. I’ll take what I can get.
“A karaoke bar? How did you know?” I giggle, kissing his cheek as I slip into the assumed role.
“I know my babygirl.” He pauses to kiss me roughly outside the door before pulling me inside. He pays for the two of us before we’re taken to a private room where a few of his friends are waiting. “I hope you don’t mind, some of my buddies came to join us.”
“It’s okay.” I promise, even though seeing all of them makes my heart sink. “As long as they don’t bother me.”
“They’ve already been warned, babe, they’ve already been warned.” Kigai winks at me. Don’t test those waters after I’ve let you out. “Would you like to go first?”
“Yes, please.” 
Once again, the music distracts me from my own crumbling little world. Life seems full of more promise as the notes spill from my lips. 
“Hey, Takamaru! I’ve gotta take a piss. Keep an eye on my girl, okay? Make sure she doesn’t get into too much trouble.” Kigai chuckles and glances at me before he leaves. Don’t do anything stupid.
“Sure, man.” Takamaru doesn’t even look in Kigai’s direction. He’s too busy focusing on Shihito’s selection. “What the fuck, man?! You’ve sung homura three times already! Pick something new.”
“Shut up, Taka, it’s the only song I know.” Shihito huffs, pulling up the microphone again.
“Hey, do you guys mind if I go grab a snack?” I ask, wanting to get some fresh air without Kigai hovering over me. If he gets back before I do, I can always blame Takamaru. He never goes too hard on his buddies. 
“Sure, Ichi. Can you grab me a granola bar while you’re at it?” Takamaru tosses me a couple yen. 
“Sure thing.” I nod and head towards the vending machine on the balcony. 
I walk by a room where I hear such sweet sonorous notes I can’t help but glance into the window. Hizashi?! My feet stutter and I nearly trip. I have to keep walking. Kigai is liable to beat him up if he even sees he’s in the same building. If I were to stop and wave? Impossible. I force myself to keep walking until I make it to the machine. 
Once I’ve got a pack of crackers and Taka’s granola bar, I hang over the railing and take a deep breath. When did this all start? Why did I let myself get roped into this? I hate this… None of this is your fault, Little One. Kigai is a manipulator and a fiend. And his quirk makes it inanely difficult to give any sort of proof to the authorities of your predicament. 
“Fancy seeing you here.” Hizashi’s voice joins me on the balcony. I jump back as if stung and start backing away from him. His moves his hands from his pockets and holds them up in surrender. “Woah, hey, I’m not going to hurt you.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about.” I turn to look and make sure Kigai isn’t headed back to our karaoke room and then back to Hizashi. “You can’t be here.”
“Is he hurting you?” He asks me bluntly, eyes somehow fierce and kind all at once.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I choke out, starting to speed walk back into the building. This can’t be happening. Kigai’s going to kill him if he sees him anywhere near me! 
His hand grabs my wrist and I’m forced to pause and turn back to him.
“Is he hurting you, Ichijiku?” 
The first time I saw his gaze in the club, I nearly lost myself. Seeing it now, so intentional and worried…I feel I have no choice.
“Yes.” I hiss, eyes watering. “Yes, he hurts me. All the time. For big things, for little things. But I take it, okay?” Part of me is angry. Not even at Hizashi, just everything in general. Why the hell am I in this predicament? What did I do except love people and want them to love me back? It’s okay. You’re allowed to be angry. Especially at this situation. “I take it because Kigai says he’ll hurt my family if I don’t. Because they’ll die if I don’t suck it up like a good girl, alright? And he’s going to hurt you too, Hizashi. He’ll hurt you really bad if you so much as look at me. If you’re so much as seen with me.” I keep glancing back, waiting at any moment for Kigai to round the corner and exact his punishment. “So go! Leave me alone. I don’t want anyone else to get hurt for my sake…please.” I beg, finally yanking my hand free of his hold.
When I hear Kigai’s voice down the hall, I don’t look back. I rush back into the room just in time and hand Taka his granola bar. I start nibbling on my crackers so I can compose my face before he walks in. I smile at him and offer him a cracker.
“Oo, got me a snack, baby?” He takes the whole pack and leaves me the one. “Thanks.”
The rest of the evening, I’m too nervous to sing like I want to. I pick one or two songs to make sure Kigai’s off my scent, but mostly I watch him and his friends sing. In reality, I keep watching the door to make sure Hizashi doesn’t walk by.
By the time we get ready to leave, it’s dark. I assume that Hizsahi is long gone, because as we walk by his room on our way out, it’s empty and quiet. Thank you, Lord. He deserves a better lot in life than this. 
“Damn, Kigai, every time we go out for karaoke I forget just how shitty of a singer you are.” Taka teases as we give the desk lady her key back. 
“Hey, man! I’m not that bad. At least I can carry a tune.”
“Barely.” He snorts, before nudging Shihito. “And this fucker only has one song he can sing!” 
The ribbing continues as we walk out the door. I keep my eyes down and my arm wrapped around Kigai’s until a group of voices convene on us and someone suddenly pulls me out of Kigai’s grasp.
“Police! Get on the ground, now!” Someone barks out, and my brain struggles to keep up.
Kigai and his pals look shocked to say the least. Kigai is the only one who tries to struggle, of course. “Get the fuck off me! Let my girl go! Babygirl, tell these fuckers to get off me!” 
“Don’t hurt him!” I call out, aching heart bleeding for him even in spite of all the bruises he’s left on my heart and my body.
“Get on the ground.” The cop repeats, needing two more officers to help bring Kigai down to the ground. “Sir, you’re under arrest.”
The world around me sways. My breath gets shaky and I start crying as I beg them to leave him alone. What am I doing?! I want them to take him but… He’s a manipulator. He’s made you afraid and obligated to him. I want him out of my life. I don’t ever want to see him again. My pleas ultimately die down as my sobs get louder. 
The weather is colder in the darkness. My body starts shaking and I start swaying.
“It’s okay, ma’am. We’ll get it taken care of. You’re safe now.” The woman holding me rubs my shoulders and starts looking around. “Can one of you grab a jacket for–”
“I’ve got it taken care of.” Hizashi’s voice melts into my eardrums as the police get Kigai into the back of their cruiser. I wrap my arms around myself and then he’s got something warm and soft wrapped around my shoulders. “Here. Take my jacket.”
I turn to Hizashi and then back to the police cruiser. I look at the woman.
“Excuse me, Officer?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Th–That man…Kigai…he…he said he’d hurt my family if I ever turned him in. Are they–”
“This young man here told us the story. We’ve got a unit at their house.” She assures me, rubbing my shoulder. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore, honey. We’ve got it all covered. We’ve been trying to find definitive evidence to put this guy away for years.”
I look at her, disbelieving. “H=How did you find any evidence?”
The officer looks at the cruiser as Kigai is hauled off, before she looks at Hizashi with a smile and then back to me. “Your friend here said that he recorded your conversation in the karaoke place. He said he’d previously met you and was suspicious of the situation.”
“I hadn’t seen you in months. I was scared I was too late to do anything, so when I saw you…” He pauses. “I started recording on my phone before I walked over to talk to you. I was hoping that maybe if I was blunt enough…you might tell me what was going on.” Hizashi admits sheepishly. “So we left as soon as I got the evidence just in case your group was planning on leaving soon.”
For a long time, I just stare at him. I memorize everything I can about him. The way his hair frames his face and the small, pampered mustache making his smile pop out on his face. Then there’s his eyes.
One look and my body works without my permission. I wrap my arms around him, tackling him into a hug and feeling three years of pain and grief claw out of my chest and manifest as sobs.
“Thank you, Hizashi.” I hold his back in a death grip, and I feel him pat my back delicately. 
“I couldn’t sit by and watch you get hurt without doing anything.”
“Ma’am, would you like me to walk you to your home?” The officer asks me, also reaching over to rub my shoulder.
“I don’t have anywhere to go right now.” I admit with a sniffle. “But if you can go with me to grab my stuff from Kigai’s, that would be great.” I turn to Hizashi. “Will you come with us? Please?”
“Of course. I won’t leave you alone right now. That a problem with you, Officer?” 
“Not at all.” She assures.
When we make it to Kigai’s house, there’s blue and red lights flashing there too. Hizashi steps with me inside as the officer gets debriefed on other things found out about Kigai’s dastardly affairs. “It’s just down this hall.” I assure him.
Going back into Kigai’s room sends a cold chill down my spine. You’re mine, whore. You belong to me, understand? I pull Hizashi’s jacket tighter around me, before steeling my nerves and grabbing my bag and stuffing it.
“Anything you need me to grab?” Hizashi asks as he looks around.
“No. I don’t have much.” I toss in my phone and charger, a few changes of clothes, toothbrush, hairbrush, and a few other necessities. “I think that’s all.” I say once I’ve got everything together. When at last I turn to him and meet his gaze, I’m expecting to hear foul words stabbing into my brain.
He is not Kigai, Little One. It’s going to be okay. 
My nose quivers as I look at him. “He’s really gone.”
“He won’t hurt you anymore, Ichijiku.” Hizashi nods. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
I don’t have to be afraid.
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Continue Reading -> Ch. 2
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generic-whumper · 2 years ago
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Caretaker & Whumpee Introduction Ideas/ Prompts (Stranger Edition):
Instances where Caretaker stumbles upon a poor little helpless whumpee, what will they do? (Okay so this one turned more into a rescue whump scenario than just a confused, rando Caretaker situation- still strangers though!)
(TW: Implied/referenced past torture, defiant and feral whumpee, restraints and gag)
Caretaker marched into the room searching for Whumpee- there, their eyes meet. Whumpee defiantly lashes out, acting on their only measure of self preservation, unaware that Caretaker is here to help. Whumpee pulls on their wrist restraints, digging them deeper into their already raw, lacerated wounds surrounded by blue and black bruised skin- the skin discoloration peaks behind dried smeared blood covering more areas of their body than it doesn’t.
Whumpee tries to yell and scream in an attempt to scare off this stranger who is sure to be some associate of Whumper’s, despite the gag in their mouth that does not allow a single intelligible word to escape their sore, drooling mouth. Their jaw feels nearly locked open from 24 hours spent in the ball gag.
Caretaker looks down at Whumpee with sympathitic pity as they take a key out of their pocket that unlocks Whumpee’s restraints. Whumpee sees this, but they are still stuck in a panicked survival mode and continue to scream muffled profanities at Caretaker as they unlatch their shackles. As Caretaker frees one of Whumpee’s arms, they begin hitting and clawing Caretaker because the only thing worse that being chained to the wall is when they are dragged out to the middle of the room, promising nothing but senseless beatings that last for hours on end- tortured for no reason other than to satisfy Whumper’s sadistic blood lust.
Caretaker ignores Whumpee’s weak blows, barely feeling any impact from Whumpee’s fists as adrenaline surges through their veins, numbing their pain responses. Caretaker is set on freeing Whumpee and getting them to safety no matter what it takes. Caretaker will drag Whumpee out kicking and screaming- the only thing mattering is Whumpee rescued from this fucking dungeon and freed from the grasp of Whumper. Whatever injuries Caretaker gets in the process will heal.
Caretaker knows they’ll be able to sleep well tonight once they complete their job, knowing that Whumpee is safe at last after months of searching- that is, assuming that this rescue mission will be successful.
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abyssal-ali · 1 year ago
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5+1 Times the Justice League Realized Something About Red Hood
Ship: Gen | Rating: T | WC: 4.5k | Ao3 | TW: Slight Batman bashing, referenced/discussed human trafficking
One - Compassionate
“Call Gotham,” said Wonder Woman over her shoulder to Flash, crouching in front of a kid. He nodded and sped to a quieter corner to hit the speed dial to the Batcave.
A few members of the Justice League had collaborated on a project of taking down a human trafficking ring on the East Coast. The traffickers had been taken care of–very little care was involved on the JL’s side–and now came the hard part: helping the victims. 
The League were outraged but not terribly surprised to find that most of them were children, most of them younger than ten. The older, more in-charge children had that wariness that only Gothamites had, and their disturbing calm was another giveaway.
The children who’d come from other cities, such as Amnesty Bay and Happy Harbor, were happy to see the heroes who had rescued them. The children from Gotham huddled together, glaring distrustfully at anyone who appeared to be interested in them, even if it was only to help.
The oldest one, maybe eleven or twelve, had said they were from Gotham and would only talk to someone from there, before rejoining the huddle of children.
Flash vibrated as he waited for an answer to his call. Maybe it would be faster to just run to Gotham and talk to Bats face-to-face? Nah, Bats didn’t like metas in his city without a cause, and something that could be (and currently was) a phone call would not endear him any more to the brooding vigilante.
Something Flash had never understood was Batsy’s affinity for children, calming them faster than even Superman could, for some strange reason. Whatever the reason, he was grateful for it, especially for those poor traumatized children refusing help.
Finally, the line to the Batcave was picked up.
“There’s some kidsfromGotham we found beingtrafficked here in HappyHarbor and they’rerefusingtotalkto anyone who’s not from Gotham, canyoucome talk tothem?” Flash blurted, trying to moderate his talking speed.
There was a long pause, then a sound that Flash chose to interpret as affirmation, then the click of the call being disconnected. 
Thirty minutes later, a large white van eerily similar to the ones that were in the now-abandoned traffickers’ headquarters arrived at the scene.
Flash zipped over, happy to see the Bat, but paused as the person getting out of the driver’s seat wasn’t wearing a black cowl.
They were as big as the Bat, yes, but wore grey instead of black and had a shiny red helmet on their head. The flat, modulated voice sounded male. “Take me to the kids, Zippy.”
“You’re not Batman.”
“No, but you might be the next one if you keep up those brilliant deductions.” 
The man that Flash had only seen in pictures, but knew was the deadly Red Hood, rival of Batman’s, and lethal ruler of Crime Alley, pushed past him and stalked towards the group of children. His posture was intimidating as he approached Wonder Woman, who was attempting to offer water bottles to the children for the third time. 
“Wonder Woman, if I may.”
Flash watched as Wonder Woman took a step back, cautiously keeping an eye on him.
The switch in the kids’ attitude was instantaneous. 
“Hood!” they screamed in delight, crowding closer to him, smiles overtaking their previously tired faces. 
“Hey, kiddos, it’s great to see ya.” Hood knelt down, ruffling a girl’s bangs and side-hugging a child at the same time. “I’m here to take care of ya now, okay? Good job taking care of each other.”
“There were kids there that didn’t know you were coming,” sniffed a child, crossing their arms.
Hood chuckled. “I’m sure ya did a great job educatin’ them, sweetheart. Now, are any of ya hurt bad enough to need medical attention now, or can ya wait till we’re back in Gotham?”
The self-appointed leader shoved a little closer to Hood. “There’s nothin’ too bad, not worse than we’re used to. We were just locked up for a while but as long as we didn’t fight the traffickers were decent.”
“Okay, I’m glad you’re all safe. Have ya had any water since the Justice League got ya outta there?”
“Nah, Wonder Woman tried but we don’t trust people we don’t know, heroes or not.”
“Good job,” Hood squeezed the kid’s hand gently. “But it’s important to stay hydrated, and Wonder Woman is one of the best heroes. She’s my favourite,” he confided in a loud whisper. “So why don’t ya all get one o’ those waters for the road, and some snacks if ya want ‘em, and then I’ll take ya back in the van, ‘kay?”
The kids agreed, still reluctant and skittish around the other heroes offering them supplies, while Hood rose to speak to one of the Leaguers still milling around. Most had left, supervising the other children’s return to their families and cities, but a few stayed to deal with the cleanup and remaining legal and bureaucratic issues. 
Flash was one of them, and he watched, surprisingly still for once, as a child no more than four tugged on Hood’s thigh holster. Hood turned, seeing the one kid left with his arms raised in invitation. Hood accepted it, bending to lift the boy in his arms. The kid settled in familiarly, head tucked into Hood’s neck as much as the helmet allowed, arms wrapped around his neck and leaning comfortably against Hood’s muscled arm as the man headed towards Wonder Woman.
“You’re in charge of this scene?” he asked.
“I am. How are the children so accepting of you?”
“A lotta them are street kids. I do my best to look out for them and keep them safe, and I know a couple of ‘em, unfortunately.”
“May I ask how come you are here instead of a Bat?” She asked, remarkably calm for being face-to-face with a cold-blooded killer on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. “I assume Flash did not call your number.”
“No, he called the Cave. I was in there at the time, leavin’ a present for Bats, thought I could take a message for him while I waited. Turned out Zippy was givln’ me info on the kids I’d been missing.”
“Thank you for coming so promptly,” Wonder Woman replied.
“Ah, it’s nothing. You’re welcome. Missing any more kids, have any loose ends on the traffickers’ side you need to clean up yet?”
“Nothing we can’t handle,” she smiled, expertly evading what would surely be his particular bloody brand of ‘help’ he was insinuating. 
“Alright. Catch ya later.” He nodded politely at Wonder Woman before heading over to the van he’d arrived in. The children were all in it, seat belts buckled and in appropriate booster seats, from what Flash saw through the tinted windows.
He shook his head at the image of a murderous crime lord driving a drug dealer’s van around filled with kids, but with proper safety and passing out snacks like he was the fun mom.
Clearly the stress was getting to him.
Two - Smart
Green Lantern pushed his wheely chair away from the monitor, standing to refill his coffee cup.
He was on desk duty, finishing up the paperwork on the trafficking case the League had completed yesterday. There were two more, smaller branches of the group still in circulation, likely around the northern cities on the East Coast. 
Wonder Woman had taken Hawkgirl and Zatanna out with her to track down the larger ring; they’d suspected the first group were laying low around Bludhaven. 
With his girlfriend gone for the evening, John had volunteered for desk duty, having nothing better to do. Returning to his seat with a steaming mug of coffee, he clicked the mouse to continue filling out the form he’d left.
His typing was interrupted as a large, flashing red notice popped up in front of him. 
[INCOMING CALL FROM MISSION LEADER]
[ACCEPT]
[ENCRYPTED LINE CONNECTED]
“Hey, John.”
“Wonder Woman. Is everything okay?”
The heroine turned back to look at something, then back to face John’s screen. She smiled wryly. “We are not in any danger, and the traffickers will not be harming any more children in the future. We do have some problems, though…”
“What’s that?”
“They’re all dead. Most from bullets to the head or heart. There are no other people here. Whoever killed the traffickers knew we were coming and left a note–I’ll need your help to figure out who could have known and how, John.”
“I’ll do my best,” he agreed. “What did the note say?”
“‘Dear Justice League, I’ve taken care of your trafficking issue for you. Don’t worry about the victims; they’re safe and taken care of. I’ll give you a headstart to the other location in Civic City.’ There’s no signature.”
John hummed thoughtfully, scratching his chin. “I’ll get on that right away, Diana.”
A small window popped up on the computer screen in front of him. John rubbed his eyes and squinted to make out the text disturbing his research.
“‘You need better cybersecurity; it was too easy to access your information on the trafficking rings. Thanks for the help though. –RH’. Who the heck is RH?”
Diana entered the room, back from her mission. “RH as in Red Hood?”
“That would make sense,” John agreed. “I thought Bats said he was just a crime lord a little luckier than some of the others, though. He got through the Watchtower’s firewalls…he’s at least as good a hacker as Bats.”
Diana shrugged, handing John a new mug of coffee and drinking from her own. “Batman does not always see or portray things the way we do. I will ask him more about this Red Hood. It would be wise to have more information, if he is going to continue to interfere in our work.”
Three - Connected
Flash sped into the meeting room on the Watchtower, well aware that he was running late. In his defense, he was a busy guy, he needed all the calories he could get, and those tacos had smelled amazing! 
The rest of the members alerted to the meeting were gathered there already: Wonder Woman, who had called the meeting; Superman; Green Lantern Stewart; Hawkgirl; Black Canary; Martian Manhunter.
Standing in their midst was a seventh character, in grey cargo pants, grey-and-red armored chestpiece, brown leather jacket, and shiny red helmet, covered in weapons–like if a porcupine was human. Barry chuckled at that mental image, then cleared his face. “Sorry I’m late.”
“Red Hood has just arrived,” said Wonder Woman neutrally. “Red Hood, this is the Flash, from Central City.”
“Red Hood. Nice to meet you,” said Red Hood, the modifier in his helmet making his voice come out threateningly, but his body language was calm. He stepped forward to shake Barry’s hand. 
“You too,” said Barry, glancing at Hawkgirl for help. She simply smirked at him. “So, why are we here, Di-Wonder Woman?”
“Oh, don’t worry about your identities; I already know them,” waved off Hood at Flash’s slip up. “I’m here because the wonderful Diana asked me to help with an investigation you’re running on a trafficking ring that’s bigger than you thought.”
“Uh…One: how do you know who we are? Two: why did Wonder Woman call in a known Rogue into the Watchtower for help?”
Wonder Woman stepped forward. “Batman has told us nothing about Red Hood but that he is one of his Rogues, is luckier than the crime lords he took over from, and to let him know if he gives us trouble. However, Hood has been doing the opposite of that for us lately, and I wanted us to get to know him without Batman around.”
“This is why I like you,” Hood pointed his finger at Wonder Woman. “You’re far more reasonable than Bats. Also, that’s really offensive, what he said about me. He didn’t even warn you to be on your guard or anything?”
The Leaguers shook their heads.
“Okay, well, I came here because Wondy asked me to help with your trafficking investigation–which I already was. It’s bigger than you thought and now you need help internationally, correct?”
Diana nodded. “It has grown from a single-city ring to crossing state lines, and now we believe that it has roots overseas as well. Unfortunately, the JL has no jurisdiction outside America, unless it’s for world-ending emergencies, which this does not count as.”
“I’ve been called off the case these past couple weeks to put out some fires closer to home, so why don’t you catch me up on this case,” Hood drawled, crossing his arms and subtly widening his stance. “For instance, which part of overseas is it linked to? I gotta know which contacts to call in.”
“Contacts?” questioned Shayera.
“Yeah, I got contacts everywhere, but a lot of ‘em tend to stick to certain areas, so they won’t know much if I ask them about something. For example, if it’s around Southern Asia, I’d call Cheshire or Lady Shiva, but if you’re thinking it’s more European based, then I’d ask Talia al Ghul or maybe Vendetta.”
Superman looked at Hood sharply. “You’re connected to those…people?”
Hood shrugged. “I can get in touch with ‘em. It’s always good to have connections, wouldn’t you agree? Never know when you’re gonna be kidnapped and tortured by a villain of the week. So, where are we looking?”
Wonder Woman cleared her throat. “We believe the ring has connections around Gardevia.”
A low hiss sounded from Hood, which Barry assumed was a distorted sigh. “Okay. How many of you are going to Gardevia, and when?”
Four - Trained
Diana looked around the building she was currently standing outside. Red Hood had contacted her a few hours ago and given her this address, telling her to meet him here. It appeared to be an abandoned four-story apartment block, facing another of the same kind. The wind whipped around her, cool enough to make her shiver violently if she hadn’t been Amazonian. 
The door of the apartment beside her swung open with a quiet creak. Hood stood there, his hand on the knob. “Welcome to home, sweet home,” he joked, though it came out flatly. 
She stepped inside, glancing around quickly. A couple pieces of dusty furniture stood scattered around the living room, and the peeks she could see of the kitchen and bedroom weren’t much better. The sturdiest-looking piece, a dining table, was laid out with a variety of weapons and equipment, all gleaming and well-cared for. 
She arched a brow at Hood in silent question, who shrugged innocently in return. 
“It’s just you for this mission, yeah?”
She nodded, turning back to face him. “What have your informants found?”
“I figured you’d prefer to hear it in person,” he said. “She’ll be here any second.”
Someone spoke from the shadows of the bedroom. “She is here.”
Talia al Ghul emerged, her black suit and shiny weapons strapped conspicuously to her body. 
“You are correct. There is a trafficking ring being headquartered here. About thirty to forty children are in that apartment building across from us, being watched by ten to fifteen guards, most of whom are men. Approximately half are ex-military of some sort and decently trained. The others appear to be mostly for show and have little training, though they do have a weapon of some kind.”
“Is there any other place where they might have a branch?” Hood asked.
Talia shook her head. “This is the headquarters. Since their numbers were so cut down due to your previous efforts, they’ve decided to bunch them all together and hunker down until they think you’ve forgotten about them.”
“So if we hit ‘em now, we’ll be able to end everything,” Hood confirmed, satisfied. “Thanks, T.”
The assassin’s face softened slightly. “I’m always happy to help, habibi.”
Diana privately wondered if Hood was Talia’s lover of some kind, but said nothing, focusing on the mission. 
Her own experience as a leader, particularly in battle, made her curious what Hood would decide to do, having bargained his help only if he was in charge.
He disappeared into the bedroom for a moment, returning with a large sheet of paper that he spread over the table, Talia having cleared his equipment to the rickety coffee table a few feet away.
Hood pulled a red, black, and blue pen from his jacket pocket, putting the red one to his helmet. He paused, considering the pen, then reached up and removed his helmet. The lines of his face were much younger than Diana had expected–unless he was a meta or exposed to something like a Lazarus Pit– though a white forelock interrupted his dark curls.
This time he bit the cap off the pen, grunting in satisfaction. It strangely reminded Diana of Batman.
He began scribbling over the paper, which upon inspection was a blueprint of the apartment building opposite them.
“Okay, here’s the plan. I’m red, T’s black, Wondy’s blue.”
The plan was fairly simple for such short notice, though it included a couple unnecessarily extra steps that required advanced skills. Diana was impressed at Hood’s decisive delegation and patient planning, and even more so when the plan went off perfectly. He would have been a wonderful general a couple centuries ago.
The victims, mostly children, were comforted and taken care of by the three of them, Talia and Hood both proficient enough in the languages needed to reassure their rescued charges. 
Diana watched Hood’s easy comfortability with Talia as they worked together to provide the necessities to their charges, reminding herself to have a little talk with Batman when she returned, and maybe a closer look at what had happened in Gotham since Hood arrived. 
Five - Emotive
Hood turned away from the small group of Leaguers hanging around the jet hangar. The last victim in Gardevia had been taken care of, the Leaguers who’d been informed of the mission coming over to help expedite the process.
They definitely needed to establish a European branch of the Justice League.
Superman hovered a little above the ground, using the few extra inches of height to get a better read on Hood. 
Talia al Ghul had been a surprise that Clark wasn’t expecting; even though he knew that Hood had contacted her, somehow he hadn’t thought the woman wouldn’t actually be there.
Now she was standing close to Hood, talking quietly to him. Clark couldn’t understand it; even superhearing didn’t help when you didn’t speak a dialect of Arabic. Their tones were soft, familiar. It reminded Clark of the quiet hums through the walls of the Kents’ farmhouse, when Ma and Pa were trying to have a private conversation. 
The sense of family faded as Hood straightened, nodding at Talia and turning to the Leaguers. 
“Thank you for your help with this mission. I sincerely appreciate it, and I know the people you helped did too. I also would like to thank you for taking a chance on my help despite Batman’s warnings, and for not involving Bats when you did let me join hands. It was a pleasure working with you, and I’d be happy to help again if you ever need it. I’ll keep the burner that had the number I gave you all.”
Hood was so polite, Clark just knew Ma Kent would adore him and baby him, even if he was a thirty-year-old crime lord…huh, how old was Hood, anyways? Well, Clark was past thirty and still well taken care of by Ma, so he had no room to judge. 
Goodbyes were said and leaves were taken, Clark choosing to take the long way around the world to see if anyone needed his help on his way back to Metropolis. It was nice to be thanked, he considered as he flew. He’d certainly not gotten into heroing for the praise, but most heroes he teamed up with weren’t as conscientious as Hood. Batman, for one, rarely thanked Clark for any help, preferring to grunt and insist he had everything under control. 
He shook his head at the thought of the vigilante. He was sure Batman would have several things to say when he discovered the League’s temporary alliance with Hood.
He grinned smugly, heading down to Chiang Mai on a quick detour. Batman wasn’t the sole authority of the League, much as he liked to think and act most times, and it wouldn’t kill him to have to explain why he detested the Red Hood so much when Clark asked him why.
Plus One - He’S jUsT a BaBeY! He's a dead Robin, he's a teenager, and he is the moment
Batman glowered gloomily in the corner of the Watchtower’s main meeting room, somehow managing to have the appearance of shadows wrapping around him despite the bright lighting installed above them.
Diana crossed her arms, her eyebrow twitching. “Will you tell us why you dislike the Red Hood, Batman? Give us a reason not to accept his occasional involvement in missions?”
“He’s a Rogue,” said Batman darkly. “He belongs in Gotham, and he doesn’t want to consort with heroes anyways.”
“How do you know what he does and doesn’t want?” asked Green Lantern Jordan from across the meeting table. 
“Because he has made it quite clear he is against my work in Gotham,” he snapped. “Hood is based in Gotham for a reason, and he is just as protective of the city as I am, even if he goes about it in such a ruthless way.”
“So that’s why you dislike him? He’s encroaching on your territory?” Superman looked amused.
“He kills , Superman.”
“Yeah, but so do other Rogues and you don’t care about them as much. I’ve certainly never heard you grouse about Mad Hatter like you do Hood,” Hawkgirl added her two cents’. “You work just fine with Wonder Woman and Green Arrow, who’ve killed enemies in the past. It’s not just the killing that has you so against him.”
“He is an arrogant, impulsive, quick-tempered and indiscriminate killer,” said Batman heavily. “He disregards my rules and hurt my partners.”
The Leaguers exchanged glances. Diana stepped forward, Clark moving a little closer behind Batman. 
“Batman, there’s something we should tell you. A few of us have been working with the Red Hood on a mission these past couple weeks, which is why I brought up adding him as a temp all-hands-on-deck member. 
“Those of us who have worked with him have not seen those attributes you mentioned. Hood has been the opposite of them, in fact: polite, methodical, patient, well-respected, and thoughtful. When a non-lethal move would work just as well as a lethal one, he used it. He has a kind heart underneath his chestplate, I’m sure of it. 
“By the way, why does he wear the Bat anyways, if he’s not affiliated with you?”
“He’s mocking the symbol,” sighed Batman. “You’ve worked with him? On what? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Daian sighed. “Because you warned us off him, but once we met him he was so different from what you said–does he have a second person playing him at times or something, that would cause him to give us such wildly differing views?”
“No. It’s just him,” Batman grunted.
“He showed up instead of you during the start of the tri-city trafficking case, and we discovered that it extended overseas. He joined us and was an immensely helpful asset.”
Clark spoke up and Diana shot him a grateful look; Batman was not giving any signs of truly listening to them at the moment.
“Why don’t we go to Gotham or have Hood come here, and then we can get his side of the story? We are the Justice League, after all.”
Green Lantern Stewart set the zeta codes for Gotham, and the Leaguers arrived in the Batcave once Batman disabled the zeta blockers. 
A blinking red dot showed up on the map of Gotham Batman pulled up on the Batcomputer. Diana sighed. Of course he was tracking Hood.
The heroic ensemble arrived at the warehouse that Batman said Hood was currently operating out of and living in. He knocked on the door.
It cracked open, a mop of dark hair and a bright eye visible in the small space. Slightly lower, there was a barrel of a gun also peeking out.
“Whaddaya want, ol’ man? Come to beat me up again for killing Forrest?” The door opened wider. “Oh, you brought your friends. Alfred would be ashamed of you, B, did his lessons on proper visiting etiquette not stick?”
Diana stared at the young man who let them in. He appeared to be the man behind the Hood–only he was a boy behind the hood. He couldn’t be legally allowed to drink yet, surely.
“Nice to see you again, Wondy,” he smiled, nodding politely at the remaining Leaguers awkwardly filing in. It seemed like his beef was still particularly with Batman.
“You as well, Hood. I apologize for us just dropping by without warning. We wanted to get your side of the story on why you and Batman don’t get along.”
“Oh? B is finally opening up to his friends? It only took what, twenty years?”
“So you know Batman’s identity,” Clark cocked his head, looking between Hood and the impressive layout of the warehouse.
“Oh, of course. So, you wanna hear all the drama, huh? Buckle up, folks.”
Diana stared in horror at Jason as he told his story, Batman angrily brooding in the corner as the secrets were revealed. The other Leaguers looked much the same as her, shocked at the news that this was Robin, Jason, the sweet child many of them had known. He was still sweet, and still a child–a teenager, only nineteen.
And Batman was actively fighting with him! Diana had known the Batclan had different dynamics than traditional families, but they still cared for each other–but by the Pantheon, this was worse than she’d thought. 
“Batman, you are not making your son a part of your Rogue Gallery,” she snapped. “I cannot believe you! Not even a hug for your returned son?! This is unacceptable and you know it, somewhere deep down.”
“ Very deep down,” supplied Jason. “Don’t make him dig too far, Aunt Di, he might never come up from the Batcave of his soul.”
Yes, that was certainly her Jason. Letting Batman stew in shame for a minute while she fiercely hugged her long-lost nephew was more than okay. “I am so glad you have returned, Dear One. Welcome back.”
He returned her hug, melting into her arms like he once had. “Thanks, Aunt Diana.”
Clark stepped forward to offer his own hug. “I’m so happy to see you again, kiddo.”
“I’m not a kiddo anymore!” he protested, stretching to his full height and puffing up his muscles.
Clark laughed. “You’ll always be a kiddo, even if you’re a fell-fledged crime boss now.”
A/N:
Diana and Clark & Co make Bruce go to therapy (and also Jason) with Black Canary, and their relationship slowly improves. Jason still uses guns and Bruce still hates that, but they get better at talking over their boundaries and following through. Hood still tries to appear menacing to his goons, but they now know that Wonder Woman has basically adopted him and is this a child. The Goonion has seen their boss be picked up like a grumpy cat and hugged one too many times to be menaced anymore. Some notes: Gardevia is an actual place in DC canon (it's a small country in Eastern Europe) (it sounds more like a small monarchy you'd find in a Hallmark movie), and Vendetta is a British villain (you may know the movie about him, V for Vendetta).
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