#we left earlier than we wanted because we kept hearing noises from the woods beside us

[s1ushyz]

Sometimes, it's good to bring a thrifted jumbo lisa frank coloring book and kinetic sand in a slightly worn target bag to the smoke sesh

[marvelyhp]

Still you | chapter II

Chapter II: The comeback

Synopsis: Y/n decides to help the Avengers despite their betrayal two years prior and her life makes a big shift once again.

Pairing: Y/n x Bucky Barnes and some Y/n x Sam Wilson

Word count: 5,997

warnings: cussing, some fluff

note: I know I took so long but I had writer's block. then, I got covid and I felt too awful to write. But I'm okay now so this is what I could come up with. Not my greatest stuff. the tag list is open :)

Side note: I would really appreciate hearing from you and your thoughts!

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We managed to lower two floors without raising suspicion or making too much noise. At least, James and I were pretty silent, whispering if needed. But of course, Stark always had to open his damn mouth. He had been talking all the way —pretty loudly too— and he just did it again.

“Where’s the grandpa with the bad luck of having you as a tenant?” The man didn’t know the meaning of whispering. Or maybe he did. He just wanted to make my life more complex than it was. I looked frantically behind me, praying he had not seen me sneaking out. At the sight of no one, a breath of relief exploded out of me. But it didn’t last long, irritation quickly dampening my already poor mood.

“Shut the hell up!” I hissed. My patience with the insufferable man wearing thin.

“Oh, relax. If he sees us, we’ll knock him out and blame you.” He mocked, a chuckle erupting throughout the hall and following the stairlike a draft of wind. My blood started to boil inside my veins and I felt the heat spread from head to toes. I was afraid to be reaching my tipping point already because this was nothing. Two years out of practice left me hypersensitive to his shit. I wondered how long I would be able to stand the insufferable mortal and regret hit me like a ton of bricks.

“He is a good man, Stark. We will not knock him out.” I whispered as I pressed myself against the wall. Twisting my head around the corner at the end of the hall, I sneaked a glance at the stairs and the visible space from the top. “Watch your step here. His room is right underneath the stairs. We don’t want to wake him up.

I walked forward, pressing my foot in the first step, praying the creak of the old wood would keep quiet today as it did some nights. At least that’s what I hoped but it wasn’t what happened. A groan broke the silence in the room and I knew that if he was awake, he definitely heard it. I waited a couple of seconds, alert to any noise. When nothing came, I advanced four more steps. I focused on the one shadow dancing in the wall and relief swept through me. He wasn’t awake.

I turned, thinking the guys were still up. However, I let out a gasp when Bucky’s face came into view, mere inches away from mine. Thanks to the startle, the foot I had dangerously close to the edge slipped.

My heart stopped as I thought about the fall and the inevitable bone-crushing pain that would come after it. The stairs were pretty high and even though they were wood, it was quite sharp. Splinters roamed everywhere. I waited for the pain and the strenuous sound. It was phenomenal, the first time I saw the team in two years and I would meet them in a body bag with a broken neck.

However, it never came.

When I opened my eyes, blue electric eyes stared back at me. Our faces were inches away from each other. A hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against him to hold me from falling. I was hyper-aware of our breaths clashing against each other, making the most sinful of sounds. Our lips were separated by a small space, too close for my brain to catch up quickly. I noticed how his lips roamed my face, stopping at my lips slightly parted by the surprise. His eyes held a fervent fire and my breath quickened once I felt the inevitable rush of warmth roaring my body.

Coughing slightly, I took a step backward, stepping out of his grasp. I forgot all about the landlord as I scolded myself. The man looked at me and there I was getting flushed like a raging hormonal teenager. I looked at everything but Bucky’s face, why I knew still had his eyes on me except now his jaw was firmly set. I wanted to ask him what was going on inside his head but a hovering shadow at the top of the stairs captured my attention.

“What are you still doing up there?'' The man looked utterly confused standing at the top of the stairs surrounded by darkness. I wondered if it had to do with what he just witnessed.

“You care about that grandpa, don’t you?” His expression was one of disbelief. His body wasn’t moving as if in shock or trying to process the information he thought was correct. And it was, but he didn’t have to know.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said, unaffected.

“Of course you do. You care about the landlord.”

I whirled around as fast as I could with the incident earlier present in my head as a gruff voice filled the room. A short, stubby old man stood at the foot of the stair dressed in a white t-shirt and some basketball shorts. The ends of his hair stood up as if held by a string and maneuvered by a child. His narrowed black eyes stared back at us. His lips pressed in a thin line.

“Of course, she does, kid. Why shouldn't she?” He crossed his arms in front of his chest. I followed the movement of the milk dancing in the glass on his right hand. I felt proud of the English I had taught him and how-- as much as I didn't want this to happen-- useful it would be. I looked back at Stark to find him gaping like a fish. Little croaks came from his throat but no coherent words came from him. It was the first time I had seen Stark speechless. “I’m an incredible landlord if I say so myself.”

He was.

I cursed inwardly. There were things I didn't want everyone to know. To a certain extent, I wasn’t ready for the team, for Stark, to find out that I wasn’t the monster he expected me to be. I wasn’t ready for him to look at me differently. Andrei had the power to change our whole dynamic.

It wasn’t that Andrei and I shared anything about life. Or at least I didn’t. Andrei liked to talk, to share his life with me, and try to make me talk. He said I was too reserved. I remember that day like it was yesterday.

It had been a warm evening. I could see the sun filtering through the windows. Shining onto the top of the show top and illuminating the cottage-like bakery. The dough in my hands stuck to my skin, lumps of a uniformed cream mass suffocating the fingers. The powdered white dust sat beside me and I felt irritated. I hadn’t thought about pouring it on the mixture before I touched it. ‘I was out of my element here’ I thought as I reached for the flour.

Andrei’s baker had abruptly called five minutes before work notifying him he couldn’t work his shift. His grandmother had fallen down the stairs and fractured her hip, hence his lack of concern for Andrei. He was the only living relative she had so it fell upon him to look after her. One missed shift would turn into dozens. The bakery was small and hidden in a remote part of Romania. The clientèle was not much besides those living in the small town from years ago, or even since they were born.

Everyone in town knew each other. When I arrived I had my doubts about staying in this place because of that same reason. I would be the talk for weeks and I couldn’t risk so many people questioning my presence. Except, I was lucky.

One evening, I sat in a small and dark corner of a bar near the outskirts of the town where it was most probable to see an outsider. Two men sat a couple of feet away from me, talking fairly loudly. Out of boredom and desire to know the people I might have been seeing every day, I heard and studied their moments. Taking notes about their behaviors and storing them far into the file I had on humanity. Their voices were cheery as they ate pastries that I was sure to not be from the small bar.

“This is so good! I can’t believe I haven't tasted a pastry this good since I left,” he moaned loudly in reaction to the puff on his hand. The crumbly dessert spilling powdered sugar all over his dark gray pants. “Andrei hasn’t lost his touch.”

“Who is this Andrei you talk so highly of?” The older male asked the seemingly young partner. The man wore an expensive suit, not one that could be found here and from what I gathered from their conversation, he had not grown up here. But his friend did. What he said next grabbed my attention the most.

“His bakery is pretty hidden in the town. Someone that didn’t know the road would not find him. He used to be a criminal, on the run and all that. But since he got out of prison he became a baker. the man sure has a gift. I don’t even know why he went to jail, because the man is a sweetheart. I think he was just dealt a bad hand.” The man kept munching on his pastry as he talked. The vowels all merging to create a soundless blob. I swore he said more but that was all I could understand and by the face of his friend, he understood less.

“It’s such a small town. Why was it never known?”

“I don’t know. Rumor has it that he was born here but left, something to do with his family. He came back years later, on the run from some people. People we assumed to be the police. Of course, the police followed his trail and eventually found him here. Two years later. He hid pretty well if, you asked me. He treats people with respect but he never talks about himself. He has always been reserved when it comes to his life, only telling small details that lead to nothing. You know, not enough to form a life picture…”

Before he finished talking, I was out of my seat, walking towards the pair. I plastered an innocent look on my face, one I had studied and perfected many times since coming to earth. I relaxed my posture, knowing I had been tense and tucked since I entered this town. I still can’t believe I was social before. Nobody would believe that if I told them now.

“Hey, those pastries look marvelous!” I said in a cheery voice when I reached the pair. Both of their heads whipped towards my direction, curiosity written in their faces. I could hear the questions in their head about me and where I came from and what I looked for in town. Typical gossiping mortals. I wanted to cut the tie between our heads, feeling bad about corrupting the men’s thoughts. But I couldn’t, not until I had what I wanted. “Do you know where could I find them?”

“Sure thing. What’s your name, sweet thing?” Sweet thing, that’s funny. If he had been into the American news he would not say that.

“Calypso. Do you know where the place is? Can you explain it to me?” I said, trying to hide the hurry in my voice. His thoughts were front seat in my mind, not wanting to miss a thing.

“So eager.” He chuckled. Instead of the route, I was expecting, he thought about my naked form and countless sexual images began replaying. I resisted the urge to impale his backside, taking a deep breath and counting to ten. I played his game. I battered my eyelashes and looked at him from hooded eyes. I bit my lip gently and walked closer. Sneaking a glance at his friend, I noticed he was no longer looking at us. He seemed uncomfortable and had turned to his coffee and pastries. I wish I had a coffee to turn to.

“Maybe you could take me there. If you remember the way, of course.” He smirked and grabbed the jacket slung over the wooden chair he sat on. His friend looked at us, startled as if he wasn’t expecting my response. However, the joy of his friend would be short-lived. Images of the way to the small bakery filled my head and I smirked. Before he could take my hand to guide me to his car I asked for the restroom.

As soon as I came in, my eyes searched for some window I could use to leave unnoticed. And I found it in the corner of the bathroom beside one of the huge black and white mirrors. I locked the door and hurried to open the window, sliding through the door. The darkness of the night didn’t face me but my alert was high. Everybody could hide in the dark. My heart rocked against my chest as I saw the same guy from early waiting beside his car. I hurried along the alleyway, pulling my hood up and hiding my hair, disappearing into the dark.

“Calypso, boy for you.” I was brought from my memories by the rough voice of Andrei. Whoever didn’t spend much time with him would think he was mad all the time thanks to his voice and forever furrowed white bushy eyebrows. I matched the furrowing of his eyebrows when he mentioned a boy. I had been careful enough to not get attached or get anyone attached to myself so the mention of another human being besides Andrei spooked me.

Suddenly, the thought of agents looking for me or the usual threats I had filled me with panic. I heard the thunderous beat of my heart. The tremble of my hands disrupted the beautiful form of the pastry in my hands. quickly cleaning and taking away the apron full of white dust, I walked to the front of the door.

A dark-haired man in his early twenties stood next to the door with a blue box in his hands. A white shimmering ribbon adorned the delicate box, wrapping silkily around it to form a well-done bow. The chiseled bone structure of his profile caught my breath as he looked to the small, underpopulated plaza in the corner of the rondure. The curvature of his roman nose and the thin shape of his lips sticking in his profile.

I saw him regularly at the small bakery. His usual was a Papanaşia with a black strong coffee. He left three dollars on the tip jar three times a week and I noticed if he was overly happy, he would leave a fiver regardless of the day or how many days he had tipped. I had seen him mad twice in the store. Seemingly, he was one of those guys that harbored every trouble inside in a chaotic turmoil. I knew because I had invaded his mind one of those times. Curiosity had gotten the best of me, knowing he was always the type of guy that carried the sun on his shoulder. Every time he caught my attention, I tried to remind myself that he could’ve been an agent sent by Hydra to kill me or worse, kidnap me.

“Hello. What can I help you with?” I said, confidence laced in my voice. The confidence I did not expect to have. His head whipped towards me. A smile broke on his face at the sight of me. I saw the fidgeting of the box in his hands and the sudden bobbing of his knee. He didn’t appear to be harboring any secrets, or at least not deadly ones.

“Hey. I know this will probably look very weird to you but I’ve been watch- I mean not watching but I just- I,” His stammering caused a giggle to leave my lips involuntarily. My hand immediately flew to my lips, hiding the smile corrupting my face. He lowered his face but not before giving me one of those smiles that could light up a world. God, I felt sappy. He looked at me once again. “I don’t know how to do this. I definitely didn’t think it through.” He chuckled. One of his hands came up to brush his face while shaking it, side to side. I could tell he was nervous, maybe more that I initially had been.

Seeing him stammer was the cutest thing I had seen since the little green and purple flowers that grew back home and surrounded our palace. So, I decided to help him a bit. “You could start with your name,” I said, trying to not smile too much. Agent, agent, agent…

“God, you probably should’ve done that first. Nice one.” He said, more to himself than for me to hear it. “I’m Razvan. It's lovely to finally meet you.” I shook his hand. It was rough yet soft with elongated fingers caressing my own small and thin one.

“Calypso.”

“What I meant to say, you know, before I shot myself in the foot was that you caught my eye since I first saw you. Now, I swear I'm not stalking you because it could be easy to think after the horrible introduction I just did. But, yeah, I would like to get to know you, if that’s okay with you.”

I did think about it. I swear I did. I thought about how he could be linked to Hydra and if you searched on the deepest paranoid corner, the Avengers. I thought he could’ve been just a random murderer whose floor I had shaken. My voice of reason said no. and with the saddest feeling settling my stomach, I told him what I thought. Or tried to.

“I’m sorry, I-I can’t. You seem like the loveliest person b-but I…” For some reason, I couldn’t just say no. “Can I think about this?” That was the only thing that came out of my mouth while I tried to get the words ‘go away and ‘don’t speak to me’ out of my mouth. His smile faded a bit, but even then he tried to keep his positivity and bright personality on. I could feel the waves of disappointment once I started speaking but hope soon came flooding back.

“Sure. I'm a complete stranger coming here every day just to see you. I can see how that’s alarming. take your time.” He shook his head as if realizing what he had just said. He chuckled and I tried to give him a small smile. Before I could turn away and leave, I felt him touch my elbow. I jumped back.

His brows furrowed quickly. “Forgive me. This is for you. And please accept it.” I thought about refusing but this would only prolong this meeting, pushing me to accept a company I wasn't ready for. I took the small box, my hand already trying to open the shimmering blue box. “No, please. Open it later, more calmly and everything and you can tell me whenever you’re ready if you like it.” I gave him a smile, which he returned brightly before diving back inside the back of the store.

Once inside, I undid the delicate ribbon, watching it dissolve like seafoam by the lovely blue water. The glistening gold chain with a tiny, colorful Koi fish rested in the center of the box. My heart swelled and I felt a way I hadn’t felt since Bucky. He remembered what I had told him that first, and the only time we had talked before today.

The voice of Andrei brought me out of my stupor with a jump. A hand traveled to grasp my heart while the other held the box tightly.

“Razvan is nice guy.” His voice was gruff and deep like it had been since I had met him. He walked behind me and grabbed a pack of flour to dump beside me. I looked towards the other and realized I was running out of it.

“Do you know him?”

“Yes. Comes every day for two years. Great boy.”

When I didn’t say anything, he stopped cutting open the pack of flour and turned to look at me. “You too reserved. Not want to end like Andrei alone. Give guy chance.” That was all he said before he left. A tall wrinkly woman with short red hair calling out for him.

The last thing I thought that day after he left drove me to the same road he had set me on. I didn’t want to end alone or die alone for that matter. But what was I to do if everyone thought I was a selfish monster who just wanted to kill and bring chaos? The only person who didn’t feel that particular way was the same man I was leaving without saying goodbye.

Stark seemed to have gathered his words together because he suddenly began spewing some shit on Andrei. shit, he didn’t like it.

“The girl is no selfish girl. Only a fool like yourself would think so. Only a blind man would propose such a thing.” His brows were furrowed but Otherwise, he was calmly standing at the bottom of the stairs sipping his milk. He seemed like he would continue but I made sure to stop him

“Andrei, no.”

“I see. She holds you hostage and controls you, doesn’t she?” Stark countered, a smirk settling in his features. I pinched my nose, sighing loudly.

“You have to leave with this buffoon?” I walked down to his side, muttering an annoyed yes. “I’m sadder for you than him.” A chuckle escaped him as he hugged my shoulders with one arm. I tried to push him away but found no will to do so. I would miss Andrei. He felt like the father I never had. Worry settled in my stomach knowing I had been here and I would no longer be if anything happened to him. I hugged him back, despite my better judgment and the four pairs of eyes staring back at me.

“Don’t forget about me, violet. Nor dear Razvan.’ He told me after letting me go. I nodded before calling back to my two companions. Stark came down, slowly walked to the front door. Bucky at his heels. They both turned. Bucky’s face had some sort of emotion I couldn't decipher. I thought I could, but I doubt he would feel happy about finding someone genuine to spend my days with.

Stark, on the other hand, looked at Andrei as if he had grown an extra head.

“I’m confused. Aren’t you supposed to be dying at her touch or something? Are you sure she didn’t threaten you to act this way?” The funny thing was, he sounded genuinely confused. The skepticism in his voice hurt my feelings but the mere fact it was stark made me forget quickly. He was an insensitive prick with a personal vendetta.

“Take this fool away before I turn him into a human pastry,” Andrei commented. I walked towards them, chuckling. “Ai grijă, violet aprins.” Take care, fiery violet. The elder said before we shut the door behind us. my heart swelled at his words. I knew I would long for those quiet evenings where it would rain and we would sit down in the living room with a book, quietly enjoying our presence. We laughed and made new and invented pastries in the kitchen for days, always looking for new and innovative flavors. I would miss the man that had treated me like his daughter.

“Take care, Pop.” I whispered to myself. Not thinking a long-haired blue-eyed soldier would hear.

And just like that, we disappeared quietly into the night and I said goodbye to one of the most important people in my life.

James let me know they came in the Quinjet, that enormous thing I had refused to sit on two years ago. the walk was not far from where we were and we found it in a while.

The Quinjet was hidden behind one of the buildings next to the bakery. the gigantic thing sleeping while we arrived to climb up. clint stood outside, his arms crossed. that man always looked like he was in a power pose.

“Romania? What is it with chased people and Romania?” Confusion and genuine interest were written all over his face.

Barton had always been a friend before I knew the truth. Nat told me she had told him in a drunken stupor. he tried to talk to her about telling me but she didn’t listen. I didn’t hold it against him because I knew he wasn’t actively participating but he didn’t do anything either.

I shrugged. “It’s a good hiding place. too many criminals organizations for you to matter. nobody cares who the hell you are as long as you keep quiet.”

“Good shadow place.” Bucky added as he tried to help me get in the Quinjet. I ignored his hand, focusing on Clint’s face.

“Exactly.” My response was clipped. if he was fishing for a normal conversation he was in for a treat.

After a while, we took off. My legs became restless as I sat in front of Stark and Bucky while Clint piloted the flying thing. boredom pushed me to get up from my seat and walk towards the front of the Quinjet. that, and Straks glare along with the awkwardness of Bucky’s movements.

Clint’s focused face came into view as I sat beside him. silence engulfed the both of us before he broke the silence with some words I didn’t expect.

“We missed you.” it was a quiet remark but full of shocking force. I just sat there, wide-eyed looking towards the already clearing sky. I looked towards him and forced myself to respond. a scoff came out of me, causing Clint to look rapidly towards me.

“You have no reason to believe me, but it’s the truth. Nat was pretty shaken up when you left. we looked for you everywhere and decided you didn’t want to be found. that you needed some time. it took you longer than we thought.”

“You didn’t find me because you didn’t look. You don’t have to lie to me, Barton.” I said, masking the hurt I felt with anger. why keep lying to me? I knew they didn’t care sop they didn’t need to act as they did.

“What? we did loo-” He never finished his sentence since Stark’s voice boomed around the small space. he came to let us know where would land soon as if we didn’t know already. Clint was the pilot, it was impossible for us to not know. suspicion arose in my chest but I soon forgot it when I saw the massive compound below us.

✹✹✹ I would be lying if I said my stomach wasn’t fluttering and my hands trembled slightly. I subtly rubbed my hands in my jeans, hoping to get some moisture away. But, there was something else bothering me. It had been there for a little while. The emptiness in my chest divided in two, as though… I don’t even know. The doors slid with a swift sound and my heart rate hit new floors.

I tried to avoid showing any emotion I felt. Seeing them surrounding the long table, all in their daily clothing made it hard to remember. I couldn’t show the happiness of seeing them all right after two years. Nor could I show the excitement deep in my bones seeing Wanda’s face. I couldn’t forget the damage (situation) those high-held beings made to my heart.

I looked at them with a mask of indifference firmly placed.

Wanda was the first to step forwards, as I knew she would. I didn’t expect her to but a part of me screamed how she had been the only real friend through the year I spent in this cage. I resisted the urge to hug her, touch her, and receive the reassurance I so deeply wanted.

“I thought- we thought you were dead.” The revelation shocked me. It felt as though they couldn’t believe I was alive. But I was. The question was… why did they think so?

“Nop. Still kicking.” I replied.

“Unfortunately.” I heard Stark mutter under his breath. I rolled my eyes and resisted the urge to kick him. I could make him feel a true kick in his brain. And his ass, too.

“Y/n!” A high-pitched voice came from the corner next to me. The smiley face of Pepper Potts came rushing towards me, engulfing me in a hug. My nerve endings shot and I prayed my instinctive responses wouldn’t go through. Fortunately for me, they didn’t. Before I could even think to hold her back—which I wouldn’t have done anyway— she stepped back. Smile intact and a gleam in her eyes capable of illuminating the whole room.

“Jesus. You’ve changed so much!” Her hands settled on my shoulder, holding softly and slightly shaking my shocked frame. “I missed you.” Her vice took a sweet edge and her head lolled to the side. Her eyes scrutinized me with the look of a mother who had just seen her child after a hard year abroad. I resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably out of her grasp. I wasn’t used to this.

“Honey, leave the feral alien alone.” Tony’s voice reached my ears. “We have important matters to discuss.”

“God, Tony. Give us a break. We haven’t seen the kid in two years.” Natasha’s ______ filled the room as I saw her taking steps towards me. I noticed there were no relaxed steps but tense and wary. Her eyes held a sort of apology mixed with caution.

I just stared. Deep inside I didn’t know how to react to someone I hadn’t seen in a long time, someone who betrayed me gets closer. Her body language told me she was sorry but still cautious of my reaction but I didn’t know if I should forgive her. Her right hand stretched towards my frame. I shifted uncomfortably in place, moving slightly away from her.

I saw her eyes roam my body, noticing the discomfort. She came to a halt three feet away from me. Her lips were pursed as she let her head drop for a second. She recovered quickly, extending her same hand towards me, this time to shake my hand.

“It’s good to have you back, Y/n.”

I took her hand in mine, shaking firmly. I nodded my head towards her. My lips pursed. The movement of Wanda’s body caught my eye. She stepped closer to me, her hands nervously trembling beside her big, red jumper.

“Can I hug you?” Hearing those words coming out of her froze the ongoing flow of blood through my veins. I was shocked, to say the least. I bet I looked like a gaping fish as an incomprehensible string of detached words escaped my lips. Everyone else seemed as surprised as I was. For completely different reasons I would bet. As Stark had said, they thought I was a free being.

She waited patiently, probably aware of the shock and ongoing battle I had inside me. She was the only one aware of my thoughts about showing anything besides contempt. And she knew why. But I sent it all to hell and for once, I did what I wanted to do. I nodded.

Her smile was worth enough as she moved quickly towards me, as though worried I would change my opinion. Her thin arms wrapped around my neck, my lack of height apparent as my 5’1 ass reached her shoulders. I resisted the urge to cry as I wrapped my arms around her back, relishing in a familiar face that didn’t hate my only existence.

“I missed you.” It was a whisper, only for me to hear. A small smile escaped my lips as hope blossomed in my chest. Hope that maybe I wasn’t a lost cause. Hope that maybe someday I could have a family.

“I did too, Red.” I murmured back. Careful to not raise my voice as I didn’t want anyone to know anything. I felt oddly vulnerable to be hugging someone let alone hugging someone in front of seven people. I noticed Vision staring and I gave him a subtle nod, a small smile creeping upon my lips. He nodded back with that usual blank expression not in compass with the feelings he harbored. After some time, I let her go before Stark had another remark to make.

I noticed Steve leaning against a far-away table, maybe ten feet away from where I was. His head lowered, eyes on the ground. His arms surrounded his build, hugging himself with a heavy frown on his face. He didn’t want to look towards me and I thought I knew why. He was ashamed of what he did. He was guilty anyway you looked at it. He was guided by Bucky to do everything. He followed the man despite knowing it was wrong. Not because your friend tells you to throw yourself out the window means you’ll do it. He knew full well what was wrong and right. He knew Barnes' proposal was as low as a man could get.

If he didn’t apologize and acknowledge what he did, he was dead to me. I mean, he had tried to apologize that day, but I was devastated and no words came through my anger.

There were a few handshakes and subtle nods here and there before I noticed a presence missing. I looked around for the usual big man with an overinflated sense of heroism but didn’t find him. He was big enough for anyone to spot him. I felt a pang in my chest and a tingle at the back of my head and I knew something was wrong. The air shifted and my hands started trembling slightly.

“Where’s my brother?” I asked, my voice slightly shaky. I tried to compose myself, knowing he had to be alright or I would’ve felt something.

“We don’t know. We couldn’t get a hold of him.” Natasha replied. I noticed the subtle worry etched in her face lines.

Suddenly, I understood that emptiness inside me. That swirling emotion unlatched to an earthy body. One of the connectors inside of me, besides bucky’s, was empty. It didn’t have any energy to connect to.

No.

No.

No.

I didn’t realize I began hyperventilating while the word repeated itself over and over in my head. My chest rose and fell quickly while the air got caught in my throat. My hand shot out to grasp anything in reach I could hold myself up with.

“Y/n?! What’s wrong?” Wanda was the first to step forward and grab my elbow. Her soft touch didn't completely register in my sensory sense. The only thing in my mind was the heavy colorless fog swirling around in my insides.

The worst part was, I didn’t know which of my brothers it belonged to. I thought about them and how long it had been since I had seen them. Since I had been with them.

“Can you all excuse me?” I pulled myself together and without waiting for a response, I hurried across the room. I thought about the me that they just saw but somewhere deep down, I didn’t care.

I hurried, passing Steve's body. This time, he looked intently at me. I didn’t expect him to stand up and grab my shoulders. By this point, my vision was blurry and I tried hard to reconnect with the missing life essence.

“Y/n, I-”

“Can we do this later, Rogers?” I spat, cutting him off before getting my elbow out of his grasp. I left, shuddering and feeling a wave of anger rising in my chest.

What a good way to make a comeback.

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[ashleyswrittenwords]

Ballad of Bounty Hunters & Outlaws

Wild West LOZ AU

I’m slowing down one of my AUs and apparently moving onto another one already. Will I make a bunch of disjointed oneshots and inevitably put them on ao3? Yeah, probably.

I stole this AU from @kajuelle :)

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There was a moment where Zelda had thought of herself as smart.

A bright mind that was intelligent enough to memorize his routine from hearing alone. Within a week, she had fine-tuned the man’s schedule down to the minute. She supposed it was odd that he waited a half hour before dawn to relieve himself, even stranger that it sometimes came down to the minute until she heard the sound of scraping boots against wood as he brought himself to a stand outside her inn room’s door. A slight grunt when he stretched and then clicking spurs down the hall.

But she wasn’t about to complain. That morning was the perfect opportunity.

The outhouse was the opposite direction from the stables and her execution was flawless.

Now that confidence was a well running dry very quickly. Zelda’s fervent kicks to her horse’s ribs did little to recover the distance her pursuers were stealing. Panic led her to do things that blue-eyed hick will kill her over; among those reasons was the clear indecision in her steering, causing her fright to bleed over to the horse. That only led to Zelda frantically glancing over her shoulder to see a barrel pointing right at her.

She opened her mouth to scream but it stuck in her throat as her body went airborne.

The ground met her quickly and she rolled several times before coming to a stop. Coming to her knees was an athletic feat, the Earth refused to stay still and by the time she achieved it a short nudge of a boot toppled her back to the dirt.

“Well, ain’t that a cryin’ shame,” a monotone voice talked down to her. She knew who it was from the saloon the night before. Link had directed her away rather quickly under the pretense that they hadn’t been seen, but evidently he was wrong. The eye-patched man didn’t look remotely as forlorn as his words were. “Was sorta hopin’ you’d give us a better chase there, missy.”

That woman with him was suddenly flanking her with a constantly swiveling head as if she has a crick in her neck.

“Come on, Lead. Let’s just-let’s just get it over with real quick like.”

Then Zelda realized she was loading her sawed-off shotgun when it clicked loudly into place.

“He wants her kickin’. That’s the whole reason I came with you because I knew you’d conveniently forget.”

“You shoulda sent Scout, then!” the woman glowered, raising and dropping her hands with an irate speed.

Lead shot her a glare. “Scout woulda fucked it up someway somehow,” he motioned towards Zelda with an empty hand, already walking away to gather the horses. “’sides he should be at the station right now. Load ‘er up and let’s get out of here before we lose daylight.”

Zelda tried kicking the bandit’s hands off her, but her grip on her ankle was like steel.

“Get the fuck off of me!”

“Oh my, little miss princess has got a mouth on her,” she drawled with a lazy grin until it steeply dropped, “She better shut that shit real quick before I lose my patience.”

Zelda shouted obscenities at the woman when her foot alone flipped her over and pressed sharply down on her spine as she untangled some rope. The binds dug brutally into the thin skin of Zelda’s wrists no matter how she thrashed.

Regret bit heavily, especially when the reality of her fall was found in dull aches that were only worsening as the adrenaline ebbed away. Neither of the bounty hunteres were answering her screaming questions until eventually a bandana was forcefully stuffed into her mouth.

She fucked up. Royally.

The woman cackled with something wedged between her teeth.

“Your daddy’s bout to be a sorry sonovabitch.”

The man named Lead busied himself with a lighter, attempts digging himself further into frustration before the clean cut of gunfire sent his hat to his feet. It fluttered to the ground, just at Zelda’s eyelevel.

“Shit,” he hissed, ducking to the dilapidated fence that had stopped Zelda’s horse minutes earlier. “Shit, shit, shit – Turette get down!”

Turette paused mid-tie to pop her head above the horse’s flank. Another shot rang out, promptly spooking it. Once the animal had dashed off, Turette man-handled Zelda into a stand only to push her behind the barrier Lead was at. Green eyes widened as the world turned side-ways once more with the slight glimpse of a galloping horse closing in on them.

Her captors were already positioned with their backs to the rotting wood. The wild look in Turette’s eyes was a stark contrast to Lead’s darkened expression – she seemed almost excited while he bit down on his back molars and twisted around to steady his rifle’s sight. The man barely reeled back from the recoil, flinching quickly when the reaction was splintering wood just above Zelda’s head.

Suddenly, Lead shouted, “Did you tip him off?!”

Turette balked, “Why’re you asking me that? Ask her!”

Both pairs of eyes met Zelda with a ferocity. There was nothing she could say because it was impossible that whoever was on the other end of the gunfight was an ally of hers. Zelda had very few and the ones she trusted had no knowledge of her whereabouts. Perhaps if she hadn’t gone out of her way to abandon the man her father hired to protect her, she wouldn’t be in this position. But he was miles from here and with Zelda’s careful escape there was nothing to go off in finding her.

Zelda aggressively shrugged her shoulders and tried her best to mirror their anger. She didn’t owe them a damn thing.

The distant sounds of a horse weren’t so far off now. Its galloping had slowed to an abrupt stop. Lead and Turette shared a glance as the rider dismounted, noisily making a show of patting his panting horse.

“I knew you two were a cowardly lot, but couldn’t we have done this a little closer to town?”

The lazy arrogance made Zelda jolt. Turette locked eyes with her quickly and the click of a decision was made. If not for the gag, she would have gasped at how roughly the woman brought her to a stand. The cold double barrel of a shotgun pressed painfully underneath Zelda’s chin, forcing her head to tilt back.

Another gun was trained on them only a few feet away, except now Link let his aim droop. A red bandana was tied just above his nose to keep the dust at bay. The eyes just under the brim of his hat narrowed.

“I wouldn’t be so liberal with that gun there if I were you, sharp-shooter,” Turette spat, increasing her grip on Zelda for emphasis. “Unless the missus doesn’t need ‘er neck.”

Slowly, he let the revolver fall to his side and a quick yank to the bandana revealed an easy smile.

“Let’s not be too hasty, now,” he spoke gently. “We’re sensible folk. Seems to me that you’ve got something I want and I’ve got something you want.”

With his rifle at his side, Lead positioned himself beside them.

“Mister Lincoln, you know the only thing I want is your body in a bag.”

Link nodded as if that were gospel truth.

“Yeah, well, ya have to understand why I can’t make follow through with that. I was thinkin’ along the lines of what you don’t want,” he gestured at Zelda, “That’s Bosphoramus’s girl. His only little girl. I highly doubt that your attempts at getting to me is worth that old man’s anger.”

Turette cackled and in a sing song voice cut in, “Oh, Link! You really don’t think we know that? It don’t matter who her daddy is, what matters is the pretty penny on her head.”

A piercing glare from Lead cut her laughter short. Link traded his sights on them, the smile wiped completely.

“Who’s got a contract out for her?”

Neither of them resigned to answer, at least not immediately.

He repeated himself more pointedly, “Lead, who called in a contract for Zelda Bosphoramus?”

“It’s a private contract and I don’t think you’re in the position to be making demands like that, outlaw.”

Lead gripped Zelda’s forearm and ripped her away from Turette.

“Make a move and she gets it,” he demanded, already pushing Zelda towards the remaining horse. She yelped against the gag, almost tripping on air. Lead motioned to Turette. “Disarm him and take his horse. The train leaves in less than an hour.”

Zelda resisted but he was stronger than Turette, basically lifting her from the ground. She let out a muffled scream and desperately writhed against his grip on her. Over his shoulder, she watched as Turette reached for his pistol only for Link to twist the weapon around and thwack it across her crown.

She let out a strangled noise, hands scrambling to console the pain bursting from her bleeding head. Link pushed her aside.

Lead hadn’t turned around by the time Link pressed the gun to his temple. The movements were so swift that she hadn’t seen his forearm wrap around the bounty hunter’s neck to drag him down to Link’s height.

“Come on, you know what to do,” Link murmured.

Anger boiled red in Lead’s face, but he did as was told and dropped his arms. Zelda’s feet met the ground, off kilter and stumbling. Turette was still crying out behind them with her shotgun buried in the dirt.

“Now,” Link sneered, spinning Lead around to talk to both bounty hunters. “I’m gonna give y’all the opportunity to get the fuck out of here on two conditions: take that ‘private contact’ off the board and tell whoever put it up that he answers to me.”

The rifle skidded across the dirt. Turette was manically nodding and stumbled to Lead’s horse with bloody hands. The other simply glowered when Link pushed him away, persuaded only by the barrel trained on him.

“You’re scum.”

“Goes both ways, Guardian.”

They left without much fanfare. Link kept his eyes on them until the distance was to his satisfaction. Zelda had taken a seat staring at the ground, hands to bound tightly when he turned to her. She’d seen him angry before, but nothing was schooled in his expression now. He breathed in loudly and took his hat from his head to rake a hand through his hair.

“What the fuck were you thinking?!”

Every word was emphasized as if it were a question that had been on his mind for hours.

Zelda winced as he cut the rope and unthreaded it from her wrists.

“You’re damn lucky I busted that door down,” he exasperated with a shaking head. “You better thank your lucky stars and Hylia Herself that I even thought to check in on you! I knew it was strange that you were so tired all week. I knew something was up, but I still gave you the benefit of the doubt. You might hate me plenty but those people don’t give a damn about your well-being. Why, I’m surprised you aren’t in a ditch by now.”

He rounded her and crouched to remove to gag, but Zelda had beaten him. She couldn’t pinpoint when her eyes betrayed her. Her vision went watery, but it was too late to hide it. Link had stilled, his mouth open to berate her further yet nothing came out.

“I’m sorry!” she shouted, her voice fragmented. Her brow knitted, both from his provocation and the shock of almost dying. A gun had been to her neck. Zelda had seen the insanity in that woman’s eyes, the excitement to see violence from a loaded gun. She had felt that.

She repeated the apology and curled up into herself. Link was obviously hesitant to do anything. Neither of them could recall a moment where she apologized to him for anything. There was no amount of guilt that could have made her regret her attempts to drive him away. Zelda’s cruelty had simply been a means to an end until now.

Despite her ugly sniffling, he didn’t walk away. Link sat beside her, occasionally placing his hand on her back or brushing strands of escaped hair from her face. Even after she collected what was left of herself, he said very little and deigned only to guide her onto Epona’s saddle. The rest of the ride consisted of collecting her spooked mount and traveling back to the inn.

Much of their silence consisted of an amalgamation of thoughts about how Zelda Bosphoramus might actually need that blue-eyed hick.

[slasherbastard]

Jason with “I had a dream where I killed myself.”“Life isn’t worth living without you.”

(gif credit: puppetcombo)

Warnings: Mentions of suicide, swearing, angst (obviously), minor character death Word count: 2227 Notes: I wanted to try to write a male presenting reader, so the reader uses he/him pronouns

It’s been who knows how long since Jason saw another person enter Camp Crystal Lake. Not a single counsellor volunteering for yet another reopening - at last, those humans finally found some common sense in those small brains of theirs, but Jason missed it -, not even some random teenagers who are trying to find a private place to get freaky. It made Jason feel as if his life was losing its purpose.

That’s when the dreams started, his mother was disappointed in him because he wasn’t killing anymore and disappointing his mother was one of the worst things he could do. Next, disappointing you, his boyfriend. Although you never committed any murders and were fine with Jason’s lifestyle, it made Jason feel like he was disappointing you by doing nothing all day.

You, his S/O, caught up on this. When the two of you were doing chores, Jason was either messing up more than usual or not focusing at all. “J?”

Jason looked up, not realising he was supposed to be picking up the firewood he had badly chopped up just minutes - probably an hour - before. He shook his head and picked up the wood and took it inside, you watching him with a questioning look but pushing it aside to continue with your own duties.

You really enjoyed the peace and quiet and not having to deal with strangers, it was just you and your boyfriend Jason. You could tell Jason wasn’t enjoying the absence of his future victims, you didn’t know what was going on in that head of his but from what you had just witnessed earlier, it clearly wasn’t good. Jason hated it when you worried about him but sometimes you couldn’t resist it, Jason kept to himself a lot of the time so it was hard to figure out what he was thinking half of the time. You even started learning sign language after realising it was one of the best ways to communicate with him, since he didn’t really know how to write.

“Hey J?” You called out to your lover as he was coming out of the cabin. “I love you.” You said, dragging out that last ‘u’, he gave you a slight nod and went back to cutting up firewood, still not fully paying attention. You let out a quiet sigh and walked past him, entering the cabin to make yourself a snack.

Jason watched you enter the cabin, his mind racing with thoughts of you trying to avoid him. He couldn’t do anything right, he couldn’t even say those 3 special words back to the love of his life. You could leave at any time, what was stopping you? Well, apart from the fact that if you did try to leave, Jason would find you and lock you away but he knew you were too smart for that - were you?

Jason dropped the axe and speed ran into the cabin expecting you to be gone through an open window, maybe a bag packed and sitting on your shared bed, but instead he saw you taking something out of the fridge. “Jason, what’s wrong?” He shook his head as you dropped the contents onto the counter and concernedly approached him. “Are you hurt? Let me check-” You bit your lip and reached for his hands but he took them away.

“I thought you were trying to leave.” He quickly signed.

“Hey, I’m not leaving. I just wanted to make myself something for lunch.” You signed back at him. “Why would I leave?”

Jason let out a sigh and pulled you in for a tight hug, trying to cherish you - even if you do end up leaving, he wanted to remember what your smaller frame felt like against his body. The thought of you leaving hurt him even more than his mothers disappointing words that haunted him while he tried to sleep. You broke away from Jason and stared up at him, holding his hands in yours. “I swear, I’m never leaving you Jason. You mean too much to me.” You let go of his hands and walked back to the kitchen area of the cabin and grabbed a spoon from the drawer and the yoghurt from the counter and began eating it.

---

That night in bed Jason spent the night reliving the same nightmare he’d be experiencing the past couple of nights. It started with his mother sweetly telling him to kill for her but as soon as she realised that there was nobody to kill she’d grow angry. “Kill for me Jason! Kill for mommy!”

Jason tried to tell her but her shrieks just got louder and louder, then you’d appear.

“Jason I never should’ve dated you. You’re just a weak excuse of a man, the Crystal Lake Killer, huh? I should’ve left when I had the chance.” You’d say in disgust before leaving Jason alone in the dark void where he couldn’t breathe. But this time, his nightmare had a new addition - that’s when he’d realise he was underwater and he’d gasp for air before realising he was sinking lower and lower. He’d sink until he stopped breathing, then die then come back to life and the short cycle would repeat of him sinking and gasping for air until he’d eventually wake up hyperventilating. This was it, he was finally going to die.

The voices began to get louder - not just yours and his mothers, but all the past victims, the kids who watched him drown, people he’d never met in his life, everyone was against him. Everyone hates Jason.

Jason woke up and made a noise that sounded like a scream being subdued by water, mixed with the hyperventilating was enough to wake up. You quickly sat up and turned on the lamp beside you and rubbed Jason’s back in an attempt to calm him down, he flinched at your touch but as soon as he realised it was you and you weren’t telling him he was a disappointment, he calmed down. You waited until he was calm enough to be left alone and then got up and went straight to the kitchen to make tea - you weren’t sure whether or not it’d help since this was the first time you witnessed Jason having a night terror, but making tea was the first thing that came to mind.

By the time the tea was ready Jason was sitting on the tearing couch in the cabin’s makeshift living room, just staring into nothing. You grabbed the two teacups and brought them into the living room and set them on the coffee table. “Do you want to talk about it?” Jason looked at you and you could feel him judging your choice of words through the eyeholes of his hockey mask. “I’m sorry.” You sat down opposite Jason and began signing at him. “Do you want to sign about it?”

Jason didn’t do anything, just staring back at you with his lifeless eyes. Usually he loved your jokes but this time he felt nothing. Jason slowly raised his hands. “I had a dream I killed myself.”

You had to do a double table as you watched Jason, asking him to repeat himself. It was a lot for you. “Why?”

“I’m a disappointment to you and mother. You’re going to leave me and life isn’t worth living without you.”

You quickly wiped a few tears that were forming in your eyes and took a sip of your tea. “It’s because this place has been empty, hasn’t it?” Jason nodded. “Jason. You have never disappointed me, ever. Killing or not, I’ll always be proud of you and you’ll always be my favourite person. I can’t speak for your mother but I’m sure she loves you just as much now as she did when you were killing people, why don’t we go talk to her?”

Jason looked at you like you were crazy but he knew that you were right. You needed to talk to your mother about this. Jason got up without another noise and you followed him outside, grabbing your coat on the way out. Jason ended up bringing his mother’s head back to her body in the cemetery sometime before you came around.

When the two of you reached the cemetery you stopped and tried to let Jason go inside by himself since he was the only one who could hear his mother’s voice, but he grabbed your hand and forcefully pulled you in with him. “Jason, don’t be nervous.”

Jason ignored your advice and found his mother’s grave and stopped. You thought he was going to try and leave but then you noticed him staring intensely at the gravestone before nodding and letting go of your hand. You watched Jason for a while until he turned to you for a second, then back to the spot in front of him, then he turned back to you again and signed the words “She doesn’t hate me.”

You smiled and signed “Tell her I said hello.”

“She says hello back, and thanks you for being here with me when she c-couldn’t.”

You smiled and tried not to start bawling on the spot, you cared about Jason too much to even think about leaving and you wished he could see that. You looked up as Jason took a step back and took your hand in his and the two of you walked back to the secluded cabin. As soon as you entered the cabin you took off your coat and threw it over the couch and turned back to Jason. “Is everything going to be okay now?”

He nodded and signed “I’m sorry for doubting your love for me.”

“It’s okay, let's just get some rest now.”

Jason didn’t have any nightmares for the rest of the night. You ended up waking up before Jason and decided to go for a walk, one of the perks of living in the middle of the woods on an abandoned campsite was being able to do anything without worrying about being judged - In this case, going for a walk at 11am in your pajamas was perfect. You quickly grabbed your coat and left, worried about waking up Jason.

Your mind started to wander as you followed the dirt path, letting your mind wander, you usually listened to music or if Jason were awake you’d be talking to him instead. Your brain was just filled with Jason, you couldn’t stop thinking about him and the previous night and how you didn’t realise he was having nightmares. It made you feel bad but you had to remind yourself that you did nothing wrong and Jason did nothing wrong either, you had no reason to feel bad but your guilty conscience was giving in. You turned into the main part of the camp where all the counsellors usually stayed and almost didn’t notice that you weren’t alone until you heard an unfamiliar voice.

“Hey! Are you a counsellor here, too? I think I arrived a little earlier than I was supposed to. I’m Ash.” He stuck his hand out and you shook it.

“Yeah, I got here the night before, explains the pajamas.” You laughed and continued talking to this new face but you couldn’t pay attention to his words, you were too excited to tell Jason although you were 80% sure that he was already aware of this.

“- But yeah that’s my story, how about you?”

“What? Oh, I had to move back in with my parents and they were bothering me about not having a job, so my aunt suggested that I become a counsellor and uh here I am.” You lied, trying to subtly look around to see if Jason had woken up, he had a tendency for watching you, especially if he heard you talking to a complete stranger - and spoiler alert, he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. That’s when you had an idea. “So, nobody else has arrived yet?”

“Nope, just us.” Bingo.

“Cool. Hey, are you aware of the rumours behind this place?”

“What? With the Crystal Lake Killer? Bullshit.”

“Really? Because I was just walking around and I shit you not, I think I saw a body.”

“Show me.” Was this guy really that stupid?

Without another word the two of you went to look for the ‘body’. The whole walk to the cabin Ash asked every question he could think of. “How dead is the body?” “Is it fresh?” “How are you not dead yet?” He was getting on your nerves but you knew that he’d be dead in a few minutes, just hoping that Jason was awake.

You both reached the cabin and something moving around behind one of the broken windows. You tried to hide your smile as you approached the cabin. “It’s just in here.”

“Hey man I don’t think this is a good idea.” You stopped and turned to your new found friend.

“I thought you wanted to see the body.”

“Well yeah but- fine. I’m going in first.” Ash desperately pushed past you and entered the house, you heard a scream before Jason appeared holding a bloody machete.

“Did you enjoy your surprise, J? There are more arriving today. I think it’s a sign.” You got all giddy and ran up to Jason, hugging him. He dropped his machete and hugged you back.

[i-mybrunettelady]

Not a Mordrem

Slight preface: This has very much been sitting in my head for a few days now, and after all the El asks I’ve done these past few days, a general desire to write and conversations with a guildie of mine, I’ve decided to actually write this down.

This is not a happy fic, but it ended up having a sorta happy end. You’ve been warned. It’s HoT and HoT is very sad. Elandrin, I’m so sorry in advance. Also  warnings for (albeit not graphic) violence, a dollop of racism against the sylvari and curses. Also vague HoF spoilers.

It starts as a headache, not a particularly pleasant one but again, few headaches ever are, and El has dealt with a lot of them so it’s usually easy to ignore it till it passes. Except this one doesn’t, but he tries anyway, checking his battle knives high in the air as Vengeance Rising glides through it.

“Brother,” a voice says. El jerks to look around, but he’s alone in the cabin. He’s hardly slept the night before out of jitters so maybe it’s his exhaustion speaking. He rises from the chair to open the door but finds nobody there. His head throbs a little more strongly and he feels the pull to go to the main deck and watch the people - he doesn’t necessarily fancy seeing charr snouts and asura claws but it gnaws at him and he’s unable to resist the temptation to see why.

The sylvari all appear to have identical frowns upon their faces when he arrives. The others keep staring at them, wondering why, and really, why are they all frowning, like their heads hurt really badly? And there’s a tense atmosphere, as if something is about to snap, as if-

Then the vines come and El, in his shock, forgets to thank the Pale Tree he didn’t bring his dagger with him.

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

“Is anyone alive?” a female voice shouts.

It takes him a moment to gain a sense of his surroundings. He’s laying in mud, beside a heavy piece of metal that only missed an inch away from his head, his side throbs and everything around him is green.

“Over here!” he shouts back, groans as he rises to his feet, but a firm grip of a hand keeps him down.

“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you now!” the woman yells.

“Because I’m not the enemy,” he quips sharply, “do they not teach you to differentiate between friend and foe in your mindless little Vig-” His head flies back at the force of the hit. He groans again.

“Why on Tyria are you hitting me?” he squints at Tactian Julianna as she prepares her hammer.

“Julianna, stop! Don’t you think he’d have attacked us already if he were Mordremoth’s?” another voice adds.

“Thank you, Gean,” El sighs in disappointment. “What exactly happened?”

“You twiggies all turned rabid and started attacking everyone,” Julianna bites. “Fucking sylvari.”

He doesn’t remember any violence. He remembers the vines and some strange urge and falling down rapidly, but not any actual violence.

“Do you feel yourself, Arcanist?” Gean asks. Priory, El recalls. Novice. Sieran’s new student.

“Where are we?” he asks instead.

“Dunno,” Julianna shrugs. Her hammer is still in her hands. “Last chance to answer him, twiggy.”

“For fuck’s sake, Julianna, I’m not going to attack you! By the Pale Tree, if you attack me, I’ll defend myself and you know what magic can do against your little hammer!”

That makes her put the weapon down. Thank fuck, El thinks, when a strange ache infects his head again.

“My son,” it says.

“I’m not Mordrem, Tactitian,” he growls and stands. “Now get us to the nearest Pact camp. I think I’m hurt.”

“I’m not taking orders from a sylvari,” she threatens. “You listen to me or I swear to Balthazar’s sacred hounds, you’ll be a pile of sap on the floor.”

El bites his lip. He doesn’t wish to be sap on the floor.

“My son,” the voice calls again. He barely calms the air in his lungs. He hopes Trahearne and Sieran are safe. He hopes to whomever will listen that Alysannyra trips on something on that chase of hers and hits her head hard enough to remember she’s needed in Maguuma.

“Fine, Tactitian,” he hisses at last. “Lead the fucking not-Mordrem. Here I am.”

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

There’s a Mordrem skirmish a few days later. Weaponless, El is forced to grab a piece of wood and channel his magic through that; he never thought the smell of burning wood would be pleasing, yet one never knows when they’d meet Mordrem. Julianna’s hammer also stars in the performance, smashing the villains left and right.

Unfortunately, Gean’s body does too. The norn was hit in the chest by a Mordrem sword. At least the death is quick, El thinks, not unkindly. He knows why Sieran liked him. He was attentive, gentle and didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of a Mordrem blade.

Pale Tree protect us all.

“You attract them,” Julianna declares. “Did you hear what one of them said?”

“I’m not its brother,” El yells, hands shaking. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Common sense isn’t wrong with me!” She shouts back. “This is the third Mordrem skirmish we’ve faced since trying to find a medic for your precious plant ribs! The Mordrem know one of their own!”

“Would you say that to the Marshal’s face? Would you say that if the Commander were around?” He stares at Gean’s body. Could he animate it to swallow this bitch’s soul?

“Marshal is a stronger man than you’ll ever be,” Julianna says, “I bet he’s fighting Mordrem as we speak and the Commander is, too. She doesn’t abandon her own, like some of us are tempted to do.”

“She’s the enemy,” the voice says and it sounds like his own. El gives a lopsided grin. Julianna has wanted him dead for days now. He may have been taunting her with magic before, but if she lands a hit, he’s done for.

But with Mordremoth’s strength-

A broken laughter tears from his throat. “I am not a Mordrem!” he shouts at the sky, fingers digging into the leaves on his head. “Trahearne is not a Mordrem! Get off that fucking ley-line already!”

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

He runs away that night.

In hindsight, it’s not the smartest idea. But Mordremoth kept whispering, and he was tempted to borrow a little of the dragon’s strength to bash her head in. Then he remembered that he wasn’t a Mordrem and just left her at the mercy of the incoming enemy force.

In hindsight, it makes the whispers turn into shouts that make him sob and stumble against a tree and reach for his magic just to get his mind away from the invading power. He can’t really tell spells apart but he manages to find a healing one and apply it to his rib, desperately trying to remember the anatomy lessons.

He’s since pulled most of his foliage off, leaving behind a few ugly leaves that were once a beautiful night-dark shade. He thinks of Trahearne’s green leaves and Sieran’s red ones, even of the strands of that norn he’s taken to bed once, but Mordremoth doesn’t relent.

“Not-a-Mordrem,” he grunts out. “I am not a Mordrem!”

“You’ll obey,” Mordremoth says and El breathes a sigh of relief. He doesn’t know how much time he has until it strikes again, so he straightens up and walks in the direction of the noise he heard earlier.

Or thought he heard...

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

He cries tears of relief when he sees people. A lot of them. All races. He’s half-convinced he’s imagining it, but he sobs out happily either way. He’s half-convinced he’s gone mad and this is a happy place where all little sylvari go to escape Mordremoth.

“-attack being launched from here, we’re really close,” he hears a clear, familiar voice and he’s never been happier to see Alysannyra in his life.

“Not-a-Mordrem,” he whispers, so close yet so far away, and his legs have never felt heavier.

Heavy enough to make a thud when he crashes into the ground, heavy enough to make her turn and run towards him. El’s smile is desperate, he’s sure there’s sap everywhere on his face, and she comes into view.

Her eyes are a wrong colour. But she sounds like Alysannyra. But her eyes are wrong. She doesn’t sound like Mordremoth.

“Not-a-Mordrem,” he mutters weakly.

“No, you’re not,” she says gently. “Medic, we need a medic over here! It’s Arcanist Elandrin!” There’s a wash of magic and he feels his body sag even further. “You’re okay, you’re okay,” she repeats.

“Trahearne,” he croaks.

Her wrong eyes freeze. “We’ll find him,” she says and her voice breaks. “He’s out there. You rest now, medics are coming.”

“Not-a-Mordrem,” he says and pride swells in his chest.

Not a Mordrem

Not a Mordrem

Not a Mordrem

The world goes black.

[walkerwords]

“The Bowman’s Sister” Part 2 of 4 - Daryl x Sister!Reader

GIF CREDIT: https://gfycat.com/queasycourageouskookaburra

PART I PART III PART IV

Word Count: 3194

Daryl Dixon & Sister!Reader (Rick x Reader in future)

Warning: none

Song I Wrote To: “Silhouettes” by Of Monsters And Men

Summary: After being reunited with your brother, Daryl, you try to adapt to the prison life by talking to Carl, going on a run, and getting to know some of your new fellow survivors. 

Note: Yeah, that summary is shit, but this is the continuation of part one. Not sure how long this will be, but I wanna see what where I can go with it. I won’t be uploading on any schedule as of right now, but I’ll let ya know if i do.

------

That night you lay awake, your eyes on the ceiling.

You had convinced Daryl to retake his bed as you took the top bunk. He had offered to find you a cell of your own, but you had decided to stay with him as long as he would have you. You weren’t ready to sleep alone again.

Below you, you could hear your brother’s snores. He had crawled into his bed only an hour ago as he switched his watch shift with Sasha. Apparently, they needed more security due to a threat that was not exactly gone. Michonne had told you about the Governor and Woodbury. You had heard of the town in passing but never ventured there yourself. It seemed too good to be true and apparently it was.

You learned that one of their people, Andrea, had died there and then Daryl was the one to tell you that the Governor was the one to kill your big brother. However, it was Maggie who later told you that Daryl was the one to put him down the second time and that nearly broke you. You and Merle were supposed to be the older siblings, the ones that looked out for Daryl, and yet here was looking after the both of you.

Slipping your hand under your pillow, you pulled out the knife Daryl had given to you earlier that day. He also gave you new bullets for your gun. You kept your pistol with your bow and quiver down below, but the knife was never far from your reach. 

The problem was, you weren’t sure if you trusted these people. 

There was no denying that you loved your brother and that Rick seemed to be different than you first thought, but the welcoming demeanor was still a bit of a shell shock and it would take some time. Something about the prison reminded you of the old apartment building you used to live in when you and Carter first got together. Merle had said that it also reminded him of being on the inside. 

Thinking of Merle put a heaviness on your heart. You didn’t want all the gory details, but you needed to know what had happened. A part of you needed to go find the man that did this to you and your brother. You were gathering, however, that Merle was not exactly a welcome addition to the group when your brothers had met up with the rest of them in Atlanta.

You understood that. Merle Dixon was a tough asshole to get along with. He even bashed on Daryl when he got the chance, but he had always had a soft spot for you and you also knew he took the brunt of the beatings your father dished out. There wasn’t even a grave you could visit, but then again, Carter and Hannah didn’t have graves either. 

Carefully, so as to not wake Daryl, you slid off the bed and lightly landed on the stone floor. You froze, waiting for him to wake up, but he remained asleep, his arm thrown over his stomach as he slept off his long day. Grabbing your bow and quiver, you stepped out of your cell and into the main block. Snores echoed around you as you slowly made your way to the main door, needing to be out of the cramped building. 

As soon as the night air and the sounds of the Dead at the fence met your ears it was oddly comforting. Taking a deep breath, you moved through the courtyard, keeping your eyes on the Walkers. The word these people used for the Dead was slowly growing on you. 

You made your way through the first gate and over to one of the empty watchtowers. Sasha was in the tower to your left, but you ignored her obvious glances and climbed the stairs. As soon as you exited onto the platform, it was as if you could finally breathe. Of course, you were happy to be with Daryl and safe behind fences, but the cell had been near suffocating. Even with the Walkers and the Living out to get you, you had to admit that you felt better outside. 

Leaning next to the railing, you crossed one foot over the other and listened to the world. Your mind kept wandering to how the world used to be. It was the simple things you thought of: the sounds of kids after school as they played at parks or on their bikes; the ambient noise of a TV being left on in the background of the house; even the occasional roar of a plane in the sky above. 

The night was now clear and full of stars. Without all the light pollution, it was as if you were looking at a different sky. 

The sound of someone clearing their throat startled you. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” You turned to see Carl exiting the tower behind you, his hat slightly askew. 

“It’s fine, I didn’t think anyone would be up here,” you said, relaxing again. 

“Yeah, we usually have at least two people on watch at a time.” 

“Because of the Governor?” you asked. Carl nodded, joining you at the railing. 

“Yeah,” he agreed, “and to make sure the fences hold.” You nodded, fiddling with a ribbon that was tied around your left wrist. When you noticed Carl staring at the movement, you tugged your sleeve back down. Carl was quiet for a moment before turning to you again. “Are you okay?” he asked. 

“Just not used to being...secure, I guess,” you admitted. 

“I get that,” Carl said. “This is the first place we’ve found that has been this safe. We were at a farm for a while, but it got overrun. We lost people there...and here.”

“I’m sorry,” you said and you were. It was never easy losing people, especially at his age. “Your mom?” you asked, noticing nobody had claimed themselves to be Judith’s mother. 

“She died when Judith was born. I had to put her down a second time.” Jesus, you said to yourself. You reached out carefully and squeezed his shoulder. 

“That’s rough,” you told him. “My mom died when I was around your age too.” 

“I know,” Carl said, “Daryl told me about the fire.” There was a touch of a smile on your face as you thought of that. Daryl telling the young boy of your mother to comfort him was nice to hear. It was a very Daryl thing to do.

“Hey,” you said, looking at him in the darkness, “you still have your dad and sister, right? And from what I can tell, the people here care about you. Don’t forget you still have family, okay?” Carl gave you a small smile of his own. 

“Why are you up here?” he asked. 

“Couldn’t sleep,” you said with a shrug. 

“Me neither” he admitted. You thought for a moment before pulling your quiver off your back and digging the glue and extra fletching from the small pocket on the side. 

“Well, do you wanna learn to fletch some arrows?” you offered. You waved one of your projectiles at him before a smile spread across his face.

“Definitely,” he said. You nodded to sit down next to you against the tower wall and together you got to work on fixing and fletching some more arrows for you. You would need to fashion some more bolts for Daryl as well. As Carl carefully worked next to you, you assisted in whatever he was having trouble with, but the kid caught on quick. 

As the night wore on, fatigue finally caught up, and slowly, you drifted off to sleep with the kid next to you, already passed out on his own.  

------

The next morning you were down by the fences.

You worked with Beth, killing the Walkers that pressed against the fence. Using the end of a sharpened broom, you easily sunk the wood into the decaying flesh and if you were being honest with yourself, it was oddly therapeutic.

You kept thinking back to the conversation you had had with the younger Grimes the night before. It was one of the nicest conversations you had had since the world had ended. Just two people watching the stars and listening to one another. You were hoping for that to happen again and maybe even with someone over the age of sixteen.

Beth was getting tired so you gestured back up to the cell block to grab something to eat. She agreed and the two of you started to head back. As you stepped into the thick grass of the field, a familiar sound echoed through the air. The Walkers groaned louder as the rumble of a motorcycle split the air. 

Merle’s motorcycle. 

A grin spread across your face as Daryl rode out towards the front gate. Rick was waiting for him with Glenn, both armed and ready to head out. “Beth, I’ll meet up with you in a bit, okay?” 

“Okay,” she said, touching your arm briefly before heading to find her sister. You approached the three men, your hands slipping into your pockets. 

“Going out?” you asked, stopping next to your brother. He nodded. 

“We need medicine and some more clothes for the little one,” Daryl explained, not looking at you. 

“Great, let me grab my stuff and I’ll come with,” you said, already knowing what he was going to say. 

“Yer stayin’ here,” he told you, his blue eyes locking with yours finally. 

“Why’s that? Ya’ll got a rule against women going on runs?” you asked, even though you knew Michonne had gone out just yesterday for a few hours on her horse. 

“Ya just got here, (Y/N),” Daryl said, “take some time to rest.” You looked at Rick and Glenn, gauging their faces. 

“We could use another set of eyes,” Glenn offered and you gestured to Glenn expectantly. 

“Daryl,” Rick said, gaining the other man’s attention. “We’ll keep an eye on her. Besides, you were the one who told me she was a good shot.” You raised a brow at that. Daryl chewed on the inside of his cheek for second before nodding. 

“Fine,” he conceded, “grab yer bow.” 

------

You clutched at Daryl’s waist as he roared down the road. 

It had been a while since you had been on a bike, this one in particular. The feel of the bike was familiar and it made you smile as you leaned your head on Daryl’s shoulder, watching the forest pass by in a green blur. Rick and Glenn followed in a car as Daryl led them towards a strip mall not too far from the prison. You would be back before dark. 

You passed Walkers on the road, some barely able to move as they were missing limbs and baking in the Georgia sun. You kept your head ducked behind Daryl’s back to block the wind as he sped through the dilapidated roads, careful to dodge any debris on the road ahead.

Another ten or so miles and he slowed, turning into the mall. You climbed off the bike as he put down the kickstand and stretched out your legs and back causing Daryl to chuckle. “Shut up, it’s been a while,” you defended. Daryl raised his hands in surrender and picked up his crossbow, loading a bolt.

Rick and Glenn joined you both as you surveyed the buildings before you. “Drug store is there,” Glenn pointed to a building with thick bars on the windows. “No guarantee anything will be left, but we’re running low and the Doc is gonna need them when it gets colder out.” 

“(Y/N),” Rick said, gaining your attention, “what did you do before the Turn?” Daryl snorted and you smacked his shoulder.

“I was a psychiatrist, specifically for veterans,” you explained. 

“She was a shrink,” Daryl corrected and you responded with a roll of your eyes. 

“You didn’t seem to mind when you stole my prescription pad,” you pointed out. 

“That was Merle, dumbass,” he scoffed as he headed to the car to grab some bags they had taken to fill. 

“So you know meds?” Glenn asked. “We have a few from the Doc to look for, but we don’t take him out of the prison just in case.” Glenn handed you a small list that Caleb, or Doctor S, had written for them.

“I know some of these,” you nodded. “Want me to take the pharmacy?” you asked, jabbing your thumb towards the drug store. 

“Sound good to me,” Glenn agreed. 

“Good,” Daryl said, tossing you a bag. “Let’s go.” You held your tongue about not needing a babysitter and saluted to the other men and followed Daryl. While Rick and Glenn scavenged for clothes and any other food they could find, Daryl broke the lock on the door of the drug store. 

Daryl went in first, his bow up and sweeping the aisles. You followed close by, watching his back. As you turned towards the final aisle in the small store, a Walker reached out and grabbed at Daryl’s boot. He wasted no time in shooting it through the eye.

Retrieving the bolt, he reloaded it and took another look around before nodding to you. “Seems clear, don’t drop yer guard,” he warned. 

“Yes, Sir,” you sassed and pushed past him. You scanned the many shelves, tossing things in your bag as you went. Daryl wasn’t far behind you and every time you looked at him, he quickly glanced away as if he had been staring at you, observing your every movement. 

Ducking into another aisle, you began grabbing up all the rubbing alcohol and bandages you could get, trying to keep out of his gaze. When a Walker, nearly just bones, grabbed your foot from under a collapsed shelf, your boot connected with its skull. The creature dropped immediately and you shook off the brain matter that stuck to the leather. 

“Ya okay?” Daryl asked, coming around the corner. 

“I’m fine, Daryl,” you said, stepping over the corpse and heading for the pharmacy at the back. Daryl wasn’t far behind, his own bag nearly half full already. You hopped up onto the counter and knocked against the metal cage a few times and listened. When nothing came for you, you dropped to the ground and started making your way through the inventory, searching for everything on Doc’s list.

Daryl grabbed up more bandages and even found a new pair of crutches for Herschel if he needed them. You continued through the pharmacy, but when you once again found Daryl watching you, you out down the bottle of pills you had been holding and faced him. “What is it, Daryl?” you asked. 

“Nothin’,” he mumbled, dropping his head. 

“Don’t ‘nothin’ me,” you said, reading him like a book. “What’s wrong? You still pissed I came with you guys?”

“Nah, that’s not it,” he said, looking at you again. You waited. Daryl sighed, hiking up his bow on his shoulder. “Yer too calm,” he said. “Yer whole family is gone and yer actin’ like nothin’ happened.” 

“Not all my family,” you reminded him. Daryl set his jaw. You stepped closer to him. “Daryl, I’m doing everything to keep it together right now,” you told him. “You think it’s easy for me to get up every morning with her face still in my mind? You think that I don’t hear her screams every time I go to bed or see Carter’s blood on my hands every time I kill a Walker? I see them and feel them every damn day, but I don’t have the luxury to wallow and break down. If I sit and cry and don’t keep goin’, I’ll die and then their deaths mean nothing.”

“I know,” he whispered. 

“You know what the last thing Car said to me? He told me to go find my brothers,” you said, taking his hand. “Carter never thought for a moment that you two jackasses died and that is what kept me goin’. That is what is keepin’ me calm.”

“I couldn’t do that,” Daryl admitted, squeezing your hand tighter. 

“But ya have,” you reminded him. “Carl told me about the people you’ve lost. He told me about Sophia.” 

“She wasn’t mine,” Daryl told you. 

“But she was innocent and you cared enough to look for her all that time. She was just a child, too, Daryl.”

“Are ya gonna tell me it wasn’t my fault?” he asked. 

“Nah, you already know it’s not.” You leaned forward and kissed his forehead just as you used to when you were younger. “You reek,” you said, scrunching your nose. 

“Welcome to the end of the world, sweetheart.”

------

The two of you, after filling your bags, met up with Glenn and Rick. 

Glenn was on his back in the parking lot, pushing a Walker off of him as Rick stabbed it through the head. He grimaced as Rick helped him up. “Why am I always the one to get tackled?” Glenn asked, picking off pieces of Walker from his shirt. 

“Cause ya never shut up,” Daryl said as you two approached. 

“Hilarious,” Glenn shot back. “How’d you do?” Glenn asked you. 

“Got what we needed,” you confirmed. “You?’ 

“We got enough for now,” Rick said, raising the bag he had with him. “Gonna need to get some fresh meat soon, though,” he said looking at Daryl. You turned to your brother, surprised. 

“You hunt for them?” you asked. Daryl shrugged. 

“Someone has to,” he muttered. You rolled your eyes at his modesty. 

“Well don’t expect me to do any huntin’,” you said starting to load up the duffel bags. “I didn’t get the mountain man gene.”

“I don’t remember ya being this annoyin’,” Daryl said with a small smile. You shoved him lightly. You turned to look at Rick and Glenn. 

“How have ya’ll put up with him for this long?” 

“He’s like a stray dog,” Glenn joked, “Just kind of kept following us until we decided to keep him.”

“Keep laughin’, Rhee,” Daryl said. Glenn grinned at him and Daryl rolled his eyes, climbing onto his bike. Glenn went to get in the car and Rick grabbed the other bag from you. 

“Thank you,” you said quietly to Rick. He looked at you in confusion. 

“For what?” 

“For keepin’ an eye on him. Looks like you’ve gotten pretty close,” You said, looking at Daryl as he checked his bike. Rick placed his hand on your shoulder. 

“He’s saved my ass a few times too. We’re alive because of him,” Rick admitted. You looked up at him and into those blue eyes that had seen some brutal thing and saw the truth. Rick and Daryl had become brothers and it made your heart swell. 

“Thanks,” you whispered and patted his hand before joining Daryl on the back of the bike. “Any chance I can convince you to let me drive?” you asked, peering over his shoulder. Daryl snorted. 

“Sorry, only mountain men get to drive,” he said and you rolled your eyes. 

“Very funny.” 

[starlightinhumanform]

Discordant

Fandom: Sanders Sides

Ships: Platonic Logince

Summary: Based on the amazing @tscampfireau (specifically this brilliant ask)!!~   When Logan gets caught up in questioning his identity, he can’t sleep and he knows that if stays in that tent any longer, he may actually lose his mind. He didn’t consider that playing his guitar in the middle of the night would wake one of his friends up.

Warnings (in order of strength): Some Angst, Discussions of Gender/Sexuality, Mild Language Throughout, (please tell me if anything needs to be added)

Genre: Angst With a Happy Ending, Human (Highschool) AU

A/N: You don’t need to be familiar with this AU to understand this fic, but your life will be so so much better if you do check it out. I honestly enjoyed writing this so much. My love for music and the outdoors really popped out in this and I love the characters in this universe. Also I got the opportunity to stretch my platonic-writing muscles! It was so interesting to talk about questioning when that’s something I’m very familiar with. But enough rambling!!  I hope you like reading this as much I enjoyed writing it! Love you all 🖤✨

Ao3 Link    Fic Masterpost    Fic Request Info

Logan stared at the thick woven thread that made up the material of above him. It was dark green, just thin enough to allow the moon’s glow to bleed through. Outside, the crickets sang brightly and the sound seemed to beckon him through the zippered door of the tent.

In the sleeping bag next to him, Remus was snoring at a volume level that could rival a chainsaw. Logan hardly knew this guy, but his breathing pattern was becoming increasingly ingrained in Logan’s brain.

He was tired and his head hurt but sleep was apparently not an option. Too many thoughts buzzed around in his head, filling his mind with a drone that built up pressure and made it hard to do anything but stare with glazed over eyes.

It was suffocating. It was overwhelming. It was wrong. Logan was supposed to be the one who knew everything, who always had things under control and had the answer to every question. But he didn’t have the answers- not this time, not about himself.

Logan turned his head to stare at the sleeping teenagers next to him. He had taken the spot closest to the edge of the tent so from here, he could see the entire group packed next to each other in the too-small-for-all-of-them tent. They all looked so peaceful, passed out after a day of questionable shenanigans in the surrounding woods.

Logan didn’t even try to push away the twinges of envy that were creeping into his mind. He wanted the peace that they had- and he didn’t just mean sleep. Everyone else in this tiny little tent was so sure of themselves; they knew exactly who they were and what they were. Even Virgil (who was generally excepted by all as The Baby) was comfortable and open about their nonbinary identity. They had all seemingly outgrown their questioning stages of life. And here was Logan. Stuck. Glitching. Like a thread of himself had gotten snagged and now the whole thing was unraveling.

He didn’t know who he liked or how he liked them. He didn’t know who he was. And it was eating him away.

Logan threw his head back into the pillow behind him. He just wanted to close his eyes and drift to darkness, ignore all of the question marks in his head until later. But if the past few hours proved anything, it was that he wasn’t going to sleep tonight. It would make more sense just to give up on the whole futile attempt.

He glanced sideways again at the pile. None of the others had shifted in minutes. They wouldn’t notice if he got up and left for a few minutes, would they? On his other side, his guitar was wedged between the side of the tent and his sleeping bag. He could just grab it and leave for a little while and the others would never notice.

Before Logan was really conscious of his actions, he was already tiptoeing past the tangle of bodies with the neck of his guitar in his grip.

The relief of stepping outside was physical. His shoulders relaxed immediately and the pressure in his head subsided. A warm breeze played the scent of firs through his hair. Far above, the stars stared down like a thousand shining eyes. He gazed back lovingly.

A few feet ahead of him, the last embers of the fire were quietly fading away. He grimaced slightly at the fact that the other hadn’t put the fire out completely but he couldn’t help appreciating the beauty of the warm glow that burrowed out from the dead ashes.

Logan sat down on one of the logs they had rolled over earlier. The quietness was starting to creep back over him; the charm of the crickets fading to white noise the colour of dirty snow as a thousand questions regained their throne in his mind.

He hung his head and tried to memorize the patchwork of leaves and pine needles beneath his bare feet. There was no pattern- just a mess. It reminded Logan of himself. Logan liked things that were clear and made sense but no matter how hard he tried, he could find nothing familiar or reasonable within himself.

Logan strummed a chord. He didn’t even think about it, no thought going towards the note or the sound he was creating. He just wanted to feel it. Strings pressing into the pads of his fingertips. Neck lying securely in his palm. Body resting against his lap. Vibration moving comfortingly from the guitar to his chest.

His fingers swept down the neck, catching the next note before the echo of the last had a chance to fade away. He found another note and chased it all the way up to the second fret. His fingers danced over the strings, weaving together a melody as his thoughts wandered else where.

Logan had spent years thinking he was straight; it was kind of the “default” of society. But then he learned that guys were an option and, hey, that sounded kind of nice too. When he hit middle school, people started to talk about attraction- er- differently and he thought maybe he was asexual. But that didn’t feel quite right either. It made him wonder exactly how he felt at all.  For a while he wondered if he had ever been attracted to anyone. He thought for sure he would know what love was like. Maybe he just hadn’t experienced it yet. Maybe he was just a late bloomer. Maybe he had felt it and just didn’t know it.

He was brought back to reality when a drop of water hit the top of his hand. He blinked up the sky, trying to find the source of rain in the cloudless sky. He squinted up at the stars, damp eyelashes flickering against his skin. It was only then that he realized he was crying, tears dripping off of his cheekbones and running off of his jaw.

He shook his head and started playing again. He was pressing against the fretboard so hard that his fingers were beginning to feel like he had been playing for an hour. The muscles in his hand were sore and he could feel the strings digging little trenches into his skin. He ignored the sensation and picked the rhythm up.

Things didn’t get easier when gender butted its ugly head into the discussion. It changed everything. Maybe it wasn’t supposed to change everything and maybe it shouldn’t have changed everything but to Logan, it did. How the hell was Logan supposed to put a finger on his sexuality if he didn’t even have a gender to contextualize it in? Logan kept using the same pronouns because it was easier, because maybe he was just imaging it, because maybe he just wanted attention. He just wanted a box to check, just tiny little square he could stand in and say “Hey this feels ok.”

The body of his guitar dug sharply into Logan’s chest as a shuddering sob brought him slumping forward. He didn’t stop playing. He couldn’t stop playing. It was the only thing that he he understood right now.

He let the weight of his body fall completely over the curve of the guitar. The hum of the strings carried directly from the instrument and into his chest where it echoed back until he wasn’t even sure where the sound was coming from. It was just one long harmony, tiny whimpers mixing with melancholy strums that called into the darkness around him. If only an answer would step out of those empty, lonely woods.

Logan started as a hand landed lightly across his shoulders, causing him to jump and spin around.

Roman was standing there, one of Remus’ old volleyball jerseys hanging off of him and making him look like a neon-coloured ghost. His hair stuck up at ridiculous angles but his face couldn’t be more serious, “Logan? Are you ok?”

Logan hurried to wipe his face clear of tears, “Oh yeah. Why are you out here?”

Roman laughed without humor as he took a seat down next to Logan, “I think I could ask you the same thing.”

“I just couldn’t sleep,” Logan shrugged.

“So you decided to play your guitar loud enough to wake me up?”

Logan stared into the maze of trees so didn’t have to look at Roman, “Sorry about that.”

Next to him, Logan heard Roman sigh, “No you don’t have to apologize. I just want to know what’s wrong.”

Logan kept staring a mile ahead. He wasn’t exactly the best at talking about things like this, about himself. Besides he hadn’t ever mentioned this to anyone before. Whenever the others discussed their sexualities or genders he would step back and go quiet, walled off by his own confusion. He didn’t know how to join the conversation when his experience seemed so, so different than theirs. He would probably seem like an alien to them- so unsure of himself while they seemed so comfortable. Maybe they would decide he didn’t belong after all. He didn’t know how to join the conversation and he sure as hell didn’t know how to begin it.

But maybe now was the time to try, “Roman, have you ever felt lost?”

“You do remember how we met, right?” Logan could hear the ruthful smile that tugged on Roman’s mouth.

Logan turned to face him, unsure of where exactly this was going, “Yeah. In our freshman year.”

“Your freshman year. My repeat year.”

“Oh. Right,” Logan didn’t know what to say; he got the feeling he wasn’t really supposed to say anything yet.

Roman nodded like he was having a silent conversation in his head with someone else and they had just made a good point, “The year before and the start of that year, I had never felt more lost in my life. I couldn’t keep up with the year I was supposed to be with. I didn’t fit in with the incoming class and I didn’t know anyone there. I was separated from my twin for the first time ever. And I was still struggling to come to terms with my identity as a guy. I was cut off from my friends, my family, the people around me, even myself.”

“So what changed?”

“I met you,” Roman smiled warmly.

Logan felt his eyebrows weave together, “How did I do anything?”

“You gave me a place to stand, somewhere safe that I always knew would be there while I figured everything else out. You gave me a friend. You were always so there that you gave me the room to find myself.”

“Oh,” But that was exactly the problem. Because he wasn’t there, he had no clue where he was.

“So yes,” Roman bumped his shoulder into Logan’s, “I’ve been lost before. And you helped me find myself and my friends and even my brother again.”

“Oh,” Logan cursed in his head. He must sound stupid, but he didn’t know what else to say.

Roman leaned sideways to nudge Logan with his shoulder again, “You obviously didn’t ask me that just so you could hear some sappy rant; what’s up?”

Logan moved the guitar off of his lap and set it down in an attempt to buy time. He was staring off again, half hoping that if he stared into the dark woods long enough he would just melt into them. The other half wanted to explode and tell Roman every single thought bouncing through his mind. He sat forward with his elbows on his knees, “I’m lost.”

“Ok,” Roman spoke slowly, confusion evident in his tone as he began to rub his hand over the plane of Logan’s shoulders, “How are you lost?”

“It’s going to sound stupid,” A laugh escaped Logan in a breathy wheeze; it sounded sickly to his own ears, but he was far away. There was no humor in his voice but the situation could only be described as ridiculous. He was out here, in the middle of the night, sobbing like a man whose heart had been broken- and over what? Because he couldn’t decide who to crush on? He shook his head; he was obviously making too big of a deal out all of this, “It doesn’t really matter.”

Roman gave a similarly humorless laugh, “I’ve seen you cry- what? Maybe three times? This matters.”

“I’m just questioning a lot of things.”

“What sort of things?” Roman was clearly trying to draw more information out of him.

Logan teetered for a moment, stuck on the top of the fence and too scared to jump down. Except that’s where he always was, wasn’t it? Always questioning, always unsure, always overthinking things, always analyzing the path and never actually taking a step forward. He took a shaky deep breath. Maybe it was time to take the leap, “My gender. My sexuality. It’s like I don’t know where I fit in with all of it.”

“Oh.”

A beat of silence played into the night, filling the space between them with the quiet murmur that trees whisper at the dead of night. Under any other circumstances, Logan would have found it beautiful. Now it just served as an indication that he had said something wrong. He found himself counting out the measures as he held his breath and wished he could fill the painful space with something, anything. He wanted to start playing his guitar again, get completely lost in it, and pretend nothing else existed. He settled for clearing his throat.

“Do you need to?” Roman interrupted the silence.

“I’m sorry, what do you mean?” Logan sat up so Roman could see his confused expression.

“I mean, do you need to know right now?”

Logan couldn’t keep the annoyance out of his voice, “Yes, I need to know right now. I want to know who I am!”

Roman clamped his hands down on Logan’s shoulders, making eye contact so intense it made Logan squirm, “Logan, listen to me. You are more than your sexuality. You are more than your gender. You are brilliant and funny and the only person who has ever been patient enough to tutor me. You’re one of my very best friends and that has nothing to do with who you like or what pronouns you use.”

Logan glanced away, the pressure from Roman’s eyes and words far too great for him to hold on to. He tried to avoid that gaze, but more importantly he wanted to avoid the heaviness of what Roman had said. It meant too much. He tried to resort back to his annoyance, “How can you say that? You changed your pronouns; they sure as hell mean a lot to you. Why can’t they matter to me?”

He wanted his voice to sound bitter, to bite, to cut down what Roman had said. But his words were a whimper and nothing more than a plea. He dissolved into tears again and sank into Roman’s side, “Why can’t it matter to me? Why can’t I know too?”

Logan felt Roman wrap his arms around his upper body. He usually hated contact like this but right now it was exactly what he needed; it was grounding, Roman’s sturdy arms giving himself to hold onto through it all.

He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that. It was kind of like dreaming- just fragments of broken thoughts floating through darkness. Roman’s shirt smelled like fire smoke and the scent drifted through’s Logan’s head along with everything else. He seemed to be thinking nothing and everything all at the same time. He didn’t know how to make sense of any of it.

Eventually he sat up, wiping his eyes and brushing his hair back into place as if that could save the shreds of his dignity, “Sorry about that.”

Roman had moved his arms when Logan sat up and he seemed tempted to wrap them around Logan again, “What? No, it’s ok.”

Logan shifted from side to side, “I just... I feel like such an outsider. Not knowing, I mean. You’re all so confident and I’m just lost. It feels like I’m missing a piece of myself. How do I find it?”

Roman seemed to take a moment to think, running his hands through his hair and staring off into the distance. When he turned back to Logan, his eyes were warm and full of little thoughts that bumped around the edges, “I think the first step is accepting that you can’t force it. Then you can just wait until you find something that feels right. And that might take a little while, but that’s ok. You’ll figure it out eventually- you always do. The problem you need to work on is being patient; everything will fall into place once it’s ready to.”

“Yeah, well, being patient isn’t exactly my strong suit,” Logan huffed a laugh up into the twinkling sky, “I hate seeing a problem and not being able to solve it or know the answer.”

“Logan, look at me.”

Roman’s voice came out in one low line of sound. It was more of a command than anything else and Logan felt compelled to turn.

“You’re not some math problem or crossword puzzle. There’s no x to solve for and the sooner you accept that, the easier it’s going to be for you to relax and let the answers come when they will.”

Logan glared at him for a moment because, as horrible as it was to admit, Roman was making a lot of sense. He sighed, “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

Roman gave him one of the sunshine smiles he had grown famous for at their school, “Thanks, Teach.”

They sat there comfortably silent for a few moments. Wind rustled the trees around them and the final embers dissolved into ashes. The moon basked the entire scene in an ethereal, cold light. For once, Logan felt like he could reflect the peacefulness around himself.

“And Logan? Don’t be afraid to talk to us. We’d all be happy to give you answers- or at least, the best answers we can. If I’m being honest, I don’t know if anyone is ever completely sure about this sort of stuff. How was it that you described the brain- ‘a couple pounds of gray tissue that reacts to electrical currents’ ? We’re humans and we’re messy and it can be hard to figure out what all those electrical currents mean. But we’ll help as much as we can. Hell, I’ll go to the library with you and we can spend the entire day there researching sexualities and identities if you want.”

“Thank you, Roman. That-“ Logan paused to take a deep breath. The sincerity and dedication in Roman’s words had a way of weakening his own voice until it was hard to speak in anything but a thin waver, “That means a lot.”

“No problem,” Roman gave him a smile that meant so much more than his casual words. He held it for a moment before trading it for a playful wink, “Now can I ask for a favour?”

Logan laughed and reached for his guitar, knowing what was coming, “Sure.”

“Play that song I like?”

“Already on it.”

The strings were cool, comfortable beneath the warmth of his fingers. His hand slipped quickly into the melody as Roman began humming. Logan would figure things out. It might take a while but for now, Roman was singing and the trees were whispering their song and the moon was turning everything silver and he could stay here a little bit longer.

If you want to be added to my Sanders Sides fic taglist, just send an ask or reply to this post :p 

~ @phan-fander @abi-beehive @fandomfan315 @cas-is-a-hunter @reggieleigh07 @endless-rain-of-words ~

[midnightmoonkiss]

Valentine’s Bliss

Midoriya Izuku X Fem! Reader

Summary: The day of love certainly is meant to be spent together. When plans fall through, though, thanks to the busy life of heroes, maybe a relaxing bath will make up for it.

WARNINGS!: Hanjobs! So, 18+ !

Category: Smut

Word Count: 6k+

Just To Clarify:

Reader is female

This occurs after UA 

A/N: This is late. I know. I’m sorry ahhhnbgng.

Water cascaded down you, enveloping you in it's oh-so refreshing warmth as you took a self-proclaimed much needed shower. Lyrics to a song you weren’t entirely familiar with tumbled past your lips, filling the silence as you rubbed soap down your legs. 

The night was young, yet the sun had far passed the horizon, it’s sister the moon taking it’s radiant place and covering the world in sleepy darkness.You could only assume the dazzling pink, white and red lights put out for this month casted the city of Musutafu in a more romantic glow.

This glorious Valentines Friday was winding down to an end, almost reaching 9:00PM now. Even if you’d much prefer to spend the entirety of it with your boyfriend, you knew he was a busy man these days - well on his way to being a pro-hero. He was quite the ambitious young man, but he worked too hard sometimes - even if he was still a sidekick. They always did the grunt work, or the work the pro’s didn't feel like really doing. 

A longing sigh bubbled in your throat, head tilted up as the pouring water rinsed suds from your lower body. It was a nice feeling, almost drowning in the liquids intoxicating touch.

Originally, you were supposed to have dinner at a restaurant of your choosing a few hours ago to celebrate the worldwide couples holiday, but alas.. You had to be understanding. He was called in last minute for a small bank heist, after all. Time is money?

In all honesty, you felt bad for the poor guy. Who knew climbing the ranks could be so tedious? Certainly him more so than you.You’d always support him, though. Forever his number one fan. Hell, it’d be a lie if you said you hadn’t picked up any merch fellow fans made of him, even helping produce some realistic art thanks to him being the actual model of them. Maybe even some drawings that would stay for your eyes only.

Lost in your thoughts, as all showers tend to make people do, you fail to hear the sound of the front door opening and closing. There was an apparent noise of someone stumbling through the apartment, but you were still none the wiser -  for now you began humming a soft melody instead of openly singing. You forgot the rest of the lyrics, anyway.

Just as you were about finished with your shower, a sudden knock on the door caused you to squeak - senses on high alert and completely ready to grab the knife you kept in the shower with you.

“Princess? Are you taking a shower?” A tired, muffled, yet heart-warmingly familiar voice called through the locked wooden door. Relief flooded through you, body instantly relaxing as you simply stood under the water. Though his voice was obscured by not only the wood, but the noisy shower you’re in, it wasn’t too hard to tell he didn't sound like himself.

He didn’t most days, anyway. Always so tired when he’d come home this late. He did have to leave extremely early in the morning, anyway. Your poor heros sleep schedule was far too wack for the strenuous activities he did for his job.

“Izu, honey? You sound tired.” You stated, rinsing the conditioner you left to sit in out of your (H/L), (H/C) hair.

“I am tired..” Izuku muttered almost inaudibly, a thump on the door making you assume he placed his forehead there or leaned his back against it.

Chewing on your lip in worry, you turned off the shower, squeezing water out of your hair as you stepped out onto a bath mat. Moments later, and much to your boyfriends surprise, you opened the door, wrapped in a pretty (f/c) towel. Unluckily to him, but lucky to you, he was indeed leaning against the door, so you have the pleasure of having him stumble into your arms.

Staring up into his green eyes, it was easy to tell they came back to life again, a spark shining in them at the sight of you.

“(Y-Y/N)-” He stuttered, a pretty pink blush settling on his freckled cheeks. It was so adorable how shy he still is, despite being in a relationship for years and doing some downright dirty things with each other. How cute.

(S/C) hand reaching up, you softly cupped his face, bringing him down for a quick peck on the lips, to which he gladly returned. Though his lips were chapped, no doubt from probably shouting at villains the way he always does - that paired with the cold night air, they were still pleasant to kiss. They held traces of vanilla, perhaps a cupcake he had eaten before?

“You’re very tense..” Your hands, now moving up and down his arms, could feel the tight muscles beneath your fingertips. He needed a break. That much was clear. You both had the weekend off.. perhaps the two of you could do something? For now..

Every-observant (E/C) examined his face, dark bags peaking through his skin under those large eyes. 

“How about we take one of those baths together?” You ponder aloud, a well meaning smile making its way onto your face.

True, you had just come out of the shower, but that doesn’t mean you couldn't take a bath. Especially given how long it took to set one up, your skin would have plenty of time to rejuvenate in that long time span -  as well as giving your boyfriend a moment to have a breather on the bed.

“That.. that would be great.. ” He sighed with a smile of his own as he dropped his head on your shoulder, nuzzling his nose into the crook of your wet neck.

You giggled, turning to press a sweet kiss to his head whilst his big arms held you closer to his toned body.

“Careful now~ You might make my towel drop!”

“You act as if that’d be a bad thing, love.” He whispered huskily against your skin as you whined in embarrassment, your own teasing tactics failing miserably.

“Didn’t you just shower, though?” He questioned, common sense seemingly just hitting his tired head, “and I took a shower before coming home, too..”

“It was one of those mandatory quick five minute showers, wasn’t it?” You deadpanned,

“Well. Yes..” 

“Those are in no way relaxing. We are going to take a bath together,” You picked his head up off your shoulder, pressing your foreheads together, “and you're going to like it like you always do. You need a break, hun.”

“Alright..” He breathed, eyes lidding as he lazily smiled. There was no fighting with you when your mind was set, that much he knew. Not that he’d want to protest, a bath sounds heavenly to his sore muscles right now.

“I’ll set it up, you go get us some clothes for after and sit down.” Even if your tone was commanding, Izuku knew your words held no bite. They never did. Always so soft and gentle to him.. The best lover he could ask for. With that, he nodded, making his way out of the steamy bathroom to gather clothes and relax for a bit on the bed.

With a determined nod, you tightened the towel around your body to keep it from slipping as you left the door wide open to air out your showers steam.

Right! So, today is Valentines day! Meaning, you’d need an extra special bath. Of course, Izuku didn’t need to know that. 

It’s going to be a surprise!

Knowing him, he’ll probably fall asleep while waiting, relying on you to awaken him from his slumber with a sugary sweet kiss.

Until that time comes, which couldn't be soon enough since kissing that man was more addicting than any drug, you’d need to work extra hard to make this day come to a nice close for your hero. 

Thus began your plan that wasn’t really a plan - you were making things up as you went.

Turning the bathroom heater on low, knowing how hot it’d get in this surprisingly large space, you began wiping down spots of condensation. Living in a semi-large apartment with your boyfriend was a blessing and a curse at times. Curse because.. That’s a lot of space to clean.

A blessing because more space means.. Well, more space!

Digging through the bathroom cabinet, you rummaged through luxury items, pulling out peppermint essential oil and a shea butter moisturizing epsom salt mixture. Ah, luxury.

Peppermint was always a nice thing to relax in after a troubling week, the scent of it really opening your nose up!

Maybe?

You shrugged, setting the two containers down next to the bathtub beside the shower. Originally, having the two seperate seemed like a waste of space, but nowadays - after settling in over the past few months - it seemed completely reasonable. Hell, you and Izuku could be bathing at the same time if you so wish.

Even if you’d rather do it together, sometimes it’s just nice to be alone for a second without really being physically alone.

Plugging up the pristine white bath drain, you sprinkled some of the salt mixture in whilst running hot water, mixing it as it filled up and ignoring the burn.

It was going to sit for a while anyway, having it the perfect temperature right away would be a waste.

 Once it was filled, a few drops of peppermint were added before another mixing spell.

Now it was truly time to set things up.

Rummaging through the cabinet under the sink, you grabbed the container of rose petals bought earlier in the week, as well as two sets of white candles in a red glass.

Yes, yes! 

It was all so exciting, the romantic fantasy bath people would dream of on Valentines day!

It was a good thing you had bought chocolate, too! Though, of course, corporate corruption and high quality always made such treats hard to purchase except for rare occasions.

Giving your man exactly what he needs on the most loving day of the year - who wouldn’t be giddy over it? He deserved it. Not only was he your hero, but he was also your king, just as you were his queen.

The love you held for him burned inside your lungs with every breath you took.

Never before could you have imagined your life anyway else, not since you first laid your eyes on the cute second year student at UA four years ago.

A support class student and a hero class student, what a trope.

You giggled at the memory of how you met as you placed candles all around the tub and bathroom.

You were a first year at the time, having just entered the school with a new batch of newbies and already on the start of something great in your technical classes. You just so happened to be helping aid a second year - Mei Hatsume - with testing out her ‘new’ boots. Really, they weren’t new, they were just improved rocket boots that she had already invented before. It was like that marketing scheme companies used, ‘new and improved.’ 

Either way, helping out would get you extra credit on an upcoming test, and hell if you were going to miss out on such an opportunity - despite not actually needing it as you’d discover the following week

It was a simple task, really, put the boots on and test them out. She wanted the boots to have more thruster power, previously only being able to get a meter or so in the air. 

The moment she turned them on, though, you were like Tony Stark trying out his new suit for the first time.

Screams ripped from your throat as you flew sporadically around the room, zero control of the boots, much to Mei’s dismay.

Left eyebrow twitching in annoyance at that part of the memory, you began delicately placing petals everywhere, including in the bathtub and making a path from the door to it.

You’d meet the famous ‘Deku’ moments later, when he kicked down the door Mei had apparently locked, drawn to the room after hearing your screams echo down an empty hallway.

Embarrassment had flooded through your being, unable to stop screaming as you desperately tried holding down your wild green skirt as you flew through the air like a headless chicken.

Any conversations held between the two on the floor slipped by your ears, all you could hear was yourself and the roar of the mad boots keeping your feel in a death grip.

Then, time stopped as two two warm arms wrapped around your body, green sparks flashing about your vision. It all happened too fast to truly comprehend it, but he had somehow gotten your boots off in a span of two seconds before bouncing down two walls to the floor with your shaking body held against his muscular chest.

Thus bringing forth the term of endearment, “My hero..”

True, he was a hero already, but at the time he was a hero in training, but the words still left a great impact on Izuku at that time. For a student to be referred to as a hero already, that was big! At least, that’s what he told you years later.

You didn’t start dating until just after Izuku’s graduation. He wanted to set in stone his feelings before he’d lose the chance too, and it was a blessing for the both of you when you had said yes. He cried a waterfall.

It was a nice memory to look back on. You hummed in appreciation as you set the last petal down, always finding yourself caught up in memories and such when given quiet time to yourself.

Then again, it was the day of love, it was hard not to be consumed with thoughts of your beloved boyfriend.

Grabbing your phone, you connected it to a speaker, turning on some classical music to truly set a romantic atmosphere.

Walking to the door, you looked back at your hard work.

Mhm!

All that was left was getting a table for the candies.. And.. wine, perhaps? Ah, why the hell not. Up the ante, relax to the fullest!

With pep in your step, you held the slipping towel to your body as you reached for the chocolate you had hidden in the fridge - chocolate was better cold, anyway - and a bottle of vidal-fleury beaumes de venise muscat 2013, a dessert wine that came at an affordable price. Quality is everything! Who said a cheap wine can’t be good? God, maybe.

Hands full, you made your way back to the bathroom, placing the items on the floor to go out and grab a bath-side table you kept in a broom closet. It was pearly white. All you needed now were some wine glasses and a plate to put the chocolates all on.

By the time everything was all set up, the bathroom was glowing, and your body ached with desire to finally step into the waters that cooled down to the perfect temperature.

Now all that was left was to wake a sleeping Izuku.

Tiptoeing into the room over to the man who had his legs over the side of the bed as his upper half laid like a starfish on the bed, you leaned over him, admiring his cute resting face.

So relaxed.

You almost felt bad about having to wake him up.. Though, he’d be more upset if you didn’t.

Sighing through your nose, you pressed gentle kisses all around his face, watching as his eyelids fluttered and nose twitched as he was brought from his nap.

“Mmm.. hello, princess.” With a sleepy smile, he leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to your lips.

“All done?” he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes whilst sitting up.

You hummed, grabbing his hand, as well as the clothes he picked out for the two of you and pulling him to the bathroom.

“Still, in that towel I see.” Izuku observed, no doubt a blush on his cheeks again.

“We’ll I’m about to be in a lot less, dear~” and so the teasing began again.

“Oh boy, is it my birthday?” You both laughed, standing outside the door.

Turning around, wrapped your arms around his neck, bringing his large frame down to your height to whisper hotly in his ear, “It may not be, but I do expect to see you in your birthday suit.” 

Shivers went down his spine, finding himself speechless.

“Now, I’m going to go in first, and then when I call you, you can come in. Okay?” Smiling playfully, you booped his nose, opening the door but positioning yourself so he couldn’t see inside.

Messy green curls bounced as his head tilted to the left in confusion, but agreeing nonetheless.

Slipping into the bathroom, you dropped the towel from your body, placing your clothes on a rack along with fresh towels and dimming the light. The room was casted in a warm glow thanks to the candles.

Dipping a toe into the bath, you hummed in contemptment, slowly sinking your body into the soothing water. Grabbing a two scrunchies behind you, you put your hair in a messy bun. All was well and good.

“Izuku~” You sang his name, a smile at your lips as you watched the door slowly open.

He shuffled inside, closing and locking the door behind him before turning around.

It was amusing to see his jaw drop, eyes growing to the size of saucers. Pride swelled in your chest the longer he stood there shell shocked.

“Well?”

Your voice brought him back to reality, realizing this indeed was not a sleepy dream.

“Honey… you did all this?” A breathy laugh accommodated his words.

“All for you, my love.” 

A shy smile spread on his face, “Thank you, (Y/N)..”

“You’re quite welcome, big boy. Now come here~ I miss you.” 

He groaned, hands covering his red face, already so flustered, your words only adding to that.

You knew the effects you had on him! How cruel.

“C-could you look away..?” The request didnt surprise you at all, so you nodded, letting your eyes slip closed as you listened to the shuffle of clothes

It was hard for him to feel insecure around you, years of praise wrapping his insecurities into a ball and throwing it into the trash. No, he was just a bit overwhelmed. He was still that shy boy you met back in UA at heart, something you secretly wish would never go away.

His shyness was apart of him, and you fully embraced and welcomed it - even if you did help him build a lot of confidence for him.

The water swayed around you as what you would assume to be his leg entered the water.

“Do you need help? The tub is a bit slippery-” You warned before being cut off,

“No, no! I’m oka- ah!”

He shrieked, and your eyes flew open just in time to witness your beefy boyfriend slip and fall onto you.

You wheezed from a combination of amusement and the fact his head crashed onto your chest.

“Are you okay?” You felt bad from laughing, but it was easy to tell that he was fine from his own loud laughter joining yours.

“Y-yes.. Haha.. sorry..”

 While pulling at his ear like a mother would to her misbehaving child, you scolded, “See~? I told you it was slippery!”

“You’re right, you’re right, I should have listened to you.” Viridescent eyes stared up into your own, the flames dancing in them.

“It’s alright. I forgive you.” wrapping your arms under his, you pulled him up further on your body so that his head wasn't almost covered in water, that and so his legs had more space despite still having to be bent, “Just this once!”

He chuckled, leaning back against you.

Sitting there for a moment, you both just took in each others presence, as well as letting the water relax you.

“I like these rose petals..” Izuku started, scarred hand coming up to pick one up and look at it, “How much were these?”

His concern was endearing, of course rose petals - especially fresh, real ones - were not cheap. Though, he didn’t need to know that.

You nipped his ear, eliciting a sharp gasp from him at the sensation, “It’s valentine's day, no asking about prices.”

“Bu-”

“Izuku.”

“Yes ma’am.” He turned to stick his tongue out at you, to which you took ahold of the moment and kissed it.

It instantly shot back in his mouth, another blush taking over his cheeks.

“(Y/N)..!” He whined. So cute.

“Yes, dear? Would you like some chocolate?”

“Gah!!” He huffed, but nodded his head ‘yes.’

His childish antics brought a grin to your face, hand lifting from the water and dripping as you wiped your hand on a towel before grabbing a dark chocolate.

Biting into one half of it, you plopped the other into the green haired man's awaiting mouth, watching as he hummed in satisfaction at it’s rich flavor before swallowing.

With the other half of the chocolate still in your mouth, you turned your head to sweetly kiss him.

He quickly realized what he assumed was an innocent kiss would not turn out to be as such the moment he felt your chocolate-chilled tongue drag across his bottom lip.

He opened his mouth without hesitation, gasping through his nose as you pushed what he assumed was the other half of the dark chocolate into his mouth.

Had you not shared food like this many times before, it probably would’ve grossed him out.

Whilst his mouth and mind were distracted by your tongue and bittwer-sweet chocolate, your hands massaged at his arms, hoping to take some more tension away from them.

If you could kiss every inch of his skin at this moment, you would, but you’d much rather continue to draw out small moans of appreciation through locking lips with him as your tongues danced and caressed each other.

His personality was amazing, the main reason you fell in love with him, but damn if his body wasn’t a mega plus.

Hot breaths mingled together, mind starting to fuzz from the heat of the bath and the intensity of the now desperate kiss.

“I missed you so much today..” Izuku panted, momentarily parting from the kiss to take a breather before once again smashing his kiss-slicked lips against your own.

Your hands dragged across his chest, left thumb swiping across a sensitive nipple. His body jolted against you, groaning into the kiss as if begging for more, and you were all too willing to indulge.

To hell with sweetness, the night of Valentine’s day was all about something else, wasn’t it?

Thumb and index finger rolled the wet, perky bud between them, occasionally pulling at the sensitive flesh. He could feel your own nipples hardening against his back with every keen spilling from him, muffled by your lips.

His body tensed when an exploratory right hand dragged its way down his thigh, massaging his hip.

Thanks to the clear water, you had the pleasure of watching from the corner of your eye as his member slowly rose up - he was none the wiser. Completely oblivious, eyes having slipped closed the moment the kiss began.

The muscles in his leg twitches beneath your fingertips as you dragged them up and down his inner thigh.

The stress from the past few weeks built up in his system, and the sudden desire to come undone from you and you alone swirled in his gut.

Patience was something he always prided himself on, but between the stress, your hot mouth bringing mind boggling kisses, and light touches seemingly inching closer and closer to his hardness, his patience was wearing thin much quicker than usual.

Breaking the kiss once again, a small string of saliva momentarily connecting you both, he pleaded, “Princess.. please... touch me..” He grimaced at how desperate he sounded, end indulging in the sweltering heat resting on his cheeks and shoulders

“Mm~?” you began, smirking at his red face, tracing an index finger down his prominent V line, ever so close to where he was begging to be touched. The rubbing on his nipple only offered so much..

“Are you sure?”

His hips twitched in wanting desire,

“Yes.. yes please”

He buried his face into the crook of your neck in embarrassment.

He didn’t usually get so worked up so quickly! Damn this romantic setting!

He gasped against your skin as your hand finally gripped the base of his still hardening cock.

“My my..”

“G-guuuh!”

His legs instinctively threw themselves open wide as your hand began slowly pumping his length, oil infused water offering a different type of slickness, purposely avoiding his tip which no doubt was leaking and defusing into the water.

“Someone is excited.” It was astounding how worked up he already was, but your boy had always been the sensitive to touch type, that, and a helpless romantic. 

The dimmed lights and the burning candles no doubt being one of the causes of this.

Not that you minded. It was always a pleasure hearing your very vocal boyfriend moan like a slut into your ear.

Though you were giving as a lover, it was hard to control that..more sinister side of you when it came to these moments. While all you wanted to do was give him whatever he desired, the noises he would make when begging for more attention than what we was getting always made you more hot and bothered than what you should be.

He had such an effect on you, just as you did him.

Plus, you were always a fan of taking things slow when he wanted to speed things up. Sometimes he’d get his way, but tonight? Only time could tell, but for now you’d take your sweet time.

You knew it drove him into a state of lustful madness, and with the newfound determination sparkling in your (E/C) eyes as you stared down his heaving body, you knew you wouldn't have it any other way.

His mouth fell wide open, hot puffs of breath leaving him as his head threw itself back onto your shoulder with each languid stroke.

You couldnt help but leave wet kisses on his sensitive neck, nipping and licking your way down to his sweet spot.

“(Y-Y/N)..!” He squeaked between his stream of whines the moment you latched on, body momentarily arching back against yours.

The vibrations against his sweaty skin as you moaned against it sent shivers down his spine.

A particular rough nip to the abused flesh, paired with your strokes speeding up for a second, had him choking on a moan, knees shaking.

The sound of water sloshing around your hand and the sweet moans and whimpers leaving your precious boyfriend completely overpowered the soft music playing in the background.

Who cares, anyway? The sounds this man makes is infinitely better.

Especially when you..

“Wah?!” He cried out as your hand left his erect dick completely, instead moving down to fondle his neglected balls.

Kissing your way back up his neck, you could clearly see the tears collecting in his eyes as his hips thrusted wantonly in the water. While he did enjoy a good massage at his tightening balls, he’d prefer the attention elsewhere tonight..

“Y-you’re such a tease!” He sputtered, voice raising an octave as he moved his own hand to try and grab himself.

You clicked your tongue at this, both hands completely leaving his body to grab his arms. “N-no, please” He begged, already knowing what was to come.

How unfair! 

He could fight against it, easily win, but he honestly didn’t want to.

Izuku Midoriya loved this, as much as he acted like he didn’t. He enjoyed having no control, being teased until tears were streaming down his burning cheeks and his cock was aching for release.

Reaching behind you, holding wiggling wrists in one hand above your heads, you grabbed a pair of soft handcuffs you always kept nearby.

“You should know better by now, Deku,” he shuttered, heart skipping a beat as your alluring voice drawled out his hero name, “you don’t get to touch yourself unless I give you permission to do so.”

Snapping each cuff onto his wrists, double checking to make sure they weren’t uncomfortably tight, you attached the middle of the cuffs to a snap hook attached to the wall. How great they were for keeping your lovers arms up, and so easy to move around, too!

It was impossible to not kiss those strong arms as you started jerking him off again, this time even slower but with a tighter grip.

He struggled against the restraints for no reason other than his body wanting to lurch forward with each twist up and down his throbbing shaft.

It was almost too lewd.

The bathroom was all dolled up to be romantic and cute, but yet here he was, wiggling against his girlfriend as the moans and whines he let out bounced off the walls in embarrassing echoes. 

But he didn’t care.

“Fah-faster!” You were going far too slow for his immediate liking, all he wanted was to explode as soon as possible but he knew that wouldnt happen. You loved taking your sweet time.

There was always a debate in his mind of if he should give in, beg you for more just so he could finally be pampered the way he wanted. To be pampered or to be teased? Such a hard question to answer half the time. He wanted both!!

But it was a game to you, it always was.

And it’s embarrassing to admit just how much that turned him on.

Always left questioning as to when you’ll give him what he wanted. Straight away was nice, but being given that pleasure unannounced was even sweeter.

In battle, he could predict his opponents moves half the time using logic, but with you? You were an enigma. 

Deciding to give in, just a little, your thumb pressed harshly down on that throbbing vein on the underside of his flushed cock, all the way up and under his tip to brush against the oozing slit.

He moaned loudly, hips thrusting upon finally getting his touched where he so craved the most - only for it to be stripped away.

Frustration built up in his system as you went back to slowly pumping him

“Now, now~ That’s not how you get what you want, honey.” That sugary sweet voice you always seemed to use when reprimanding him made the boy shiver once more - especially at the implications.

Fuck it.

He wanted more, and he’d do just about anything to get it.

“Please!” He wailed, knees shaking as the first tear fell from his eye and down his cheek, “Please.. Please touch me more!” A sob wracked his body as the dam controlling his almost nonexistent patience broke. “I want it so, so bad princess.. I love you, I love you.!”

You hummed, taking his begging into consideration. To give in, or to not? It was always a hard choice to make, honestly.

But, alas, it was valentines day, wasn’t it?

The day of love.

How could you say no to your baby when he was begging for it? Begging for you?

The tears streaming down his red cheeks hit your neck, and it was then you decided he’d get his way. 

Just for tonight.

With your hand that was previously massaging his left thigh, your gripped his chin, turning it towards you so that you may kiss him deeply.

He eagerly returned it, opening his mouth to take in your tongue once more.

He jolted when your hand finally went faster, head flinging back as a slutty, guttural moan tore from him.

“Ahh! Ha-ah!”

You couldnt help but smile as he got louder and louder with each jerk at his cock.

Always such a loud, sensitive boy - another reason to love him. It always felt good to know you were the reason behind his sultry moans.

His face was always breathtaking in these moments, twisting with pleasure.

His jaw hung wide open, a thin trail of drool escaping from the corner as he did nothing to muffle his spine-tingling moans. Just the way you liked it. 

He was sweaty from a mixture of the hot room and the heat building up inside his body, a coil no doubt beginning to curl below his stomach. Curly green bangs were plastered to his forehead, cheeks somehow getting darker and darker with every movement you provided. 

“Nn.. nngn.! Hah! HaaAAh..” 

He could be a pornstar if he so desired with how vocal he was.

It was hard to ignore the need to rub yourself against something as well, desire swirling in your gut, clit throbbing.

Tonight, though, was all about him. Your sweet hero.

Affection sparkled in your (E/C) eyes as you took a moment to press a sweet kiss to his sweaty forehead.

He whined at the innocence of it.

It was easy to tell he was getting surprisingly close to reaching his climax already thanks to the stress of day to day hero work giving little too no time to seek his own pleasure.

What better way to spend his valentines evening?

His legs began shaking, their original stretched opening position coming to a slow, quivering close as his hips began to thrust into your hand.

“(Y-Y/N) I-I-”

He babbled nearly incoherently, each syllable lost by the moans erupting from him.

Regardless, those closing legs were making it increasingly hard to move fluidly up and down his shaft, especially with how gloriously thick there are.

You lifted your legs, which were to the side of his own, from the water, coming up just to move in and out over his legs to press your own thighs flushed against his to keep them wide open. It was an awkward position, but one that worked well enough to help you accomplish your task.

His toned back fully arched against your chest, hips thrusting violently and causing the high levels over water to almost pour over the tubs edge.

A hiss seeped through a suddenly clenched jaw, leaking tip breaking the surface, meeting the colder air with each thrust.

It gave you the perfect opportunity to use your other hand to rub at the angry red head.

Izuku sounded like a bitch in heat, moans so loud you briefly feared the neighbors just might be able to hear him thanks to the loud, echo-y room.

“B-bout t- to-! ha~!”

The skin around his squeezed shut eyes seemed to crinkle more and more with each passing second, face screwing up the closer he got, arms pulling harshly at his restraints.

He was oh so painfully hard, cock practically burning, stomach so tight and balls feeling so full that he felt as if he was going to quite literally explode.

“Iloveyou! I lov- Gahnn ! MHH! Love you! I love y- ahh! You!!” his mind felt numb, your skilled hands working wonders on his pent up body.

“M-m- Mor-e!!” He barely managed to slur, tongue poking out the corner of his mouth as his lungs crashed against his chest.

You obliged with a smile, knowing all too well what that scrunching up face meant.

So close

So close..

So sososos close..

So good

Good goodgood

moremore

-!!

His breath hitched, stealing all the air from his hammering chest, body tensing and hips stilling.

A soul wrecking moan tore through his no doubt raw throat, tears spilling down his cheeks as he finally came. A copious amount of hot, thick cum spurted from the tip of his cock that breached the water, splattering on his face, bruised neck, and even on yourself thanks to the angle.

You stared in wonder down at him as he heaved, desperately trying to catch his stuttering breath as he came down from a major high.

“Such a good boy, Izuku~” You purred into his ear, uncuffing him and lighting massaging his strained arms again.

He huffed, pouting as he cracked his watery eyes open, “You tease me too much..”

“Maybe so..”

Blindly reaching beside you, you grabbed a cloth, dipping it in the bath water and wiping both you and Izuku down as he whispered an apology under his breath.

You swept some of his green locks to the side, combing your fingers through the damp, tangled mess.

“But you like it.”

He rolled his eyes at that, smiling, knowing it was the truth but being too shy to actually openly admit it.

“Oh.. is that wine?” Izuku pointed to the two glasses to your side, dripping with condensation.

“Are you just now noticing them? I thought you were more observant than that, Izu~” You couldnt help but giggle at his embarrassed face.

“I! I was too distracted-!” Came his whiny protest, eyes scrunching up again and lips pressing into a straight line.

“Ah, yes. Too distracted by my hand moving up and down your-”

His wet hand came out of the water to shove your face away as you laughed more. 

You suddenly stopped, much to Izukus surprise, and grabbed his hand, pressing a kiss to the scarred knuckles.

He opened his eyes, taking in the sincere smile on your face and returning it with one of his own.

“I love you, Izuku Midoriya.”

His heart swelled, smile growing larger, “I love you too, (Y/N) (L/N). Happy Valentines day.”

The night ended with two empty wine glasses and two lovers cuddling on a bed.

Happy (Late) Valentines!

[malyceaduncastellan]

Home

Hello! Prepare yourself people, this one is... pretty long. I got a bit carried away so here’s another Talbott piece for you. 

Also, writing in second person with a neutral MC is HARD. I don’t know if you people prefer it that way, because I kept trying to write with my MC in it, a Slytherin girl, and boy would it have been easier. But what’s done is done. Just don’t forget to tell me what you think about this !

Forgive the eventual mistakes as English isn’t my native language. I hope you’ll enjoy it though!

~~~

Today was… Quiet, to say the least.

While you sat in the great hall, you couldn’t help but notice just how weird that was. You were the only one in your friend group eating at the moment (and knowing how many friends you had, that was, once again, weird) and all the others students chatter felt like a distant whisper. You almost felt a bit sad. It felt way too much like… home, today.

You did not like that. Or at least you weren’t used to it here. You let out a sigh and decided to play with whatever was left of food on your plate with your fork.

-Nobody taught you not to play with your food?

-Ha!

You almost jumped at hearing the rich and deep voice. When you turned around to meet the amused glare of Talbott Winger, you furrowed your brows. He even had the nerve to make fun of you.

-Talbott, you git!  You almost scared me to death, you protested.

-Yes, I am sure I’m way scarier than a Cursed Vault. Terrifying, even. You’re shivering at nights thinking of me.

-If you think I’m even fearing a Vault you’re severely mistaken. Now, I suppose our resident bird boy didn’t make me jump out of my robes for nothing.

-You’re the only person I wouldn’t mind eating with today. That is, if you’re still eating.

You looked at your plate, that looked more like an uneatable mess of stuff you wouldn’t feed a dog. Talbott was watching you silently, his gaze trained on you with a dubious look, and suddenly you felt like eating what you were playing with earlier was not such a bad idea.

-Sure. I was bored eating on my own anyway.

The ghost of a smile graced Talbott’s face and he sat beside you. Silence fell between the two of you while you managed to eat your mess of a lunch. 

Your plate was soon empty though, and you were left staring at the wall, trying not to put too much attention on Talbott eating. You didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.

-You’re not eating any pudding?

-Never been one for to much sweets… you whispered.

Oh bloody hell, this was awkward. You weren’t really nervous with Talbott around. He made you relaxed somehow. What was awkward was how every single time you were within a meter of his presence, you started to think a bit too much. Like, how intense his gaze was, how his jawline was manly even though he was barely sixteen, how tall he was, how big but slim his hands were… And his voice. His voice, that noise so rich, so deep that sounded like melted chocolate, and it somehow came from his throat even when he tried to groan.

Boy, were you into deep.

But it was much better to think about how hot you found Talbott than this dreadful feeling following you today.

-You’re awfully quiet, you know, he ended up saying. It shows that you’re usually the one maintaining conversation, we’re being awfully silent today.

Bugger, now he had noticed you were day dreaming.

-Sorry, I suppose the ambiance is getting to me. With Quidditch, the Cursed Vaults, my brother and… the many other things I do in a year, I never really stop to... think.

-I never noticed. So Hogwarts Curse Breaker, prefect, and top-notch student doesn’t stop to think.

-You really like to make fun of me, don’t you?

-I love the way you react when I do.

-You’re such a tease, Winger.

He smiled at you and you felt you were done for. That smug awful little smile. You hated it. It looked way too endearing for your own good, so you turned your head and pretended to focus on your plate.

-What classes do you have this afternoon? Talbott ended up asking.

-I’m free since I passed last flying exam.

-Good. I’m free too.

-Why do I have the feeling you’re about to drag me somewhere in the woods to talk to me about ornithology in what seems like a three-hour class?

-Who do you think I am, you? I was just thinking we could go to the Owlery together. You look like you need to get away from all… this.

He gestured at the Great Hall and at what now looked like a huge sea of people. He knew you way too much compared to some of your other friends. You didn’t even hint to the fact you weren’t feeling well at all, yet he knew you didn’t.

-You’re way too good at knowing what I’m thinking of. It’s depressing.

-Not really. I just figured even you needed an escape sometimes. It’s not like you to be so distracted. And let’s be honest, I like it better when you’re cheery.

He was right, again. It was not like you. But now, Hogwarts seemed so liveless, so useless to you. You did not want to do anything or see anyone. It felt… empty. So you had to fill up your mind, and it turned out it only filled with thoughts of him when he was around. And there was no way you would tell him that.

-It’s even worse than I thought, said Talbott after a moment. You worry me right now.

-Wouldn’t have taken you for the type to be worried about me. It’s cute.

-Don’t pretend you’re okay by joking. Besides, how do you even expect me not to worry about you? We tell you “Don’t go there, don’t do it, it’s dangerous”, and then you’ll get all smiley and stubborn and say “Sweet, danger! Let’s go there, what a ride!”

-Oh, shut it.

Okay, Talbott could be quite vexing sometimes. Your mouth started to form a pout and you stayed silent while he ate. You could feel he sent some looks your way, but you were too busy pretending he didn't exist to care. 

Five minutes into it, you couldn’t stand it anymore. You were still upset, but as you could only think of him right now, either you were going to hit him, or hug him. And somehow, you felt he wouldn’t be pleased by either options. 

-I need to go.

You got up and finally looked at his bewildered face.

-I thought you didn't have any classes? he asked.

-Huh… yeah. But I… have something to tell Bill. And Charlie. A… Prefect thing.

-Oh. I.. see?

Talbott always seemed tense whenever one of the Weasley boys were involved. You supposed they made him feel insecure with how passionate and driven they could be. Anyway, you could see him tense the moment you mentioned Bill, but per usual he didn't say a word of what was going on in that pretty head of his.

-... Join me in the Owlery after you're done?

You raised an eyebrow at Talbott's question, but decided to not think about it to much. This certainly was bad for your brain.

-Sure. Look forward to it. 

You ended up smiling at him without forcing it despite how nauseous you felt. That felt like a win. You rushed to the corridors and ran straight into the Weasley boys, Percy included. 

-I'm sorry Percy, but I need to grab those two, prefect thing. You muttered without leaving room to protestation.

Bill seemed a bit startled when you grabbed his arm and dragged him through the corridor, but didn't say anything, and per usual, Charlie didn't find useful to ask you any question.

You supposed they knew better.

When the three of you reached the prefect bathroom, Bill finally spoke.

-You need a massive Weasley hug, right ?

And then the dam broke.

-It feels too much like home here. It’s so empty and lifeless, and I can’t feel anything but dread if that makes sense, and then Talbott comes in and has the nerve to speak, and then I was thinking “either I hug him or hit him” but honestly, if I stayed inside this hall I would probably have puked on him.

You took a breath, then looked at the Weasley brothers.

-I need a ton of Weasley hugs, if I’m still entitled to them.

-Oh, come on. You’re an honorary Weasley. You’re getting a hug.

Charlie reacted faster than his brother, wrapping his arms around your shuddering form. Bill followed suit, engulfing both of you with a smothering hug that was definitely all you needed right now.

-Hey, do you know there’s a species of small plush-like dragons in North-America that are reported to comfort children by eating their bad dreams?

You laughed. Of course he would speak about dragons. Charlie always spoke about dragons.

-Of course I don't, Charlie. Only you would know that.

-Brother, less talking. More hugging, ordered Bill.

Lost in this mass of ginger hair, you felt a little more at ease. When they let you go, you giggled.

-Oh boy, I don’t know what I’d do without the both of you… I don’t really know what happened to me. It felt like I was overwhelmed with… nothingness, if that makes sense?

-... You said it felt like home to you. And if I’m by any means right, home really doesn’t feel good.

-Home feels… More and more empty, is all. I don’t really want to talk about it. I just… I really needed emotional support, I’m sorry I grabbed you both like that.

-Hey, listen. Anytime you need, we’re there. You’re our new sibling, that’s how it is now, said Bill. 

-Wholeheartedly agrees with that brother of mine. 

-Now, have we cheered you up enough so we both can go and eat? Not that I don’t like hugs, but they don’t fill up a man’s stomach.

-Yes, yes you did. Thanks a lot.

-Anytime.

They moved to get out of the prefect bathroom and made their way to the Great Hall.

-So, what exactly are you going to do this afternoon? I have to pass the flying exam, but you did so last week, Charlie asked.

-No real plans whatsoever. Talbott said something to me about going to the Owlery, but I don’t really know if I’m up to it. 

-That boy is smitten with you if I’ve ever seen it, pointed Bill. He’d never ask anyone else to go to the Owlery with him.

-Merlin’s beard, no. He’s just more sensitive than you think.

-Cut the crap, I know you like him too.

Busted. You bit your lip, but your cheeks flushed red nonetheless. If anyone saw you right now, they might think someone transfigured you as a strawberry and failed miserably to turn you back to a human being.

-I think you should go there. You shouldn’t spend today alone, and it’s unlikely Talbott would force you to talk if you don’t want to.

-Sure…

You stopped walking in the middle of the corridor.

-I’ll be going there, then. Thanks again for… everything. 

Bill winked at you and you watched as the Weasley brothers disappeared when they turned. The uneasy feeling began to spread again in your chest and you did your best to suppress it.

-Come on… You muttered between your teeth.

You faced worse things than that, you should be able to get on with your day.

The thought of Talbott, waiting for you at the Owlery and being disappointed that you didn’t join him became more and more dreadful in your mind. And while, somehow, you felt awkward going there, you thought it was even worse to be a bad friend to him. 

Bill’s words echoed in your mind. You didn’t find it really… logical. Talbott liking you, really? He liked quiet, calm, composed people. Or you thought he did. And while you could be all that, you were pretty much the dangerous type. He couldn’t possibly like that.

And yet, you liked the idea, but you pushed it in the back of your mind. You had to focus on being a good friend. He deserved to have a good friend, not a friend that was gushing over him like a first year marveling at his transfiguration’s skills.

Though, when you noticed him in the Owlery, you found it overly difficult. You had become friends something around two years ago, and boy had he changed. His face that perpetually seemed frozen in a frown surely smiled more now, but that was not the only thing. He had a lot of growth spurts, and he was tall, and lean. While you had been around the same height before and you were taller than most of the students in your year, Talbott towered above all of you. As if he even needed you to find him more handsome now, it kinda looked like he was constantly telling you “watch me, i’m getting better every day!”. And if he knew what you were thinking about, he would probably tease you about it.

-A little birdie told me that infamous animagus Talbott Winger was around here. I wonder who that is?

Talbott turned and smiled at you. There was an owl he seemed to care for in his hand, and it spreaded its wings a bit more at your sight too. 

The two of you had become a known pair with the birds here, and some of them seemed to recognize you. This one looked pleased to see you, and you walked over to Talbott to greet the bird.

-Ain’t that…  Ain’t that Merula’s owl? you said. What happened to her?

-I don’t really know. But she seemed a bit stunned when she flew back here, I figured she needed a bit of attention.

The owl made a little chirping sound at your hand on her head, and you smiled. Birds were awesome. 

-Are you okay ? With… that “prefect thing” with Bill and Charlie?

-Yeah, sure. I mean… Why wouldn’t I be okay?

A nervous laugh escaped your throat.

-You look like you need a bit of attention.

-Oh boy…

-Listen, I’m not one to force you to anything, but you were there for me when I was feeling down. You even forced me to be your friend. Let me feel I didn’t let you in for nothing.

-You didn’t, I swear… But I can’t very well explain it. And it’s not against you that I can’t seem to think properly about that when you’re around. I just get… Overwhelmed.

Silence followed suit. Talbott seemed to study you, and his glare was almost unbearable to you. Whether it was because you were scared or because you wanted to get lost in his eyes, you didn’t know, but this uneasy feeling wasn’t really something you appreciated.

-I really can not seem to win against you, huh? Talbott muttered. 

He let go of the owl, then sat down on the floor, his gaze still trained on you.

-Come on.

You followed him a bit reluctantly, not even trying to put a distance between the two of you, because he would notice. He was too smart not to notice. It was not because you wanted to be close to him. Not at all. You tried to concentrate on your conversation.

-I don’t know what you’re talking about when you say “winning”... Are we fighting? Are we fighting and I was too busy self-wallowing to notice? I’m sure I was a terrible friend, I’m so sorry. 

-You talk too much.

An arm wrapped around you and you jumped.

-The Weasley always do that when you’re down. I’m not really good at this but… If you need it, I’m here. I’ll always be. I’m sorry if I’m overstepping.

-Oh no, this…  it’s fine. Really. Thank you. I guess… I guess I was afraid of annoying you. You got too much on your mind already.

-Then I was the terrible friend. But on a more serious note… I like you way to much for you to ever annoy me.

You giggled.

-Are you mocking me? Talbott asked, groaning.

-No! 

But you didn’t stop giggling.

-It’s just I fought so hard to get you to say we’re friends, I can’t imagine what it must have taken for you to tell me you like me.

-It didn’t take anything. I like you. Pretty much the easiest feeling about you I had to understand.

-So you got “feelings” about me.

-Including the fact that I like you, I got a lot of feelings for you.

And then, finally, it dawned on you.

-Wait, when you said you “like” me. You mean… “like” me “like” me?

-Whatever you say doesn’t make any sense.

You raised your head and finally got to get a glance at him. He looked a bit confused, and his gaze couldn’t seem to hold yours, but the sunlight fell on him and he had never looked more handsome than now, basked in golden rays that just made his eyes stand out.

-Talbott, you won’t make me believe you didn’t understand what I just meant, you’re not stupid.

-I’m not, but what you said could easily be interpreted in… other ways.

The way he avoided your gaze made it impossible for you not to smile. He was cute. He looked cute.

-I need to rephrase it then, to avoid ambiguity?

-Only if you want to… mumbled Talbott.

-Oh lord, you’re way too cute.

The words had escaped you but you didn’t feel bad about it. Not when Talbott’s eyebrows raised in surprise while still avoiding to look at you.

-Okay. Talbott Winger, are you saying you like me as in you want to be my boyfriend?

-This might be correct.

-Oh, so it is that way, huh?

Silence followed and Talbott turned to finally look at you. You couldn’t stop grinning like a fool. That day had started horribly, but right now was probably the highlight of the whole year.

-I’d expect more reaction from you. 

It then dawned on you that you hadn’t told him anything yet. You lost your smile, realizing that while this was exhilarating, you had no idea of this worked. And Talbott almost literally asked you to date him. Like, seriously date him. No secret meetings at the owlery. Dating. Like holding hands, hugging, kissing. Maybe more. Date. Him.

-The idea doesn’t seem to drown you in enthusiasm.

A little smile appeared on Talbott’s face. But it was not that warm smile he offered only to you. The comprehensive look he sent you didn’t have this affection lingering behind. His stance was not relaxed as it usually was. And his voice sounded cold, far from that rich sound that usually graced your ears. 

How many times did all those things scream at you that he had feelings for you? You didn’t really know. You knew when you had started to notice all of it. But knowing that all this time, he hadn’t said anything to you… 

And now that he did, you even managed to hurt him. And you could not bear it for one more second. You liked the fact he liked you way too much. You liked him way too much.

-Talbott? 

He didn’t react, simply looking outside the window.

-Talbott, look at me. 

He flinched, but once again, he didn’t move. Maybe he tried to collect himself or something, but you were having none of it.

-By Merlin’s bloody beaded braided beard, Talbott, look at me, please!

-How the bloody hell did you pronounce that? 

He finally turned his head, reluctantly, furrowed brows, and he looked at you while you tried on a little smile.

-Forgive me, okay? I didn’t want to seem insensitive.

-You don’t have to feel bad for that. I got it, you’re not interested, and you have the right not to be interested, but-

-Oh, will you let me speak, birdbrain? You interrupted him. I’m trying to explain myself here, don’t make me shut your pretty mouth myself!

-And how, pray tell, would you even make me shut my mouth?

A ghost of his usual smirk made its way on Talbott’s face. And you decided that, for real, he had not only lead you on, but he had teased you enough. Now was the time to not only tell him how you felt, but to play a little.

-I could kiss you, you said bluntly. Would you like that? 

Talbott’s mouth opened, as if he was too shocked to even process what you just said, and you worked on making the most innocent face you could manage. 

-Wouldn’t you? You continued. The idea didn’t shut your mouth, but you did stop talking. Too bad, I would have liked to kiss you.

-Do it.

-What? 

-Kiss me. 

A surprised gasp escaped your lips. You almost had forgotten Talbott’s arm around you, but you sure as hell were reminded of it when he pulled you closer to him.

-H...Hey, I might bump your nose or something, Talbott… you whispered, a bit flustered.

-I don’t care. Kiss me.

-Okay...

Your hands found their way on Talbott’s cheeks and you planted what felt like the softest kiss on his lips. It was barely a peck, nothing more, but it seemed to build a fire inside of you. That felt so much better than the dread from the morning that you started to giggle.

-What’s so funny?

-Oh my god, I never would have thought you liked me, how clueless was I?

-You didn’t really answer though.

You gave him another kiss, a bit longer, a bit clumsier too.

-I’d love you to be my boyfriend, Talbott.

And when he hugged you with all he had, you were sure of one thing. This moment, right here, right now, with him.

This felt like a real home.

[cherrysha]

May I please ask for a meleoron x female reader?

Girl this took on a life of its own kjfajfda but here ya go

A/N: My rules have been updated since writing this and I DO NOT answer requests from ageless blogs. (Also my writing style has definitely changed, but I still think this is worth posting again)

Summary: Meleoron heads back to NGL in hopes to recover some of his memories. What he finds instead is something unexpected.

Word Count: 2.5k

My requests are open atm

Warnings: Some angst even tho i said id give yall sum fluff i guess i lied

 “I wish you wouldn’t go out there y/n.” and it’s followed by the same speech she gives you every time. What will people think about you? You always come back so filthy, like a little boy playing in the dirt for the first time. Do you want the miller’s son to see you as a little boy?

“Mom” you sigh, offering her a sideways glance “I’m just collecting berries”

Before you can even get the excuse out she’s shaking her head in disbelief “Don’t use that line y/n. you don’t need to be out all day to harvest berries. And you never come back with that many anyway.” she grumbles as you pinch the bridge of your nose. Leaning yourself against the door frame you try to stave off the headache she was giving you. “It’s because I eat them all before I can get back.”

She gives an exasperated wave of her hands, clearly saving it for another day. It was obvious that she was already exhausted with you.

“Just be back before it gets dark” she turns, focusing her attention back on the patch being sewn into one of her dresses.

You finally escape before she can continue the argument.

-

It started as a means escape the noise of the village. There was always people out, shouting about god knows what as they hurried about their days. Sometimes it was just overwhelming. 

Surprisingly, you had found this spot while hunting for berries. A tree stood a little off the muddy path you took with a stream located in front of it. The sound of running water was soothing, and the area provided excellent shade from the scorching heat that made clothing stick to you like glue. Naturally, you started reading there, and writing, and knitting. It was easier to focus in a place so calm.

But a few weeks ago you’d noticed it. Hairs prickling on the back of your neck, a brush rustling on it’s own here and there, sometimes you could even smell the lingering scent of cigarette smoke. As days passed, you came to the conclusion that someone was watching you.

If you were being honest, Their presence wasn’t altogether unpleasant, so you usually paid it no mind. Boys in the village were always like this. Too afraid to make the first move so they just watched from a distance until you noticed them. Quite frankly, it was embarrassing to deal with. The thought alone was enough to make you cringe away from the situation. 

Today when you heard the telltale rustle of a bush across the creek, you finally gathered enough energy to speak up.

“You know” you say blindly to the air around you, hoping the feeling in your gut was more than just a hunch.

“You don’t have to hide every time I come out here.”

It’s quiet for a moment before he replies.

“Maybe that’s not for you to decide.”

You let out a humph, furrowing your brow in frustration. That response wasn’t what you were expecting at all. Boys in the village were usually so quick to make excuses as to why they were following you.

“And why not?”

“Maybe I don’t want to be seen.”

“Fine.” You relent. “But then why do you keep following me around?”

It’s quiet as he thinks on the question he has no answer for.

“Well,” you interrupt “if you’re gunna be out here watching me can we at least have a conversation?”

He lets out a noise as if it’s something he has to give much thought to.

“I’ll think about it.”

You weren’t expecting that either.

-

Weeks pass as you lose track of time in the summer sun. You make your way there every day and every day he’s waiting for you. So secretive, it took almost a week of constant nagging to learn his name, even when you had offered yours up easily. Meleoron. You didn’t ask, but you’d figured he was an outsider. There wasn’t anyone with a name like that in the village.

“You gunna come out of hiding today Mel?” you call out

He makes his presence known with an audible sigh leaving his parted lips.

“Guess it’s about time I come clean” he says, watching as confusion blooms on your face.

“I’m not actually in the bushes.”

You look around, he sounded close but you still couldn’t figure out where he was exactly. “Where are you then? up in a tree or something?”

And he can’t help but to laugh, shaking his head at you. Sometimes he just couldn’t figure out how you managed to make every situation enjoyable. No matter the atmosphere or tension floating in the air.

“No ... no I’m right in front of you. You just can’t see me.”

He steps closer, unbeknownst to you, and taps the middle of your forehead with a finger.

“Jeez!” you gasp, taking a step back. 

it’s quiet for a moment while you try to process the situation at hand. It didn’t quite make sense, but nothing about this made sense. An invisible man you met with every day who watched you read and kept you company. No, it didn’t make much sense, but did it have to? As long as you were having fun what did it matter?

‘Are you always invisible?” you ask the open air in front of you.

You hear a shuffle and then watch in awe as his feet displace water in the stream.

“Nah” he says nonchalantly “It’s kind of like a switch. I can turn it on and off when I want.”

“Well then why don’t you turn it off so I can see who’s been stalking me for weeks?”

“Stalking?!”

He’s clearly embarrassed by your choice of words but you pay it no mind, moving to sit on the bank next to him. You stick your feet in beside his and lean towards his voice, aiming to nudge against his shoulder and succeeding. 

“What else would you call it Mel?”

He huffs in irritation, using his tail to splash water on your face. The coolness of it wrenches a squeal from your throat as Meleoron laughs at your expense.

“Don’t make it sound like that”

-

 A few weeks later your meetings have become routine. You leave earlier than your mother wakes, avoiding the confrontation you knew was near, and return home every night exhausted, day spent laughing and bickering with your imaginary friend.

Some days you would come home only to eat, sneaking out after everyone was fast asleep. On those days you’d lay next to Mel in a clearing near the creek and teach him the names of all the constellations you know. Centaurus, Ursa Major, Draco. There’s not enough time in the night to teach them all, you tell yourself as you sneak out for the third night in a row. In the morning you’d climb back through your open window and make breakfast before heading out again, making sure to leave a little mess so your mother wouldn’t grow suspicious. After, you’d go to your spot by the creek and he’d always be there. And every time you came back he’d moan about how long you’d been gone.

“You know how boring it is out here? What if I left you in the forest? You wouldn’t like that, huh?” you’d bicker back and forth before falling asleep under the same tree you’d met him at. After a while you even let him hold you. After a while, you started yearning for his warm body next to yours. After a while, he started to yearn for your warmth as well.

You never experienced this type of feeling before. Not with the boy who walked you home every day in school, not with the miller’s son who kissed you in the cornfields, or even the farmer who held you too tight and left hickies on your neck. No, you realized that this was something different. Something indiscriminate without the binding of your soul to match his. Nothing to lace up and look pretty, he wasn’t interested in that. But to be fair, you weren’t quite sure exactly what he was interested in. Was it just your company he was after? Or did he feel the same way you did. The answer was as big of a mystery as he was.

-

“Do you think you could love me?” You whisper to him one night.

The stars are out and you’re lying on what you assume to be his chest. You can feel the movement of his deep breaths, his heart thumping loudly.

“I-I don’t think ... it’s not that simple y/n.”

You feel your throat squeeze tight, lodging the sadness deep within your chest. That’s the answer you were expecting but the sting of it didn’t hurt any less.

“I get it.” You sigh, letting yourself close your eyes to stave off the moisture gathering in them. If you moved from his chest, he would be able to see the emotion you were trying so hard to hold back written clear as day on your face. So you stayed. The last thing you wanted was his pity.

“No, it’s not y- “

“It’s not you it’s me.” You laugh and finally move away. If he kept talking you weren’t sure you’d be able to keep the tears from brimming over and exposing you. It was best to get up while the emotion was still trapped within your chest.

It’s barely audible, but he can still hear it nonetheless “Can’t say I haven’t heard that before”

You reach the creek and dip your feet into the cool water, willing your mind to focus on the current flowing around you.

“Mom says I’m too wild... says I need to spend my time in the village. Being in the woods is very unbecoming of a lady.” And you can’t help the chuckle that leaves your throat. Maybe this man you only ever met in the forest was the same way. You were just some silly wild girl that could serve as a distraction until he grew bored.

“I guess she’s right.”

“I think that came out wrong” He’s scratching his head in thought, but you can’t see that.

“I ... I still want to be near you, but I just can’t- “

“Show yourself. Right.”

He comes over, seating himself next to you as you watch the current move around his legs.

“I just need some time. Can you give that to me y/n?”

He says it as if you hadn’t spent the past few months in each others company and the idea that it was meaningless to him makes the knot in your throat just a little bit tighter. He pulls you close and you can feel his breath fan across your face. He was always just so so close. So out of reach. And you loved him all the same.

“I can do that.” You relent. A beat passes before the emotion clears from your voice and you find your fire again.

“But if someone asks me out I’m giving them a chance! Don’t think I’m giving in so easily!”

“Yah! I get it!” He scoffs, splashing water in your direction.

He can see it clear as day even in the dark. You weren’t over it, but you were trying for him. All that mattered was that he had more time with you before this blew up in his face.

Leaning back, you let out a sigh. Maybe you asked too soon, maybe he didn’t like you at all. Maybe, maybe, maybe. You couldn’t let doubt ruin your night before it even began. Standing up, you left those thoughts behind and waded deeper into the clear water.

“The stones in the middle are the smoothest since the current is strongest there.” you dip your hand in and pull one out.

“They’re the best for skipping.”

He scoffs, “You wanna skip stones right now?”

Hands come to your hips as you level a glare in the direction of his voice.

“Yeah? And what about it?”

You can’t see it, but you know it’s there, the smile he keeps just for you.

“Don’t you think it’s a little too dark to be skipping stones? How can you even see where it hits the water?”

It gets quiet for a moment, arms dropping to your side as you lower your gaze to the rock in your hand.

“I know better than anyone that seeing it doesn’t matter.”

He gets up and slowly approaches to stand behind you, arms wrapping around your body as he pulls you close.

“Ah...then what does matter?” He whispers into the skin of your neck.

“What you hear... What you feel in the moment when it slides of out your hand. You don’t have to see it to know how many times it’s skipped.”

You look down, wishing desperately that you could see his arms around you, but knowing better than to get upset again.

“You don’t want to wait until morning?” He says softly.

With a shake of your head you reply

“No, it’s important to have fun while you can... Seeing it is nice and all but I can always do that later. There’s no need to deny myself the fun of it now.”

He presses a soft kiss to the back of your head, laying his own against it.

“I’m glad you understand.”

You both stay like that for quite some time. His arms around you and head resting against yours as you stare at the moon in front. It’s peaceful for a moment, and you let yourself bask in it. Maybe you did let fear get the best of you, but right now he was something tangible. You could feel his weight against you, hear the steady breaths he took, and you could hold tight against the arm around your waist. This could be enough.

The moment passes and you finally decide to enjoy your night, keeping your doubt pushed to the furthest corner of your mind.

“Hey!” You bark, startling the man behind you.

“You keep distracting me!” He can’t help but laugh. With little effort you were able to lift his spirits again.

He tightens his grip on you and, in one smooth motion, hoists you over his shoulder.

“Okay princess,” he laughs “let’s go find you some still water to throw your little stones then, huh?”

With a smile you wrap your arms around his body.

“Yeah and stop distracting me while you’re at it. I have important business to do!”

“Important business?” He scoffs “throwing rocks in the middle of the night is important business?”

“Yeah!” You shout, grin widening at the laugh you feel reverberate through his very core.

“Alright then... Well let’s get to it.”

The emotion he brought out of you was enough to make your chest ache at times, and tonight was no exception. What did it matter if you couldn’t see what he looked like? You felt his presence, his touch, his affection. And that was enough. If you had to, you’d wait forever for him.

[d3lto1dpr0c3ss]

This piece is set in @wildfaewhump‘s Pathverse, following a Class A Path currently in a transport truck.

The lines blurred, is a thought, recognized. Next is the sensation of being dragged back from the endless space between consciousness and nonexistence. Things seem to be shifting themselves into place after having not been so for some time. Places that didn’t quite fit, like puzzle pieces not cut from the same board forced together. Thoughts swim in a sea of confusion, slipping between their fingers when they—they?—reach out to cup one.

When they shift, so slight it isn’t much more than a tensing of their shoulders, they press against something warm and oddly comfortable—confusion and fear begin to ooze into them—again?—and their head feels full of water, sloshing and mixing as everything gently shakes around them; it feels familiar, but so completely foreign, like taking a breath for the first time as the world came into view again, limply dragged ashore and choking, crying, heaving up water after they’d fallen from the boat—

They manage to grab onto a thought, letting it drag them away from the memory before they dip too deep—no, no it’s not like that at all, that’s not right—not mine—what’s going on? They had been fighting to stay awake, and there had been her and him, then him and her—her and him? Was she him, or was he her?

They are jostled, suddenly, and come apart for a moment. In that moment some part of them recognized they had been split from the Other—not part of self, you need to remember self and Other—someone she had been leaning against, unconscious. Nausea washes over her as she gently sways from side to side, only managing to stay upright between being seated and her arms being cuffed to the wall behind her. The incoming headache from the reading starts to ease into her like a swell of rising pressure in the back of her head, but then the ground underneath her bounces, knocking her to the side, and she falls into them again; her cheek pressing against his bare arm as the reading crashes into her.

Please I want the cuffs off I don’t want to be here who’s leaning on me I can’t see anything why did they blindfold me I didn’t even do anything wrong I’m not one of those dangerous Paths that needs to be kept under control if he’d just let me talk he’d understand but if I say anything he’ll hit me again is he still even in the truck with me is he watching me please I just want to go home get off of me—

It fills the cracks and bites deep into what little defense she’d had time to muster before—before there was a them but now there is, and they can’t stop but they need to, don’t they? Because this is wrong. I’m being bad, I’m not supposed to read like this—please let this be a dream—I’m so sorry—what did I do to deserve this?

They begin scrambling, like digging through sand to try to rip apart self and Other before they sink further into it; but the sand only spreads, thoughts catching and painfully gritting under fingernails; where are we—I’m scared—why are they doing this—sorry sorry sorry—take them off—I can’t stop—and they can’t tell who is thinking what between the pain and fear and pain and fear and pain and fear and—stop!

As they reach out they only find more of him, digging themselves deeper and deeper until there is no her and him, they were one and the same and both the one wearing too-tight cuffs, walling off from the memories of pain and fear and sobs cut-off from a boot to the stomach and tears quietly dripping onto the floor when their voice is too hoarse to cry anymore and shaking hands that didn’t want to reach out to read again but would anyways and—

There’s a choked sob. Loud, and in her ear, then fainter rumbling behind it. The sound is distant, distant like the dark green house he could still make out even from the shore, the one where he trails his hands across the deck banister, wood-grain rubbing against calloused palms as he hums in appreciation at the builder’s care, still early enough in the morning that his friends have yet to arrive. He’s excited—was, not now—not now don’t think about this again not now…

Fingers—threading through hair. They’re abruptly ripped apart; forcibly made aware of self and Other in the same instance of separation. Pain hammers its way into her skull at the harsh end of the reading as her head is mashed into the hard metal wall beside her. The bench feels as though it wobbles beneath her, sloshing her insides back and forth and back and forth and it’s all she can do to avoid throwing up. Not him, just a memory. An arm brushes past her own, tangling into the cuffs securing her arms behind her as she quietly mewls, trailing off into shallow panting.

There’s something said, grumbling or growling, she thinks, but she only makes out the last bit of “—the fuck up, Path”, her head pounding with intent to crush her brain being hard not to let consume her and the cool metal pressed against her cheek not cold enough to assuage the oncoming migraine. She opens her eyes and is met with the nearly ever-present darkness of the blindfold tied around her head.

The hand slides from her head and closes around her upper arm as the cuffs come unclasped from the wall. Her head lolls forwards, no longer supported. Then, they pull upwards, yanking her to her feet. It feels like her body only follows a moment later, and a dull ache spreads through her stomach as her torso bends. Her knees don’t manage to lock before the legs she can barely feel give out—their grip doesn’t hold and she limply slides through their arms, dead weight falling to the floor with a fleshy thunk.

“Fuckin’ shit!” Laying down seems to settle the wobbling and sloshing some, the floor only slowly swaying beneath her. A shoe presses into her side and she doesn’t move, holding her breath. It nudges more insistently, and she does her best to stay still, not wanting to give them reason to kick her and finding herself unable to dredge up the energy to do much else. With all the movement, the ache becomes a sharp pain, slowly digging into her gut as she clenches her eyes shut behind the blindfold with a slow exhale.

“W-What’s going on?” The voice seems to come from behind and above her, slightly panicked. The shoe leaves her side and the heavy thud of a footstep is shortly followed by a familiar sharp noise; a gloved hand meeting flesh. “Please, I—”

“Shut it!” All this loud noise bounces around inside her skull, pinging off the bone and chiseling away at it. A drawn out breath catches in her throat, twisting into a breathy groan.

Someone steps away from her, then the footfalls stop for a moment, replaced by a metallic click and clang followed by a faint thud, before the walking resumes, fading out with distance. Their voice is loud enough she can unfortunately still hear it when they shout, “Eric! One of ‘em passed out.”

She vaguely registers that the floor—the truck? I was in transport—isn’t softly vibrating anymore, and hasn’t been for a while. That’s good, she supposes; one less thing jostling her head around.

“Hey, um… Are you… Is anyone there?” It’s the same soft voice as before, behind her. Breathing shallowly as to not disturb her stomach further, she manages a weak nod, cringing as the movement makes her head swim, then makes a noise approximate to an affirmative moan when they don’t say anything to her nod.

“O-Oh god, are you okay?” She feels pretty bad. But she’s been through worse. She can maybe sleep it off. Going to sleep sounds really nice. If they stay quiet maybe she will. But they don’t, they whimper, voice cracking, “Do you- do you know what’s going to happen to us?”

Bad, if he doesn’t stay quiet. We’re supposed to be quiet. It’s too difficult for her to hold onto more than one thought at a time, the rest spilling over and dripping off into some blank space in her mind muddled by pulsating pain. She doesn’t have to try to keep thinking though, because whoever left earlier is back—grunting somewhere close but not inside the truck when their voice doesn’t echo, “I ‘unno what to do, I’m tryin’ to make it your problem.”

There’s someone else, quieter, laughing maybe, and she listens, grabbing onto something to hold her steady as the headache washes over her. “C’mon! Just carry it in, don’t be a baby.” “Maybe I am a baby! But I’m a baby that’s not gonna be holdin’ the damn Path when it pukes!” Her mouth twists uncomfortably, grimacing in pain. So loud. It only gets louder when they get into the truck, footsteps echoing off the hollow walls. She bites her tongue, trying to hold back a whimper, but the added pain doesn’t help and she instead lets her mouth fall open slightly, shakily exhaling.

There’s another laugh, but it trails off into a more serious tone. “It’s not going to puke.”

“They always do!” Spit is thick in her mouth and she takes a moment to swallow, fingers curling slightly as she tries to focus on steady in and out breathing. The pain in her head pulses, throbbing in tandem with her heart beat, like each contraction of her heart was a vice grip milking her brain for thoughts. Nausea swirls in her stomach still, but the pain there recedes back to something duller.

“Do not, you’re just trying to shirk the heavy-lifting. Don’t think I can’t see that!”

There’s silence for a moment. “Just get in ‘ere.”

More footsteps approach, clambering up into the truck. “…Man, it’s really just out, huh?”

“Nah I was just pullin’ your leg—c’mon dude? Why the fuck would I lie about that? Out like a light, ‘s just what I said.” One, two, three footsteps, then their voice lowers, “…I know you sure as hell don’t wanna carry ‘em either. I won’t let out a peep if you wanna make a little ‘accident’ happen an’ call over a stretcher, we can both get outta it.” There isn’t any talking for a bit, and she focuses on breathing steadily, tensing and relaxing her hands, focusing on the feel of the cuffs against her skin. The nausea’s started to ebb away with the stillness and a slight bit of tension is soothed with it.

“Alright.” There’s a long pause before they speak again, “You grab the other one, we need to bring at least one of them in, yeah?” The side of her face rests against the floor of the truck, panting through the pain in her head. Hands press against her back; she flinches then tenses under the touch as they slide to her arms, roughly dragging her off the ground as she slumps into their chest.

She barely registers their hands no longer on her before there’s pain—like a knife driven into her skull when she hits the ground again, keening as her head cracks off the metal floor. It doubles the pounding, throbbing pain drowning everything out, dragging her in as her stomach roils. The pain and nausea swirl together, pulling her back and forth between acidic bile burning at the back of her throat and her skull compacting her brain into paste.

Muffled and distant as if her ears were stuffed full, there’s a very sarcastic, “Whoops.” The rest of their words are too difficult to discern over her ragged breathing—she pants heavily, then clamps her mouth shut around the rising urge to vomit. Everything sways dangerously as pain webs its way around her head and seeps through the rest of her body, biting deep into her.

She’s not sure how long she lays there, distantly hearing footsteps and voices, until eventually she’s picked up again. Her hands make their way in front of her, the cuffs discarded, as she’s laid on her back against something softer than the ground. Her stomach lurches when she’s raised into the air, and she squirms until she’s stopped by straps being pulled tight over her. Something tighter wraps around her arm and squeezes, too tight, almost painful, and she wheezes, weakly turning her head to the side. The last belt is secured across her chest and she sways, nauseatingly, when what she’s restrained to starts to move, bringing her with it. Her eyebrows scrunch together as she clenches her eyes behind the fabric at the shrill squeak of an unoiled wheel.

With each rhythmic squeal, the pounding in her head only gets worse.

[innittowinit]

Abandoned amusement parks are the best place for young children (chapt. 8)

AO3

Fic summary:

Techno, Tommy, Wilbur and Phil have been hanging out at the abandoned amusement park in the woods since they moved in. Techno likes knowing he's definitely alone with his brothers Tommy likes climbing on the old rides Wilbur likes having a place to play his music Phil likes spending time with his younger brothers

That is, until a group of brothers calling themselves the 'dream team' move in down the road. Will the sleepy boys give in and share the park or will they succeed in scaring the new kids off?

Chapter summary:

Techno talks it out with Phil

Chapter word count: 2054

Techno took a deep breath as he opened the front door, by now the sun was setting, it was about the time they would normally start heading home from the park but today wasn’t like other days. How could he stay and have fun when two thirds of the people who he loved most were at home? How could he have fun knowing Phil was probably beating himself up over what had happened?

Of course Techno’s heart still ached, his throat felt dry and he had a pit at the bottom of his stomach that craved for satisfaction. He needed to know why Phil had said those things, he needed to know if he was actually that annoying, he needed to know if Phil really thought he was just choosing not to speak. 

When he had finally found him, Wilbur’s hand clasped in his own, not wanting to risk letting go in case something bad would happen with him too, Phil was sitting on the sofa. Even though the tv was on, playing some random game show, he didn’t seem to watch it. One hand was clasped over his temples and the other was rested on top of his phone, presumably so he could know right away if Wilbur or Techno messaged him. 

The twins stood silently in the doorway, neither one wanting to make a noise. 

Techno felt horrible. Phil looked horrible. The amount of guilt he felt for being the reason he felt so bad was immeasurable. 

“Wil, is it okay for you to wait in the hallway?” 

His voice was almost a whisper but it was enough to break Phil out of his trance-like state. Wilbur seemed to think about it for a second before nodding, sometimes on bad days Wil couldn’t bear to leave his side at all, even insisting on scooching in beside him at bedtime. Today wasn’t one of those days though, Wilbur wasn’t the one who had got upset.

Once Wil was outside and the door was shut, Techno went and sat silently besides Phil. He wasn’t good with words, it was ironic since he was so good at English in school but on the spot he just couldn’t set his thoughts up to form the words he needed. It probably wasn’t even to do with his anxiety issues, he just couldn’t think on the spot. For a moment he considered bringing it up with his and Wilbur’s therapist but quickly decided it wasn’t worth it since in movies and tv shows so many people without issues said they struggled with it too.

Maybe quick thinking was just a skill he needed to practice.

“Are you okay Tech’” Phil finally broke his silence as he stared straight down at their feet

“Been better but yeah I’m alright. You okay Phil” 

“Been better too” 

After a brief sigh from Phil, the room fell back into silence, neither of them daring to look the other in the eye. 

“I put Tommy to bed, the splinter wasn’t too bad. I don’t think Mum and Dad will be home until eleven at least so i can get you and Wil something else to eat, Tommy had a ready meal from the fridge” 

“It’s okay” God he felt so guilty, why was he always putting pressure on his brother? He should have come home with them, he should have helped with Tommy. He needed to apologise to Tommy too, he should have never left him. 

He never wanted Tommy to find out just how messy family could get. 

“I don’t think I’m that hungry, I’ll make myself something if I need” he was lying, it was so obvious and yet he didn’t care. He just wanted to stop being such a burden, he needed to stop putting so much strain on his brother. 

“I'll help get Tommy ready for school in the morning and I’ll try extra hard in speech therapy but Phil you know I don’t choose this right? You know I wanted to call for you right? I kept thinking ‘Phil’s gonna get here soon’ and when you got there I was so happy, I knew you’d be able to handle it. Phil I’m so sorry, I know I’m a lot and i can be difficult to deal with but i promise i’m trying to get better” 

The words kept coming and coming, they were spilling out of him like a broken faucet but he needed them out, he needed to be honest right now or else he’d never feel right.

“God fuck, Techno” Phil sounded hurt, like he was watching a puppy die or something. More than anything, he didn’t sound happy.  

“Tech’ I know you can’t help it, I know you would have called for me if you could have. I’m so so sorry if i ever made you feel like you need to apologise; what happened today was completely my own fault” 

For the second time that day, he was pulled into a hug but he didn’t mind it. Although he was never one for useless affection, he didn’t like greeting hugs or random cuddles, sometimes Wilbur’s clinginess even pissed him off but he could hardly hold that against him, he knew it wasn’t his fault, he loved affection at times when he really needed it.  

“I shouldn’t have yelled at you, I got so worried about them hurting Tommy that it didn’t even occur to me that it was you who I was directing my anger at. It sounds disgusting to say out loud but I just know I chose something that would cut deep and i...i just said it. I didn’t even think about it. I was so upset that Tommy got such a minor injury, I felt guilty for not being there earlier and I just- Fuck Techno I’m so sorry- I felt guilty for not being there so I took it out on the reason I wasn’t there” 

Techno nodded, it hurt to hear, he didn’t like having to face the fact that Phil struggled with things too, he didn’t like knowing Phil just jabbed at what was easiest. 

“Tech’ I need you to know I didn’t mean what I said, i’m well aware you couldn't call, I don’t see anything about you as a problem, I think you’re amazing and strong and honestly I’m jealous of how well you can handle things, I just try to act as close to an adult as I can and pretend to know what I’m doing, you always seem to have things figured out” 

Okay, so maybe he hadn’t been expecting that. Why was Phil, of all people, jealous of him? Phil, who rose up and took care of his younger brothers when their parents worked insane hours to keep a roof over their heads, Phil, who despite all the tantrums and tears, had never once given up on his brothers, Phil, who showed Techno what it meant to love someone with all your heart, without it even needing to be romantic love. 

Phil, who had done all those amazing things, was jealous of Techno, who couldn’t talk to anyone outside of a few select people. 

It made absolutely no sense to him.  

“..Okay” 

Pathetic. Phil had poured his heart out but he was struggling to form a sentence, he just needed a moment to sort his thoughts out, Which were graciously provided by Phil, who sat and smiled patiently as Techno organised the words in his mind. 

“I think you’re probably the kindest person i’ve ever met. I know it’s a lot taking care of us all, and you don't need to be humble about it because I know we do put you under a lot of stress, but we all love you so much and you’ve had such a positive impact on all of us. Me and Wil are both kinda messed up but I dread to think what we could have been like if we never had you, and Tommy’s so lucky he has a proper role model. I’m gonna be so grateful forever that he’s..normal”

The hug loosened a bit and Phil tucked some of Techno’s hair behind his ear, he was biting his lip and his brows were furrowed in thought, all the while his eyes still seemed kind and loving, showing Techno just how important this conversation was. 

“Tech’ I know what you mean but just because Tommy doesn’t have anything like what you two have, that doesn’t make you any less normal.”

He sucked in a breath and seemed to think over his next few words carefully

“Listen, as long as you aren’t being hurt by it, I have absolutely no problem with our house being a little different to others just to keep you two comfortable. I’m well aware you’ll need to be over this by the time you’re trying to find work but that’s not something for me to try and force you into. You’re still 13 and leaving home is a long way away so as long as you’re making a little progress, I’ll stay off your back.” 

He was being hugged again and for the first time since the incident earlier that day, he didn’t feel angry or upset, instead he felt loved. 

“I love you Phil” He finally choked out after what felt like an eternity of being silent 

“I love you so much, you do so much for us”

“I love you too Tech’, I do everything I do because I love you, you mean the world to me. I really hope you can forgive me for what i said, genuinely I know i shouldn’t have said it” 

Techno nodded, burying his face back into Phil’s shoulder as he grinned. He had the best family, hands down. 

“Of course I forgive you, can I get Wilbur in here? He’s been waiting in the hallway this entire time”

Phil snorted at that, he had assumed Wil had gone to bed but now that he thought about it that didn’t make sense considering Techno was down here. Before he could answer, Techno had already gone to the door to get Wilbur, who latched right onto him, probably since they had been apart for so long. 

“I say we watch a film” The oldest grinned at his two younger brothers “come here you two, 

I’ll order a pizza, you two choose the film” 

In the end they watched ‘your name’, apparently Techno hadn’t seen it, which shocked Wilbur beyond belief since it was his favourite movie. Their interactions were quite sweet honestly, as Phil waited with an ear out for the door, he watched as Wil would get excited and almost spoil scenes as soon as they started to play, only stopping when Techno would gently pull him back to the seat. 

The pizza had arrived about an hour into the movie, since Tommy was in bed and these two were both pretty mature, he let them eat in the living room, sighing in content, to himself when he realised they had solved today's problems in a fairly grown-up way. It made him feel like he was doing something right.  

Eventually Wilbur and Techno fell asleep, resting against each other. No doubt they’d wake up with a sore back but Phil neither had the heart to wake them or the muscles to move them, so once the empty pizza box was thrown away, he tucked them under a blanket, left the tv on in low volume, and turned off the light, making his way to bed himself. 

Families could get messy, but they’d always clean up after themselves. 

Bonus: 

“Tommy please sit still” 

Techno sighed as he attempted to comb through his brother’s hair and make him look presentable. After everything from last night, Techno had decided to help out more, not from guilt but from a place of love for his older brother. He didn’t want Phil to get to a place that would cause him to lash out since there was no way he could be happy like that. 

That being said, Tommy was incredibly difficult this early in the morning.

Honestly Techno didn’t blame him. It was incredibly early. 

“Tommy you can have the chocolate cereal you like if you just sit still and let me comb your hair”

That worked.

[cyb-by-lang]

Jailbird

Another preview of All The Little Children: Side B, this time focusing on a flashback to Kei several months before she meets up with the FNG gang and the ASL brothers.

~this is a page break for people on mobile~

Several months ago: 

Kei’s arm hurt a little. Her left didn’t tend to heal from that kind of treatment so quickly, even years after the damage to her chakra coils, but the low-intensity ache felt like something she could still ignore. Sleeping on her arm wrong was a minor annoyance at best. 

Wake up.

No. Kei did not need a chakra monster to do double duty as an alarm clock. No one did. 

I refuse your refusal! WAKE, Isobu’s voice rang out again, UP. NOW.

And to emphasize his point, the next sensation slammed through Kei’s brain was like getting kicked in the shin by someone wearing soccer cleats.

Kei jackknifed upright from a combination of pain and reflex, and discovered instantly that this was a mistake. For one, her head jerking up slammed it against a sloping wall, which was enough to make her see stars. For two, Isobu’s chakra was angry enough to spit nails. In even more alarming news, her body let her know immediately that her arms were chained to the slowly rolling floor and the wall she’d just hit. 

While she blinked the spots from her vision, Kei sat there with her arms chained out to her sides with a buzzing noise filling her entire brain. It felt like television static. It was the verbal incarnation of total bafflement. The oppressive darkness—broken only by a lantern and a glowing eye at ankle height—at least helped her focus by blotting out anything other than the creak of wood and stinking salt air. 

It didn’t help clear her thoughts much. It raised so many other questions that she honestly didn’t know where to start.

Do you see why I might think this is alarming? Isobu asked inside her head. 

What the fuck happened to me last night, Kei asked him, and looked properly down into the cat-sized Tailed Beast. Was it just the crappy lighting, or did he really seem unaccountably younger, too. Hell, what happened to you? Is that you, or is it a clone?

This is me, Isobu said, raising all three of his tiny tails. A single, dark length of chain was wrapped around the base of them, but he’d pulled the other end loose from the wall and left the screws and the links to trail him around. Scraps of broken steel sat scattered across the floor of the...cell.

This was a cell. Kei was chained to wall in a cell. She’d been “sleeping” while slumped forward over her knees, suspended by the manacles, and now she had a massive crick in her neck.

Kei looked straight at the ceiling and noted, in order: The slow sway of a ship, the heavy smell of sea spray and dead fish, and the generally damp conditions. Past the moldy ceiling and the faint sound of leaks belowdecks, mens’ voices and heavy footsteps clomped all around the ship. Wooden walls made up three of the four, and the cell door was made of iron bars too close together for a child to slip through. She could hear rough accents she didn’t completely recognize so soon after waking, and didn’t need a checklist to figure out that she’d been fucking kidnapped. 

So, Kei thought at Isobu, this is a thing.

It was the shortest possible way she could understate the magnitude of the situation while still acknowledging its existence. She’d get around to freaking out when she finally ran out of options to deal with it. 

Yes, it is. Isobu wiggled his tails for emphasis. 

“Well, this sucks,” Kei finally said aloud, because why not complain aloud when there wasn’t anyone around to hear her? If her captors appeared, she’d at least sound a little less congested.

“Guess you’re finally awake, then?” asked a man’s voice from a source she couldn’t see. The cells were designed such that Kei couldn’t tell there was another person so close by without someone speaking up. “I heard the thumping earlier, but I didn’t know if you were actually awake or just flailing around.”

“Uh,” said Kei. Her chains clinked as she shifted to listen to the left wall. “Hi, I guess?” 

The voice’s owner chuckled dryly. “Not a great place for meeting new people, is it? Cells, I mean. Sorry if I surprised you.” 

“It’s fine.” Kei looked down at Isobu, who did his best to shrug despite his lack of shoulder rotation. He never had any interest in helping Kei talk to people. Then she said, “I’d agree, but I also have no idea how I got here.” 

“I’ve been here less time than you have, actually, so I don’t know why you’re here either,” said the voice, companionable and helpful despite the circumstances. It was like talking to someone about the weather on a nice, sunny day. “When I got dragged past most of the cellblock, you were already there.”

Shit, Kei thought. “How long ago was that?” 

“About three hours, I think,” said the voice in a thoughtful tone. Chains rattled on the other side of the wall. “It was past lunchtime, but I’m not hungry yet.” 

Having even one friendly voice besides Isobu, who was always with her, bolstered her spirits just that little bit. She was still quite nettled about being stuck in a cell for who knew how long, but Kei just felt her mood lift anyway. By a fraction of a percent. Still… “You don’t sound worried.” 

“Wow, I must be a better liar than I thought.” The man laughed, a little self-deprecatingly. “Being captured by one of Kaido’s subordinate crews is honestly pretty scary, but I can deal with it. I have someone to talk to now, don’t I?” 

Kei frowned, eyes landing on Isobu but more staring past him. Kaido? Who the hell is that? It was superficially similar to her student’s name, but so were a lot of names. And what was this business about “subordinate crews?” 

I do not recognize the name, Isobu said, even though he hardly ever bothered with human names. At this point, Isobu mentioning that kind of thing was more for the sense of being included than anything. But I am willing to bet this involves pirates.

Why pirates?

Because we are on a ship. Kirigakure does not have a navy based on wooden ships, and had they been the one to capture you, we would not be speaking now. Isobu dragged his body across the floor until he rested his soft underbelly between Kei’s feet. The chain rattled behind him. He went on, Kirigakure would have recognized us on sight.

Amazing what effect a particular battle could have on one’s international reputation, even almost a decade from the event itself.

“Just so you know,” the voice said, “that wasn’t a joke or anything. I really do like to talk. Ask anyone.” 

“That’s definitely the impression I get,” Kei agreed. As she spoke, the bulk of her attention was instead on the iron(?) rings fastening her chains to the wall behind her. Pulling experimentally, nothing creaked in a way that suggested weakness. 

You will have to work harder than that, Isobu scolded her. It is not as though you are in a worse position than I was.

Kei blinked. Isobu was a Tailed Beast, tiny or not. He’d broken his chain loose already. I’m not?

Isobu replied, I do not have leverage on anything at this size. Getting free and waking you took a long time.

That’s fair, Kei admitted. She leaned back against the wall to ease the strain on her shoulders, then said, “Kaido, huh? Damn.” 

“Only the worst of the worst for us,” said the man on the other side of the wall. “But at least Kaido’s predictable in his own way.” 

“I guess,” Kei said. To Isobu, she said silently, See if you can fit through the bars. I want to know if the guy I’m talking to actually is a prisoner. 

It wasn’t uncommon for interrogators to use the fake prisoner ploy, which was far more effective than torture. People were so much more willing to give up information if they thought they had an ally. While Kei’s erstwhile companion was by far the chattier one, she didn’t have his name yet. And he’d apparently already seen what she looked like. 

Isobu turned his spiky head and eyed the bars dubiously. I cannot fit through while on my belly.

You might if you go sideways, Kei said impatiently. Come on, give it a shot.

I blame you if this goes wrong. 

Of course, Isobu’s arms weren’t long enough to flip him back over if he tumbled onto his shell, but that would only be a problem if he was exceptionally clumsy. Besides, he wasn’t nearly as vulnerable as a real turtle would’ve been in the same situation. And Kei needed more information before she could decide what to do next.

As far as plans went, “break out” was somewhat lacking in relevant detail.

Isobu slid across the floor with a loud huff, tangled chain rattling in his wake. He reached the cell door, then tried to grasp the bars with his tiny hands in order heave himself up onto his side. Game attempt though it was, even flattening his belly only allowed him to sneak the first rank of shell spikes past the bars. By the time the second set met metal, he was too far along to go back, but also unable to make any progress.

Isobu wiggled his little arms and his tails, but to no avail. The chain lashed violently in the air, crashing against the bars as well as the floor, and it kept doing so until the little Tailed Beast was forced to give up. 

Oops, Kei said. 

I officially blame you, Isobu said petulantly. When he was held sideways in the middle of the cell door by his spikes, he couldn’t come across any other way. I cannot move.

[theatresweetheart]

A Snowy Twilight Find

Thunderstorms and Stowaways: Chapter One

Summary: One cold winter evening, Logan is on his way home from a long day of hunting. However, he finds three humans huddled around a dragon’s egg. He finds himself making a decision that could possibly change his life forever.

Warnings: Brief mention of parent death, brief mention of death in general, multiple mentions of freezing, swearing.

Word Count: 1242 words

Pairing: Familial Analogical

A/n: This is something that I’ve wanted to write for a while! A fun little peek into how Logan originally got Virgil, and his reasoning behind saving the egg in the first place. Enjoy!

TSAS Taglist:  @isle-of-gold @rosiepupper @anxiousvirgil0 @imstupidhowyadoing  (if you wish to be tagged in future works in this verse/or in general, let me know!)

                                     +~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+

This winter seemed to be exceptionally cold.

Logan himself wasn’t much bothered with the chill, but the frigid wind that blew around him wasn’t exactly comfortable. The dragon kept his wings tucked against himself trying to preserve as much body heat as possible as he stepped through the woods.

The snow crunched beneath his claws as he moved along. Snow fell silently from the sky, while some larger piles of it fell from the tree branches above him.

He could hear the distant chatter of human voices from the town not far from his current position but with dusk beginning to settle over the lands, Logan wasn’t worried about being spotted. Night came earlier in the winters and with the drastically dropping temperature, most humans stayed indoors with their fires and blankets.

He’d been out hunting practically the entire day, but stayed far enough away from human civilizations that they were none the wiser.

His presence in the cave just North of here would remain a secret if he had anything to do with it.

The snow glistened on the ground in front of him, the fading daylight causing a slightly rosy glow on the pristine white. He was unmoved.

He did keep his eyes vigilant, however, knowing very well that there could be human out here doing their own hunting and gathering. However, something else caught his attention. The sounds of human voices that were distinctly closer than the others. They were talking in hushed tones about something or other and, his interest slightly piqued, Logan carefully made his way closer.

“What do we do with it?”‌ One voice murmured, trying to not drag attention to themselves if there was another presence around.

“We could smash it,” another piped in. Logan could hear the sound of snow crunching under boots—they were walking around. Pacing, maybe. “Just get rid of it, no one will ever know.”

“We already took care of the parents,”‌ a third voice said, sounding demanding and sharp. Certainly more authoritative than the others. “Leave it here. The thing’ll freeze on it’s own.”

“We could sell it though!‌”‌ The first voice said again, “do you know how much money someone would pay for something like this!‌ We’d be rich. We’d have so much gold we wouldn’t even know what to do with it all.”

Logan crept the slightest bit closer while making no noise, huddling down behind a small incline. He peered over the top of the hill and brought the three humans into his line of sight. Three men, crammed around something of interest. He couldn’t see their faces nor did he care much for it, but he could tell that whatever they were talking about would set them well off.

Whatever it was, it had to be important.

“I‌ say we take it,” the human on the left said—matching the first voice he had heard.

“I‌ say we don’t,” the human in the middle spoke, “the thing’s probably already dead anyhow. Our buyer would get no use out of it.”

The human on the right nodded before straightening and standing tall. He crossed his arms and nodded away from the subject under scrutiny. “Let’s go lads, before it gets too dark and we up freezing our asses off out here.”

Both humans relented finally and began to follow the third away from the subject. As soon as it was in Logan’s line of sight, he blinked. It was an egg.

A dragon’s egg.

No wonder those humans had been talking of selling it. Something like this would probably go for a wondrous amount of money in a human market, as those greedy creatures never seemed to have enough.

Logan shook himself and some snow fell from his shoulders. Once the humans were out of sight and long gone, he stood and approached the little egg carefully. It was a soft purple, dotted with black and white. The glow from inside of it was fading quickly, a soft flickering that showed that whatever baby that was inside of it was passing fast.

How unfortunate.

Sniffing at it for just a moment, Logan noted silently that the scent of a parent had long since faded as well. The claiming mark was gone and there was nothing stopping another dragon from claiming it as their own.

As the humans had said, it seemed as though both parents were gone. Which meant the baby inside the egg would die.

Such is life.

Logan stepped over the egg and continued on his way back to his cave, when something in him tugged, causing the dragon himself to stop completely.

Something inside said that it wasn’t fair.

Of course it wasn’t fair, he shook himself, humans were murderous monsters that killed only because they had the power to. It’s the circle of life. Some children make and it some children don’t.

Logan growled, low in his chest.

He couldn’t just leave the little one there, all by themselves.

Yes. You can. Leave the child. There’s nothing you can do.

Turning to look over his shoulder, he glanced the egg again. It would be better to just leave it there. Getting attached to something that might not even hatch was a waste of emotional effort. He had left his own Weyr for that exact reason. Living in a family was just an accident waiting to happen. It’s how he lost his parents and he refused to live like that any longer.

Living on his own was far better, anyhow.

He had only himself to worry about and care for. Besides, even if the egg did hatch, he would then have the burden of looking after a baby. Which was not something he was interested in doing in the least.

Children were noisy and could draw attention to them when it wasn’t necessary. A baby could be his demise.

Wanting to ignore the niggling in his chest, Logan tried to press on. It was getting dark and it was starting to get cold enough that Logan could feel that ache in his joints. But he stayed in one spot.

You have the power to save that little life, something in him whispered. You don’t have to care for them when they’re born. You could always take the pup and find another group to take care of it.

Needless to say, Logan went back to the egg.

Standing over it, he wrestled with what to do.

It looked so helpless in the cold like this, half frozen. The light inside of it quickly fading. Huffing quietly, he scanned the horizon. Tried to see past leafless trees, search for fresh dragon tracks other than his own or those created by the humans that had just been there.

To see if there was any possibility at all of having the rightful parent or guardian return to the little one.

Snow continued to fall from the sky as he looked over the little one.

“You are causing far more trouble than I would have liked,”‌ he spoke to it, the baritone of his voice rumbling his chest.

Of course, the egg didn’t respond.

After a heartbeat of silence had passed, Logan had made up his mind. Spreading his wings and lifting himself slightly off the ground, he grabbed the little egg between his claws and hefted it up into the air with him.

Logan was hoping that he wouldn’t regret such a rash and illogical decision.

[idk-maybe-i-did-it]

Scars: Year five, Chapter two

Remus Lupin x Reader

Warnings: Cursing, implied nudity, bruising, implied self harm,

James no longer cared about the surrounding boys in that moment, all his focus was one the female in his arms.

The boy was sobbing into her hair and constantly pulling her body closer to him and he leant back on his foot.

He didn't care.

James didn't care that Sirius had placed his hand on James's shoulder. He didn't care that the door to the dorm was open and a small second year boy had been staring at him, James simply didn't care about anything other than the female in his arms.

Everything else was nonexistent and all he could feel, see and hear was his sister.

He, He didn't care that there was still far too much to fix in their relationship before he would be aloud to call her his family again because all he cared about was the fact that he could hold his baby sister in his arms again.

He had her back.

And James wouldn't let anything take her away from him after that. __________ Y/n L/n ended up sleeping in bed with James Potter that night and when she awoke he still wouldn't let her go ___

When she did awake though, the boys were still wary of her.

" Y/n we're not going to pry but why were you such a jackass before?"

The girl's face paled and she diverted her eyes from their faces, instead choosing to look out to window.

" Family stuff."

James looked back over to her as Sirius walked to where she had been standing, engulfing her in a hug that hurt her already bruised hips and waist. Remus, who had already been used to noticing her small unnoticeable action's noticed her wince as Sirius placed pressure on her hips/waist during the hug. He saw how she plastered on a smile through the pain and how she flinched even more when Sirius hoisted her up to get a better height advantage.

" Welcome back sis..."

____________________________

" You're going to the game with us later right Y/n?"

The girl nodded discreetly, not taking her eyes off the goblet of gillywater before her. James reached over and lightly fisted at her long-sleeved shirt. " Why don't you put on something different, it'll be hot outside N/n."

There it was again.

His use of the nickname. His concern that she would overheat.

And there she was again.

Remus Lupin wasn't the type to not notice things. So when Y/n said she had simply been cold, he knew something was up. Y/n was normally rather warm and even when she were cold she never wore long sleeves, only a cloak, a black cloak and her shirt. But never long sleeves.

He knew something was up.

And Remus Lupin would get to the bottom of it. ____________________________

After James and Sirius had broken off from the group to get in uniform Remus noticed Y/n's breathing shorten multiple beats.

And how she tried to hide it.

Later on in the game Remus noticed her rather subtle flinches when noise increased and how the grip on her left arm increased. Eventually Remus had leant over and lightly grasped her arm, taking it off of the other, and whispered in her ear, " Remember to breath love." ____________________________

" Hi Liz, I don't think my friends still want to meet you..."

She sunk down and placed the flowers into the vase beside her gravestone, sitting next it.

" I miss you, I know the truth too now... I still wish you were here."

The girl moved over and lightly leaned against the stone.

" I'm sorry about what happened too. You didn't deserve to die... you and mum should be here sitting next to me."

The girl let out a shaky sigh, not even attempting to stop the silent tears.

" Today was horrible... he threatened me again, said if I went back to the boys he would force me to do stuff again. I'm scared Liz... I'm so scared."

Y/n let out a quiet sob and pulled her knees up next to her on the ground and continued to sob onto the grave-stone as a group of four boys watched her from the woods edge with guilt.

The four of them had pushed her away earlier that week because Remus told them he'd watched Y/n leave the common room at midnight every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday before returning near three a.m. with hickeys and bruises covering her arms and neck. Now standing there, watching her spill her heart out to her sister's grave-stone, they all felt like piles of shite, especially the tallest of them all.

" I miss the boys Liz... I miss them so much and they won't even believe me."

Sirius, James, Peter and Remus slowly came out and started to walk over towards the sobbing, unassuming girl.

She reached out and wiped her face, forcing tears back, before reaching out into her pocket and pulling out a pocket watch. " Sorry, I'm crying too much and I'm supposed to be happy for you. It's your birthday after all, I remember you always wanted a pocket watch."

Her voice cracked and went up an octave before she broke out into sobs again.

The boys finally walked up next her and squatted down. Remus pulled her into his shoulder and wrapped his arms securely around her as James and Sirius placed their hands on her shoulder and Peter placed a few flowers with Y/n's.

" We're sorry we never believed you earlier love. We were just wary..."

James spoke up next, " You never denied us that he had been controlling you because you already knew... and you had been trying to point it out to us..." ____________________________

Later that day Y/n had been sitting with James on his bed doing a bit of last-minute homework. The girl knew that homework was supposed to be her biggest problem at the moment yet she just couldn't get what James had said off her mind.

Did we not care enough or did you decide that a bloody prick from Hufflepuff made you feel more at home than we did?!

Did James really think she felt more at home with someone who'd kept her under blackmail than with people who she loved?

Did Mr. Charlie Chadington Williams remind you of poor mummy and dad or did we just stop being your family?

Did he really think she had been attracted to toxic people?

Did James really think her cruel?

Does he really hate me?

Did they really regret befriending me?

Why was I such a horrible person?

I didn't want to be, he said if I didn't he'd-

" You okay love? James sent me to talk to you because you wouldn't respond when he talked."

Y/n's back straightened and her head snapped up to see Remus had been squatting on the floor before her. She didn't notice there were tears dripping down her face until Remus reached up and cupped it, wiping them away.

The girl dropped her head again, letting it plop onto his shoulder with a light thump.

When Remus had looked into her eyes only seconds ago he saw every insecurity peaking through Y/n's now thick wall of brick hiding her from the world and he just came to realize that while the girl had been an ass, she had emotions hidden behind a wall of anger. The boys had blamed her for all the pain and anger that she'd put them through.

In the small moment where he saw through her walls and watched as her insecurities came out Remus finally realized that Y/n wasn't the person they needed to blame for her faults.

They should've blamed whoever made her that way.

" Does James really think I'm attracted to toxic people? Do you really think I wanted to be such a jackass?"

She lifted her head up again and turned to look out of the window, keeping her gaze away from Remus's eyes.

" Was I really such an ass that you guys started to regret knowing me? I mean, if- If you did start to, I wouldn't blame you. I was a bloody cunt... but you guy's have to realize I didn't want to be one."

Her voice broke slightly near the end and Remus suddenly figured out why she had been quieter recently.

He immediately came forward and moved next to the girl on James' bed, gently grasping her chin and forcing her to look him in the eye. " No- No love, no. We- James doesn't think you're attracted to toxic people he was just upset that you'd stopped hanging out with us. No, We- we didn't know why you were acting like an arse but we also never thought you wanted to be like that either."

Her head shook and a few tears fell out of the windows to her soul again.

" We never regretted knowing you either Y/n. If we all had a choice we would never go back and change knowing you. Y/n darling you've helped all of us in so many ways you'll never understand, trust me, we would never regret knowing you."

Remus leaned forward and wrapped her in a one armed hug, lightly threading at her hair, and tenderly pressed a kiss to her forehead.

" He says I deserve what mum does because I didn't listen to him when he told me to stop hanging around you guys... I think I deserve what they do because I listened to him and ignored you guys."

Remus was pissed that someone could make Y/n think things as such.

He buried his head into her hair and squeezed the girl tightly before pulling his head up and resting it atop her's, biting his lip to keep the slur of curses coming through.

" I don't give a damn about what you've done to us Y/n, you don't deserve that shit."

" And tell me what kind've blackmail Chad has on you before you show me your arms, hips and waist to make sure I have the right guy." ________________________________

" Y/n, wanna go down to Honeydukes with me?"

" Yeah but you can't get the whole stock of biscuits this time Peter."

∑(ﾟДﾟ)

" We can also stop by your sisters grave and give her more flowers."

" Sounds like a plan Peter." ________________________

" Re-Remus..." Her voice wavered and the boy saw her tear filled eyes start to water. He pulled off the cloak he’d been wearing and wrapped it around her nearly naked body.

" I'm here love, don't worry, I'm here now..."

_____________________________ Drop a vote, drink some water, eat some food and remember You Are Loved ^ - ^

[potatotrash0]

Kwami Swap

Rating: Teen for like single swear from Hinata

Word Count: ~1600

Genre: Humor?? Like 10% vague fluff??

Hokori chuckled, “I admit it’s a stretch. With the Cat Miraculous, I have bad luck most of the time, but ladybugs are good luck, aren’t they?”

Tentō narrowed his eyes, but they didn’t have much to go on as of now...clicking his tongue, he relented. “Fine,” he sighed, “try it. But I’m telling you, the Lucky Charm doesn’t just give you whatever you want. You have to actually figure out what to do with it.”

—

Idk man I saw a Miraculous and Danganronpa crossover au and went completely feral and spat this out. Also yes inspired by @/moochisun

Also on AO3 under the same username!

I am. unoriginal. so I basically named Komaeda, dust in Japanese (hokori) and Hinata, ladybug (technically tentōchū but i went with tentō). shhh don’t question it

—

Tentō stumbled as he landed, catching himself against the alleyway’s wall with a small grunt. Beside him, Hokori swung in just as haphazardly, though he seemed to be having more fun with his temporary Miraculous.

“Okay,” Tentō breathed, slumping down and running a hand through his hair as his breathing slowed. “New idea, we actually make a plan before attacking.” Hokori nodded, “Yes, that would be wise.” He laughed as Tentō kicked a rock his way.

“Well, how about we use your—ah, my Lucky Charm?” Hokori slipped into a more serious tone, one of his hands reaching for his yo-yo. “Yeah, no,” Tentō said, shaking his head and kicking off the wall. “Normally, I would agree, but we’re lagging behind because of our Miraculous swap. We don’t have enough information to come up with a solid plan or bullshit one like we’ve done before.”

“I suppose that’s true for you, but...” Hokori trailed off and paused for a moment, seemingly contemplating something, before his expression steeled itself. “Before you arrived to help, I got close enough to see that one of the jewels on Doragon’s choker was purple. I think the akuma is in there, so if we can distract them long enough for one of us to smash the crown, I might be able to purify it.”

Tentō nodded, his brows furrowing as he thought it over. “Alright. But what do we use as a distraction?” “Maybe the Lucky Charm will give us something the akuma might want? We know it chases after shiny or expensive things,” Hokori suggested.

Tentō blinked before snorting. “Hokori, you know how random my Lucky Charm is. Even though that plan would work theoretically, there’s no telling what the Lucky Charm might give us.”

Hokori cocked his head, pursing his lips slightly. “I have pretty good luck, though, so it might work.” Tentō rolled his eyes, “Yeah, because leaving things up to chance has definitely helped us save Tokyo before!” He felt the ears on the top of his head twitch, his tail whipping at his ankles.

Hokori chuckled, “I admit it’s a stretch. With the Cat Miraculous, I have bad luck most of the time, but ladybugs are good luck, aren’t they?” Tentō narrowed his eyes, but they didn’t have much to go on as of now...clicking his tongue, he relented. “Fine,” he sighed, “try it. But I’m telling you, the Lucky Charm doesn’t just give you whatever you want. You have to actually figure out what to do with it.”

‘This is ridiculous,’ he thought to himself, staring at the alleyway wall ahead. /I’ve tried this kind of stuff before, there’s no way that the rules of the Miraculous will bend just for him.’

His gaze flickered to Hokori when his ears picked up a quiet gasp. His partner had a giddy grin on his face, grey eyes sparkling. Tentō raised a brow and took a step closer, leaning over the boy’s shoulder.

He then let out some weird, strangled noise he couldn’t name. “...what the fuck?” In Hokori’s hands was an ornate box, made of wood and lined with velvet. Inside was probably the biggest necklace he had ever seen, along with a set of equally obnoxious earrings and several bangle bracelets. “Is—is that diamond?!” Tentō snatched the box from his partner’s hands, suddenly feeling like he needed to have a discussion about favoritism with Tikki.

Hokori, the damn bastard, burst out laughing before he slapped a hand over his mouth, doubling over.

---

“I still can’t believe that worked,” Tentō huffed, leaning on his staff. Hokori giggled, eyes trained on the now-purified akuma lingering on his finger. “I didn’t expect it to work so well either, but I guess my luck pulled through again!”

A beeping came from the ring on his finger, one of the green paw prints flickering and fading to black. The akuma jumped up onto Hokori’s nose, its wings fluttering rapidly. “We should leave before we transform back,” Tentō said, waiting for his partner to bid goodbye to the butterfly. (He did his best not to smile too fondly when Hokori turned around after looking so sad to see it go.)

They parted ways near some bakery, Tentō opting to leap another block away before landing. He ducked around the corner, glancing around before deeming the coast clear. “Plagg, claws in.” The black kwami flew out from the ring with a little flourish, groaning dramatically and flopping into Hinata’s hands like some maiden fainting onto her lounge chair.

“Next time,” Plagg huffed, glaring up at him, “I better not have to do so much work just so you guys can transform.” Hinata scoffed, “You barely did anything.” “Excuse me? Going around Tokyo searching for my owner in a huge crowd is stressful! At this rate, my fur will start turning white.” “Yeah, right. You don’t even have fur! Besides, you can whine to Hokori about it, /I’m/ not your Miraculous holder.”

Hinata slipped off the ring and put it into the black box he had stored in his pocket. He handed it to Plagg, pointedly ignoring the cat’s complaints. “And tell him that his kwami is a pain in the ass for me,” Hinata called as Plagg flew off, snickering when yelled back indignantly, “Have some respect for your elders!”

Shortly after, Tikki flew into view, a wide smile on her face. “Hajime!” Hinata laughed as his kwami nuzzled against his cheek, holding her close for a moment. “Good to have you back, Tikki.” She settled into his shirt pocket like usual, handing him the earrings and taking the piece of chocolate he offered to her eagerly.

“By the way, the Miraculous’s powers are fixed, right?” He asked, putting on the earrings with only a little struggle. He made a mental note to ask Tsumiki or Mioda about his ears healing over. He felt Tikki nod, “Yes. Even if the Miraculous, transformations, and weapons change to fit the holder’s preferences, the fundamental abilities don’t change.” Hinata hummed, tongue flicking over his retainer idly before he replied. “So what’s up with Hokori getting exactly what he wanted from the Lucky Charm earlier?” “Hmm...” Tikki seemed to falter, nibbling at the chocolate as she thought. “According to Plagg, his holder tends to attract good and bad luck even without a Miraculous, so that might play into it.”

“So I was right to think it was pure bullshit.” “That’s...a crude way to put it, but you’re not entirely wrong. It is very abstract!”

Hinata sighed, a smile crossing his face. Well, chalking it up to luck wouldn’t be his first choice, but he supposed having a cryptic and roundabout cat-boy for a partner ruled out all of his “ideal circumstances” in general. Something told him it wouldn’t be quite as fun without Hokori and his chaotic ways, though.

---

Hokori landed just behind the local bakery, being careful to ensure he was hidden from view. “Tikki, spots off,” he whispered, catching the spotted kwami in his hands. He was tempted to let Tikki take a nap, seeing how sleepy she looked in his palms. She deserved it, after all, but she also had to return to Tentō, so he gently nudged at her with his thumb. She took the hint after a moment, flying up and seemingly making Komaeda’s hair her temporary bed.

He took his time taking out the earrings and placing them back into their container, speaking up once he was done. “Come on, I’m sure Tentō would like to be reunited with his kwami.” Tikki brightened up at that, taking the black and red box with a renewed vigor. “It was nice meeting you,” Komaeda said softly, laughing when Tikki returned the sentiment by bumping against his nose with a smile.

Not too long after she left, Plagg flew in, announcing his presence by crashing into Komaeda’s chest with clearly exaggerated groaning. “You’re crushing on a guy with no idea what manners are, you know that, right?” Plagg said into his shirt, tail whipping around. Komaeda raised a brow but wasn’t too surprised to hear his kwami being so dramatic. He grabbed his Miraculous back with his left hand, the other one digging in his coat pocket for the container he kept Plagg’s beloved cheese in. “I’m well aware of how blunt Tentō can be, but I’ll keep your concerns in mind.” He tossed a piece of Camembert Plagg’s way, watching his kwami rush to catch it in his mouth with a grin.

Admittedly, he had been worried when Tikki approached him at first, knowing first hand how much Plagg tended to get himself into trouble. But at the very least, he was here now, unharmed and safe. Komaeda slipped the Cat Miraculous back onto his ring finger, feeling more at ease now that he had it back. For something he had only owned for a year, he found himself pretty attached to it.

Though, it was the same for most of the things he had gained in the past year. It was weird, allowing himself to enjoy his life after years of avoiding forming attachments in fear of losing them. It was so ingrained into him, trying to live without fearing the worst was almost harder than just accepting it. Komaeda shook his head, catching himself regressing back into his old habits. ‘Hinata-kun would probably be angry if he knew I was still entertaining the thought of my luck sabotaging me,’ he mused. It was a viable possibility in his eyes, but Hinata always seemed to be firmly against Komaeda’s “self-destructive tendencies,” to quote the brunet. Why, Komaeda still couldn’t grasp, but there was little that he understood about Hinata in general. ‘It’s not really necessary to understand someone to appreciate them though, is it?’