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syuga-s · 3 years ago

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The Last Time

w.c 4.3k

pairing. Jooheon x gn!reader

genre. angst, a little fluff maybe, idk how to classify it but it's my take on relationships in real life(?)

a/n. (warnings) I throw some curses here and there, mention of the word "sex" once, tried to make it as gender-neutral as possible, I could really use some help about t/w, feedback is more than welcome, hope you like the fic 🧍‍♀️

Once again you were at the same bar. With the same friends. Same music. Same drinks. It's safe to say that nothing's changed in here but you.

For some reason, you were awfully quiet tonight. Everyone was away from the table by now. All of them talking and dancing in groups.

You were regretting saying yes to going out the very moment Jasmine was at your front door. But your best friend really wanted to get you out of your house.

The thing is you weren’t going to be alone, all of your friends were tagging along. I guess I need to suck it up, maybe I could have fun, despite him.

And you really tried, there was no need to make a scene anymore. All of your friends have had their fair share of nights seeing you 'talk' with him and making things awkward for everyone. It's been a while, though. You haven't seen him in exactly 2 years.

How do I explain this? There's no resentment anymore, no hate for what happened between you. But when there's a choice between spending your Friday night at the same place as him or staying at home? Well...

But tonight was clearly different. Something (Jasmine) had dragged you here and to be quite honest, it hasn’t been half bad yet. Jasmine kept waiting for you to get up from your chair to come and chat with Jackson and Changkyun. Her all-time crush and his best friend.

"In a sec!! Just let me finish this drink!" You said while you showed her your glass. She quickly nodded and turned to keep talking with those two. You have to remember to thank them later for keeping her entertained because if it weren't for them cracking jokes every single second, she wouldn't have let you off the hook that easily.

Meanwhile, you decided to get a little lost in your head. Laughing to yourself because you were feeling like having a main character moment. Being the only one sat down in a place full of people. The mysterious persona drinking by themselves.

But that didn't last long.

"Mind if I sit here?" You shook your head. He put his drink next to yours and asked, "How are you?" And it somehow felt like you couldn’t have avoided this exact situation.

You released a breath that you didn't even know you were holding. "I'm sitting Jooheon, drinking… existing, you?" He forced himself to smile. Trying to hide the fact that he was still feeling uneasy around you. Nonetheless, showing you the dimples that you used to love so much.

“I can see that”, he paused, "it's been a lot since I last saw you, you look different".

You hummed softly, finally making eye contact with him. "So you expected for me to look the same?" You surely weren't going to pass up the opportunity to be passive-aggressive to him.

It still makes you happy to know that he has never minded this side of you.

"I'm teasing, I guess we both look different, it's been what? Two years?"

"I'm not sure, but it feels like a lot" He took a sip of his drink and started to fidget with the glass. Maybe you're not the only one that's changed after all.

In the two years, you were together, you never saw him like this. But let's remember the fact that you never fully knew him back then. It just feels weird to see him this anxious. Especially with you.

"I've wanted to reach out to you for a while now," You frowned at his words. "Guess I lacked a little courage" He let out an airy laugh. "I really want to talk to you".

Now it was your turn to feel tense. What is this supposed to mean? How long has he been wanting to talk? And talk about what?

You tilted your head and opened your mouth to ask him all this, but he didn't give you the chance to get the words out.

"Before you say something, please believe me I just wanna talk", "but not in here”.

"Alright then, where do you suggest we ‘talk’ Jooheon?” He took his phone out to check the time. 10:44 p.m. He pursed his lips and said, more like hesitating, "I could walk you home?"

You stared off into your group of friends. This was going to make their night interesting. Seeing you two go together again, just like all those times before.

Jooheon's been waiting for this since he saw on your social media that you were leaving the city. And Jasmine took care of letting him know that you would be coming back in about 6 months.

That was a year ago. More than 365 days waiting to be in the same room with you. Praying that you would let him talk to you. Not that you would reject him. But he was scared, he was perfectly aware he messed up everything.

As you were both saying goodbyes to your friends, you started to think about how everything had ended between you two.

You know what? Yes, maybe I was wrong in ghosting him but after all, I don't owe him anything. Just like he threw me out of his life two years ago. We didn't work out, he never communicated with me. He didn't choose me back. I just had to watch him get rid of me, no explanations, no nothing. And I find it really hard to believe that he's been dying to talk to me. What could be so important that he wants to have a proper conversation? How will I explain to him that I stopped replying for no particular reason? That I just realized that we weren't good together, and I had to let go of him? Should I tell him that no matter my hard feelings, I still thought about him constantly?

You had left each other in the cold back then.

He called your name, and you snapped back to reality. Didn't even realize you were already outside of the bar when he softly asked you, "aren't you cold?"

You smirked and told him "Well yeah, walking back home in this weather wasn't in my plans dummy, but I didn't bring a jacket though".

He used to be so attentive to you. One of the other things you used to love about him. Always concerned about you.

He simply put his jacket around you and started walking before you could complain about something as simple as this. Like you always did.

It feels nice to know that someone in this world knows you to this extent. The way you’ll react to simple things. How can you still love someone despite knowing that you don’t work together?

You realized he still has this jacket. It's the same one he gave me the first night we spent together. Why do I have to remember this now? Not fair. Maybe he wore it on purpose.

You gave a little run to catch him. Now that you were by his side, you were getting impatient, "Can you please start talking? I'm intrigued by all your seriousness".

You were kind of hating this feeling. Everything about him felt familiar. Suddenly, you wanted to cling your arm to his but thought twice about it.

He chuckled. "Well it's not super serious, I want us to have a nice conversation, you know?" You snorted at this, what does a nice talk mean?

"I can be nice, as long as you tell me WHAT you wanna talk about…", "come on Jooheon, just get to the point".

"Okay!! OKAY… I-" he took a deep breath and continued, "First of all, I want to apologize to you for everything, then I want us to talk about what happened between us if that's okay with you?"

You'd be lying if you didn't say that you wanted this to happen since you drew apart the first time. You always dreamt of having an adult conversation with him.

But the dream left your mind bit by bit. Just like your heart got itself back together after he left you, piece by piece.

Overwhelmed, you could only stare straight ahead into the street. He called your name again. Now your eyes were on his, and you could see his concerns. How his mind was going miles per hour, just like yours.

"I want to apologize too,” you smiled and finally let yourself link arms with him. “It’s gonna take us a while, isn’t it?”.

The walk to your apartment took around 15 minutes. The words you exchanged with Jooheon were kept to a minimum. You weren’t gonna get into the heavy stuff right there in the street.

When you finally arrived, you gave him back his jacket. It was gonna get uncomfortable to talk with him with a piece of clothing that made you remember too much.

“Want something to drink? I have a beer, wine, you name it”. He sat on your couch while you searched for something non-alcoholic in your little fridge. “A beer would be okay”.

You got yourself some water. Otherwise, your head would be fuzzy, and wouldn’t be able to tell him all you’ve had on your mind for years.

You handed him the bottle, and you took your seat on the carpet. Your mind wandered off to the last time he was in here.

When he told you goodnight and planted a soft kiss on your lips like he always did. You knew it wasn’t a simple ‘good night’, for you.

You remembered how your eyes followed him until he closed the door of your apartment.

He took a swig of his drink and by the time he put the bottle on your little coffee table, it made you realize he was sitting right there, in front of you.

Finally, gathering the courage to start telling you what was on his mind. “I never thought I’d get the chance to talk to you again”.

I didn’t think so, either. We both fucked up multiple times.

──────────────────────

You were never a couple. After 5 years, you never understood what had lacked between you. The desire was there. Now and then you had your moments of happiness. Usually on the weekends.

When you met, you weren’t looking for love or a serious relationship. At least one of you.

Jooheon was free, like the wind or like a bird. He flew back and forth and once in a while he needed to land somewhere for a while. Every so often he sought another fire, another bed, other arms that weren’t yours.

The time came when he made you feel a million things inside. Overwhelmed with words and emotions, mostly love. But also turmoil and maybe desperation.

It made you happy that he made you feel so much after being empty for months. You felt different with him. It was the kind of love you didn’t know you had in you. Didn’t even think it was possible to express about someone like this. Until him.

You didn’t need anyone else. You just needed Jooheon. Not only that, but you didn’t care for how long your love would last because you believed that the meaning of the word love was what you had built together.

A few hours together. Every so often the whole night.

But when the morning came, the nightmare started to take form. Texts at inappropriate hours, and even unanswered messages.

You started thinking that you didn’t know better. You started feeling insecure. Replaceable. Maybe he knows better than to be with me.

Desperate to know what you had. But afraid that you would ruin everything with the words “What are we?”.

Tried to convince yourself that all of this was okay. That it was a good thing that you were going slow, giving him the chance to open up to you.

Months kept passing and your trust in him was running thin. He made you feel weird on the daily. Wondering if he was seeing someone else. If he danced with someone tonight. Had they kissed? Is he having sex with someone who isn’t me? What if he’s tired of me?

You wanted to be with him, but It was starting to hurt.

I hate that when I try to get myself to think that I don’t like you anymore… you do these little things that make me love you.

When you were together, he treated you like there was no one else for him. His hand was always wrapped up in yours. Talking until dawn, about college, his family, and your relationship. Those times, you couldn’t lie to yourself about your feelings.

He was the only face you could see in the world. The only guy you’ve ever wanted to keep around. But how did we get to this point?

The day you told him you were starting to fall in love with him, all he could reply was, “I don’t know what to say, I never thought you would be in love with me”.

“That’s all you have to say?”

“Well what do you want me to say? You took me by surprise”.

“You could tell me how you feel. I’m not expecting for you to tell me you love me back, I-“

There’s no return now, you have to keep talking.

“I’m just tired of not knowing what’s in your head, I’m not sure if you want to have something with me anymore, it’s okay if you don’t so, just be honest with me”.

“I like you”. You stayed quiet after hearing this, urging him to tell you more than just three words.

“I mean, of course, I’m attracted to you”.

At that moment, you liked what you heard. But the more you thought about it, you realized that he didn’t actually care for you, or loved you. Maybe that was a greedy thought from you. Maybe you expected too much.

You were angry but mostly angry at yourself.

Why are you still waiting for him? It's been years and nothing has happened between you. Nothing ever will at this point.

You ended up telling him not to bother you again, that if this was his way of ‘loving’ you, you were better off without it.

But that was a lie, you longed for your phone to show his name, even if it was at 5 A.M. Still thinking that there was no other way to love someone.

Unable to put an end to it, months kept passing and nothing changed between you. Jooheon had many others, and you only had him.

You loved spending nights like this by his side, watching him sleep, wondering for hours about you two. Unable to explain how you could love him this much.

Maybe he did love you, but you can’t handle this kind of love anymore. It’s better for both of you to end this, whatever it was because it's driving you crazy. And you meant it this time.

Jooheon told you goodnight and planted a soft kiss on your lips like he always did.

You knew it wasn’t a simple ‘good night’ for you, this was the last time you were gonna let him in. Your eyes followed him until he closed the door of your apartment. Fighting back your tears while softly saying to yourself, “I’m always going to love you…”.

The texts at 5 A.M. came again, but this time there was no answer. Jooheon started calling and sending texts for days, but you didn’t reply. All your efforts in disappearing from him on social media weren’t stopping him.

He met someone else, yet the texts wouldn’t stop. Until one day they did.

Now and then your curiosity would get the best of you and you would see his Instagram stories with her. An older girl you had met once. They were supposed to be friends.

You wanted to avoid comparing yourself to her but, he never posted something with you. It’s a dumb thing to worry about, but it’s one of those things that sometimes matter.

You tried to understand the whole situation. Accept the fact that you two weren’t meant to be. That he didn’t see a future with you.

Your days stopped revolving around him. You focused your time on getting your degree, learning another language, going out with your friends. Even tried meeting new people.

There were a few here and there. No one was enough for you.

Your ideas of love and relationships were different now. You gave another meaning to the word love. You wanted to find someone who would love you and take care of you. A quiet kind of love, real love.

What you had with Jooheon, was something you never wanted to experience again. Days went by, even months until you saw each other once more; for the first time in Jooheon’s life, he felt a knot in his stomach, he knew he lost you, for good this time.

Months passed and Jooheon left his girlfriend. He now felt different because he looked for you in everyone, yet he couldn’t find you, and he felt empty.

He cursed himself a thousand times for not knowing how to appreciate you and the love you gave him for two whole years. Tears finally fell from his eyes, he couldn’t believe he was crying for someone, crying for love, crying for you.

He took his phone out, swallowed hard, and started typing another text.

“I miss you, and I need you with me now and always, I never thought I would say this, but I’m not happy without you. Maybe I should’ve loved you less and loved you better, I just want you to know that I’ll always be waiting for you my sweet y/n…”

But the message was never delivered. You had changed your number.

It made sense that you would do that someday. It’s been too long, but this didn’t stop him from sending you texts in the middle of the night. When he felt the overwhelming need to have his arms wrapped around you.

──────────────────────

I still love you

(9:05 p.m.)

no, I don’t

(9:06 p.m.)

I’m confused why did this happen

(2:26 a.m.)

I want you to be happy, if this is what it takes then I’m okay with it. be happy. for me. please.

(10:45 a.m.)

I kind of hate you for changing your number

(8:57 p.m.)

I’m sorry

(1:43 a.m.)

maybe if I wasn’t so fucked up this wouldn’t have happened

(3:37 a.m.)

why can’t things be like they were before

(10:13 a.m.)

please come back to me. I need you. You need me

(1:58 a.m.)

I still want you

(4:06 a.m.)

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The day you left town was the day he swore to himself to try his best to get another chance to talk to you, just once more. To make things right, not caring anymore about his pride. He just wanted to let you know everything he didn’t say when you were by his side.

That he was sorry that it took him too long to acknowledge he was wrong. That he knew he was a little too late and wishes that he could say something more meaningful than a simple “I want you back”.

──────────────────────

“I wonder why” You smirked at him.

The more you kept making eye contact, the more you realized you didn’t feel any kind of resentment anymore. You both had grown, and while you didn’t actually need this kind of closure, you figured this was the healthiest moment to do so.

His eyes were avoiding you now, his smile was still there, but you could tell he lost a bit of his confidence. “Okay, so I’m gonna talk first, please just hear me out. I want to rip the band-aid,” He said with a forced laugh.

“I don’t know why I could never tell you that love scares me. That it scares me to be attached to someone”. His tone was soft now.

“I still play in my head the day you told me you were falling in love with me. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you not to tell me those things because you could have changed your mind any moment”.

“I never told you how I felt one of the many nights you spent with me. You were stroking my hair and I seriously felt like crying because I was fucking scared”.

“I was scared to lose you”.

“I’m sorry because I know I made you think I didn’t want you for something serious. I’m sorry for being immature”.

“I look at you now, and I’m happy to get to see you like this. You’re still everything I’ve ever wished for and more. You need to know that nothing compares to you”.

“And believe me, I don’t expect you to take my words as a way of asking you for another chance, I know I don’t deserve it… but I would really love it if you could let me show you I could love you better this time”.

You never imagined these words coming out of his mouth. Couldn’t believe how he was looking at you. Hopeful but understanding at your loss for words.

“Can I ask you one last thing?” His voice was barely audible, but you nodded at him.

“Well, maybe it’s not an actual question, but I’d like to know why you stopped talking to me”.

“Look Jooheon, I don’t know how everything I wanna say will come out, so please bear with me”.

You didn’t know where to start, either.

There were so many things to be said that you were getting nervous to start talking. Because once you opened your mouth, you didn’t know if you would be able to piece everything together.

“When everything ended I really wanted to hate you, everyone around me hated you,” you admitted to him, “except for me and I hated that”.

“I knew that all I could be able to do was cut you from my life, so I just decided to stop talking to you”.

It may sound harsh, but it’s the truth. “I admit it was a poor way of handling things, and I’m sorry for that”.

You’ve always been scared of having this type of conversation.

You let out a sigh because you never thought that the following words were gonna come out of your mouth, ever.

“I’ve only been in love once in my life, and that was when I was with you”.

“It used to frustrate me that I wasn’t able to make it work with anyone after you. I couldn’t help but compare everyone to you”.

“I swore to myself that I never wanted to go through the same thing we had, maybe because those memories are yours and I don't want anyone else messing that up, you made me feel so safe, I felt alive with you, nothing could stop me when I had you”.   “You've been the only one I've ever wanted to see every day, no matter the hour or how busy I was, I truly wanted everything with you”.

You hadn’t noticed how he had been looking at you this entire time. He couldn’t believe that you used to feel that way about him. Still couldn’t wrap his head around hearing you say how you loved him.

You quickly wiped a tiny little tear that escaped your eye, hoping we wouldn’t notice. But he did.

You let out a nervous laugh and said, “I’m not sad, I swear, It’s just that I never thought I would say all this out loud, especially to you”.

“You don't know how many times I wanted to call you, run to you”.

“Last year before I left I wanted to see you, I kept trying to convince myself that It didn't have to mean anything, that I was just desperate for any physical touch, but from time to time, I wonder if what I really needed was just you”.

He didn’t say anything. So you just said his name out loud. “Jooheon…” Followed by a long pause.

“I feel so different now”.

“When I was far away from you, I realized that I need someone who isn’t absent when it comes to me, someone that isn’t a ghost in my life”.

While you were talking, you were watching his every move and how he couldn’t stop playing with his rings. You’re still not used to seeing him act like this.

“At this point, I want someone who will take care of me, that makes me feel safe. Someone who wants to be with me because they love me, and they love to have me next to them. I’m beyond only spending the night over, I want whole days”.

You finally got up from the floor and sat next to Jooheon. Facing him, making him do the same. He kept looking at you for a whole minute but it felt like hours.

You didn’t know what to do after his following words.

“What I realized with being away from you is that I was pushing away what I’ve always wanted. I wasn’t confident that I could meet you where you were. I felt it would be better not to waste your time back then, but that was then, and this is now…”

You kept looking at each other a little too long. Both realizing you didn't need words anymore. The love was still there.

#monsta x #jooheon #joohoney #jooheon imagines #jooheon oneshot #jooheon monsta x #jooheon angst #jooheon fluff #monsta x fanfic #jooheon fanfic #monsta x fluff #monsta x angst

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awkwardgtace · 3 years ago

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Mira's Visit Home Pt 3 (Final)

This one is a bit longer than the others. I couldn't find a place that felt good to split it. Also only used ferrets cause I couldn't think of anything better to fit in her tunnel

Part 1, Part 2

Mira's Visit Home (Ending)

Mira waited for him to reach in and pull her out. She didn’t mind the extra time it took since she could gather her thoughts. She needed to admit to a human she loved him, she could wait most of the week, but Anna made sure that wouldn’t happen. She had made sure he’d heard that Kaya and her mom were coming. A hand came into the pocket interrupting her thoughts. The fingers curled around her, tight enough she couldn’t wiggle out. It was funny to think how this would have terrified her not too long ago. Even after her nightmares feeling his careful, warm touch helped to ground her. She was slowly pulled out of his pocket and placed on a pillow nearby he’d called hers. She thought it was dumb at the time but appreciated it more as time went on. Having a spot near him that was hers felt nice. She watched as he slid the coat off then went about putting that and his bag away. She was a little sad when he sat in his desk chair rather than on the bed with her. She thought he may just lay down and she could pretend she didn’t need to talk to him.

“So…,” he started, “how was seeing home again?”

“It was unbelievable. Everyone was acting differently than they used to. Plus a ton of thanks for bringing help. They even said I could move home if I wanted. Kaya and my mom are going to come next week t-.”

“That’s great,” he didn’t even know he cut her off. “Is there any way I can help you pack?”

“Pack?” she asked. It felt like things fell apart. He sounded so excited he must be relieved he was getting rid of her. She’d seen things before he knew she existed, he was louder and more destructive. She still remembered the time after he’d moved in and he punched the wall, close enough she could have touched his hand. He still probably felt guilty about it. Of course he wanted her gone, he could go back to his normal life without her. She couldn’t help the heartbreak she felt though.

“Yeah, you’re taking your things from here right?” he asked. Corus was desperately trying to sound cheerful. She’d been a positive change for him, someone to care about right when he needed it. It was easier to break his worst habits once he knew someone could be hurt without him fully aware. A fact he’d never have learned if she hadn’t come into his life. He was barely looking at her, trying to think of some way to thank her, to make sure she’d never forget him. He doesn’t know when he fell in love, but he was pretty sure no one would take her place.

“N-no I’ll be fine on my own,” Mira gave a strained smile and started to leave. She wanted him to stop her, ask her to stay, but he wouldn’t. A human would always see someone like her as a burden and it was better he never knew how she felt. She didn’t even realize how much she cared until today. She didn’t even know until everyone said they were glad she’d found someone so important to her. Now she was just going to avoid him until she left, she wouldn’t add more to how she’s a burden.

Mira reached the edge of the bed by the wall and finally let herself cry a little. She knew he’d more than likely be kind about her feelings and turn her down gently, but he was so happy she could leave. Mira started to climb down, and Corus finally let his own feelings show. His smile fell and he blindly grabbed the stress ball he’d bought for his desk after meeting Mira. He tried to calm down, but when it tore he was hit with a sad smile. He hadn’t managed to ruin a stress ball since the day he found her on the table. He wanted to laugh at how dumb all of this was, he should be happy for her, he could go see her probably, but he just hated she was leaving. He hated how everything he thought to say sounded like he wanted to keep her.

Mira was barely aware as she made her way back to her home. Normally after a storm finally ended, Corus would make them both tea and he’d just sit with her in bed for most of the day. She shivered as she realized how much she craved that warmth right now. Even hearing he expected her to leave, a part of her wanted to stay. She didn’t think she’d be happy back with the others, not after hearing that any of them had wanted her dead all those years ago. They’d changed, but they could change back just as easily. Anna had told her she was a little worried about how long things would stay different, but didn’t want to make the choice for her. Mira silently curled up in her fabric nest, holding a scrap Corus had given her tightly around her. The first time it wasn’t her blanket from home she sought out for comfort.

Corus and Mira had barely interacted for the next few days. He kept trying, but he didn’t want to risk saying something wrong and making her scared. Mira just didn’t want to be more of a burden. She was avoiding even sharing a meal, and wouldn't take the gifts he left at her entrances. She’d gone back to trying to only be out when she thought he was asleep. He wasn’t happy leaving things this way, he wanted to get her something to say goodbye at least. He wanted to make sure she knew he cared. He spent a day out in town, looking for something for her and giving her space. He knew it would probably amount to nothing like all the times before this. He stopped as he passed by the antique store, he had found the perfect thing to give her as a goodbye.

Their avoidance continued Mira having fewer and fewer reasons to even leave the walls. She was curled up at home, she didn’t have anything to do, all her projects would be left behind. Of course she could work on her half finished ones, but they were mostly in Corus’s room. She just didn’t want to bother him or risk him hearing her and saying something. Corus was anxious he hadn’t seen Mira in two days and he didn’t want to miss his chance to at least say goodbye. He was working up the courage to call out for her, when a knock sounded at the door. He rolled his eyes, but went to deal with his guest, he didn’t expect Mrs. Adam to be standing there. He was tempted to slam the door in her face, but decided to hear her out just in case.

“Mrs. Adam, what can I do for you?” he asked, his tone was barely friendly and he saw her grimace. She seemed nervous for once.

“Well I wanted to warn you, my pet ferret got out, and I know you don’t put out traps. There was also that squirrel you dealt with recently. I thought I saw him in your yard, but when I rushed over he was gone,” she said. Corus felt his heart stop. Mira was safe, she was inside there were at least two more days before her family would come to get her. Things would be fine, they had to be. He thanked her and shut the door, ignoring anything else she started to say. He needed to get Mira.

Mira prayed she was having realistic nightmares again. She’d fallen asleep for a little, waking up when she heard something that sounded like tapping. Her eyes went wide when she saw some weird animal watching her. It looked like it might just be curious, but she needed to find a way to distract it so she could run. Time felt frozen as she stared at the awful creature, nothing should be able to get in she’d made sure of that. No she usually did, she never shut the door the day they went to her home, Corus had grabbed them because of that nosy human and walked off. She came back so out of it she never thought to check.

“Mira!” Corus yelled, banging on the wall. That seemed to hit play on the frozen scene, the creature moved forward, but Mira managed to roll out of the way just in time. She started running, aiming for her closest entrance, the one on the floor of the kitchen. Only to freeze when the things face showed up in front of her. For once she hated herself for making each path have more than one point of access. “Mira please! I need you to come out. Please!”

Mira wanted to cry at how desperate he sounded. There wasn’t any option for her now. She could dodge for a bit, but she was stuck and in her haste left all her tools behind. There was another bang, louder than Corus knocking on the wall and she screamed. She didn’t mean to, but the built up fear let it out, which helped the thing focus back on her. She was frantically searching for a way out, but couldn’t find a way past where it wouldn’t be able to just block her path again. She was terrified, she needed help. She wouldn’t even get to tell him how she felt before she would be gone.

The creature pounced at her and she screamed as she dodged out of the way. The louder bangs were getting closer, another animal had probably been inside and they hadn’t crossed paths. She felt tears start to trickle down her face. The creature was focused on the noises mostly, but if she moved it would be back on her in an instant. There’s no way she’d get out of this in one piece, well maybe she would and that could be worse. She was tempted to call out for Corus, but he couldn’t help. Even if he heard her, he had stopped breaking things, why would he tear apart his house for her.

The creature seemed to lose interest in the bangs, eyes focused back on Mira’s small form. She resigned herself to her fate and shut her eyes. She didn’t have to watch it happen, and she’d fight like hell once it touched her. There was a breath washing over her and she screamed for help she knew wasn’t coming. There was a bang louder than others and thought she felt something like dust fall around her. Wind rushed past her, but she was shocked that nothing had hit her. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but heard a weird almost whining sound. She opened her eyes a little and saw the creature had been grabbed by a hand. Mira shivered as the creature was pulled out of the wall. Her legs giving out, she fell to the ground.

She knew she needed to get up and run, her mind was a mess. Something stopped that creature, maybe a human she should hide from humans. She tried to stand, falling back down more than once. By the time Mira was standing again, the hand was back. She froze, she could tell this time, it was a human hand, nightmares she couldn’t forget flooded her mind. A human was here to get her and she couldn’t bring herself to move. Mira didn’t have time to wait long before the hand started to move again, it came towards her and she whimpered. It didn’t stop the hand as it reached her, quickly wrapping her in a tight grip. Somewhere in her mind she thought this should feel safe.

She felt herself start getting pulled up, and she started squirming. She just wanted to get somewhere safe. Before long the hand she was in stopped moving, even with her squirming it hadn’t tightened once. She could feel as the one holding her started moving, they stopped somewhere and she started to truly panic. She didn’t know who this was, or why they were so adamant about reaching her. She felt herself get lowered again, and finally the hand opened. She didn’t realize she’d shut her eyes, but snapped them open once the grip was released. She slid off landing on the kitchen table, frantically searching for a way out.

“Mira, Mira please,” the human whispered to her. “It’s me, it’s Corus. I'm so sorry I scared you.”

Corus, it was Corus who grabbed her. He’s apologizing, she slowly looked up and met his eyes. He looked like he’d been crying. Just seeing his face started to calm her down, her cloudy mind starting clear. He saved her, he was helping her, his grip was safe, he was trustworthy, and she loved him. He reached out and used his thumb to wipe at her face, she didn’t realize her tears hadn’t stopped. She leaned into his touch, relieved it wasn’t a nightmare coming true.She saw around him that the wall had been torn apart just enough he could see in. A hammer on the counter near it.

“Mira. Did the ferret hurt you at all?” she shook her head. “Thank god, I have no idea what I’d do if I lost you.”

“You're the one who wants me to leave,” she said, quickly covering her mouth hoping he hadn’t heard her. He looked at her shocked, soon a look of realization dawned on his face.

“What? No, I,” he started. “J-just uh, will you come with me for a second, please?”

He looked at her with puppy dog eyes, he must have thought she’d say no. She was too terrified to be left alone right now. Even if the wall wasn’t destroyed, who knows what else could have gotten in during that time, she was lucky. She nodded at him, a little worried she’d say more she meant to keep to herself if she tried to talk. She was still terrified that the creature, no ferret, was going to kill her, and she really thought the hand that had grabbed her was dangerous. She wanted to feel safe and that meant Corus.

Corus held her cupped closely to his chest, not letting her see anything as he stood. She wondered if he thought she hadn’t seen the damage to the wall yet, maybe he was worried she’d be scared. He saved her, he shouldn’t be so worried. The trip was shorter than she expected, he must have rushed to his room. He carefully placed her on her pillow and started moving around his room. She didn’t really know what he wanted, but this was probably how he wanted repayment for saving her. Mira couldn’t get the idea of being a burden out of her mind.

Corus was frantically trying to find a good way to present what he bought her. He’d planned to just hand it all to her originally, but now he had to make her understand. Clearly she’d thought he didn’t want her here, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. He sighed, realizing this was a dumb attempt to stall, she was literally sitting on his bed and probably had none of what she needed to get down. He grabbed the small bag and moved back over to her, he sat on the floor so his head was more even to her. He didn’t want to let himself read into how she looked.

He took a deep breath and finally looked at her, she looked terrified, “Mira. I, uh, I don’t know what made you think I don’t want you here, but that’s wrong on every level. I’ve been… I’ve been terrified of myself since you told me you could go home. I didn’t want to do anything that made you think you couldn’t leave. I-I feel like I’ve been a better person since I met you. Finally getting my anger more under control is just one way. I wanted to get you something, something that I knew you’d probably yell at me for and I found these when I was out in town the other day.”

He quickly reached into the bag and placed a small chest in front of her. She looked at it confused, but inched toward it to open it. She slowly lifted the lid and let out an audible gasp. Inside was a small replica that looked like a real sword, like in the movies Corus had shown her. She carefully pulled it out, it was heavy, but she could use it still. She poked the end of it, jumping when it pricked her finger slightly. It wasn’t just for show it was sharp too. She looked back and saw the case, she couldn’t remember what it was called, pulling it out to slip it carefully inside. She placed it down next to her, and looked back into the chest. There was folded paper in there that she carefully pulled out, she couldn’t tell what it was and looked up to Corus finally.

“What...what is all this?” she asked. Her voice was rough and she couldn’t understand.

“I remembered the time I was looking at things online for you. There was a model sword you looked at so excitedly, but said you didn’t want or need when I offered to get it. I saw that in an antique store, and I sharpened it when I got home, so you could use it. When I was in there I saw the chest and it had a bunch of patterns for doll clothes. I thought you could use them to help make more clothes for yourself and the others.”

“Why would you get me all this?”

“I’m going to miss you, a lot.” He let out a deep sigh. “Mira I don’t really know how to tell you this or when it even happened, but I love you. I can’t really picture my life without you in it. That doesn’t mean I’ll stop you from leaving, I just, it’s only fair you know how much I care about you. I-I never meant to make you think I didn’t want you here, I just didn’t want you to think how I felt would mean you couldn’t leave.”

Mira dropped the papers, patterns she told herself, she was holding and ran forward. Corus went wide eyed and held out his hands as she jumped off, clearly trusting he’d catch her. He held her close to his face to make sure she was all right after her stunt, but when he brought her close enough she planted a light kiss on his nose. Corus felt his mouth fall open, he couldn’t believe she just did that. He saw the tears on her face and moved to wipe them clear with his thumb.

“You’re such a damned idiot,” Mira said, laughter following. “I tried to tell you that day and you cut me off. I thought you were so excited I could leave. I didn’t want to burden you anymore since you seemed so excited at the idea of my leaving. I wanted to stay here. I’ve never really said I trusted anyone, or asked for help. I always had to prove myself, but Kaya thought I was tricking you and just everything from when I was inside the community. I-I realized that I-I love you too.”

Corus couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Not only was he in love with a woman small enough to fit in his hand, but she loved him too. She loved him even after seeing how bad he could get when he wasn’t controlling his anger. He moved her closer to his mouth and kissed her gently pushing her into his palm. She kissed him back of course, when he pulled away they both just stared into each other’s eyes taking in what just happened. Corus used one hand to hold her close to his chest and carefully moved the chest, small sword, and clothes patterns to his desk. He then climbed into bed placing her on her pillow, but laying closer than he usually did, nose nearly touching her chest.

“So what does this mean for you going back?” he asked. He wouldn’t stop her even if she went back after this. Staying here after today wouldn’t seem smart to him either.

“I wait for them to check up on me, tell them I’m staying. Although I may need to move my main home since someone tore apart the wall.” she teased. Everything felt like a dream. She wasn’t sure she’d trust this was real. Her mind still felt cloudy, but this felt perfect.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat if I heard you scream and knew something that could kill you was nearby,” he said seriously.

“How are you even going to fix that?”

“I have a friend, he takes care of when I break things usually, fixes it for a discount with how much business I’ve given to him.” He made a face and Mira laughed. She moved closer and snuggled up to his nose. The two stayed like that for most of the day, moving to eat a late meal. Corus was terrified to send her back to the walls, and Mira didn’t feel safe about it either. As night fell, Mira started falling asleep and Corus just lifted her carefully placing her over his heart. Letting things be for the night, she felt safer than she had in the last week.

At least until she woke up to her name being called out by Kaya and her mother. Mira jolted up, Corus’s hand having slipped off sometime in the night. They were early, probably to make sure she didn’t avoid things. She carefully walked along his chest to his face, she slid down his shoulder to the pillow and started smacking at his cheek. He needed to wake up before the two became convinced he’d hurt her. It would not end well at all. Slapping his cheek wasn’t working so she decided to use her shoulder to bash into his cheek and try to wake him up. He jumped, his hand flying to where she’d been sleeping minutes ago. He sat up worried, knocking her back on the pillow.

“Corus,” she called up. He quickly turned to where he’d heard her voice, relaxing once he confirmed she was safe. Also upon realizing yesterday wasn’t just a long dream. He reached out towards her, intending to grab her until he heard her name called. He froze, unsure what to do, they’d see the wall, the damage he caused. They had definitely seen it considering they were already calling for her. He thought they had another day.

“Corus we need to go meet them. They probably came early to make sure we talked,” Mira’s voice brought him back to now. She was right, they would probably try to make her leave after what they’ve seen. He’s shocked they called out, not just searching blindly in fear. Corus reached out again, carefully scooping her off the pillow. He walked to the kitchen, focusing on the ground just in case they’d come searching. He didn’t want to go to them, it could mean Mira leaving, but he couldn’t just avoid this.

When walking into the kitchen, he was shocked to see the two standing on the table. He approached it slowly, intimidated by the looks they had. He quickly lowered Mira to the table with an awkward smile. He wasn’t sure if he should stay, but looking at the aftermath of yesterday he didn’t want to hear this. He started to back away when a sharp glare from Mira’s mother stopped him. Clearly they didn’t trust he wasn’t planning something so he just stood there awkwardly.

“Mom, Kaya I’m sorry I wasn’t there to meet you. I thought you were coming tomorrow,” Mira said.

“Are you all right? What happened….” Kaya trailed off looking towards the wall. Corus watched and shivered when Amy glared at him. It really didn’t look good.

“You were after her for some reason.” Amy said. “Explain.”

“I-” Mira started.

“Not you. Corus.”

“O-oh, uhm.” He started. “I-I was told someone’s pet had gotten loose and that it disappeared by my house. I called out for Mira, but she didn’t answer. I moved the cabinet, but it fell then I heard her scream. I tore apart the wall to reach her. When I got the wall open enough I grabbed the ferret first. I came back after putting it in a cage to make sure she wasn’t hurt.”

“I see,” Amy said. “Please leave us alone to speak with Mirabelle.”

Corus nodded and quickly left the room. He went back to his room first, packing his gifts to Mira back into the chest. He’d make it easy since he didn’t actually find out what was coming next. This could still be goodbye, they wouldn’t want him to visit after seeing what he did. Obviously they’d be scared, and wouldn’t trust him to watch over her. It wasn’t like she couldn’t take care of herself, but away from her home he had to be there for her. He went a bit closer, but stayed far enough away that unless Mira was calling for him he wouldn’t hear their voices.

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

“He isn’t lying, that is what happened,“ Mira said, staring at Kaya and her mother. Both of them looked skeptical to say the least. It wasn’t like he didn’t show he cared about her, but tearing apart his home seemed odd. Humans wouldn’t be likely to destroy their home to save one of their kind, even ones they liked as far as her community was concerned. Although he clearly cared for Mira more than just as an interesting creature, or a pet.

“I believe him,” Kaya said. They looked at Mira with a sad smile.

“I do too, that isn’t the problem,” her mother said. “Mirabelle, looking at everything he did you shouldn’t stay here. This kind of destruction is the problem of being around humans. Do you realize how dangerous this was for you? What if your scream was something else?”

“Mother, anywhere I go there’s danger. How long can we trust the people at the community won’t decide I’m a danger? Besides I’m not stupid you think I wouldn’t avoid a human who acted like this thoughtlessly?”

“Mira, what if he’d grabbed you with the strength he used like that? What if you hadn’t just gotten on his hand?” Kaya asked.

“I didn’t. He did grab me. I was terrified I didn’t know who it was. I couldn’t even understand that it was him at first. If he didn’t grab me you probably would have found me still terrified in the pathway he’d pulled the ferret out of.”

“Mirabelle, this isn’t a joke. You need to come home with us.” Her mother’s voice was firm, it was the same voice she used when Mira was a little kid getting into trouble.

“I won’t go back there. I’m staying here. He loves me, since he met me he’s been kind. I’d seen plenty of examples of how bad he could get. If this is what he’d do to make sure I’m safe I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I want to stay where I’m not going to leave just to be scared of being sent away again, this time to die.”

Kaya walked up and hugged Mira, she had tears streaming down her face. Her mother seemed disappointed, but wasn’t speaking. Mira couldn’t go back there, not after Collin slapped her, no one else acted to defend her when he’d treated her like that. He’d hit her plenty of times as a child, even when she wasn’t involved in the problem and was just nearby. She’d been belittled and yelled at her whole life, Corus was probably the only person she’d met that she didn’t have to prove herself to besides her parents. Even Kaya had been suspicious of her at first, until Mira defended them. Corus was also the first person to ever stop Collin, everyone else would just make sure she wasn’t too hurt after he’d left.

Mira’s mother sighed, “Fine, I can’t really argue on that. You seemed happy when I saw you, you know? The first time in nearly ten years and the first time in almost twenty eight that your smile looked so genuine. Please be safe darling. I don’t want to find out I made a mistake trusting your judgement on who you fell for.”

Kaya let Mira out of the hug, her mother quickly taking their place. Mira was a little shocked, expecting more fighting. She made her decision and she wouldn’t change her mind, although they’d need to fix the wall as soon as possible. Mira’s mother didn’t seem to be willing to let go, but neither minded. Realistically, Mira wouldn’t be able to see them again for a long time. It wasn’t practical, drawing attention to the woods even close wouldn’t be viable. After what felt like hours Mira’s mother finally pulled away, a large smile on her face.

“Might as well call him back to tell him your decision right?” she said. Mira couldn’t hide how happy she was that her mother was supportive. She was sure dad would be too, but he wasn’t able to leave easily. He was a guard for their community. Although the damage to the wall may have made him take longer to convince. Mira nodded and turned away from the two to call out.

“Corus, can you come back in here?” She hoped he could hear her. She didn’t have to wait long before she heard his footsteps booming as he walked in. She smiled realizing that with everything he did change for her, he never stopped walking heavily. She wouldn’t admit that she liked always having a strong idea of where he was and when he’d enter a room still. When he walked in, she saw the chest he’d used for her gifts yesterday. He must believe she was leaving.

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

“Hey, so what’s the verdict?” he asked awkwardly. Kaya and Amy looked at him, both with a gaze that made him feel small. There’s no way they weren’t insisting she leave after what they came to this morning.

“We’ll be leaving. I expect you’ll keep her safe, without destroying things,” her mother said. Corus winced, but quickly nodded. He never wanted to feel a need to tear into the wall again either. She seemed to accept this with a nod and the two started to climb down the table, a string hanging off he hadn’t noticed before.

“Oh wait,” he called out to them, moving to be more at eye level. “I was thinking of having a fence built for well, the part of the yard I own up to the woods. Can you let me know if that would cause you guys any issues? I thought it might be helpful to have a safe area to go between where more humans can’t see you. Plus it would be easier if you wanted to come see Mira, or if she wanted to go see you.”

“You would do this, so it’s safe for us to go back and forth if we chose?” Amy asked. Kaya was just staring with wide eyes.

“I mean considering how my neighbor is, I’d feel better knowing you had a place to hide from her. Although if it’s a risk to any of you guys in any way I’m happy not to.”

“We’ll talk with the others and let you know, i-is that all right?” Kaya spoke up. Mira frowned a bit hearing their nerves coming through. Kaya would trust her judgement, but clearly couldn’t get over their own fear.

“Of course. Although I’m going to be having a friend come by soon to fix the wall, so just keep an eye out for that. I don’t want you guys getting seen by anyone you don’t trust. He’ll probably be by in the next few weeks. You should be able to tell if he’s here and avoid him though.”

The two nodded then made a move to leave again. Corus and Mira watched as they made their way out, through the entrance she never showed him. He sent her a look, but she just smiled innocently. They could talk later about her entrances, for now Mira just wanted to be happy. Once enough time had passed she felt sure they were gone she looked at him with the best angry look she could muster.

“After all of that yesterday, you still thought I’d leave?” she tried hard to sound hurt.

“I didn’t know if they might convince you, I didn’t want to make you guys wait,” he answered, looking away from her.

“Is that really it?”

“I.... I thought you might be scared, even after yesterday. I didn’t know how clear you got a look at, well at what I did. I kind of thought you should be afraid honestly. I mean it wasn’t like I was thinking straight, I could have hurt you or-”

“You wouldn’t. Remember I was here when you moved in. If I was going to be scared off by you breaking things I should be gone by now.”

Mira beamed at him. She never really thought she’d put her life in someone’s hands, but Corus was worth it. He showed how much he cared about her, and how careful he’d be even when he was acting on impulse. Corus couldn’t believe how much faith she really had after his own actions. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her again making her squeak. This seemed like a long dream. One he didn’t want to wake up from. He placed his hand flat on the table next to her, and she quickly climbed on. The two made their way back to his bedroom to sleep a bit more before doing anything for the day.

#gt writing #gt #OC:Mira #OC:Corus #giant/tiny #gianttiny #g/t #g/t writing

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jemmahazelnut · 3 years ago

Text

Two thieves in a trap

Summary: Laxus and Freed are Fiore's two most famous and most sought-after thieves, and they are always in competition, because they set their sights on the same objects. When they find themselves imprisoned together, they will be forced to ally. [Laxus/Freed]

Link: AO3

Fraxus Week 2021, Day 6. Prompt: Rivals team up.

Just a simple and (I hope) funny story, I took inspiration from Lupine III. Hope you like it :)

Two thieves in a trap

-1-

He walked down the long dark corridor until he arrived in front of the room where there was the pocket watch. Laxus took a look inside, beyond the glass doors. The object was inside a display case and there seemed to be no guard. After putting the ones he had found in the hall to sleep, he hadn't had any setbacks and hoped not to find them now. He had already canceled the alarm and took the key that opened the case. It had been child's play, all he had to do was go in for a tour of the museum that afternoon and chat with an absent-minded girl. He had taken her keys and exchanged them for a fake copy, and there he was. Indeed, it had been much easier than expected.

Laxus checked there were no other alarm systems or sensors, but there seemed to be nothing else. At that point he entered and approached the case looking at the pocket watch with a smile. He would finally have it. He put the key in and opened the display case, then took another watch from his pocket that could be mistaken for the real one. Careful not to trigger the sensors he exchanged them and finally took the real one, closed everything and left the room.

Child's play. He walked down the hall to the window he had entered through. He lowered himself with a rope up the wall until he reached the top of his motorbike. At that point he pulled the rope down, but at that moment he heard someone pull the booty out of his pocket. He spun around ready to grab the wrist of whoever he was, but the man had already moved away.

“Justine,” Laxus growled. He wasn't even that surprised: every time that thief showed up to make him nervous. He too was on a motorcycle and was looking at the pocket watch with a satisfied smile.

“Dreyar. I assumed you were here, I was just waiting for you to go out. What can I say, thank you for doing the work for me” having said that Freed put the watch in his pocket and with an arrogant smile started the motorcycle. “Good evening!” he greeted him, and then left in a rush.

“Bastard,” Laxus growled, letting go of the rope and immediately setting his vehicle in motion. In a moment he was off, ready to take his watch back. This time he wouldn’t have given him the victory, that pocket watch was his by right.

He whizzed through the streets following the bike and growled nervously when Freed took a last right turn. He followed him down the narrow alley and gave an acceleration, almost reaching him, but immediately afterwards Freed swerved to the left. Laxus followed him without taking his eyes off the thief. Damn bastard, if he thought he could get away from him, he was very wrong. Laxus managed to flank their bikes and gave a gentle push to make him fall. Freed swore and walked away from him, but just for a while, because Laxus was close by now.

He realized they were approaching the port and smiled as an idea came to mind. If he managed to frame Freed, he wouldn't have a chance to escape. With that thought he came alongside him, forcing him to turn into a small street that would have put him in a trap. Well, with that the race was over. Freed must have realized it too because as soon as he arrived in front of the sea, he stopped, cursing to himself. Laxus smiled.

“Come on, I won. Give me the watch” he said, holding out his hand forward. Freed gave him a dirty look. Laxus knew it wasn't going to be that simple, and he was just curious what that thief would come up with at that point. He had to admit, Freed was good. Not as much as he obviously, but he knew how to juggle discreetly. It was no coincidence that it was Freed who usually caused him trouble, not the cops who couldn't do their job. The long green-haired boy snorted and put his hand in his pocket.

“This time you won” he conceded with a grimace, throwing him the watch. Laxus took it on the fly but a glance was enough to realize that it wasn’t the real one.

“Do you think you're kidding me?” he asked.

“Excuses me?” said Freed feignedly naive. Laxus narrowed his gaze.

“You’ll fool those balls that you take to bed, but not me Justine. Give me the real one and let's close the matter here,” he clarified. Freed, however, certainly didn’t intend to, in fact he tried to escape with the bike but Laxus immediately went on him with his own. The two overturned to the ground and the blond took the opportunity to reach into the thief's coat pocket, took off his watch but he didn’t have time to smile victoriously when Freed threw a punch in the stomach.

“You don't need to be so aggressive,” Laxus said irritably, pushing him away and holding his watch tight. A moment later, however, he heard footsteps approaching. He turned around just in time to see three men, who shot both of them with sleeping pills. A moment later Freed and Laxus passed out.

-2-

He woke up dazed and tried to focus on the things around him. He sat down rubbing his forehead looking around him. He was in a cell. Fantastic, he thought irritably. Thanks to that moron Justine they had been caught. As usual, he found himself in trouble because of that damn thief. In this regard, Freed was also there with him, and he was still unconscious. Laxus continued to look around, outside the cell there was a guard with a transmitter in his hand, staring at them impassively.

“Where we are?” Freed asked as he sat up, also groggy because he had just woken up.

“In a cell,” Laxus snarled in response. “Thanks to you, of course.”

“You were caught off guard too,” Freed retorted. Laxus was about to retort that if he was caught off guard it was Freed’s fault, but he couldn't.

“Which one of you is Laxus Dreyar?” snapped a man who had just arrived, with two guards, one on each side. Freed and Laxus gave him a dirty look and eyed him.

“Why do you want to know?” Freed asked immediately. The man gave him a dirty look.

“Here I ask the questions,” he clarified. “So, move on and answer,” he thundered. Laxus was silent for a moment, assessing the situation. He honestly had no idea what those guys wanted from him. Of course, they weren't cops, so they were more dangerous as they didn't abide by the law. They could easily kill him. But maybe they wanted him because they needed something.

“It's me,” Freed said after a while. Laxus turned stunned to him, wondering what the hell was going through his head. The stranger man nodded briefly and pulled out a gun pointing it at Laxus.

“Very good,” he said.

“Hey bastard, what the fuck are you saying? You hate me so much but now you pretend to be me?” Laxus snapped immediately. Freed raised an eyebrow.

“Pardon?” he said impassively “Here you’re the one who lies.” Bastard, Laxus thought. He had to admit, Freed was really credible. The man in front of them seemed confused for a moment and lowered the gun not knowing what to do.

“Are you deceiving me?” he blurted out irritably.

“I'm not fooling anyone,” Laxus objected. Freed rolled his eyes.

“I admit, you lie well. But I'm the real one here,” he declared with absurd conviction.

“I'll kill you both” the man threatened them. Laxus and Freed tensed slightly but they both remained lucid knowing full well that he’d never do that.

“You need me alive, right?” Laxus asked arrogantly crossing his arms and glaring at him.

“That's right, you were pointing the gun at him. So, it means you need me, and I'm pretty sure it has to do with the pocket watch,” Freed continued undaunted.

“You want to know how it opens, right?” Laxus asked, glaring at his cellmate. That thief was smart.

“But only I know how to do it, because it was my grandfather's,” Freed continued. Laxus was surprised to hear him say so. Did Freed know what that pocket watch was? And how had he managed to find out? Maybe he was just bluffing. Probably he was just bluffing.

“Don't you dare dirty his name,” Laxus growled.

“You're the fake one here,” Freed objected.

“Damn you” growled the obviously furious man. He looked from one to the other, and then pointed the gun at Laxus, who widened his eyes. That was completely stupid. The man glanced at Freed. “Tell me how to open the pocket watch or I'll kill him” he ordered. Freed arched an eyebrow indifferent to the threat. Of course, it wasn't him that the gun was pointing!

“Go ahead, one less hassle in the world,” he said quietly. “Although, I don't know if it's convenient for you, he might be the real one,” he added with a shrug and a sneaky smile. The man growled between his teeth and then lowered the gun and put it back on his belt.

“Very well. You can't run away from here anyway” he clarified “And I'll find out who you are” he said confidently, and then walked away with the two men on his heels.

A guard instead stood there staring at them. It was starting to be creepy. He didn't move at all and almost didn't seem to blink.

“What does he have to look at?” Freed asked.

“What the fuck do I know,” Laxus snapped irritably. He stood up and walked over to the bars, and immediately the guard set off an alarm and more men came. “That's what it's for. How the fuck do you think we can get out of here? You're a bit paranoid,” he said irritably. Freed gave an amused smile.

“Well, they're good. Besides, am I or am I not the most wanted thief in the country?” he asked arrogantly. Laxus gave him a dirty look.

“Iam the most wanted thief,” he retorted immediately.

He sat down again, as those guards otherwise stood there ready for their every little move. They were really paranoid. Well, with good reason actually. Laxus leaned his back against the wall and snorted, not knowing how to get rid of that situation. If more guards came at their slightest movement, it was really hard. He remained silent for not knowing how long, saw the guard take turns with another and glanced at Freed. He too was silent and he too was looking around, probably looking for a way to escape. Laxus hoped he would find it, because he really had no idea how to do it.

More hours passed and Freed suddenly asked if they could feed them, but the guard simply remained silent ignoring him. Freed stretched his legs out in front of him and snorted. Then he turned to him with a strange smile on his face. Laxus arched an eyebrow not understanding what he had in mind. If he had found a way to escape, he had to tell clearly, not make those expressions hoping that he would understand for himself. But then, Freed approached him and took his face in his hands kissing him. Laxus was stunned.

What the fuck?

“Hey, everyone in their place,” growled the guard outside. Freed broke away and smiled at the man.

“Sorry, but I'm bored and since I'm lucky enough to be locked in a cell with Freed Justine, I just can't miss his much vaunted qualities,” he said. Laxus found himself blushing slightly. What did that idiot have in mind?

“Stay in your place,” he growled and he began to fidget. Freed in response sat astride him and took off his shirt. Okay, Freed was completely crazy. Laxus knew that the thief wasn't normal and that he was having too much fun with other men, but he didn't think he would ever get to something like this. They were rivals, for heaven's sake! Laxus started to push him away, but Freed ran his hands around his neck and brought his lips to Laxus’ ear.

“Hold the game,” he whispered. His warm breath sent a shiver down Laxus's body, who didn't know what to do. It's not that Laxus had never been with a man, but that taking initiative in that situation stunned him a little. And he had to admit, even though Justine was a pain in the ass, he was definitely attractive. And if the rumors about him were true… better not think about it.

Freed ran his hands under his shirt, lifting it up and pulling it off immediately afterwards. Then he kissed him again and this time Laxus reciprocated, running a hand along Freed's back. While he was there, he might as well have fun, right?

“I said no filth,” the guard growled. Freed broke away from Laxus and turned back to the guard, sliding his hand dangerously down his abs. Now he was definitely exaggerating, but Laxus didn't want to stop him anyway.

“What are you complaining about? You can enjoy the show,” Freed told. He was crazy, there was no doubt. Laxus knew Freed wasn't serious and he had to have a plan, but honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if they really ended up doing certain things in there just to distract the guard. Freed put his lips on his neck starting to kiss and bite him and Laxus felt another shiver run through him. Okay, he had to stop it before it got too much.

“Make noise,” Freed whispered.

“You're out of your mind,” Laxus muttered careful not to be heard.

“Maybe, but in the meantime, I’ve a plan. Either make a noise or pretend to be attracted by me,” the thief told him. Laxus at that point preferred to do the action and ran his hands directly on his body, placing his lips on him. Freed moaned loudly, certainly louder than he would normally use. The situation was absurd, but Laxus didn't mind at all. He was really starting to enjoy it. He felt the boy's ass, who glanced at him, and the blond grinned.

“You asked me to do it,” he pointed out. Freed didn’t reply and continued to pretend as he began to undo his pants. Laxus stared at his fingers with dilated pupils, but Freed stopped and sat him up, continuing to make loud noises. At that point Laxus roused himself and turned to the guard, who had turned in disgust. Laxus saw Freed take a bobby pin from his hair and approach the bars, while he continued to moan as if he were fucking. In the meantime, Laxus decided to put his shirt back on and got ready to go out. But Freed was taking longer than expected.

“Get moving,” Laxus growled softly in his ear. He got a dirty look and then Freed went back to work. When the lock finally clicked, the two thieves rushed out at the guard. A blow to the head to knock him unconscious and it was done. Together they dragged him to the cell and locked him inside, separating him from the transmitter.

“Well. Finally, out of that cell. Now we just have to get out of here,” Freed said, looking around.

“You go away. I’ve to get the watch,” Laxus growled. He wouldn't leave it there, that was rightfully his. Freed nodded.

“Right, important things first,” he agreed.

“The pocket watch is mine” Laxus snapped immediately.

“Yeah well, we're here together now. I think the best thing is to join forces, rather than walking around alone, this place is… oh shit” Freed said as he started down the hall. Laxus frowned and followed him, but when he caught up with him, he knew what he meant.

“Are we on a ship?” he blurted out in disbelief. How the fuck did they get away from there?

“Apparently. Well, there will be a lifeboat. Come on, the important thing is to be fast and not be discovered, so they’ll notice too late” he said, starting off.

“I know how to be a thief,” Laxus grunted.

“I wouldn't say so since you got your pocket watch blown out from under your nose. And since you didn't contribute much to get us out of the cell,” Freed objected.

“If we're here it's only your fault,” Laxus retorted.

“My fault?” Freed snapped right away.

“Shut up,” Laxus said, hearing voices. He grabbed the thief by the arm and walked into a room locking himself in, closing Freed's mouth. If that guy kept talking, they'd get caught right away. Fortunately, people passed by and Laxus looked around. Fortunately, there was no one in that room. When the footsteps were away Freed wriggled out of the grip.

“You don't need to take me like this, I know when to shut up.”

“You always talk,” Laxus objected.

“I don't always talk, and returning to the topic above, we're here because of you. If you had left me my watch, no one would have caught us and...”

“Shut that fucking mouth,” Laxus interrupted, not taking it anymore and went out into the corridor. Freed snorted but didn’t object realizing that it was better not to be discovered. They walked all the way down the hall until they reached the kitchens. Freed immediately entered hiding behind a trolley and positioning himself under a table. He stole food without being seen by anyone and began to eat quietly, without passing even a piece to him. What an asshole, Laxus thought. Not that he needed his help. Besides, it wasn't exactly the time to have a snack.

The two remained hidden to listen to what those women were talking about. They knew from experience that those gossipers would talk about anything and that was the easiest way to quickly find out what they needed. And indeed, it was so. A waitress was in charge of bringing the food to her boss, so the two didn't even have to talk to each other to decide to follow her and reach the room, where they were sure they would find the watch.

-3-

Freed and Laxus had found a perfect hiding place. Sure, it was a bit tight and they had to be practically stuck together, but at least they were safe enough, no one would see them. They were in a closet in the aisle of the ship, and were forced to sit down due to how low it was.

The two had managed to find the room where the pocket watch was, but it was full of guards and they were thinking about how to enter. It was difficult to avoid them all and they had nothing with them. No weapons, no tricks to use, no disguises.

Laxus tried to move but in doing so, he accidentally nudged Freed, who out of spite repaid him with a knee beside him.

“Do you want to stay still? We're allies for now,” Laxus reminded him.

“You’re the one who started”.

“I did it by mistake,” he replied.

“You're already taking up most of the space, at least stay still,” Freed snarled.

“It's not my fault you're small,” Laxus grunted.

“Small?” Freed asked puzzled and narrowed his eyes “I'm perfectly normal, it's you who are a giant” he pointed out. Laxus put a hand to his forehead in exasperation.

“I can't wait to get out of here” he moaned.

“Me too,” Freed said quickly. “So, did you think of something or do I always have to think?” he asked at that point. The blond gave him a dirty look but nodded.

“Yeah, and my idea is definitely better than yours,” he said, remembering how Freed smeared himself on him. He quickly dismissed the thought before blushing. “There should be sleeping pills in the room next door. Let's take one and use it on the others. They’ll all collapse,” he said.

“How do you know there are sleeping pills?” Freed immediately asked, somewhat skeptical about the plan.

“Because I listen to people when they pass by” was the short and curt reply. At that point they decided to implement the plan, also because they didn’t have many alternatives and definitely time was short. They had to get out of there as soon as possible.

So, the two boys went out and entered the next room, actually, as Laxus said there were some sleeping pills and the blond grinned noticing Freed's irritated expression. They took a couple, along with other items that seemed useful, such as bulletproof jackets, lockpicks, Bulgarian keys, and ropes. Unfortunately, there were no weapons, but since neither of them intended to harm anyone, it wasn’t a big problem.

After that, they walked silently to the room where they knew the pocket watch was. Before getting there, they started the tank so that all the guards were knocked unconscious. That way it was easy enough to get in. Laxus punched a guard inside the room, while Freed immediately jumped on the boss, covering his mouth and pulling the gun out of his hand, throwing it away.

“Give me a rope, I'll tie it up,” Freed said. Laxus stared at him irritably.

“Just hit him on the head” he retorted in a growl as he took the watch and put it in his pocket. Well, he finally had that object in his hands again. Fortunately, Freed followed his advice, knocking out the man. He decided to tie him up anyway and after that the two boys ran out. He didn't know when the guards would wake up, but now surely someone had found out they had escaped.

“This way,” Freed led as he ran towards a corridor. Laxus followed him, the two passed some guards and beat them, a few waitresses who just pushed in part and a few other inhabitants of the ship who looked at them in shock. Finally, they got where they wanted, to take a boat to escape from there. Freed was already boarding a lifeboat when Laxus saw something more interesting.

“What are you doing? Get in quick,” Freed told irritably as he was doing all the work. Laxus, however, smiled amused.

“If you want to get on some shit like that, go ahead, I'll take the yacht,” he told. Freed looked at him for a moment astonished and then followed his gaze and saw the much more beautiful boat. It wasn't big, but still better than any other lifeboat. Freed then followed him.

“I have to admit, for once you had a good idea,” he told.

“I remind you that I was the one who told you how to get the watch”.

“Yeah well, now move on,” Freed said shortly. The two boys thus set to work. They got on the yacht and then dropped down until they reached the sea. At that point Laxus started to drive but Freed preceded him positioning himself in his place.

“I'm driving,” said the blond.

“Why? Can you drive a yacht?” Freed asked skeptically.

“Sure,” Laxus immediately replied irritated by his mocking tone.

“Well, in any case it's better if I drive. You're too slow,” Freed declared. Laxus then grabbed him by weight and shifted him badly, and then he got behind the wheel and set off. A smile spread across his face as the boat sped over the sea, while Freed got up irritated.

“You're really annoying,” he told annoyed.

“As you please. Stop annoying me,” Laxus told in a decidedly good mood. He had the pocket watch, now he also had a yacht, and although he would have preferred that thief Justine not to be there with him, it was not bad to escape like that. Fuck those thieves, whoever they were and whatever they wanted from that watch. Laxus took it from his pocket and looked at it again, smiling slightly. As soon as he opened it, he would find out how to reach his grandfather.

-4-

Since Laxus had started driving, Freed decided to go around the yacht. He discovered that there was food, wine and even deckchairs. “This was really a brilliant idea” he thought pleased as he rummaged through the shelves. At least Dreyar was good at something. He opened a bottle and tasted. While he was there, he might as well have fun, and if that blond preferred to drive, he might as well. Freed would enjoy his vacation.

So, he got food, booze and deck chairs and went outside. He undressed staying in his boxer shorts and lay down comfortably on the deckchair. He began to apply sunscreen, but the yacht stopped. Freed looked up at Laxus and joined him.

“Don't tell me there's no fuel,” he told. Laxus grunted and muttered something incomprehensible. “What?” Freed asked. Laxus continued to mutter and Freed began to get irritated. “Do you want to tell me clearly what’s happening instead of murmuring?” he said irritably.

“I don't know where to go,” Laxus snapped at that point. Freed looked at him for long seconds in silence.

“You got lost?” he asked stunned.

“We’re in the middle of the sea, how the fuck can one orientate himself?” snapped the blond. Freed continued to look at him more and more incredulous.

“So why did you want to drive? You did leave it to me first,” he said irritably taking Laxus's place. “And you’d be the most famous thief in the world? Please,” he hissed more and more nervous.

“You don't even know where we are,” Laxus objected.

“We’re in the Guiltina ocean, just go east and sooner or later we’ll arrive at a coast. It's not very difficult, you know?” Freed retorted irritably as he turned the boat. That idiot had made a mistake at the start. Laxus grunted something incomprehensible and then walked out, sitting on the deckchair grabbing the bottle of wine. “I didn't take it for you,” Freed told badly out loud to be heard. Laxus smiled in amusement as he took a sip, ignoring his words.

“You know what, this yacht was a fantastic idea” said the smug blond, and then undressed himself, spreading sunscreen on his body. Freed turned so as not to look at the bastard having fun instead of him. He was just a profiteer. That deckchair would belong to him, not Laxus. Freed gritted his teeth and muttered something about the worst thief in history.

-5-

It was evening so Freed and Laxus had settled outside to eat. They had found a table, ready-made food and comfortable armchairs. They had turned on the evening lights, so now their table was illuminated by a blue light. Freed thought that the atmosphere would be perfect if there were some nice guys with him. He could have fun in the middle of the sea with food and alcohol at will. For him it was unfortunate that he was there with that thief with no sense of direction. Sure, Laxus was beautiful, and kissing him in the cell was exciting too, but he remained a rival. As soon as they got out of there, Freed would take back his watch and leave, reselling it to that collector who had promised him a nice reward.

Speaking of the pocket watch, he glanced at Laxus. He remembered the conversation they had made with the man who had captured them.

“Why did that man want the watch?” he asked. Laxus shrugged.

“Honestly, I’ve no idea,” he said. “Why do you want it?” he asked him back.

“To resell it” was the immediate reply. It also seemed obvious to Freed to tell the truth. That object was just a watch and he wouldn't have done anything with it. He narrowed his inquiring gaze, because he had the impression that Laxus wanted him for another reason. He doubted it belonged to his grandfather, but surely Makarov Dreyar had something to do with it. “You instead?” he then asked.

“Because it's mine by right” was the simple answer.

“Nothing is rightfully yours,” Freed immediately objected.

“Well, yes. It's been in the Dreyar family for generations, so it’s mine,” he clarified annoyed.

“That won't stop me from taking it,” Freed warned. He had no reason to hide it, Laxus probably already expected it. In fact, the blond rolled his eyes.

“As if I didn't know,” he retorted.

“In any case, I'm sure there’s more. Earlier in the cell you said it can be opened,” Freed recalled.

“It was just to make it clear to the guy that I was the real Laxus Dreyar,” was the arrogant reply. Freed stared at him inquiringly, and Laxus kept his gaze. In any case, there was still something missing. He doubted that the boy wanted an object only because it belonged to the family.

“What's inside?” he asked.

“I said I was lying before,” Laxus grunted.

“Yes sure. Deceive someone else. Come on, I told you what I want to do with it,” Freed said impatiently. Laxus snorted slightly, but then gave up.

“If you want to know so much, in here it says how to reach my grandfather,” he said at that point. Freed frowned slightly. He thought Makarov Dreyar was dead. Laxus must have guessed what he was thinking, because he leaned back and started talking again. “He’s not dead, he just pretended not to have any more trouble with the police. He's old now to be a thief, although I'm pretty sure he still steals wine around,” he muttered. The slight smile that the blond had made at the last comment on his grandfather had not escaped Freed, who looked at him for a moment without words. He hadn't expected something like this. Laxus, however, immediately became serious.

“So, forget I'll let you take it,” he concluded gruffly. Freed resumed his usual grin.

“We'll see this,” he retorted. As much as he didn't want to separate Laxus from his grandfather, he still wasn't about to give up on his money.

-6-

“Aren't you driving?” Laxus asked as he came out of the cabin. Freed didn't look up at him, didn't even open his eyes. It was morning and he wanted to enjoy the first rays of the sun and be quiet on the deckchair at all. They were on a yacht, Laxus wasn’t the only one on vacation.

“Do you. Just go east, if you don't know where it is, follow the sun” he said in response.

“I know where east is,” Laxus growled and Freed found himself smiling amused.

“I doubt it, since you got lost yesterday,” he retorted. Laxus growled and Freed grinned. He enjoyed teasing him, especially after such a gaffe. If Laxus thought Freed would stop reminding him, he was very wrong. He was already thinking about how to enjoy himself at his expense, when he felt himself lifted from the deckchair. Freed opened his eyes in disbelief.

“What are you doing?” he blurted out finding himself in the arms of the blond, who had an evil grin on his face. A moment later Freed found himself submerged in the sea. He emerged spitting water and cursing. For a moment panic enveloped him thinking that Laxus wanted to leave him there, but the blonde just laughed as he looked at him. And while Laxus Dreyar had many flaws, being a sadist and a murderer was not among them.

“You're dead,” Freed hissed in irritation as he reached the ladder to climb up. “Out of your mind, completely out of your mind,” he growled again as he climbed back onto the yacht. Laxus stared at him more and more pleased.

“You woke up now, huh?” he teased him.

“Fuck you,” Freed snapped and Laxus laughed, then set off to drive. Freed gave him a dirty look, while he thought about his revenge. If Laxus thought he would forget about that incident, he was very wrong.

-7-

The next day so Freed had already organized. Since he couldn’t hope to throw Laxus into the water -as much as it cost him to admit it was really difficult to lift that muscular body by surprise- he would have thrown the water on Laxus. If only he had been somewhere else, he would have thought of a better revenge, but they were on a yacht and there wasn't actually much to use. He could have used the food, but he didn't really want to waste it.

So that morning he positioned himself on the roof of the yacht with a bucket of water in part, while he waited for Laxus to come out and position himself on the deckchair. Indeed, when the blond came out, he was ready to relax. He went to the deckchair but then stopped a little confused looking around, probably looking for him. At that point Freed overturned the bucket with the water on him with a pleased smile.

“You woke up now, huh?” Freed teased him. Laxus looked up at him, still shocked and cold. Freed chuckled and rested his chin on his hand looking at him from top to bottom. “I remind you, Dreyar, that no one makes fun of me without getting revenge,” he declared.

“You're an asshole,” Laxus growled.

“You started it,” Freed retorted. The blonde turned to him and then reached out and grabbed his ankle and pulled him down hard. Freed surprised couldn’t react in time that he found himself falling on the hard floor of the boat. He started to get up but Laxus was faster. He grabbed it and walked along the yacht to the edge.

“You won't throw me overboard,” Freed snarled, punching him in the chest. Laxus cursed but didn't let go.

“I'll throw you and let you drown” he retorted irritated, tightening his grip and lifting it ready to make him take a dip. At that point Freed hooked his arms around the blond's neck. He wouldn't let him win, what the fuck.

“If you throw me, you come down with me,” he retorted. He noticed Laxus's face blush slightly at that proximity and at that point Freed also hooked his legs around his hips smiling smugly. The blond was really getting upset. “Although I don't think you'd mind,” he noted in a mischievous tone.

“I don't…” he began but broke off as Freed came even closer. Now they were practically a breath away from each other. Freed looked amused at Laxus' embarrassed expression. He honestly didn't understand how a handsome man like Laxus was so socially incapable, but to be honest that made him even prettier in his eyes. He was surprised at his own thoughts of him, in what light was he seeing Laxus? Of course, Freed had noticed from the first time he had met him how handsome he was, he also knew that Laxus was very cunning and respected him as a thief, even if he enjoyed making fun of him. They had similar morals and when Laxus had told him about his grandfather the night before Freed had felt a certain empathy but… he remained a rival. Right?

“You can break away, I'm not throwing you overboard,” Laxus growled interrupting his thoughts. Freed raised an eyebrow and noticed that he was no longer at risk of diving. The blond had moved and now they were inside the yacht. At that point Freed got out and put his feet back on the ground.

“You know Dreyar, if you wanted to have sex with me, I wouldn't mind at all” he told him plainly, knowing full well that he would embarrass him even more. To tell the truth though, Freed was honest.

“Go woo someone else,” the red-faced blond growled and irritated. Freed chuckled.

“It's a bit difficult on this yacht in the middle of the sea,” he pointed out.

“Stop pissing me off” growled the increasingly nervous blond.

“You’re too agitated. You can admit that you find me attractive, you wouldn't be the first and I wouldn't be offended”. Laxus gave him a dirty look, then turned and went into the cabin to drive. Freed considered whether to follow him and tease him a little longer, but then decided that relaxing on the deckchair was much better. When he lay down and closed his eyes, a sincere smile appeared on his face. Laxus was not bad as an adventure companion.

-8-

Laxus finally saw the coast. Oh well, finally. After those two days he had spent with Freed he was starting to feel too agitated being in such a tight space with his rival. Rival, yes, better to think of Freed like this, because if he thought of him as a companion in adventures, his thoughts began to take a bad turn. All the fault of the oddities of that green-haired thief. That guy wasn't normal, not that Laxus didn't already know, but after those days with him, he was sure. He glanced at the boy who was lying in his boxers on the deck chair and tried not to dwell too much on his sculpted torso. In any case Laxus needed his help, because he didn't know where to stop the yacht. He had to get to a port or something.

“Justine, come here,” he ordered. Fortunately, Freed didn’t reply and joined him.

“We're almost there,” he noted.

“Yes, we have to dock,” Laxus said.

“And you don't know where the port is,” Freed imagined and Laxus snorted.

“I'm just tired of driving,” he retorted, not wanting to admit it. Freed rolled his eyes, probably didn't believe him but said nothing. So, the blonde let him drive.

Shortly thereafter the yacht approached a small bridge over the sea. It wasn't quite a port, but it was better that way. At least no one would ask questions. Laxus checked that he had the watch in his pocket, and looked at it to make sure it was the real one and that Freed hadn't mistaken it for a fake one. It was the real one though. He put it back in his pocket and decided to be careful not to let it be stolen.

“Finally,” he said as he got off the yacht and set foot on land. Freed followed him as he tied the boat to the dock.

“Yeah, although this holiday wasn’t bad,” said the green-haired thief, stretching his arms. Laxus gave him an inquiring look, wondering what his intentions were. He knew from experience that Freed had no qualms, he could fuck his watch and somehow escape. That's why he didn't let his guard down, their time as allies was now over. They were again free to go wherever they wanted.

“Well, bye,” Laxus commented harshly as he turned around.

“Bye bye,” Freed said friendlier. Laxus frowned and slipped his hand back into his pocket, surprised to hear the thief greet him so quietly. But the pocket watch was still there. Laxus turned to Freed, staring at him inquiringly. There was something strange, or he had deceived him and didn't notice, or that guy had crazy ideas in his head. The thief had an amused smirk on his face.

“If you’re afraid that your watch will be stolen, you can rest assured,” Freed said. Laxus stared at him somewhat skeptically. Since when did he let him win so easily? “After all, I found a yacht, there’s still enough food to have a nice vacation” he commented.

“Why should you leave me the watch?” Laxus asked inquiringly. Sure, the yacht remained a good booty, but it was nothing compared to the money he could have earned by reselling the watch.

“Because I'm a gentleman” was the immediate reply. Laxus raised an eyebrow ready to retort, but Freed walked over to him and took his hand leaving a kiss on it and throwing him an inviting smile. Laxus froze suddenly feeling a chill rise from where Freed's lips had rested for the rest of his arm. “As you can see, I know how to make a man fall at my feet,” Freed declared, letting go of his hand. Laxus blinked in confusion and felt his face warm up.

“You’re a thief and an arrogant” he retorted although not fully convinced. And he still didn’t understand why he left the watch to him. It all became clearer when Freed replaced the conceited smirk with a sincere smile. He reached out and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips, causing his stomach to flutter. He pulled away soon after and Laxus was stiff and stunned, even though it had only been a few seconds. He was surprised to see a slight blush on Freed's face. He hardly believed it possible that thief could get embarrassed.

“And you deserve to see your grandfather,” the boy said softly. Laxus swallowed hard, unable to take his eyes off Freed's.

“Thank you,” he murmured not believing his own words. Freed just smiled sweetly at him, then took a step back and resumed his usual arrogant expression as he climbed back onto the yacht.

“Let me be clear, this is the only time. At the next robbery, I won't leave you a penny,” he clarified as he untied the rope. Laxus smiled slightly.

“At the next robbery I'll kick your ass,” he retorted.

“I doubt it. In any case, I can't wait to fuck your next booty from under your nose, Laxus” Freed greeted him. Laxus didn’t miss the fact that he had called him by name and smiled as he watched the boy get behind the wheel and drive away.

“I can't wait too,” he murmured to himself, watching the yacht go away.

This is my latest Fraxus Week submission, thank you for reading, and for any comments and kudos you leave.

#fraxusweek #fraxus #freed justine #laxus dreyar #fanfiction

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songofclarity · 4 years ago

Note

Out of sheer curiosity, what do you think of Wen Xu. Any HC?

Two Wen Xu asks came in back-to-back and I could probably have answered them both at once, but I'll use your daring moment of sheer curiosity to focus on headcanons/theories I have for him, Anon~!

Similar to Su She, who caused problems while lurking in the background, I think Wen Xu, who also caused problems while lurking in the background, is our guy who has been inciting several other rising conflicts between the Qishan Wen and the other sects over the years. He doesn't need explicit orders to do this, mind you, because he is simply doing what any self-respecting son of the Qishan Wen Sect would do. Just like the Twin Prides look to the Jiang motto of Attempt the Impossible and the Twin Jades look to the 3,000 Lan rules, Wen Xu is also guided by Clan tradition:

The Wen Clan used the sun as the motif of their clan, signifying that they could "compete with the sun for radiance, match the sun in longevity." (ch. 17, ERS)

The sun, however, is beautiful and warm and radiant all on its own, which means he doesn't have to play nice with the other sects if he doesn't want to. In fact, it goes against policy to treat the other sects as equals! Therefore, with him being the predominant Wen outside Nightless City, it seems apt to assign these events to him:

1. Monopolizing all the prime Night Hunt locations and excluding the other sects, which made the other sects resent the Qishan Wen even more

Remember Jin Ling setting up those 400 golden nets? That's expensive and entitled! I imagine Wen Xu was our first Jin Ling, except rather than using 400 golden nets it's Wen Xu and his friends and Wen favorites who are staking claims on all the best sites. They're having a fun time and everyone else can cry about it! Remember that guest cultivators love being with the Wen Sect! It likely comes with plenty of favors, and Wen Xu as Wen RuoHan's eldest son had much to offer to gain and keep their support for the Qishan Wen.

2. Pushing the Waterborne Abyss from Qishan into Gusu Lan territory, making it a Lan problem and making the other sects resent the Qishan Wen even more

I headcanon that this event is what eventually prompted Wen Chao to daringly declare that he killed the Tortoise of Slaughter. Did Wen Xu declare that he had killed the Waterborne Abyss (which would sound absurd since the only known way to defeat it is to drain the lake and keep it dried out for years)? Or did he own up to how he simply got rid of the problem? Either way, he made Qishan safe, which is what any cultivation sect is supposed to do for their region.

The Qishan Wen are good to the Qishan Wen and the common folk beneath them. It's really only the other sects that take issue with them and see them as a threat.

*Please remember that the Qishan Wen Sect isn't an empire. They aren't trying to take over the world. They are simply seeking dominance and prominence, with all the power and prestige that comes with it.*

3. It's canon that Wen Xu led the attack on Cloud Recesses, that he accused QingHeng-jun of something to validate this assault, that he ordered Lan WangJi's leg broken when he stood in their way, and that he is responsible for the death of QingHeng-jun (whom I headcanon died due to critical burns from the fire)

The big question here is what, exactly, was Wen Xu/the Wen accusing QingHeng-jun of? It could be something real: neglecting his duties or even something to do with Madam Lan, since we really don't know her backstory. Or something overblown: having two sons who wear clouds on their ribbons, and clouds block out the sun, and those two sons did better than the Wen in the archery competition, so it must be an anti-Wen conspiracy, etc etc. (Wang LingJiao had to learn that logic somewhere!) The latter appeals to me the most, and highlights how Wen Xu was a role model for his little brother. The difference being that Wen Xu had experience handling other sects without getting everyone killed.

Frankly, that Wen Xu destroyed Cloud Recesses and got their Sect Leader killed and made their second Sect Leader go missing and all the other sects let him get away with it just reinforces, to me, that he has indeed been up to no good for a long time and that he is incredibly strong in his own right. Although Wei WuXian comments that the Wen Sect has a higher proportion of weak and incompetent disciples/subordinates, I headcanon that Wen Xu is not one of the weak ones.

But also Wen Xu is not bloodthirsty. He did what he needed to do and the only one left dead was the one that the Wens had a undisclosed problem with: QingHeng-jun. Wen Xu is strong but he has restraint. He never pushed anyone into a corner which could incite a rebellion, which was Wen Chao's mistake.

Until Wen Xu finally did push too hard:

4. It's canon that he went against Wen RuoHan's speech which effectively said to leave the Qinghe Nie alone. By ignoring how Wen RuoHan said that Nie MingJue would not bend, he pushed the Nie into a corner and bit off more than he could chew and got himself beheaded

All the Wens appeared to agree that the Sunshot Campaign was just an act of arrogance on the part of the other sects. The Wens did not take it seriously during those first three months, and therefore neither sought to squash it out or defeat it.

Wen Xu is what proves them wrong when he gets himself killed.

But what was Wen Xu doing in Hejian!? I headcanon/theorize that he was trying to end the Campaign on his own terms. Wen Xu was used to winning and used to the sects capitulating to Wen power and presence. Cloud Recesses was already destroyed and Lan XiChen is no threat, Lotus Pier was conquered and the Yunmeng Jiang were annihilated, and the Wens expected the Lanling Jin to come crawling back to them when things got too rough. This left the Qinghe Nie as the last foe, and thus Wen Xu went on his own prerogative to take Nie MingJue out and claim dominance for the Qishan Wen once more.

RIP Wen Xu

I don't say all of this to somehow make Wen Xu look evil--the Wens aren't evil and I don't understand why some readers want to dumb down the whole story by shoving them into a little evil box--although I guess I headcanon him as having a big head and being something of a bully lol. He's just being the same kind of pompous rich kid like Jin ZiXuan and Jin Ling except he has actual power and authority to back it up. The Qishan Wen are the biggest, richest, most powerful sect. He is the one who will one day inherit it as he is Wen RuoHan's oldest son. So he is both simultaneously protecting the Qishan Wen name as well as reinforcing it's power. He is endearing himself to his father by "fixing problems" and "taking care of unruly sects" before the problem even reaches Wen RuoHan's ears. Considering what we see and hear from Wen RuoHan, and how Wen RuoHan fails to make decisions he's not already being ushered into by a third party, Wen Xu and others are very much pro-actively promoting the Qishan Wen on their own terms.

Wen RuoHan is thus very happy with this loyal and righteous son of his! And it leaves Wen Chao striving to follow in Wen Xu's footsteps.

I headcanon that Wen Xu is much older than Wen Chao, like at least 10 years older if not more. (Who knows how old Wen RuoHan is? However old or young I want him to be at any given time! lol) This puts their relationship in a funny/annoying range of Wen Xu being the big brother but also old enough to pull the adult/parent card. Wen Chao has poor cultivation and he's the baby, which is why he gets Wen ZhuLiu as a bodyguard while Wen Xu, who is arguably quite strong, just gets to run around with his subordinates. Wen Xu is the jock big brother who pushes Wen Chao's buttons and it looks like they hate each other--but I also headcanon that Wen Xu likes seeing Wen Chao succeed in whatever dumb thing Wen Chao decided to do today and Wen Chao wants to grow up to as respected and powerful as Wen Xu (and Wen RuoHan) one day. They are not adversaries although there is competition and conflict between them.

And, as I mentioned before, we get Waterborne Abyss vs Tortoise of Slaughter competition between them. Both of them don't believe it! Father, he is not that competent!

Wen RuoHan laughs it out and disagrees, because he appreciates that both his kids are doing amazing feats. (Are they though? Are they???)

Then there are headcanons of Wen Xu and Wen Qing! Their families were close because they are family and their parents were BFFs! I have yet to decide if I want Wen Xu or Wen Qing to be older. Da-ge or Da-jie? One idea I like for them is that they were close as children, but maybe grew up and went their separate ways a little. That Wen Qing never renounced the Wen Sect makes me hold fast that she did love her family and clan, even if she didn't agree with what they did for their sect. Wen Xu wasn't a bad guy even if he did bad things. (She disliked Wen Chao but maybe she liked Wen Xu a little more lol)

I headcanon Wen Ning's outstanding archery involved Wen Xu giving him some hands-on assistance. (Da-ge? Da-ge...!) Like everyone else in the Wen Sect, I headcanon Wen Ning would have also wanted to impress Wen RuoHan and be noticed by him, too. They didn't keep it a secret from Wen Chao on purpose, it just turned out that way especially since most of the work was done by Wen Ning. (Wen Xu was at the discussion conference but he didn't watch the archery competition, instead teasing it was for babies in order to make Wen Chao cross. Wen Xu likes Wen Chao but he needs to grow up!)

There are also headcanons about his mother, but that's a whole rabbit hole of its own lol My main headcanon is that Wen Xu and Wen Chao have the same mother, but she had difficult pregnancies that resulted in them being born years apart. Madam Wen and Wen RuoHan had wanted a large family and sadly only had two sons. Wen Xu did not grow up short on affection, which resulted in him wanting to protect the Qishan Wen name even more.

I headcanon that Wen RuoHan is a good father and his relationship with Wen Xu was very good, although of course it does not come without it's own difficulties and conflicts at times. (Considering how terrible all the other fathers are, statistically there should be one good one, right?)

There are other random headcanons I could throw in here but I will finish this off by saying I don't have a solid headcanon on who is Wen Yuan's father, although I can see the poetic appeal of it being Wen Xu. Wen Xu burned down Cloud Recesses and said the Wen would help the Lan grow from the ashes. Wen Yuan grows up there as if reborn from the ashes by help of the Lan, given a new name and family, too.

(That Wen Chao is explicitly given a wife in canon makes me headcanon him as Wen Yuan's father though, as I also like Wei WuXian protecting Wen Chao's son for my own dark delight~)

I also tend to think of Wen Xu as someone running around and playing around and not quite ready to settle down. But Wen Xu with a wife and a family of his own? I would love to see it!

#asked from above #anon #wen xu #mdzs thoughts

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sweet-sammy-kisses · 3 years ago

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Make the World Bleed Chapter 2

Written for @badthingshappenbingo prompt a house divided Title: Make the World Bleed Chapter 2 Fandom: Batman Pairing: Leading up to Jason/Tim/Conner Notes: Dark Titans, Core Four friendship, Bats working out their issues Fic Summary: The Core Four have a bond that will never break, will never fade. When one of their own is hurt by someone who should be family to them the other three respond in force.

When Tim's line is cut and he is seriously injured Conner, Bart and Cassie are ready to declare war against anyone who stands in their way of helping Tim, even if that means making a devil with the Devil himself, Ra's Al Ghul. This chapter summary: The fallout of Damian’s actions begins. You can read this story on AO3 Word Count this chapter: 2046

There was tension in Wayne Manor, one that was sitting on a powered keg waiting to blow. Ever since it had gotten out that Damian had cut Tim's grapple line that left him gravely injured. Lines had been drawn those on Tim's side, those on Damian's side and those in the middle.

Jason, Cassandra and Helena were firmly on Tim's side while Dick and Stephanie were on Damian's side. Duke, Kate, Babs, Alfred and Bruce were in the middle.

"I blame myself, Master Bruce. I saw the hatred that Master Damian held for Master Tim but I stayed silent and how I regret doing so." Alfred admitted to Bruce.

Hating the fact that Alfred blamed himself Bruce placed a hand on the shoulder of the man he had long considered his second father, "You are not to blame. I am. As their father, I should have spoken up when I saw how Tim was staying away and Damian still saw him as a threat." Bruce knew that he had failed as a dad to both his youngest sons and now Tim was paying the price.

"As much as I hate to say it old man, you were lost in time for a lot of it. So that isn't your fault. Then you had to recover from that. No, we," Jason gestures to him, Dick and Stephanie, "should have done something. We were here for all that. We also should have backed up Tim when he said he believed you were alive. Yes, he sounded out there but we let him travel the world alone with no one to turn to. His friends dead, his supposed girlfriend having faked her death." Jason shot Stephanie a glare, he still wasn't sure what the purpose was to fake her death while Tim had been dealing with losing Kon and Bart. "He had been grieving and not one of us thought to help him."

"Don't put that on me! No one believed Tim, not even Cassie!" Stephanie growled out. "No one did! Tim sounded crazy."

"Indeed, Drake clearly belonged in Arkham it is too bad that Grayson had such a weak spot for that fool," Damian spoke for the first time since everything that had gone down. "If I had it my way Drake would have been locked away in Arkham getting the help he needed and no longer our problem."

"Then I would still be lost in time and Dick would be stuck with the cowl he didn't want," Bruce spoke up and Damian stilled at his father's words.

There was an air of disappointment around Bruce, "I have failed all of you so greatly. Tim the most. My son, my bright and beautiful son who pulled me from the darkness and saved my soul, I failed him and now I may lose him before having a chance to make this all right." Bruce looked so worn that Jason felt his heart thaw a little to the man he still saw as his father.

"You're not the only one who failed Tim. I was a lousy big brother and even worse partner to him. I told him that he was my partner but never supported him at all." The guilt poured off of Dick as he buried his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking with sobs. "I didn't just take Robin from him but I turned everyone against him and I made them doubt his mind. And now I might never get the chance to make things right with him. I am a horrible big brother."

"Not horrible. Just lost sight." Cass whispered as she curled up around Dick. She hated seeing her family in so much pain and she knew that this was only the start as they waited for word about Tim's condition from his friends.

Dick's shoulders shook as he drank in the comfort that Cass was offering him, even though a great part of him didn't think he deserved it.

Damian couldn't understand it. He couldn't understand why everyone was making such a big deal about what he had done to Drake, they had never cared before. He had tried and nearly succeeded in killing Drake before and none of them acted like this before.

"Damian," Duke's voice was soft as he approached him, "This is what Dick has been trying to show you, that blood doesn't always mean family. Sometimes family is those you chose and we all choose each other. Tim is a part of our family no matter how far he has drifted from us."

"It still doesn't make sense! I am father's blood son! I am the rightful heir to Robin and Batman. I was just taking my place and getting rid of the weak link and that is Drake. This isn't the first time that I have sought to harm Drake so why now is it that you are all like this when none of you said a word before. You all just stayed silent as I did my best to get rid of Drake, I thought you all agreed with me!"

Damian's words struck a chord in all of them. Not one of them could call him out on them, there wasn't a single lie in any of his words they had just all turned their back thinking they would work it out.

Two strong hands landed on his shoulders and Damian found himself looking into his father's eyes as the man knelt before him and pulled him into a hug, "I am sorry Damian, I have failed you as a father. I should have spoken to you more to ensure that you understood that we are not the league, that the league way of thinking, their teachings are not mine. And for that, I am truly sorry. I just wish it didn't take me losing another child to open my eyes."

While watching everything Jason moved towards Alfred, "Alfred, what did Bruce mean that Tim saved him?" That couldn't be right Talia had shown him how easily Bruce had moved on from him.

There was a broken look in Alfred's eyes, "Ahh my dear Master Jason it seems that there are still some things that you still do not know. I believe that there is something you need to see it might shed light on those lies Talia told you and let you see the truth of what your death did to your father."

"I think your right, Alfred." It was time Jason saw the truth for himself.

+******+

"Ahh, boss we should have never left you alone," Owens commented as he took in the broken body of Tim Drake, the man who had taken on and earned Ra Al Ghul's respect something only Batman had ever done. His fingers itched to reach out and touch him but he was too scared he might hurt him more.

"You did the right thing in calling us," Z informed the trio he knew as the other members of the core four, Tim's best friends.

"He ain't going to be happy." Pru did not want to see what Ra was going to do when he learned what had happened to Tim and who was responsible. Tim was his chosen heir and it won't matter that Damian is his grandson he will not be spared his wraith.

Conner, Bart and Cassie exchanged a look before in sync they crossed their arms over their chests. "Right now we don't care about anything that Ra might do to the Bats our only concern is how to help Tim," Conner explained.

The trio of assassins exchanged looks, "If you do this you will be making a deal with the devil, you know that, right?" Owens could see where they were coming from, he could understand caring about someone so much that they would do anything to save them. He felt that way about Z, Pru and Tim.

"We don't care. It is a deal we are willing to make." Bart spoke up his voice leaving no room for argument.

"Then I shall inform our master," Z announced and the remaining members of Core Four knew that there was no turning back now.

+******+

"Why didn't you ever show me these," Jason demanded as he tossed the black and white photos he had printed off of the Bat computer showing Batman senselessly beating a mugger.

"I didn't want you to see me like that. Besides you were so twisted up by the pit and Talia that I didn't want to send you over the edge." Bruce explained he had known that Alfred was going to show Jason what he was like after losing him and before Tim came into his life.

A mumbled curse escaped Jason as he flopped down on the couch in Bruce's office and glared at the man behind the desk, "It might have saved Tim from a lot of pain, pain that I caused him. I have his blood on my hands, Bruce! I can't ever change that! And now I might never get the chance to make things right!" It tore at Jason to know that he had been used as a pawn, that he had harmed someone who didn't deserve it. "Why does Talia hate Tim so much that she would twist me and her son into being pawns to get rid of him?"

A sigh escaped Bruce, "I don't know sport. That is something I have yet to piece together. I am sorry that you were used by her the way you were, she had no right to drag you into this. And for the reason, I didn't tell you was because I didn't want you to see me as a monster."

That had Jason sitting up in his spot.

"I was in a dark place, so dark that I no longer cared. I was so full of rage, anger and guilt that I unleashed that on anyone and everyone that I could. I showed no mercy even towards those who were just stealing so they could feed their families. If Tim hadn't come into my life I might have robbed another family of their loved one. The last thing I ever wanted you to think or believe was that you aren't love or deeply missed and mourned. I mourned you every day." Bruce's voice choked up in the end.

"Do you know how long I have wanted to hear that from you? This family needs to start communicating." Jason refused to admit that he had tears in his eyes.

"We do chum, we might not be in this mess if we did." Bruce wanted Jason back in his life, in his family but he hadn't wanted it to be at the cost of another one of his children.

A series of knocks at the door broke the moment and both eyes flew to the doorway where Dick was standing behind him was Diana, Clark and Barry all with a serious look on their faces.

A feeling of dread overtook both Bruce and Jason, "What's wrong?" Bruce demanded, he feared that it had something to do with Tim.

The world caved out from under his feet as Diana informed him, "We have learned that Cassie, Bart and Conner have made a deal with Ra to help Tim. They have left with him."

+******+

Earlier

Ra Al Ghul was not happy, his chosen heir had almost been killed by his grandson. "This will not do. I can help Tim. I can heal what has been taken from him." Ra offered.

Conner, Bart and Cassie exchanged a look this was their last chance to back out. To try and find another way to save Tim. But they didn't know if they had the time or the options.

"We will be coming with you," Conner informed him, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes beginning to turn red. Next to him, Bart's hands began to vibrate recreating the threat he had given to Damian and Cassie looked every inch the Amazon warrior she is.

Ra's lips curved up into a smirk, "I believe that is agreeable." Oh yes, he could use such fine warriors at his side and his heir would be thrilled to have them there as well.

#badthingshappenbingo #sherri writes #my fics #jason x tim x conner #dark titans #hurt tim drake #protective core four

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stardustryewriting · 4 years ago

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A Learning Process (4)

AO3 Link: here

Part 1 2 3 5

Labyrinth Learning

Bakugou knew a few things for certain. He knew that he hated nothing more than Deku’s incessant mumbling. He knew that he was both academically smart and physically gifted and that his weakest point was teamwork. He knew that he did nothing wrong during the sports festival because while Uraraka might have been squeamish about using her quirk to its full potential, she wasn’t fragile. (Even calling her squeamish was a bit of an exaggeration.)

And he knew, with a certainty of one-hundred percent that right in this moment, he’d rather be anywhere else. How Monoma of all people managed to corner him, he still wasn’t sure.

But there he was, the last one in the 1-A changing room and somehow unfortunate enough to be right in Monoma’s vision, when he passed by. That idiot should be hurrying along to the training ground, as should Bakugou himself. He risked running late, while normally he was the first one on the scene. The only reason why he still was in the changing room in the first place was to avoid Kirishima. Of course.

Maybe Monoma could be a great distraction. Or maybe, Bakugou would get expelled from U.A., because he blew the idiot up for good. There was really no telling how this would go.

“It’s a shame this is no joint training, we would beat you for good this time, class A”, Monoma taunted in his annoying mocking voice that was probably supposed to make him intimidating. The only thing it accomplished was making Bakugou aggressive. Monoma was working hard towards getting blown up. Bakugou refused to take the obvious bait.

“We wiped the floor with you last time, and we can do it again”, he answered, not looking away from his locker, where he neatly put away the rest of his school uniform. No one could call him a slob.

“You got lucky. We took out both of your recommended students, remember?”

And just as Bakugou was about to argue, that both of 1-B’s recommended students also went down, and more importantly, getting in on recommandation didn’t mean jack shit in the hero course, they were both interrupted by a third voice. A voice Bakugou had hoped to avoid for just a little bit longer.

“Bakugou”, Kirishima called down the hall, blissfully oblivious to Bakugou’s inner struggle, “Aizawa is really not liking having to wait for you.” Which was probably a nice way of saying Bakugou would be on trash duty again, if he didn’t move his ass soon. But going silently now, would be admitting defeat to Monoma, and Bakugou would rather listen to Deku ramble about a bunch of lesser known heroes than do that. Which was saying something, because Bakugou really hated listening to Deku mumbling about anything.

Monoma beat him to the punch yet again.

“Better go quick, he already sent your boyfriend after you.”

“What did you say?”, Bakugou roared, undoubtedly to be heard even on the training ground where he currently kept everyone waiting. He couldn’t care less. Trash duty be damned, Monoma had no right to assume anything and even less right to mock him. Bakugou would make him regret the day he was born.

“Bakugou?”, Kirishima questioned and Bakugou could see his flaming red hair in his peripheral vision. He ignored him.

“Oh, sore point?”, Monoma continued mocking, also not paying attention to Kirishima, even though he had placed himself strategically between Bakugou and Monoma to avoid the worst, quirk activated on his arms, because he knew Bakugou well. He was trying to lock eyes with Bakugou, which he avoided for several reasons. Mostly, because he wanted to continue giving Monoma his best death stare. Minorly because he couldn’t look at Kirishima right now.

“Didn’t mean to insinuate anything”, Monoma said with a fake innocence that even Todoroki could have pointed out, “It’s just the impression you give off.” He had the audacity to laugh at his own joke and Bakugou swore he would kill that bastard with his own two hands. He barely registered Kirishima grabbing his arms to prevent him from storming to attack Monoma.

Unfortunately Kendo appeared faster than he could free himself. Or fortunately, for Monoma.

“I’m sorry about him”, she apologized with practised ease, bowing before them, after she had struck him down. Monoma was pathetically whimpering on the ground, mumbling something Bakugou didn’t understand, but Kendo hit him again, so he was sure it was something unpleasant. Like everything that left Monoma’s mouth. Kendo dragged him off, then, without paying any mind to his continued babbling and only after they were gone from sight did Kirishima let go of him.

“Dude, what did he say that made you so aggressive?”, Kirishima questioned after giving Bakugou a few seconds to compose himself, which did effectively nothing to calm him down. The question, on the other hand, did sober him up pretty effectively. No way could he tell Kirishima what Monoma was talking about. There was also no way he could come up with a plausible lie that fast.

“Nothing important”, he muttered, instead of giving a real answer. He wanted to hit himself for that instantly. Kirishima wasn’t going to let that slide.

“No way”, Kirishima exclaimed instantly, because of course he wasn’t going to let Bakugou get out easily. He should have thought faster.

“Come on, we’re missing training”, he said instead, in hopes of a distraction working better than his shitty excuses. It did.

“Oh shit, training”, Kirishima yelled, dashing off and Bakugou mentally prepared himself for the scolding he was sure to receive from both Aizawa and Iida. At least he could bite back at one of them. He hadn’t clashed with Iida in a while. Maybe he could use it to get rid of some of the frustration, too.

__________________

Training had proved to be everything Bakugou needed. He had tuned out Aizawa’s lecture about being on time and not letting himself get provoked this easily with practiced ease and had been on the field with the rest of his class in basically no time. There he had sought out challenges, both posed by staff and his classmates with no time to cool down between them, going at his limit and beyond that.

Now that he was back in his dorm room, he could feel every bone, every muscle in his body, all aching and demanding a break. A reminder that he worked harder than he ever had before. All of them felt heavy, everytime he moved to get something or change position and for the first time that day his head was free of any worries. No weird unexplainable feelings, no sunshine-Kirishima, not even thoughts of murdering Monoma.

Just him and his aching body, after a perfectly satisfactional training. He could get used to that.

Of course he wasn’t afforded that luxury.

A knock on his door ended his solitude way too early and Bakugou had to repress a groan while he moved off of his bed. He didn’t know which extra had the guts to disturb him, but they didn’t have to know how his body was aching. It was satisfactory to him, but the wrong person could see it as a cause for concern. Or even worse, as a weakness. He couldn’t possibly let anyone think he was weak.

Behind the door stood Kirishima, because of course it was Kirishima who wanted something from him right now. It seemed like it always was Kirishima these days. Or maybe it has always been Kirishima, the voice in his head said and Bakugou noticed that he hadn’t heard that voice in a while. He couldn’t exactly say he missed it. He resisted the urge to slam his head against the wall and instead looked at Kirishima. Which he regretted almost immediately.

Kirishima looked like he came fresh out of the shower, hair still wet at the tips and down like he usually never wore it, while the sun was still up. There was a towel slung over his shoulder, which seemed to be at least damp and Bakugou could see bruises beginning to form on the knuckles of the hand which clasped the towel. (Kirishima had thrown some pretty good punches during training. Not that Bakugou had been paying attention to that.) He looked really good. Bakugou chose to ignore that to the best of his ability.

“We need to talk”, Kirishima stated, more seriously than Bakugou could ever remember Kirishima being while standing in his door after a shower. The seriousness in his voice helped ignoring whatever was currently forming inside his stomach - a weird bubbly feeling that Bakugou couldn’t attribute to anything - but still Bakugou didn’t trust his voice so he just motioned for Kirishima to come in.

He let himself fall on his bed with a groan, because even though Kirishima was his main cause for trouble these days, he would at least never think bad about that. He knew how to appreciate a good work-out, especially a good post-workout bliss at least as much as Bakugou did. They always have been on the same wave-length in that regard.

Kirishima took a seat in Bakugou’s desk chair, aimlessly spinning from side to side for a few seconds. Bakugou knew it meant he was collecting his thoughts, so he didn’t comment about it, even though it was a bit irritating. Cute, the voice in his head chimed in and he tried to think about what he did to get rid of that one last time. He couldn’t remember.

“What was this with Monoma?”, Kirishima finally asked, looking at Bakugou like he could read the answer from his facial expression alone. He probably couldn’t, at least Bakugou prayed he couldn’t or he would have to bury himself six feet deep. Right after he buried Monoma at least twenty feet deep.

“You know the bastard, he was looking for a fight”, Bakugou answered, hoping against hope that Kirishima would be satisfied with that answer. He knew it was futile - he surely wouldn’t be content with an answer like that and neither would Kirishima be - but he had to try at least. Under no circumstances would Bakugou tell him the truth.

“Yeah, he always is”, Kirishima agreed, in a tone of voice that let Bakugou know a ‘but’ was inevitable, “but you seemed more aggressive than usual. And you’re usually pretty aggressive with Monoma.” And Kirishima was still looking at him, with those damn understanding eyes of his that made lying to him so hard. Not impossible though, nothing was impossible for the future number one hero.

“It was just a stupid taunt, don’t make a big deal out of it!”, he argued back, stubbornly meeting Kirishima’s eyes because he’d be damned if he was the first to look away. He was the future number one, not some kind of weakling who couldn’t even face his own best friend, because of something mildly uncomfortable someone else said.

“If it was stupid, you should be able to tell me”, Kirishima debated, looking triumphant, even tho his leg was moving the chair again. A sure sign he was nervous, Bakugou knew, while simultaneously ignoring the voice in his head asking how he knew that. He also ignored that it started to sound like Monoma. That was a problem for another time.

Right now, there was the problem of preventing Kirishima from finding out that Monoma called him Bakugou’s boyfriend. Because while there was a rational part in Bakugou’s brain that said Kirishima would probably only laugh it off, there was a way bigger part of Bakugou’s brain alarming him that this could be the first step to Kirishima finding out about all his struggles of the past days. That couldn’t be happening. It just couldn’t.

“He said something, it was stupid. I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“What did he say that you can’t tell me about?”, Kirishima said, stressing the word me in a way that would make Bakugou feel guilty, if he were any less mortified. Kirishima couldn’t know. He couldn’t.

“Just drop it! You don’t need to know everything”, Bakugou yelled and Kirishima actually physically recoiled. He tried to mask it with mockingly raised hands and a playful smile, but Bakugou saw how he flinched. He hated himself for that.

“Okay”, Kirishima agreed, with a too quiet voice, “I won’t ask about it anymore. Sorry for bothering you.”

And before Bakugou could say something - not that he knew what he could’ve said - Kirishima was out of his desk chair and his room, leaving behind a heavy silence. A few water drops on the backrest of his chair were the only proof that he was actually there.

__________________

Kirishima knew he should let it be. If Bakugou didn’t want him to know, he probably had good reason to and prying would be a sign of bad friendship. But there was a curiosity that he couldn’t seem to shake no matter how hard he tried. Because while Bakugou usually reacted pretty violently to Monoma, today he had been almost feral. Kirishima would know, because he was usually the one that restrained Bakugou in these situations.

So he did what no good friend would do and went behind Bakugou’s back. Which sounded a lot more dramatic than it actually was, because he only texted Tetsutetsu to ask for a favor. Ten minutes and a promise of yes, he would bring the snacks for their next gaming marathon later, he got the answer he was looking for.

He wasn’t actually so sure he was looking for the answer, anymore.

Tetsutetsu had done what any good friend would have done and went to ask Monoma personally. Kirishima knew he couldn’t get mad, Tetsutetsu didn’t know he was opening Pandora’s box and Kirishima had asked, after all. He wished he didn’t.

He called you Bakugou’s boyfriend. Bakugou really didn’t seem to like that.

The second sentence was unwarranted, yes. But Tetsutetsu had no idea about the feelings Kirishima had been harboring for the better part of the year by now. He was most likely just relaying the information Monoma had given him. Information that Kirishima had specifically asked for. Even though now he wished he didn’t.

Bakugou must really hate the thought of anything other than friendship with Kirishima, if that was his reaction to a simple taunt. Kirishima felt his chest constrict painfully, as if someone had his heart in their hands and they were squeezing relentlessly. He felt that empty feeling in his stomach, felt it dropping several miles and the traitorous pressure behind his eyes.

He tried to take a deep breath, to ground himself again. It came out shaky and he felt himself tremble before he saw it. His eyes watered slowly, making whatever third text Tetsutetsu had sent unreadable and Kirishima threw his phone away. He dropped himself unceremoniously on his bed, sought refuge under his covers and abandoned the thought of doing anything else. He had good reason to cry.

Kirishima always feared he stood no chance. Now he had proof.

__________________

Two days after their weird post-training talk, that wasn't even really an argument - at least not to Bakugou - Kirishima was back to normal. Why he was acting strangely the day before eluded Bakugou, but he wasn't about to complain. It was actually good for him. Not good in a sense that Kirishima was acting weird around him by avoiding him to the best of his ability. Good in a sense that it gave Bakugou more time to sort through his mess, without worrying about their mess. Not that he made any mentionable progress.

He did mull over the idea of calling Kirishima his boyfriend. After an internal wrestle match with his pride, but nonetheless. It was something.

More importantly, it was something that he realized, he didn’t hate. He wasn’t exactly sure what to make of that. Or mostly, he wasn’t sure if that meant some deeper feelings or just some passing infatuation. If it even was an infatuation. This whole maybe-feelings mess was a whole lot more complicated than it had any right to be.

Even worse, Bakugou was all out of potential resources he could consult on the matter. Admittedly the list wasn’t very long (or promising) to begin with, but still. He’d like to have something or someone to consult right now.

(He briefly played with the thought of asking Mina, because with her interest in all matters romantic she was bound to have at least an opinion, but telling Mina would mean all the other girls knowing too and Bakugou would rather blast his own leg away, before he let that happen.)

So really his options at this point were non-existent and the only alternative he had was mulling it over in his own head. He could already see this failing miserably.

__________________

Kirishima had allowed himself one day to mourn his chances with Bakugou. He knew from the start that they were zero anyway and the only reason he was hurt was because he’d let himself believe otherwise. So really, it was no one’s fault but his own.

Avoiding Bakugou wasn’t even as hard as he had initially thought it would be. Mostly because Bakugou tended to avoid him too, and Kirishima couldn’t help but think that maybe, after what happened the other day, a cooldown was mutually beneficial. Granted, Kirishima got his hopes crushed so painfully that it physically hurt, while Bakugou was just disgusted about a passing thought, but still.

He firmly believed a day without the other was good for both of them.

Which was something he would have argued with, even a week ago. But things had changed very rapidly and Kirishima wasn’t even sure what was going on currently. He was sure that he didn’t necessarily want to know. Maybe it was for the best to remain in the dark about some things. Especially if they overwhelmed even someone like Bakugou.

That was another thing that Kirishima had to tackle eventually. Trying to get Bakugou to admit what had him on the edge like that and then helping him work through it. He was Bakugou’s best friend, after all, even if it hurt thinking about their relationship like that, currently. Friendship wasn’t something to easily abandon just because someone caught some unintentional feelings.

So after his one day cooldown, he gathered all of his nerves, mustered his best smile (that me might have practiced in the mirror the night before) and approached Bakugou with the same energy he always did. Because there was no reason to change anything. Not from Kirishima’s side of the story.

“Hey Bro”, he greeted, with exactly the same cheer he usually did, because he’d be damned if he let Bakugou catch even a sniff of something being wrong. He saw Kaminari looking at them weirdly out of the corner of his eye, but he ignored it. Kaminari had too much respect for Bakugou to bring up anything anyways. And by the time he could catch Kirishima alone to ask about it, he’d have a good excuse ready. Or, even better, a distraction. It would all work out.

Bakugou grunted at him in acknowledgement which wasn’t out of the ordinary either, so Kirishima internally marked step one as successful. Faking being normal to achieve normalcy wasn’t the reinvention of the wheel, but it wasn’t easy either. He was pretty proud of himself.

Now it was time for step number two: Being a good friend. And good friends helped their friends with working through their problems, even if said friends didn’t realize they wanted help. Bakugou was never good at accepting help and that never stopped Kirishima. He wasn’t about to give up now.

“You know, you’re acting weird lately”, he approached cautiously, because he knew it was a sore point. He also knew that Bakugou wouldn’t admit that what Monoma - or even Todoroki - said bothered him. Bakugou’s pride was at least the size of his ego and that was saying something, if even Kirishima who usually argued in Bakugou’s favor could admit that. Then again, maybe always seeing the best in Bakugou was a side effect of that troublesome crush he had.

“Yeah, don’t think about it too much”, Bakugou answered, in that half-annoyed-half-venomous tone that he always used, when he wanted to be left alone. Kirishima knew it too well, both from hearing him use it with other people and from being on the receiving end of it. It never stopped him before and he wouldn’t let it stop him now. Even if there was a sharp pain in his chest, he smiled through it.

Fake it ‘till you make it. Or however that saying went.

“Something on your mind?”, he asked playfully, instead of responding to Bakugou’s statement, because he knew a bit of provocation usually helped loosen Bakugou’s tongue. And his willingness to use his quirk, but Kirishima could counter that with his own. They were compatible like that.

The thought that they were only compatible like that, was shoved somewhere in the back of his mind, where, hopefully, it would rot and wither away. And with a tiny amount of luck and a bit of time, the rest of his crush would follow suit. It felt unrealistic, but a guy could hope.

“Yeah actually”, Bakugou admitted, shocking Kirishima into silence and making him lose control over his facial features for a bit. He couldn’t help it, he just wasn’t expecting Bakugou suddenly being so openly honest. He was prepared to work harder for that. “Don’t mind. It’s just a fucking mess.”

“Maybe a friend can help”, he heard himself say, absently realising that this talk was going nowhere close to the way he had imagined it. Which was dangerous, because now they were in a situation he wasn’t prepared for. If he slipped up, that might be the end for both him personally and their friendship.

“Yeah sure”, Bakugou snorted with sarcasm that wasn’t lost on Kirishima and he saw his chance to move their talk into safer territory again. He could deal with sarcastic, disbelieving Bakugou. He had done it before.

Just as he was about to shoot something back about him being way better at interpersonal relationships than Bakugou - something that in hindsight could have gotten them into dangerous waters again - Aizawa shot down his chance by entering the classroom and beginning his lesson.

So, no talk with Bakugou then. Kirishima didn’t mind too much, he was sure he would get another chance after school.

__________________

“Bakugou”, Aizawa said, while everyone was packing their things to get out of the school for good, “stay. We have to talk.”

Bakugou didn’t like a thing about this. Not the strangely stern voice in which he said it and not the look he got, when he looked up to meet Aizawa’s eyes. He felt like he was in trouble. It was ridiculous, the worst thing he had done all week was argue with Monoma and then coming too late to the training grounds and he’d already gotten his lecture for that. (He almost got a second one from Iida, but he ignored him and just went to his room.) So Aizawa should have nothing bad up his sleeve for him.

How wrong he was.

“You have been distracted all week and a part of last week, too”, Aizawa started, like he was trying to breach a topic, he wasn’t quite sure how to breach. Bakugou tried to defend himself, arguing that he was achieving the same grades and results in training as he usually did, but Aizawa raised his hand to stop him, when he opened his mouth. “Just let me say my piece and then I’ll listen to your side of the story.”

Aizawa sighed deeply and then a look settled on his face. Like he'd rather be anywhere else. Bakugou had half the mind to remind that this whole talk was his idea, but he thought better of it. Better not to irritate Aizawa when he was already looking like he was ready to murder someone.

"Look, I know you're at that age when hormones go crazy and you only really think about one thing."

Now Bakugou felt like he'd rather be anywhere else. Why did Aizawa think he needed to have that talk with any of his students, much less Bakugou? Worse yet, was he really distracted enough that Aizawa, notoriously uninvolved in his students' private antics, felt the need to talk to Bakugou about potential romantic feelings. (And probably sex too, but Bakugou wisely chose to ignore that part.)

“I’m not thinking about -”, he gestured wildly with his hands, both to get his point across and so he didn’t have to say it in front of his teacher, “that. And even if I did, it wouldn’t be your concern.”

“It is, if it potentially puts you in danger”, Aizawa argued, strangely calm, while Bakugou himself felt like tearing something up or blasting something into tiny pieces. He knew he couldn’t, he already made contact with Aizawa’s capture scarf once and he wasn’t keen on a repetition, but the urge was still there.

“What do you even know about that?”, Bakugou yelled, both out of frustration and pent up anger and Aizawa didn’t even reprimand him for that. He just smirked self-satisfied, which was almost worse because now Bakugou was either going to get some vague excuse or a story he really didn’t want to hear. He didn’t know what was worse.

“I was your age too, once. And I also had feelings I didn’t want to be true and they almost cost me an arm on one of my work studies, because I was distracted. So it’s fair to say I have my fair share of experience with that.”

That was more information than Bakugou ever thought he would get. It was also way more information than he had asked for. He’d already opened his mouth to complain, when something else dawned on him.

Aizawa wasn’t exactly emotionally available either. He once overheard one of the girls saying that dating a guy like Aizawa must be a project, because getting him to show emotion must be an accomplishment all on its own. He thought it was stupid then, so he paid it no mind and just continued cooking. It might be useful now. Because Aizawa was one resource he hadn’t yet checked on his quest called ‘Figuring out your feelings’. And much like Bakugou himself (and Todoroki) Aizawa was anything but social and open with his feelings. This might just be what he needed.

If he could bring himself to jump over his shadow. And if he could bring Aizawa to talk to him about it. He wasn’t sure which of these was harder.

“Who?”, he asked, mostly to stall for time, because he had no idea where to start. How did he manage to stumble from one mess into another without ever seeing them coming?

“Hizashi”, Aizawa answered easily, shrugging like he was talking about the weather and not revealing some of the biggest news in recent memory. Bakugou was sure the girls would have a field trip with that information.

“Present Mic?”, he exclaimed, still kind of unbelieving, because he couldn’t picture it. Sure they were friends (high school friends, if he were to believe Deku, which was generally not a bad idea, when it concerned hero information), but that was still really unexpected. They definitely didn’t seem like a couple.

“I only call him that at work, but yeah”, Aizawa agreed again, looking amused at Bakugou’s disbelief.

“You’re dating Present Mic?”, Bakugou clarified again, because he had a hard time wrapping his head around that information. Those two didn’t seem to fit at all. Aizawa prefered the quiet and Present Mic was a loud guy by nature (both in personality and with his quirk). And that was only one of many things that didn’t seem to add up with these two. Not that he was actually putting thought into that.

“We’re married, actually”, Aizawa corrected and now Bakugou was sure he did it to get a rise out of him. So instead of voicing what he thought, he took a moment to collect himself. He wasn’t going to fall for one of Aizawa’s tricks again.

“So you’re married. Congrats, I guess. Still, I don’t see what that has to do with me.”

“Did you know that Hizashi gave me my hero name?”, Aizawa asked, instead of answering Bakugou and he could feel himself getting irritated again. What kind of games was his teacher playing here? Why would that be of any relevance?

“So?”, Bakugou pressed, hoping to end this conversation soon. He didn’t care anymore, if Aizawa could be helpful or not, he just wanted to get as far away as possible, before he actually blew something up. That would give him a punishment way worse than trash duty.

“That was in first year. I’ve already been in love with him then, or else I wouldn’t have taken it. It still took me almost two more years to recognize and own up to my feelings.”

Bakugou had a feeling there was more behind that story than Aizawa let on, but he wouldn’t press. He knew his teacher was trying to make a point and he was willing to listen some more. He truly was desperate.

“Look, I don’t presume to decide what’s going on with you, but you should deal with it soon”, Aizawa said finally, and Bakugou tried not to think about how much he sounded like his father, when he was trying to make Bakugou understand why his mother behaved a certain way. That was a truly dangerous train of thought. One that had the power to actually make him sentimental.

“So what? I’m supposed to make an ass of myself while trying to confess something I can’t even properly name?”, he snapped, revealing way more than he ever intended to. He wished he could take it back, it sounded so pathetic even to his own ears. That certainly wasn’t the way of a hero, much less the number one, the undefeated pro without any weaknesses. That was just a pitiful little high schooler, who didn’t know a thing about the world. He hated that part of himself with a burning passion.

It was the part that brought All Might’s end. And now, it will be the part that makes Bakugou’s life unbearable.

“No you’re not”, Aizawa replied, with an understanding in his voice that Bakugou loathed almost as much as his own weakness. Aizawa didn’t coddle people. Bakugou didn’t need to be coddled. “You’re supposed to consider what’s in it for you if it works out. And then weigh that against your current situation.”

“And if it works out”, uncertain high school student Bakugou yelled again, “what if I confess and we date and then he decides I’m too much of a mess. That I’m more of a project than a boyfriend. What then?”

“He won’t, if it’s the right one”, Aizawa said, still uncharacteristically open and honest, “I was a project and Hizashi loved me anyways. Nowadays threatening breakup is an inside joke for us.”

“It is?”, Bakugou wondered, not even really as a question to Aizawa. Could there really be someone that looked at all of his emotional unavailability and decided they want that? Could Kirishima do that?

“The last time Hizashi threatened a breakup was over a game of Monopoly”, Aizawa shrugged, looking strangely pleased with himself and Bakugou felt himself set back to a not-so-distant game night.

“Monopoly?”

“Our game nights get pretty intense, sometimes. We’re both not exactly great losers.”

And now Bakugou really didn’t know what to make out of any of that. Everything was jumbled together in his brain, all of it surrounding an image of Kirishima and Bakugou could feel a headache starting to form, the sides of his forehead throbbing in dull pain. He absently realised that Aizawa had dismissed him and he left the classroom hastily. He didn’t even feel like exercise, he just needed some quiet and peace to think.

It was ironic how much he needed to think about now, after he spent the majority of the last days thinking about the very same topic. One talk with Aizawa really had opened up a whole new perspective on the whole situation. If he had known his homeroom teacher could be that helpful, he would’ve asked sooner. (No, he wouldn’t have, but still. The food for his thoughts was appreciated.)

He barely registered Kirishima, who had obviously been waiting on Bakugou in the hall. Bakugou duly noted that Kirishima wanted to continue their talk from before class, but he really wasn’t in the state of mind for that. He didn’t even know what he wanted to prevent Kirishima from finding out. Or if he wanted to prevent Kirishima from finding out anything in the first place.

Once they reached the dorms, with Kirishima still chatting happily and Bakugou unable to focus on even a single word that came out of his mouth, he quickly made up an excuse and vanished into his room for good. He really, really needed some time on his own.

__________________

Hours later after replaying and re-replaying everything Aizawa said and comparing it with what happened in the last few days, Bakugou came to two realisations. One, he did, indeed, have romantic feelings for Kirishima, way beyond a simple crush. And two, he had no idea how to deal with that.

Because how could something, that was this difficult, possibly be right?

#kiribaku #side tododeku #side erasermic #erasermic #dadzawa #bakugou katsuki #bakugou #kirishima #kirishima eijirou

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secondhand-trash · 5 years ago

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I Miss You Most On Christmas

Ficmas day 5 aka 2 days till Christmas!

A/N: the og plan was to write for characters I had never written for as a challenge for myself but I just came across this song when I was searching for *cough* emo Christmas songs and it just reminds me of Hawks so I have to.

Pairing: Takami Keigo x reader

Description: You loved Hawks and you could take the burden of being with someone of importance like him but you were feeling exceptionally lonely on Christmas.

Word count: 2256

The song is by Bowling For Soup and you all know how I feel about bands in general.

You went into this relationship knowing exactly what you were getting yourself into.

Being a hero was not just an occupation but a whole lifestyle. Heroes don’t get day-offs, their duties follow them wherever they go whether they are wearing a suit or not. It was simply the kind of things that you must accept in order for the relationship to even work and believe it or not, it might be hard at first but you thought you did a fairly good job at being supportive in general.

Dating the number two hero meant waking up to an empty bed most mornings. It meant having to treasure every spare second you could have for each other because it would probably be the most you could get. It meant having to be alone on holidays despite the bitterness in your heart questioning time after time as to why you had to be all by yourself when you indeed had someone.

It meant all of those things and more. He hated it probably even more than you did, always feeling ridiculously guilty for thinking that he was holding you back for having to wait on him. But you loved him, and the times when he could be besides you made it all worth it. You were ok with it, you would take anything you could get.

You were ok with it when he ditched you last minute on Valentine’s Day last year.

You two had been talking about it for weeks. Planning and thinking of all the things you could do together. Valentine’s Day was a commercial holiday, he had said jokingly when he told you that he managed to free out his night, but if it meant that he could use it as a valid excuse to spend time with you then he would fall into the trap with contentment.

The excitement didn’t help the disappointment you felt when you suddenly got a call from Keigo saying that there was a sudden case he had to handle in the city center. Your heart dropped as you glanced at the table that you were setting up before picking up your phone, the chicken still roasting in the oven.

“Can’t someone else do it?” You tried to forge being hopeful but deep down you knew that the authority wouldn’t let it slide when your boyfriend was the one who could get it done and leave them the least trouble to clean up after.

As you gripped onto your phone, you could hear people shouting at Hawks to get on with it and the noises of people pacing around. He was a much sought after hero and you couldn’t be prouder that he had become a wonderful one at that against the odds that he grew up with but sometimes, the more selfish part of you hoped that he would be just a little less capable so he could spare more time for you.

“I’m sorry, love." He sighed and the many noises in the background only got more hectic. “Promise I’ll make it up to you?”

He was only trying to comfort you and in all honesty, he probably believed it even less than you did. But still you smiled, despite the fact that he couldn’t possibility know what expression you were wearing, and said, “Ok.”

You poured the glasses of champagne down the sink first thing after he ended the call.

That time when he forgot about your birthday didn’t go nearly as pretty as that.

Perhaps it was the pent up frustration, perhaps it was the fact that you had turned down all of your other friends’ offer to celebrate with you right after he told you that he could make it for your birthday, but you just couldn’t keep it in anymore when he told you that there was a sudden change of plans and he had to be on patrol that night.

You cried, and boy was it the most gut wrenching bawl you’ve had in a good while.

It was the pure conflict inside your mind that tear you apart the most. You knew that he was not the one to blame and he was probably beating himself about it as well, but you also knew that you deserved more than that. You loved him, and most of the time you were ok with the knowledge that saving people over being with you was simply a priority that he didn’t get to pick for himself. But it was all too much when you see the many messages from your friends congratulating you on turning one year older and having to pretend that nothing was wrong when replying to them, no one but yourself knowing about the void in your heart at how alone you were.

You had done all you could to pretend that it didn’t bother you but when he wrapped you in his arms and told you that he was sorry, the last defense you had in your mind collapsed and you sobbed into the nape of his neck. Keigo didn’t say a word as you cried, only patting the back of your head. The part that hurt was how he couldn’t even find the proper things to get you in a better mood, he knew perfectly well that whatever empty promises he could give to stop your tears would only come back and stab you even deeper when he would inevitably break it once again.

It was the price he had to pay for what he had. Only he would gladly give them all up if it means that he could come home on time each night to see you being happy instead of being out there knowing full well that you were with him at the expense of your loneliness.

It was he who cried when he forgot about your anniversary last year.

Takami Keigo was not an insecure person by most means. He knew that he was capable and that he was of importance to many, seeing how the authorities couldn’t go long without going to him for favours. He was well-aware that he was an attractive man and the public adored him. He had never doubted that you loved him with all your heart and the way you stared at him with so much adoration in your eyes was enough of an ego boost for him over anything else.

But when he was called in on a mission right on the day of your anniversary, it was the first time he truly felt inadequate.

You didn’t say anything when he told you about it with his hands shaking as he dialed your number. Nothing, no blame, no bitter tone, no screaming at him. Nothing. You only sighed and told him that it’s ok, reminding him to be careful and that you loved him. It was like you had already expected it to happen.

What kind of boyfriend was he to have you mentally prepared to be left alone each time you were supposed to spend time together?

He broke down sobbing the moment he saw you nearly dozed off to sleep on the couch when he came home that day. The way he pursed his lips together to prevent them from trembling had you immediately on alert and you got up to him once he got closer.

“Keigo?” Cradling his face, you wiped away the first drop of tear that rolled down his face with concern. “Keigo, what’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry.”

“What-” You couldn’t react as he suddenly locked you in a tight embrace, barely able to move as he wrapped his arms around yours tightly when all you wanted to do was hold him and told him that whatever he was upset about, it would be ok.

Your heart broke into a million pieces when you felt his entire body shaking, the feathers on his wings trembling along as he let out a weak sob and buried his face in the nape of your neck. Your eyes widened in shock when you heard him chocked out muffled words in between broken sobs. “Please don’t leave me.”

You had no idea where that came from and your mind went blank as to what could possibly got him to even think that you might leave him.

“What? I’m not...”

“I know I have been shit of a boyfriend but please,” he took a deep breath but it only came out as a hiccup as he continued to tear up, “please don’t leave me. I can’t stand it, please.”

The back of your throat tightened. You would be lying if you say that the thought of calling it quits and just ended those lonely nights once and for all but you could not do it. Every time you sees him, whatever you wanted to say would just be pushed back to the bottom of your stomach.

You could never leave him, not while one look from him was enough to send you down a spiral of your own.

“You won’t be able to get rid of me that easily.” You whispered in his ear and felt the slightest bit of relief when you heard a chuckle from him.

For a while, things were alright and no matter how lonely it might get, you found home in his arms and you could never give it up.

So really, you were fine with having to take the little time you could have with him. At least you were most of the time but as you stared out of the tall windows to see the city down below lit up with all the beautiful lights, you were starting to feel the loneliness creeping up on you for the first time in a long while.

Being alone on a holiday like Christmas hit hard. Everyone was out there having fun and celebrating with their loved ones while you were here in your house all on your own. Keigo didn’t say anything about whether he could be back in time for any form of celebration but you had assumed that he wouldn’t. Crimes could get especially hideous during the festive season.

Letting out a soft sigh for no one to notice, you got up from the couch and made way to the kitchen. You could use a drink, anything to spice up the night and distract your mind from getting to where you felt it heading towards.

Watching as the milk warmed up in the microwave, you wondered what your boyfriend was doing. The more malicious part of you hoped that he was having an even rougher time being away from you than you were.

You missed him, you always do. But you missed him the most on Christmas.

Preoccupied with your thoughts, you didn’t pick up on the door opening and yelped when you felt something sneaking around your waist and hot breath on your neck.

“Keigo!” You exclaimed in delight when you turned around to see that grinning face of your lover. “You’re early.”

Pressing his forehead against yours, he smiled as he spoke and you couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy. No matter how long it had been, he would never fail to make you feel like you were falling in love with him all over again. “Can’t possibly ditch you on Christmas, can I?”

“Well, I don’t know,” you meant for it to come out as a tease but perhaps the drop of your voice indicated that there was more truth to it than you wished, “you know how holidays never stopped them from calling you into work before.”

You were hiding so much behind your smile and it pained him. You had done so much for him, if only he could do the same for you. Knowing that you would never ask for it was what hurt him the most about thinking that he couldn’t give you what you deserved. “I’m sorry about that I really am.”

“Don’t be.” You smiled and pulled him into a hug which he gladly returned. “At least you’re here now.”

Humming in response, he nuzzled into your hair. “Yeah, and I’m glad.”

The microwave beeped, breaking off the cozy moment. “What are you making?” He eyed the mug that you took out.

“Hot chocolate,” you smirked and he quirked his eyebrows in amusement, “spiked hot chocolate.”

“Oh.” He watched as you poured in the liquor, thanking you as you let him take a sip.

“Feeling warmed up?” You leaned back onto the kitchen counter as you watched him smacked his lips in satisfaction.

“Yeah,” the grin on his face turned into a teasing smile as he put down the mug next to you and trapped you in between his arms, leaning down to your ear before whispering in the most sultry voice he could manage, "but I know a way that could get us even warmer-”

He yelped as you smacked his arm. “I’m just kidding.” He said with forged hurt as you playfully glared at him.

You laughed, “How bout you go get changed and we put on some cheesy Christmas movies, hm?”

Your smile only got wider as he quickly gave you his answer with a peck on the lips. “Sounds good to me.” He winked before walking down the hallway.

See, that was what you were talking about when you said that you could never leave this man. You might feel lonely when he was away, but he always pulled through when you wanted him there with you the most.

#bnha imagines #hawks x reader #hawks imagine #hawks #takami keigo #takami keigo x reader #bnha imagine #bnha x reader #bnha #boku no hero academia

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darkpoisonouslove · 4 years ago

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“The Shadow Phoenix” Thoughts

Here comes the last special. Honestly, I am kinda nervous about this because they are shoving the whole season 2 in one episode and I have a feeling that that will not go well. Unless, of course, they thought of making more but abandoned it after this special but I highly doubt that since I think I’ve seen the final showdown in s2 being in this special. Hopefully, it won’t be a full disaster. I just don’t know what to expect anymore.- “her ghostly sister - Daphne”? This recap is on thin fucking ice (pun unintended). Careful with the wording there! This sounds horrible. There are better ways to put it.

- Wait, new outfits for Winx? Really? Ugh!

- Shadowhaunt is happening already. But hey, it’s Layla! And she managed to free the pixies! Wasn’t that supposed to fail, though? Or are they just trying to save time and remove the second trip to Shadowhaunt for the pixies? (Hey, does that mean no Amentia? Please and thank you!) I hate Darkar’s new voice.

- Oh, no! He got them back. But were those shadow tendrils in the original? I think I would remember them if they had been.

- Well, Layla got to Alfea fast. I know they are trying not to waste time but this is cutting down on the suspense. At least she is already bonding with Winx (and especially Musa).

- That scene with Darkar freeing the Trix was completely destroyed. First, they never got to show why Lightrock is so horrible (and it is horrible even to me although I haven’t had an evil routine). Not to mention that they never said how Darkar learned about them which was in s2. And they’re back at Shadowhaunt. What happened to Gloomix?

- Nvm, he gave it to them but they never got to try it on Lightrock guards. Such a shame! Also, calling him “master”? And even repeating it twice? They are acting like docile stupid minions. Say what? The Trix would never! I am pretty sure that wasn’t in s2 even if they still knelt. This is fucked up, them kneeling in front of him. Talk about wrong implications.

- Why did Faragonda only send Bloom and Stella? So that we can’t have the others in a scene? Or so that they can lose against the Trix who just had a power-up? Also, how is it that when they think no one will know they are sneaking around, the one they’re trying to ambush always knows that they’re there?

- Yeah, just send the fairy of sunlight underground where there’s no sun! Logic! And they didn’t recognize the Trix at first? Those are obviously not “things”, Bloom. Though, she might have suffered a concussion from the way they blasted her into the ground.

- “Shadow whirlwind”? What, did Darkar somehow imbue them with his own essence through the Gloomix and now they have shadow powers? I also resent the implications in this so, hopefully, I am wrong and this is just a coincidence.

- What did Darcy do to Bloom? And will they just keep calling him “The Phoenix” instead of Darkar? Please, no! That is somehow actually worse than Lord Darkar.

- Ugh, fake Avalon. Here we go. Though, at least he wasn’t in the first 1/4th of this. That’s something.

- The bonding with the pixies is cute. But did Tune just say “you rock”? Tune? The pixie of manners? What have they done? Smh.

- But can you keep them safe? Can you really, Faragonda? You sent them in Shadowhaunt instead of going yourself! Or at least accompanying them! And you’re not gonna get better at protecting them from here on.

- Daphne is too little in that dream of Bloom’s. If she was still a kid when Bloom was born, that means that she should be aging while she’s a spirit and we already saw that she was all grown up when Bloom was a baby in that flashback in “Revenge of the Trix”. This is illogical and she actually looks even younger than she does in the corresponding dream in s2.

- Ugh, that scene with the flowers! Why are they all crushing on him? And he’s using it against them. Also, is it possible that it was him that somehow brought on the dream about her parents? How else could he tell that she had a dream? Shouldn’t they discuss her birth parents in private also? Everyone is there listening. At least they’re back to their normal outfits.

- Is Sky jealous just from hearing Avalon’s name? That was better done in s2. They are really just chopping off everything that isn’t absolutely necessary and it kinda fucks up even the necessary things.

- At least it was Helia that offered them to see his sketches and not Stella grabbing them from him... which I think was what happened in s2.

- Are the Trix just gonna steal the Codex right now? From this celebration? Otherwise, they will have to go to Red Fountain twice and half the episode is almost up. Well, I guess not. Instead we get more Bloom and Sky stupidity. Bloom isn’t nearly as obsessed with Avalon as she was in s2 (she hasn’t had the time here) and he has no reason to be acting the way he is.

- “Listen, Sky, do me a favor and hang up the phone.” XD I love it! She finally told him off! And she really looks more interested in Avalon’s help with her parents rather than with him here. All I know is that I’m on her side this time while in s2 both she and Sky were being stupid but I understood him more. But he keeps being his douche-y self.

- Flora just daydreamed the monster that was supposed to attack Red Fountain but didn’t? Wow. Wow! WOW! ... Okay.

- Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, my god. Scratch everything I said about the Bloom and Sky drama. She not only started talking about it to Avalon, she hugged him! Wtf! Bloom, you do realize that you’re just giving Sky proof for his words, right? Maybe she was looking for consolation but she could have sought it out with her best friends aka Winx who we’ve seen absolutely nothing of (except for Flora but that is only because they just introduced Helia). That was so not in s2. I would have remembered that fuckery. And then Avalon goes all “perhaps you’re better off without him”. This is predatory behavior! He is distancing her from the people that care about her. I loathe all of this! Bloom, please, I have a little more faith in you than I did in s2. Snap out of this! I know he will be the one turning her dark but that can still happen if her dealings with him are only because of her parents. Can we end the nauseating undertones of this?

- “You may leave a message after the tone. But not if it’s you, Sky”. *bursts into laughter* I’m sorry. This is just too sassy, I can’t. It’s good. Even if Sky is actually the lesser evil.

- At least Flora isn’t having Layla snooping around in Helia’s room this time. She just decided to go for it. That’s better.

- Well, we’re finally back with the Darkar plot. But wait... The nostalgia spell is actually... how he gets to Pixie Village this time? Winx didn’t stop it? I know they’re saving time but damn! His plans have a very high success rate in this case (since everything has worked so far) which will just make it more ridiculous when they defeat him.

- Why are the Pixie elders actually in Pixie Village? The Codex is just one part? They’re gonna skip the whole “going to every school and Pixie Village to steal all four parts of it” thing? Well, that’s stupid. There was no suspense whatsoever here. We don’t even know what the Codex does! And Darcy and Stormy have also gone MIA like everyone from Winx except Bloom (and Flora). This is really just gliding downhill with the speed of light.

- Bloom, you stupid bitch! Now she’s kidnapped. And they just butchered the whole storyline of s2. Also, guess it was the real Avalon that was evil. Great! Then Faragonda fucked up even more by letting him in Alfea. Still think you can protect them? And now she’s sending the students to rescue Bloom alone... again. I know she’ll get there eventually but, goddammit, this is illogical, not to mention irresponsible.

- Why the fuck are there four pixies of the Codex if there’s only one part of it? You make no sense, writers!

- Yeah, Shadowhaunt is underground but you can totes get there with a ship. Makes perfect sense!

- Darkar was Avalon all along? EPIC LEVELS OF FAILURE ON FARAGONDA’S PART! She didn’t even for a second realize this? Isn’t he supposed to, idk, give off insane levels of dark energy? What the hell?!

- Well, of course, he has an army... that he won’t even control himself. I hate all of this! All of it!

- Helia has had exactly three seconds of characterization and about as many lines. The whole thing with him not wanting to fight was just erased. Not that it went anywhere even in s2 but still. It was a touching point for him and Flora who is also anti violence. And here there is zero ground for a romance between them. They just met, like, five seconds ago and never had the opportunity to get to know each other... at all. Which reminds me...

- Layla never became a part of the team. She was just with them in the previous mission to Shadowhaunt but none of the bonding was here. I know that they didn’t have much time at all for anything but they could have put one or two super short scenes in which some bonding happens between her and the rest of Winx. Because here she is pretty much a stranger to both them and the audience. We don’t even know what she’s like and what little we saw of her wasn’t exactly the way it should have been. Oh, look, they barely even gave her a transformation! Epic fail here as well.

- At least Bloom wasn’t strapped to that table like she was about to be sacrificed to the darkness... which was actually kinda what happened.

- Did they just got rid of the Trix? What was even the point of bringing them in? Darkar could have done absolutely everything on his own. All of this was absolutely useless! I. Hate. It!

- We never even saw Kerborg as a bat. He is just that monster now. *sigh*

- “Did you really think we would not come to help?” Well... The only reason I thought they would help was because I knew they would since I’ve already watched how this goes down in s2. But honestly, they’ve been leaving their students to deal with everything so if I didn’t know where this was going, the answer would have been “Damn right, I thought you wouldn’t”.

- “That was a workout”, he says after crushing a monster out of existence by being magically enhanced. What is wrong with the writers? Although, I guess this is better than him boasting he handled the monster on his own like in s2.

- Watching the portal open with just one part of the Codex is so wrong. And anti climatic.

- Of course, the pixies of the Codex can just open the door to Relix. Of fucking course they can. Makes perfect sense. Honestly, I am mad about this but the original with the color “riddle” wasn’t much better anyway. At least they didn’t waste time on it here so I guess this is better on that account. I mean, if it’s not gonna make sense anyway, might as well just take the shorter one, right?

- Did they fire against Bloom or was it just a coincidence that their powers disrupted her concentration.

- “You saved my life once”? Are they gonna pass what happened at Magix as saving his life? Because I am pretty sure in s2 he meant what happened in 2x10. And this is also stupid. It shouldn’t work after that drama they had. Everything was all over the place and they never got the chance to fix it. Not to mention that no part of the other bonding they had happened here. They only showed one moment they had together in that flashback, because that was all they got. They never really connected so this shouldn’t work!

- Oh, Darkar started absorbing the Ultimate Power already? Not that it matters. That last attack is more intense at least. But I am still pretty pissed about a lot of things. Including the fact that they never explained about the Shadow Fire and that it is the opposite of the Dragon Fire.

- They defeated the Shadow Phoenix but they can’t even get a decent photo.

I was wildly disappointed in this. I thought it would be bad considering they are shoving the whole season in one special but I could have never expected that it would be... this! Most of the suspense is drained from it thanks to the butchered storyline. If you put that aside and consider it its own thing, the plot got resolved but the pacing was horrible and there was no build-up to anything. Not to mention that there were things that felt like they were a second thought and were out of place (aka the Trix and the whole Flora and Helia subplot that went fucking nowhere.) It was pretty bad as a reimagined version of s2 and pretty meh as a standalone thing.

#winx club #winx bloom #winx darkar #winx avalon #winx faragonda #anti sky #anti bloom x sky #winx layla #winx specials #the shadow phoenix #thoughts #review

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codenamesazanka · 6 years ago

Note

I know this is a really vague thing to ask, but do you have any tips for writing Shigaraki? I know Echodrops made a whole meta about fanon Shigaraki vs canon Shigaraki but do you personally have anything in particular you'd want to mention yourself about the portrayal of Shigaraki in fanfics?

(Here’s the link to @echodrops‘s post! It’s really, really good, and helped me figure out Shigaraki a lot in the first place. thank you!)

oooh! Not at all a vague thing, this is a great question. I started all this meta because I wanted to figure out how to write Shigaraki as well. A word of caution tho, because this would be my personal interpretation of Shigaraki, though I’ll try to use as much manga examples as I can. As always, super long post.

Note: images are edited to fit exact quotes to relevant and reasonable sized images, instead of a whole manga page

Here’s some hand man characteristics/traits that I think are overlooked:

Shigaraki Tomura, in his beliefs/values, has a tendency for all-or-nothing thinking, to be extreme in his actions. In all three of his incarnations - the oneshot Tenko, the draft Sazanka, and this current one - a core of the character is 1) finding something flawed/bad/had hurt him somehow 2) completely loathing it 3) vowing to destroy it.

Tenko despised samurai and their warring, and wishes to rid the world of swords. Sazanka is on a quest to kill quirk-users with quirks he deems too dangerous for society. And Shigaraki has decided that the Heroes and justice system is a farce, and is out to destroy it.

Kinda fitting for a guy with his quirk - he either doesn’t destroy something, or destroys it completely. The moment he makes his decision, it’s fast and permanent.

For Shigaraki, murder is murder, destruction is destruction, violence is violence, no matter how you dress it up. That’s why he couldn’t see the difference between him and Stain. That’s why he can’t see that Bakugou, as aggressive and vicious as he is, still wants to be a good guy.

Now this is my take, but I think his mindset is: Because All Might can’t save everyone, he’s a fake, he’s trash; because everyone will say they condemn murder yet go about their lives carefree even though they know logically someone is out there getting killed, morality and justice is an illusion; because justice is so fragile and flimsy, I will expose it and destroy it.

Not in any goodwill or for a better society, mind you. He just hates it.

He also has no illusions about himself or his actions, he knows he’s evil.

Shigaraki is a lot more sarcastic and sardonic than usually portrayed in fanon. He’s very rude and can be foul mouthed, but the real insult comes from his tone and behavior. He condescendingly calls Eraserhead cool. He calls Stain the ‘Great Senpai of scoundrels’. He points out to Overhaul how a wakagashira/underboss like him should be more polite. Just about half of everything he says is dripping with mockery, and he’s very breezy and irreverent. So a bit less ‘I hate you, fuck off’, and more cheek.

Adding to that, if I’m reading my Japanese right, Shigaraki can change how he addresses people depending on the person and situation. His default speech is rude, but he’ll talk somewhat (barely) politely-ish if needed; it’s just it’s very obvious he’s not taking it seriously.

Related, I feel like Shigaraki says a lot of things he doesn’t really believe. He tries out concepts, half-heartedly, on a whim. There’s that infamous speech at USJ about Heroes and Villains both using violence - which does seem to have some semblance to the actual ‘two sides of the same coin’ that even Best Jeanist talks about.

And here’s him considering Stain’s effects on heroes, with gusto, before ditching it.

I know it’s Smash!, but here’s him reciting some sort of pseudo education philosophy he picked up somewhere??? to Kurogiri to get out of exercise.

He’s a total smartass

Of course, this brings up the question, is he genuine in his speech to Bakugou, or to Toga and Twice?

Like Echodrop notes, he can be in a good mood. He can be (seem?) happy, he can smile, he will acknowledge when someone does a good job of something.

Sure, it’s got a manic edge to it, it’s probably not coming from a place of good, fluffy, innocent feelings, but he can laugh, enjoy the moment, be psyched about something.

I really like this scene because he actually giggles a bit. He squeezes Midoriya, and he really does seem excited for a chat.

He’s quick to go back to being default cranky tho. Quick to enjoy, quick to get irked.

Shigaraki is a weirdo and I love him.

My boy is smart. Really, Shigaraki is smarter than he looks. In the Ultra Archive, his profile lists his intelligence as ‘A’, ranking him above most characters, including Midoriya. I get that Deku’s whole thing is being the strategizing main character, but Shigaraki’s just as analytical. Even the Smash! Comic points this out.

His room is filled with books, so either he reads a lot or he hoards them to look smart. I think it’s the former. Well, it’s not mutually exclusive, I should know.

He thinks and reflects and questions. He was super pissed about Stain, but he realized Stain was right and tried to figure out why. He went on a walk to calm down and just ruminate. He sought out Midoriya just to get second opinion. Afterwards, he quickly sees the bigger picture and realizes the issue is systemic and he’s gotta attack the structure. Of course, kinda shaky on the specific details and it’s not endgame long term, but still impressive.

There’s a lot of Villain!Deku fanfics - and I like them a lot! - that turns Deku into the criminal mastermind or makes him the brains behind Shigaraki’s operations. Which is fair, Deku could totally be one! And also a lot of fics where Shigaraki is dismissed, with everything he does being AFO’s machinations. Again, fair. But Canon Shigaraki is AFO’s successor and leads the League for a reason.

This also means, I think, that Shigaraki isn’t as clueless to the fact that All For One is manipulating him. This point is entirely debatable, though. All I have to back this is how Shigaraki wondered if he was lied to in the USJ.

Even tho he’s facepalm crusty boi neet, Shigaraki is still a very dangerous S-ranked villain. I feel like sometimes people forget this.

He’s not that childish. He can be immature, he’s still learning the ropes of being a supervillain, he’s got an irritable and sullen disposition, but he’s not a five-year-old. He’s also not completely unhinged.

When things don’t go his way, his first response usually isn’t to shriek or whine or immediately snap. He’s got a clear head and a good sense of what he can and can’t do. Kurogiri is down, All Might escaped their grasp, but Nomu’s still active? Cool, we got this. It’s only when Nomu gets team-rocket-ed that he panics. Stain stabs him? Doesn’t start a fight right there and then, asks Master for some Nomu, is patient enough to wait until he decides he really can’t stand Stain, then finally gives the go ahead for a rampage.

Shigaraki knew from the start he can’t handle All Might. That’s Nomu’s job. As much as he hates All Might, he doesn’t jump at the chance to kill the hero personally. He’s not ruled by impulse or easy distractions, not really. And he will back down if Kurogiri reasons with him - see accepting Stain as a party member, see letting Toga and Dabi live. And after he got his motivation, he’s been very restraint since.

He doesn’t immediately destroy his things in anger - we only see him destroy only few items pre-mall talk. He decays binoculars, a photo of Deku, maybe a newspaper, all quiet and deliberate. Kurogiri’s bar is intact and clean, despite being the long-time hang out spot of the destructive Shigaraki Tomura. Would he decay a controller after losing a game? Maybe, but also just as likely maybe not.

Shigaraki will complain and bitch and sulk and hold a grudge, tho, yeah. He will lose it after a series of stressors/things gone wrong. He can be moody, cruel and sadistic, bloodthirsty and mayhem-loving. But he’s got himself under control more often than not.

Finally, video games: My biggest pet peeve about portrayal of Shigaraki in fanfics: He’s super obsessed with video games, to the point that he plays them all day long, and he can’t stop using video game slang for everything - or so a lot of the fandom believes.

I’ve pointed out before that we’re more likely to see him reading the newspaper and we’ve never actually seen him use a console ever in manga or anime. True, he likens scenarios to games frequently, but not all the time - the USJ fight was when he did that the most, then in his other appearances only once or twice during the whole scene (Doesn’t want Stain as a ‘party member’, none at all when meeting Dabi or Toga and then at the mall, camp arc has him seeing himself playing a Sim instead of an RPG, calls All Might ‘last boss’ during the raid, then nothing for his next appearances). At least not out loud. As fun as it is to imagine him as a geeky gamer, and he is, but he does more than just that.

I think Shigaraki uses video games and media to create mental scripts for himself to understand/interact with the world, but it serves as a skeleton. He fleshes it out, always adding to that mental model to create a more complex one. He calls his change of strategy as playing a Sim game, but it’s a good analogy that works for him, and we see how layered his plan is - dealing a blow to UA that works whether the Vanguard succeed or not, kidnapping Bakugou and Ragdoll, in order to bring about the media and public criticism of UA/heroes, and had it not been for the raid, something would’ve happen to Bakugou that would’ve demoralized everyone.

He def is grounded in reality enough to know what he’s doing is more than just a game.

And that’s all I got for now! There might be a part two. idk, but I hope this was helpful!

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neo-culture-mafia · 6 years ago

Text

NCT 2018 as Mafia Positions

LEE TAEYONG ~ Leader (GOD FATHER)

He was brought up in a Mafia family himself so once he came of age, he branched his own syndicate. His father was furious...using the word ‘furious’ was an understatement though. He broke the family branch and created his own: Neo Culture

Leads the work day with an iron fist, yet doesn’t hesitate to unwind with his members during the night time. Always looks out for his members when they show weakness and fatigue with their day to day life.

“Oh no honey, I’m an angel...I swear! The horns are just there to hold up the halo.”

______________

MOON TAEIL ~ UNDER BOSS 1

He was there to step in for Taeyong whenever he was needed outside of the country for business. He held a lot of power within himself and the younger and inexperienced members. He kept quiet until needed, yet he was always lurking in the shadows taking note of everything and everyone.

Once he was needed though, you sure as hell need to know that he will make his presence known and he will instruct fear into his victims when needed.

“At times I feel like giving up, but then I bite my tongue and realize I have a lot of mother fuckers to prove wrong.”

______________

SEO JOHNNY ~ UNDER BOSS 2

The under boss who made his presence known from the beginning. He would always remind the others when Taeyong was out who they needed to be listening to. He would be by Taeyong 24/7 - ready. Ready to make the calls to blow something up or simply to call everyone to dinner.

He holds the older members together and makes sure everyone has someone to go to if they needed it. Wouldn’t be afraid to get his hands dirty for the ones he loved and held close to him.

“Keep your head high...but your middle finger higher.”

_____________

NAKAMOTO YUTA ~ FOREIGN BOSS OF AFFAIRS (JAPAN)

Lives up the Neo Culture branch located in Japan. Rules his own soldiers with an iron fist that has all of them shaking on the daily. Spends most of his time reporting tensions of the Yakuza and Neo Culture to Taeyong. He knows when to pick his men up and transfer them back to Seoul for safety. Makes his own plans for his branch yet will always have clear communication with his hierarchy.

Isn’t afraid to ask for help from his higher-ups. Has his life on the line every day with being so far away from Headquarters...but you wouldn’t catch him talking about his problems to his men because he has an image to maintain.

“The hottest lives have the coldest ends.”

______________

QIAN KUN ~ MEDIC

He didn’t even mean to get caught up in the mafia. It was a fluke thing, really. He had met Taeyong at a coffee shop that he had been working to get through medical school. Taeyong had walked in late at night with a huge gash on his shoulder. Kun being the almost certified doctor he was, took Taeyong and got him fixed up and out the door in less than 10 minutes with a complimentary coffee. The next night at the same time, his shop was bombarded by men in fancy suits with Taeyong offering him a proposal: Leave college and this job for the Mafia and be guaranteed protection for him and his family in China.

As he thought about his family, he knew he couldn’t say no. He wanted a better life for not only himself but his mom and dad. He needed this even though he hated to admit it. When they come back from a mission or a run, he doesn't get nosy and ask questions...he just does what he was brought here to do.

“There is only one hell: The one we live in now.”

____________

KIM DOYOUNG ~ HEAD OF WEAPONRY

Always had a thing for guns and knives...seems to call him. He makes sure everyone who is going on a mission or run is fully equipped for anything that may be thrown at them...literally. He makes sure everyone not only has weapons but also, safety gear that could withstand anything from a gunshot to a cherry bomb (which he also makes himself)

He has a cold exterior but once you get him out of his office and surrounded by his fellow members, he is very lively and very blunt in getting his point across in the most loving way possible.

“If the enemy is in range...so are you.”

______________

TEN ~ TRAINER FOR HAND TO HAND COMBAT

He takes everyone under his wings. He works alongside Doyoung but in the opposite form: Hand to Hand. Ten makes sure that he teaches EVERYONE apart of Neo Culture hand to hand so just in case that a weapon fails or they are in close range, they know how to easily take out an enemy. He also teaches fatal shots to pressure points, temple hits, and body twists. Makes it so it seems as if when they fight, they are boneless.

He is always open with his members from the get-go. He makes sure he is always available for his members...his family.

“Your body is a temple...don’t let me knock it down.”

________________

JUNG JAEHYUN ~ INTERROGATOR / TORTURE SPECIALIST

Jaehyun uses mental tactics to get inside his victims’ heads. Makes it feel as if he already knows what they have done when in actual reality he doesn’t even know what he’s supposed to be getting out of them. Yet when he meets a tough cookie that doesn’t fall for his mental tricks, he doesn’t have a problem getting physical with different instruments.

Once off the job, he couldn’t hurt a fly. He relies on the care of his members to rid his mind of the horrific things he has seen during the day. Warm smile yet killer eyes that makes even the toughest man weak in the knees.

“Do not let too much thinking paralyze the doing.”

DONG SICHENG (WINWIN) ~ FOREIGN BOSS OF AFFAIRS (CHINA)

This boy couldn’t hurt anyone from the get-go. He learned from pain and mistrust that he only has himself and his members. He joined Neo Culture when his family was murdered in a Triad hit and run. He tried to leave China after that so he went to South Korea. He lived paycheck to paycheck until he was taken under Taeyong’s wing. He was put as Foreign Boss of Affairs for the China branch. Like Yuta, he reports tensions of local gangs and Neo Culture to Taeyong.

When it gets too much for him - being in China - he always welcomed back to Seoul along with his own men. His anger sits locked inside of him...just bubbling over in the pot labeled as his mind. He believes that he should treat his men with a kind hand at night and a firm fist during the day. Always welcomes his own into his office to talk about their feelings. He felt as if he had no one for the longest time and he doesn’t want others to feel as if they had no one either. He’s there.

“You can tell how dangerous a person is by how they hold their anger inside them quietly.”

______________

KIM JUNGWOO ~ SNIPER / MANIPULATOR

His steady hand comes in use when he is needed for roof-top duties. Always knows where everyone, why they’re there, and what they’re going to be doing 10 minutes from now. Yet, when he is needed on the ground, he is used to getting people to come with him. He is used to using people. Buys pretty ladies drinks just to get them back to headquarters to find out what their partner is planning, or he could become friends with another leader to get insights on what they are doing in cases of funds, attacks, or pop-ups.

Is relatively hidden in the shadows for good reason. Once he’s recognized more than once then he has some explaining to do to the person he was trying to seduce. He isn’t afraid to aid the others on the smallest of missions just to make sure that they get out of their alive.

“Never start an argument with a man that can take you out from another zip-code.”

______________

WONG YUKHEI (LUCAS) ~ MANIPULATOR

He is ready to get into anything just to find out sought-after information. A car, a brawl, a bed - you name it. You name it, he’s probably been in it to get valued information that will put his team ahead of everyone else so no one can touch them.

During work, he doesn’t let his emotion get in the way of anything, yet when he’s around his members he lets all emotion go and unwinds. He is always changing himself so he doesn’t get recognized.

“Keep yourself closed off for it won’t give me the opportunity to get what I wanted in the first place.”

___________

LEE MARK ~ HEAD OF JUNIOR FORCES

Mark...he’s the man that Taeyong goes to when he finds another kid that needs someplace to go. Mark usually goes on hits with the other members, yet when they’re at headquarters - you can find him training everyone younger than him. He is skilled in everything from explosives to money transfers in hacking. He’s paving the way for all the prospering youths to be prepared for when they become legal. Once they become legal, then Mark won’t have to teach them anything else and will expect them to prove their skills to all the other members.

Super caring and fun to be around with the members (to be) during training, yet when he’s out on a run - he’s as scary as Taeyong. He was a natural born leader so even though he’s younger than all the official members...he’s looked up to. He paved his own road that he’s traveling on so he can teach others to do the same for themselves.

“You better watch yourself, I did this all by myself.”

_______________

HUANG RENJUN ~ ASSASSIN

He was the second child in his ethnic Chinese family. His parents were poor and couldn’t afford him. They left him outside an orphanage and he grew up there with his anger boiling inside of him. He had terrible anger issues so once so many homes wouldn’t take him...he was transferred to Korea where as soon as he arrived at the new home, he ran away. Taeyong caught him stealing random scrap supplies from their warehouse and decided to bring him in.

He has a lot of anger so he makes sure to put everything into his actions as he trains and practices. He wanted vengeance at first but now he just wants a safe place where he knows people care for him.

“When you get angry, count to ten...when you reach eight, throw the punch that no one expected.”

_____________

LEE JENO ~ POISON / HALLUCINATION SPECIALIST

Even though he’s still younger than most members, the members come to him asking for anything to drug a victim, especially Jaehyun. He always had a knack for making people go crazy in their own minds. He was a troubled youth which made his parents roam and eventually disown him. He carries a chip on his shoulder even though he has a family now: Neo Culture

He used to use his own Hallucination tactics on himself to escape his painful reality of being unloved. After meeting Mark and all of the other boys though, his own happiness became his drug he just couldn’t get enough of.

“It’s not called dreaming when you induce it on yourself...it’s called a hallucination.”

___________

LEE HAECHAN ~ DECOY

He uses his slyness and trickery to throw off others while on hits. He is used by the higher-ups in missions. No one would expect an innocent looking boy to be deadly and involved in such hazardous tasks. Whether it’s using prosthetic to disguise himself in the line of enemies, or stealing identities to get into elite social and business gatherings for other syndicates, he does it all.

He always had an issue of figuring out who he was as a little kid. With this work though...he could be anything or anyone. Yet, once he takes off the fake body features and makeup, he becomes the classy and funny boy his friends have all grown to know.

“Why be ordinary when I have the chance to be anyone?”

_____________

NA JAEMIN ~ ARSONIST

Jaemin always loved the idea of fire. Anything that you created could be gone so quickly. He loved being in control of it though. He loved being able to manipulate it to the point where he figured out to burn a single space in a matter of 5 minutes. He works alongside Doyoung in the aspect of learning what it takes to makes bombs and do it safely. Yet, sometimes he doesn’t care and just lets it range free as he watches in awe of its power to destroy something it took so long to build.

His family kicked him out at 13 once they found his stash of explosives and fire equipment. Taeyong found his ability and hobby a good use and asset to the team. He acts super badass and hard when in actual reality, he’s super soft and a huge nerd when he is surrounded by his friends.

“The most powerful weapon on Earth is the human soul on fire.”

______

ZHONG CHENLE ~ ESCAPE ARTIST (IN TRAINING)

He was always put in sticky situations as a child. He came from the same situation as Renjun, yet he was never taken in by anyone. When he finally was, he escaped as quickly as he could from that ‘home’. He was tied down by the people who were supposed to look after him, yet he got out. He uses his abilities to be able to get out of any situation. Whether he is in the situation, or he’s telling another member what to do, he is relied on to get them out of there in a safe and timely manner.

He uses his abilities in his day to day life. Whether Kun wants him to help with washing some bloody towels or Jaehyun needs help to scrub blood off the floor, Chenle will quickly, effortlessly, and seamlessly slip out of the room unnoticed. Once he escapes, he runs to his friends to hang out and play games.

“It’s not that I want to escape my life in itself, I want to escape the harsh reality OF my life.”

____________

PARK JISUNG ~ ANTI - DOCTOR (IN TRAINING)

Basically goes against Kun. If an enemy is brought in and Kun already fixed them up, he would be the one to go back in and reverse everything that helped. He worked under Kun for a while and learned everything he needed to in order to save someone, and then reversed it. Kun didn’t approve but he would never let Jisung know that. If it’s still confusing, basically: an enemy comes in all beat up and injured (shot) - Kun fixes said victim - Jaehyun gets information out of said enemy - Jisung comes in and takes out the stitches that held all his wounds closed. Slowly and painfully. He knows how to keep the person alive while still bringing the most pain as possible.

His family kicked him out at age 11 for being ‘psychotic’. He learned how to fend for himself through the waves of wanting vengeance. Yet, with being the youngest, he has all his hyungs to lead him on a better path with the exception of his trained work.

“I’m not afraid of monsters thanks to the one that lives inside of me.”

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jazillia007 · 6 years ago

Text

Thoughts on 2x13 - Part 1

So first of all, I have to say I'm very glad I didn't watch the episode live with the emotions coming in left and right and all the drama happening in the fandom right after the episode.

I watched the episode knowing what's coming, so that was kinda cheating on my part but it definitely helped to focus on everything else happening in the episode.

Overall I can say it was a terribly written episode – it felt like a episode quickly written in case Good Girls didn't get a renewal (season 2 had obviously finished filming when it got its renewal, so they definitely didn't think about whether it would feel out of character or moving too fast.)

Because – and I don't care if I get hate for this – I could see Brio ending up in a situation like they ended up in this episode. But let's talk about the other things first.

Annie and Noah (because it's quick):

I never really cared about them. I don't care about Noah having a kid – trying to make it all okay he did lie to Annie and raped her by deception. So you guys talked it out and now it's okay? No, thanks. And do I think he will leave? Well only season 3 will tell. Also I was low-key grossed out by Annie sitting on the toilet doing her business while talking to Noah. They still know eachother for 5 minutes and I just think it's gross. (I know there are couples who do this kind of stuff but personally my toilet business is my toilet business. lol)

Boomer – Marion – Redemption – WTF?:

First of all: why did we need Boomer to be alive again? After watching episode 12 I was like „okay maybe there is a reason why the writers messed with us“ but now I just think it was really for the shocker and mostly cringeworthy scenes.

The dining room scene was terrible. Who wrote it? Jenna, was that you?

Boomer being like „I'm gonna change my face and nobody will recognize me“. Like what? This felt straight out of a Korean drama (if anyone is watching Korean drama, you all know what I mean). It was way too long, way too over the top and not funny. And then Boomer is coming at the 3 women with Jeff? How does he know about Jeff? Did I miss anything? Did I miss Mary Pat telling him about her husband? People in the fandom, help me out! Did I zoom out while this conversation happened?

But also: I don't get Beth's reasoning here. Ruby is right! Get rid off the rest of Jeff and call the cops on Boomer! Heck, why didn't they tell Boomer about how he should shut up about Jeff when he is dirty himself. All the business in Fine & Frugals aside he is also a rapist.

And then, you have Marion driving him to the cops?

Okay, I know a lot of people don't like it that they somewhat gave these two a half-ass written redemption arc. Like Marion is a racist granny and Boomer is... well he is Boomer. Basically he is trash, okay?

But putting aside my personal aversion to these two, I actually liked that Marion did what she did. In the end she knew Boomer was stealing from her and all that. And the way he ordered her around in the beginning of the episode, I was like „Marion, grow a backbone!“. So in that regard, I liked it.

BUT Boomer got away too easily. Neither Annie nor Mary Pat got their chance to tell him off. Will he go to prison? Or get away just like that? I believe unfortunately he will.

Like I said it's half-ass written and not satisfying at all. Just like the episode overall.

Beth's „reasoning“:

I know Beth is a woman with flaws. To a point I feel second-hand embarassement watching her making the same mistakes over and over again. She does and did many decisions which made me facepalm throughout each episode. But some decisions were reasonable or at least understandable for someone without any experience and a certain naivety. We can't expect Beth to be this professional criminal, just like Rio is.

As some pointed out she does make rash decisions when she feels cornered but in this episode I couldn't make sense out of her decisions at all.

How exactly would it help her to pay Boomer money for the crazy facial surgery and for everything else? I'm Ruby in this scene who can't make sense of Beth. Didn't she learn a thing?

If you don't take care of your rotten egg it will spread like a disease – if there is one lesson Beth should remember it's this one – and Boomer is certainly someone who would always come back no matter what, to blackmail and for more cash.

Same with her turning herself in. It showed she was always the caregiver in this group of 3 women and I understand she believes that turning herself in would stop Turner going after the Hills and Annie.

BUT again this falls flat because why would you turn yourself in for the murder of Leslie Petersen aka Boomer when he is alive and well? It would've made sense IF Beth, Ruby and Annie didn't know Boomer was still alive and they genuinely thought the body was his. But that's not the case.

I can't believe they didn't come up with something else. Any fan theory/idea was better than what the writers gave us in this episode.

It's such lazy writing.

Beth the „King“?:

This makes no sense to me at all, not just throughout the whole last bit of the episode but the show so far.

I know some in the fandom wouldn't mind Beth doing her own business without Rio. And all I can ask is: but HOW!?

It's not like I wouldn't agree but if anything that would be a plot I could see happening at the end of season 3 if well-written. In the end we want Beth and Rio to be equals and that can't be achieved – even with a 50/50 deal. Why? Because even with the 50/50 deal, Beth is still 100% not involved in anything going on behind the scenes. For example how Rio perfected his counterfeit money business or his „drug“ business.

I'm also pretty sure Rio didn't tell Beth his recipe how to make the fake cash as legit as possible. In the end he can't trust her enough with these details.

Yes, she can google stuff but I had to laugh quiet a lot at Beth being so proud for producing fake cash with Dean's printer. Okay...

(Also on a sidenote: is it healthy to bake money in chemicals in the same oven you would usually cook your meals in?)

And she is bringing in a random divorced mom who is a designer? Since when is she friends with someone else aside from Ruby and Annie?

I know everyone got to start somewhere but if the season finale proved one thing for sure: it's Beth not being ready for what is ahead of her. She is high on power but to me she came out as weak after shooting Rio. This isn't how I wanted to see Beth to get her own business – again makes no sense at all how she can do it and make as much cash as Rio. He worked for YEARS in this crime world – and certainly she is no King to me.

But I think she will realize that pretty quickly in season 3 that everything isn't that easy. And I can't wait for her to come in touch with other – far less pleasant than Rio – gangsters in town. Plus with her way of not dealing with problems it's likely not going to end well for her.

Dean – Redemption? - WTF 2.0:

The worst thing for me in this episode apart from the shooting scene was probably how they portrayed the relationship between Beth and Dean.

It's Boomer redemption all over again. Lazy writing 101.

But fair enough I didn't see it as Beth and Dean coming back together. I just think in this episode full of self-inflicted turmoil and stress she sought comfort in the person she had been with for 20 years. That's all.

Which doesn't excuse that Dean basically got away with the following things:

he is a cheater. Like he cheated multiple times on Beth.

and he used the lie about sex addiction as a reason why he cheated on her because she wouldn't let him touch while she suffered from post-partum depression.

Dean is also a lying liar because he lied about having CANCER in season 1 because he wanted to keep his property aka his wife.

he undermined Beth's abilities as a businesswoman – let's put aside the crime stuff, she is a LOT better at Dean's job which he HATES.

he also reduces Beth to being a housewife and mother and talks down to her – I've not forgotten his sandwich cookie cutter comment.

he is also unable to get another job because we know how he is, he is unable not to con his own customers and possible future employers can see that from a mile away – but Beth is like „well then it wasn't meant to be?“ like what? Are you serious?

And all seems forgotten now and we get to see Beth and Dean and how they probably were as a not really happy but at least functional couple.

It's almost as if the writers try to gloss over Dean's nonsense because if you look at what Beth did and does it's far worse than what Dean did.

And that's terrible! It's not okay. Because Beth had to do what she did because of Dean! Dean is the reason for all the crap going down in Beth's life. If anything she should blame Dean, not Rio and maybe not even herself...

I can't watch Good Girls as a tv show for female empowerment when Beth doesn't get to call Dean out on his bullshit. And he has the audicity to ask „what went wrong with us?“??

You went wrong, Mister! And Beth didn't get to say it because her look says it all but she just wants to avoid any further conflict.

And that's not okay. It's like the writers gave Beth a muzzle in these scenes and wouldn't let her say what she obviously thinks.

And I’m not even sad about Beth and Dean getting along as parents. Like that's a good decision. Because in the end they have 4 kids and they should be functional as parents.

I'm simply baffled how poorly written Beth's and Dean's conflict is or the lack of addressing it. And that the writers apparently want to have these two in the same house for another season.

I simply have no words anymore.

#nbc good girls #thought on season finale #long post #I'm so sorry #second part is posted right away #I hope it's not too messy #I just wrote about anything and everything

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mutantsrisingrpg · 5 years ago

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Congratulations ADDISON! You’ve been accepted as EPIMETHEUS with a FC change to JOEL KINNAMAN.

When writing Tierney’s skeleton, I tried to hint at how his emotions are something that can rule him - and you picked up on that right away. In fact, you picked up on it, wrapped it, and delivered it to us with a backstory that tore at my heart as the bow. ‘Had he always been a mutant?’ God, the way his power was discovered hit me in the face and I loved it. The theme of taking care of his family is one that I’m excited to see translate to the Blackburn Syndicate. I can’t wait to see Tierney flex his big dumbass energy on the dash!

Welcome to Mutants Rising! Please read the checklist and submit your account within 24 hours.

Out of Character Information:

NAME/ALIAS: addison/hellsign

PRONOUNS: she/her/hers.

AGE: 20

TIMEZONE & ACTIVITY LEVEL: EST, uhhhh activity level….6

In Character Information:

DESIRED ROLE: Tierney Sinclair, FC: Joel Kinnaman

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Cismale, he/him/his

DETAILS & ANALYSIS:

To sum him up, BDG - big dumbass energy. But anyway:

Tierney (Irish): lord’ or ‘master

With names like these, at age 40, why the hell was he just a hitman, a tool for other people to use? Like every man when close to power, he should want that power, right? With Tierney, I think that was the last thing he wanted. Let me explain.

The only time he ever came close to being a “lord” or a “master” was taking care of his brothers growing up. Not that he would ever demanded them to call him that, it wasn’t some kind of title he would’ve liked to keep since it never felt like he ruled over them. Power equated to responsibility and he was a boy forced to become a man. He does not trust himself with power, he doesn’t know what he’ll do with it. Being a hitman is simple. He can clearly see the line between success and failure and he knows what it takes to achieve both. That’s where he gets his comfort. Some people may perceive this as laziness. But Tierney had been alive for 40 long years now. It was about time things became easy.

Epimetheus (Greek): afterthinker, hindsight, foolish Sinclair (Scottish): pure, renowned, illustrious

“red eyes” “always with malice” “burn of whiskey” “rusty pipe…whole world a show”

Why was he so EMOTIONAL??? Perhaps, he was a fool because he was ruled by anger. I thought I had more thoughts than just this, but yeah, he’s just an emotional man showing signs of intermittent explosive disorder.

BIO:

TW: murder/death

Dallon Sinclair was a good cop turned dirty. It was the sort of thing that happens when you knock up your mutant informant. Katelyn Monroe never wanted this baby, but she wasn’t about to die getting rid of it either. At one point, what they had between them was love. This was that one point.

Regardless of the gun pointing to his head, Dallon sworn to protect Katelyn and his unborn child. But his tenure in the depths of the underworld didn’t last very long. After a close shoot-out, Dallon came home and begged Katelyn, please, let me marry you, let us get out of here. Her boss didn’t like that very much.

When Tierney first opened his eyes, the world was a bright flashlight. He was born in the back of a car, seats pushed down with sheets thrown on haphazardly. A night in July, new moon in the sky enveloping the world in darkness. Nothing spectacular about it. Later on, his mother would tell him the story of a car chase, screeching wheels, leaving flames in their wake. He would never remember it.

Here was what he knew: his father was a paranoid old fuck; his mother was a fleeting apparition; his brothers were the only ones worth anything. He would die for them. Really un-fucking-fortunate that he wound up killing for them instead.

Katelyn Monroe came back into their lives like a raging hurricane.

Look, Tierney was only a Sinclair through blood, never by meaning. All that fucking purity shit that was supposed to come with it, circumstance never allowed it. They lived on the outskirts of Chicago’s underbelly and he dove right in to provide for his brothers whenever his father would swan dive back into his own darkness. Fucking faster than going to college somewhere and getting a good job. Tierney fought for money. He scammed for money. He robbed for money. He had a damn line. But somehow, holding Keaton and Charlie in his arms, he couldn’t remember why he had it in the first place. She wasn’t going to take from them anymore.

Katelyn Monroe lied motionless, blood soaking the wood under her. Dallon Sinclair hung like an ornament, his head secured in the wall. The floating glass didn’t fall until Tierney collapsed to his knees.

That was the first time Tierney was aware of his powers. The second was later that night, floating his parents’ bodies into the graves hastily dug under the new moon. Now that he was a mutant (shit, had he always been a mutant?), more doors opened and more questions were asked. There were several syndicates for mutants in Chicago, but Blackburn caught his eye. Protection. And fuck, Tierney knew enough to know that he’d be way over his head to think he could do this on his own now (shit, had he always been a mutant?). Using his connections from the neighborhood fighting ring, he got some names and a way in. And the rest was history.

EXPANDED CONNECTIONS:

Okay, for CIARA SAWYER, I first noticed how young they were which gave me some pseudo-sibling vibes. They’re around his brothers’ age so I totally see Tierney taking them under his wing when they were younger. To Ciara, Tierney is why they still have a job within and outside of the syndicate. The two already work well together, but I think Tierney would’ve sought Ciara out even if they didn’t and make sure they learn how, projecting onto Ciara to cope with his failed relationships with his brothers. Ciara’s power is invisibility, but I also think personality-wise, they prefer to be unknown, or at least, try to be unknownable (“[Tierney doesn’t] ask too many prying questions” —so they prefer him). For whatever reason, they trust Tierney to see them and that means more to Tierney than he’ll ever say.

As for GERRARD BERMUDEZ!!!!!

“They have moral differences that clearly set them apart, but the similarities that they share are what makes Tierney hate them the most… What bothers them is how they notice the barely contained anger sitting behind their eyes because they’ve seen it too many times in their own mirror.”

DIFFERENCES:

Gerrard Bermudez: Jem Family, goals of a Mutant Supremacy.

They don’t kill/torture though.

Scare-tactic, bruiser

Doubles as a bodyguard when unassigned to a mission.

Hyperion - “God of Watchfulness, Wisdom and the Light”

1. One of the titan children that overthrew their father 2. Profitor on Cornerstone Convenience 3. No rules

Tierney Sinclair: Blackburn Syndicate, with a focus on being a safe haven, not necessarily political

Hitman - kills (+ malice = murder)

Epimetheus - “afterthinker, hindsight, foolish”

1. No positive trait for humans

I think it’s kind of ironic that despite being in different groups with very different goals, they are more closely aligned with each other’s organization.

The Blackburn Syndicate, for the past 17 (excuse me, SEVENTEEN) years, has been trying to shed its reputation as a crime-ridden mob. Here’s the thing though. Tierney is a hitman, he kills people but oh it’s okay because he’s one of the good guys. His anger feeds into a motive of justice. Gerrard is all bark and no bite, hiding under the Jem Family because of fear. Their anger is selfish and unproductive. Chaotic for the sake of chaos. That’s what Tierney believes anyway. To him, Gerrard is a victim that wants to be a school bully. Seeking revenge instead of avenging. In his post, his history with Gerrard “has long been forgotten.“ With Gerrard, their history is constantly brought up with snide remarks and an upturned nose. Tierney lies to himself because how can their history be forgotten when he can always feel it looming over him every time he’s in the same room with Gerrard? I think whatever happened between them solidified their morals and had them join different organizations with different goals. And it eats at Tierney to be so close to Gerrard—thanks to the treaty—but yet, they’re still lost to him. (This may change since I’m coming at this with the headcanon that the two were friends… not to god-mod Gerrard or anything). So really this hatred stems from heartbreak. (Tierney is a Cancer, of course).

AND LIKE… NOT TO GOD-MOD GERRARD OR ANYTHING, but if I were to hate Tierney, it’d be because of his hypocrisy and self-delusion. It’s like… what you do is bad but when I do it, it’s okay because I’m better than you. Which, bullshit. So I’m really interested to explore that.

EXTRA:

Honestly, the idea of Tierney having brothers stems from me thinking all white men look the same. I see one picture of Joel Kinnaman and I’m like is this Luke Mitchell?? Anyway, CHARLIE - Luke Mitchell, KEATON - Ross Lynch.

Okay, let me just get my family headcanons out of the way first.

Tierney’s oldest memory was of his little brother. He was six years old, eyes wide with wonder, with his hands reaching out for the warmth of his brother. They weren’t in a car this time. The Sinclairs finally had a house with a dining table, though the sheets might have been the same. Tierney wasn’t the first one to hold Charlie in his arms, but he was the first Sinclair to do so.

Tierney had his father, but Charlie had Tierney. And with those six years between them, Tierney always felt like Charlie was his.

Charlie, when he was younger, couldn’t pronounce Tierney so he called him Ernie.

Tierney used to walk Charlie home from school. Waited outside and everything because he got out earlier.

Being six years apart, they were never in school together so he had to teach Charlie how to fight so people wouldn’t mess with him.

Charlie never did like fighting though. And Tierney wasn’t above picking on kids so they’d leave his brother alone.

That was how he got a rep as a bully.

But if he liked you, he’d protect you too.

He got higher grades on the homework he did with Charlie because Charlie would ask him to explain everything and make him think through shit.

But usually he would do them during homeroom on the days they were due.

Tierney THINKS his powers activated on that fateful day, but really he’s had them this whole time and never fucking noticed.

It’s not that he’s good at finding things. He just subconsciously moves them closer.

He was able to hold Charlie because of his telekinesis. Charlie didn’t float because Tierney wanted to hold him in his arms.

At Fight Club, he expected to win with his punches and kicks, so he did.

Tierney had his fists locked by his side, but his mom flew out the door because he wanted it more.

He couldn’t join the Jem family because his father wasn’t a mutant and he had loved Katelyn, who was, and protected his family, who were. He couldn’t join the Jem family because his mother was a mutant and she hurt them more than anybody else.

Remember how I said that his connection with Ciara was to make up for his failed relationships with his brothers?

Charlie had a fiancé who was actually working for a small org that wanted to test mutation implementation (and Charlie were to be one of their victims). Tierney found out and mentally manipulated him to feel sick and disgust whenever he was with Charlie so they’d break up. Charlie found out that Tierney did that (but not the reason why).

Keaton never felt close to Tierney (mostly because of the age gap) and growing up, Tierney was mostly away working for the syndicate (not that Keaton knew that). Also, Charlie told him what happened and honestly fuck Tierney.

Tierney’s favorite color is yellow.

He never falls first, but he falls the hardest.

I mostly listened to THIS while writing this app. To me, it represents Tierney’s softness but also his desire to keep everybody at far more than arms’ length.

ANYTHING ELSE:

ok i was never into mob/mafia rpgs but i’m so FASCINATED by the premise of mutantsrising anyway anyway i’m super pumped for it. i would apologize for sending in like 2k of analysis but i know yall live for this soooo YOURE WELCOME i hope i did well and this MAKES SENSE I’VE NEVER CONNECTED SO HARD WITH AN OLD MAN

#accepted #accepted: epimetheus

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