#with very little explanation and again none directly from her

[blujayonthewing]

[hoarse from four hours of gnome voice] FINALLY REUNITED WITH MEL'S PARENTS...!!

[idkjustlemmedrownlikerab]

Midnights (Marauder's Version)

Welcome back to the new series by @marsmarauders and I. Obviously we got carried away again but here you have every single song from Midnights related to the Marauders characters :D

So we present to you... Midnights (Marauder's Version)

Lavender Haze

“The 1950s shit they want from me, I just wanna stay in that Lavender haze"

Like this song is very obviously Jily falling hopelessly in love with each other I don’t think it needs to be further elaborated

Maroon

“When the silence came, we were shaking, blind and hazy, How the hell did we lose sight of us again?"

Wolfstar, but specifically like… November 1981. The vinyl reference, "the lips I used to call home," "laughing with my feet in your lap," and "the rust that grew between telephones" signifying how they weren’t communicating well and hiding things from each other "I see you everyday now" cause Remus sees the sky and what just so happens to be in the sky? Stars. Sirius also sees the sky from his prison cell and what does he see? Oh that’s right the moon!

Anti-Hero

“When my depression works the graveyard shift, All of the people I've ghosted stand there in the room”

We had two theories for this one first being Regulus bcoz of the self deprecating vibe and “I'll stare directly at the sun (James) but never in the mirror”

But we could also see it as Mary post-war? It's hard to describe why, but everyone sees her as the Anti-Hero cause she saved herself even tho she had full right to do that

Snow on the Beach

For this one I was utterly confused and absolutely useless and Marls came up with this interpretation herself

"Can this be a real thing? Can it? Are we falling like snow at the beach?"

This song is Sirius's perspective specifically during the wolfstar forgiveness phase after the prank. "You wanting me tonight feels impossible".

You're On Your Own, Kid

"You're on your own, kid, You always have been"

Both of us agree that this song screams all the Black children because none of them chose this town (family) and dreamt of getting out, I mean the whole song recounts a young person who longs for love but eventually understands that they are on their own and always have been afterall whatever you do you can never escape the black family curse can you?

Midnight Rain

“He was sunshine, I was midnight rain”

I mean do I even need to say anything? Its jegulus bcoz they r the literal definition of opposites attract even tho they loved each other they were born on two different sides of a war which inevitably became the reason of their end.

Question…?

"Can I ask you a question? Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room"

Dorlene. That’s it, like we have no explanation, just vibes.

Vigilante Shit

"I don't start it but I can tell you how it ends, Don't get sad, get even"

Both of us agree it could be both Regulus or Dorcas because canonically Regulus knew about the horcruxes, and died while deceiving the dark lord and on the way to kill him (also bonus bcoz the final blow which made him take this decision was bcoz Voldemort exploited Kreature so Reg decided to get even) Dorcas on the other hand canonically had to be killed by Voldemort himself because she was posing as too big a threat to his empire

Bejeweled

"Baby love, I think I've been a little too kind, Didn't notice you walking all over my peace of mind"

Lily about Severus and how even tho she  mourns and misses her friendship with him, it will never be worth more than her self respect and how she won’t let him walk all over her, a diamond’s gotta shine afterall ;)

Labyrinth

"Uh oh, I'm falling in love, Oh no, I'm falling in love again, Oh, I'm falling in love"

To me this song is sooo obviously jegulus coz of the chorus alone, its James realizing that he’s falling in love again, this time with Regulus after pining after Lily for years. Just how when he thought he was “unlovable” and it was all doomed this sickly, victorian looking, snarky slytherin boy swoops in and steals his heart right out of his chest

Marls has her own hc for Emmary tho where basically Mary was in love with Lily but it was unrequited and then she had a situationship with Emmaline but ended up catching feelings which is so perfect for this song

Karma

"And I keep my side of the street clean, You wouldn't know what I mean"

Again I had no opinion on this song coz it felt like too happy and too upbeat a song for any of these miserable sods (I still love them ) but Marls swooped in with a brilliant interpretation which was that its from Dorcas’ pov to the slytherin trio basically throwing shade at them for choosing to stay and join the death eaters instead of leaving and fighting for the “right” side like her

Sweet Nothing

"They said the end is comin', everyone's up to somethin' I find myself runnin' home to your sweet nothings"

Now for this song we had differing views with me being a jegulus girlie while Marls being a jily girlie (we still love both the ships tho, we just have a preference)

To me the song is jegulus coz I see it as them expecting the inevitable end of their relationship and doom due to the impending war and their family’s differing views and them just trying to tune everything out to spend their limited time together and in love.

On the other hand Marls interpreted is as to when the Potters were in hiding with only each other and Harry for company. How they could see that the war was on full ride and they were at the centre of it while still trying to create some sweet and happy memories with their son

Mastermind

"I laid the groundwork, and then, Just like clockwork, The dominos cascaded in a line, What if I told you I'm a mastermind?"

(Try and tell me the whole bridge doesn’t scream Regulus Arcturus Black.) To me the song is about Regulus because the man literally was a mastermind, while being a death eater he planned to betray Voldemort by destroying a horcrux and he was actually successful in retrieving it tho maybe I’m a little biased due to his characterization in the fic only the brave (Marls also thinks the song could be about James bcoz of the bridge "To make them love me and make it seem effortless")

The Great War       

"I vowed I would always be yours, 'Cause we survived the Great War"

Marls didn’t really have an opinion on this one but for me it was very clearly wolfstar. First reason obviously being the fact that they are pretty much the only couple who actually survived the war (the first one that is, we all remember how the second one went). "Somewhere in the haze, got a sense I'd been betrayed" being how they both thought the other was the spy and the prank

Bigger Than The Whole Sky

"Every single thing I touch becomes sick with sadness, 'Cause it's all over now, all out to sea"

Now this could go two ways one being the black brothers,

"Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, You were bigger than the whole sky"

Basically how Sirius feels when Regulus gets the dark mark. Because his brother is too far gone

Bonus since Regulus dies literally all out at sea

The other being marylily bcoz of

"What could've been, would've been, What should've been you"

"And I've got a lot to pine about, I've got a lot to live without"

Obviously from Mary’s pov since Lily is dead

Paris

Now Marls had no idea about and I suggested rosekiller just coz of vibes and coz

"I wanna brainwash you, Into loving me forever"

This seems like something Barty would definitely say

High Infidelity

"You know there's many different ways that you can kill the one you love, The slowest way is never loving them enough"

To me this song is bartylus coded (don’t worry they then get together with Evan and James and have a happy relationship) especially coz of this one specific rosekiller microfic I’d seen if I find it I’ll reblog it with this post

Glitch

"In search of glorious happenings of happenstance on someone else's playground, But it's been two thousand one hundred and 90 days of our love blackout"

We agreed this song gives off wolfstar vibes tho we are open to suggestions

Also 2190 days is six years which is around the same amount of time wolfstar dated if we hc that they got together around their 5th year :D

Would've, Could've, Should've

"If clarity's in death, then why won't this die?, Years of tearing down our banners, you and I, Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts, Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first"

Now this track could be taken in many contexts I like the interpretation of it being from the Black children’s perspective to their parents

And another one being from Remus to Greyback

"And if I was a child, did it matter, If you got to wash your hands?"

Marls also suggested it being from Narcissa’s pov to Lucius or Bellatrix, regretting not going with Andromeda which also fits wonderfully

(Since it in itself is talking about the person suffering due to a relationship when they were young and it even now haunts them I feel like this song could be interpreted many many ways bcoz all of the marauders era characters dealt with a lot of trauma at a young age)

Well obviously since most of them didn’t even reach their twenties

Dear Reader

"Dear Reader, if it feels like a trap, You're already in one"

 Peter Pettigrew. Need I see anything more?

Hits Different

"In the good in the world, you once believed in me, And I felt you and I held you for a while"

Lily without Snape in her life especially when she starts falling for James

You're Losing Me

"How can you say that you love someone you can't tell is dyin'?, I sent you signals and bit my nails down to the quick, My face was gray, but you wouldn't admit that we were sick"

For this one there wasn’t even a discussion needed it is wolfstar during the first war and we won’t hear otherwise. How even tho Sirius and Remus loved each other, the pressure of the war itself was too much on them especially coz they were so young and also coz of how Peter was manipulating them against the other ("Was it because I'm a werewolf?" "Was it because I'm a Black?" I’m sorry). They could see their relationship was straining, they kept waiting for the other to take a risk, a step to fix it and how even through their suspicions, they loved each other regardless

AAAAND THAT'S A WRAP!! THANK YOU FOR READING THIS!!

Make sure to come back to see Evermore, coming soon! (To a theater near you.)

[cheesus-doodles]

Hi cheese it me, ya boi. Time leaper anon. You know those mountain bike videos on Yputube? I was watching it and thinking, what if toman and the others finds out that their darling is part of a mountain bike group that likes to explore nature (aka a 'gang' in their eyes) when they saw a picture of her wearing the groups colors andnposing with them in their bikes?

been a while, have this little blurp

Masterlist

I'm sure that you disappearing every weekend morning already has the Toman boys very suspicious and jumpy, especially when you insist on them not following along. Even if you tell them that it's nothing to get jumpy about, that you were just attending activities of a club that you joined, the Toman boys definitely aren't keen to let go of the issue so easily - after all, if they let you get away this once, what would stop you from thinking that you could do it again and again? Walk all over them and their good intentions of keeping you safe and away from anyone who might want to do you harm (according to them at least)?

Worse still, you seemed very reluctant to tell your friends what exactly the club was or what you were getting up to, which only raised their suspicions even more. What was it you were doing that you think was necessary to keep it hidden from them of all people? The people you trusted the most (allegedly) in the world?

And then their world falls apart when Mikey comes across a picture of you with what looked like another gang while he is rummaging through your cupboards again. All dressed in black with silver shoulder spikes and posing with bikes (albeit mountain bicycles and not motorbikes, but that mattered little to the Toman President); immediately shares it with everyone else, and now their focus zooms in on your weekend morning disappearances. No doubt that he and Kazutora want to confront you directly about the picture and you betraying them for some nobodies, but Draken at least managed to persuade them (by stalking you of course) to find out what was going on before jumping the gun.

Yet you already seemed to know about their planned shenanigans, as they found you waiting for them outside the corner shop, leaned against what looked like a bike instead of continuing to wherever you were originally headed. This surprised a very sleep-deprived and red-eyed Kazutora and his much calmer companion, Mitsuya. Even though it was only the two of them that strolled up the street, making little effort to hide the fact that they were following you, you were certain that there were at least another two not too far away. The two being Mikey and Baji, with Draken's and Pah's presence more of a toss up to you.

No doubt that seeing you with their own two eyes in what looked like a gang uniform was enough to have the last two baby boys spring out of where they were hiding. Instant accusations of you being a traitor, mixed in with demands for explanations right now get thrown around, with even Mitsuya couldn't help but raise a disapproving eyebrow at your outfit - thick, black matte leather decorated with patches and a logo of sorts that none of them recognise, but they have no doubt is a rival gang. Doesn't get better when you patiently explain that you were just part of a mountain biking club, and that you were going biking with club members in the mornings (you make it a point not to mention other friends in front of them).

Baby boys that feel enraged that you would even dare consider joining someone else - if you liked nature, of course they could learn mountain biking to go with you. Draken, who appeared from nowhere, was more concerned about your safety, citing the risk of falling and breaking bones or even dying, with Mitsuya seconding him. You simply had to quit this instance.

But then you turn and walk into the corner store that you frequent, and the boys are surprised to find that you get an additional discount because of the jacket. Starts to sway the opinion of some of them when you tell them that your club has privileges at most of their favourite eateries and stores due to a partnership, but safety remains a primary concern, and Kazutora and Mikey remain stubbornly against the whole thing, insisting that you leave. That they didn't like anyone, and no, they do not want to meet or befriend your club members. Nothing you tried, from handmade sweets to promises of cuddles, seemed to work to persuade the last two stubborn Toman founders, and no doubt that the Toman gang would be more than happy to have an easy fight with non-delinquents.

Quitting would mean no more thrills and no more nature exploration, and also no more private time away from your very clingy friends, giving in to the Toman founders who would be sure to keep an even stricter eye on you. But not quitting would only get you forcibly grounded - these delinquents have no qualms in trashing your bike themselves, tying you up and keeping you at home. Plus your club members mysteriously disappearing from school and reappearing in hospital or not at all (having been threatened into moving away or staying away from you for good). Either way, Draken would be sure to swap out your thick tyres for something more normal to make sure you can't sneak out to go mountain biking yourself. Doesn't matter the slightest that you would be angry or upset at them, they just needed you present in their lives. The boys are sure that you'll come around to their view point soon, or they'll be able to convince you that they are right.

So pick your poison I suppose. Your 'safety' was the utmost importance to them. If you liked nature so much, the Toman boys would be more than happy to go on rides with you up the winding roads of the mountains on their bikes, or even go cycling or hiking with you on proper roads and trails, not trying to jump some dirt tracks and rocks. But only with them. No one else.

[kaledya]

Hello !

Oh damn, thank you for the explanation. Of course you explain it properly and in such details ! And it make sense Lucifer's pride is taking a big place because he is the embodiment of Pride, in a way. Even with his daughter its something hard to put away. I have a good foundation for the fundamental of their fight now great !

_

Extra answers :

Oh yes ! I figured that Alastor won't be like this with Constantine at all ! Except if he want to be burn alive. Especially that Constantine could actually just use his royal authority on him and Alastor would be kneeling very fast !

I like the Last Of Us 2 ref. I just like that we are talking in ref ahah. I understand that it would be a long road of forgiveness between them.

Ps : in a way, In that pride "manner of doing things" i think Lucifer look like Constantine in that. The proud royals who wouldn't take shit from anyone because they are THEM and the others are nothing. Even if it would actually benefit them to be more kind. But its Hell so, no ahah.

But thanks to showing me your vision of how things happen in your SS AU like that I can create something between your mind and mine.

_

Yes ! Don't want to spoil but its a huge thing. Constantine and Lolicia. (If my OC wouldn't be here i think i like RoyalFlush a lot, I mean who doesn't like a good Johnlock kind of romance) but let's say I like some sensuality too. (Probably this is why I'm the only one who likes Sherlock and Irene)

I mean do you imagine Constantine and Lolicia first meeting like Sherlock and Irene ? Lolicia (naked) Constantine (confused in a priest costume)

"- Our third guest is in the living room on the left, explains Charlie to her brother, you will not miss it, it has a ocean theme.   - Right... murmur Constantine.

*Constantine walks to the blue living room, watch around and see nobody.*

  - Charlie ? I don't see anyone !

*He sighed and sit on the sofa wondering why he actually left his Palace. That was a mistake. And then he heard footsteps approches.*

- Hello, say a velvety voice, apologies for being late. I was away for a long time, forgive me, what is your royal name ?

- I'd figured everybody would know my name but exceptions are part of the statistics. You can call me, like everybody else, C-...

*Constantine turns his head and see Lolicia stopping at the doorway. His voice fails him when he realizes that none of the hair or the tail or the light he quickly sees were covering the naked body. His jaw drops a little.*

- Oh, it's always hard to remember simple thing when you've had a shock.

*They enters the room stands directly in front of him, then Lolicia reaches out and removes the white priest collar from his shirt.*

- There you go now, they giggle softly, we are both defrocked... Crown Prince Constantine.

*Constantine look up to their eyes, in a normal state of mind again.*

- The Anglerfox, I presume. - Look at those cheekbones. I could cut myself slapping that face. Would you like me to try?

Lolicia smile and put the priest collar between her teeth. Constantine think WTF?!"

I mean yes, It would be funny because Lolicia would be a mess. She has a different way to see emotions too. And Constantine is.. . Well Constantine. Ahah. It was fun.

_

Yes, I agree, getting rid of Val, is a big thing.

Thank you for the storyboard info !

I'm so excited to write all this !

I like Husk and Lolicia too. It was cute the dance and natural to write.

Thank for liking the new outfit! Ah yes Baldur's Gate 3, what a beautiful game, *wipes my tear with Astarion* oh ! Is the moment when Gale says he is horny when we fight with so much energy ??

Yes! And I'm so glad I could help!

-

And again, I'm very happy to hear that you liked the concepts I mentioned. And I completely agree with your ideas

I can't wait to see the story in your mind!

-

OMG! I really can't wait to see it. I really like your writing and I'm very curious how you will handle such a romance!I'm sure you will write wonderfully.

And I'm glad you liked dynamic between Serenity and Constantine too!

And since I've never written anything romance-related for Constantine before, I seriously can't wait to see his dynamic with Lolicia! Sounds like they could have a seriously interesting relationship!

And if you ask my opinion, Irene and Sherlock are a very interesting duo too. After all, Irene Adler was the only woman who takes a place in Sherlock's mind, both in the books and in the TV series and movies.

The Women The only woman who can find a place in Sherlock's full and complex mind. The Women who can beat him time to times with her games

And I loved their interactions in the series, especially in the scene where Irene is in her last moments, she sends a message to Sherlock for the last time, but it was perfect that Sherlock comes and saves her at that moment.

And I really love Irene's attitude as a smart planner and a woman who stands on her own feet, and it is always a pleasure to watch/read the cat and mouse games she plays with Sherlock.

And LMAO yes I can imagine it and I really enjoyed reading the little script you wrote I should draw it sometime.

And Constantine was like:

He gives Lolicia a small glance, "I think my sister was very successful in getting the residents used to the hotel."

"You look very comfortable."

-

And I am very glad that you liked the storyboard. I am happy that I could help you and I wish you good writing in advance.

-And yes, BaldursGate3 is a seriously great game, I proudly spent 200 hours on it. And LMAO!

I think this is you, but the one in your hand is not the hamster, but the bat-shaped Astorion.

No, but that scene was very funny too!

As far as I remember, I think the name Harlep ı dont remember. When we kill him in House of Hope we get that armor. And after wearing that and talk to Gale he will make a comment about our New ✨ armor✨

-----

And now I read all the chapters you posted and they were all great.It was very sweet how Charlie got angry when the hotel guests came up with the topic of helping the hotel financially and O Love how Vaggie talk to her and relaxing her you write them so sweet ❤️❤️. in general I really love how you wrote the team's interactions.

And my god, seriously, Lolicia's duet with Alastor was great, the song and the dialogues of the characters. Your descriptions were perfect.I wish your songs were performed, I would really like to listen to them!

And I really love that the sentences or slang in Alastor's way of speaking belong to the 1920s.Very good for the character And very interesting to see the dynamics of Lolicia and Alastor.And I wonder how the offer of Alliance

will turn out Lolicia's death/dream scene was beautiful, I loved the descriptions and I'm so glad we got some ideas about Lolicia's human appearance! And I can't wait to see how the sentences you use in the descriptions will be detailed in the future.But I need to be patient to read Lolicia's past... 😔

And the popcorn ep where you explained the meaning of the song you wrote was also great. I think you are a really smart writer, all the details you put were great.It's incredible how carefully you calculate and think all these detail you are really good writer 🛐🛐

It was a lot of fun to read that the call that Charlie did to join in the competition. The competition worker's reaction when he found out that Charlie was a princess was also really funny. And I loved the dialogues there, Charlie trying to convince the team members!

Finally, I loved the way you introduced Constantine. The magic scene in the workshop was really beautiful 🤌🤌like perfect in every way it was so Cool too!🛐

and the sources you were inspired by while writing the scene were great. I didn't expect to see Elden ring from there That game has some seriously great art and magic design.And seriously, Constantine's reaction to the photo Charlie took in the previous episode. It was a nice detail!

Thanks again for loving him!

I am looking forward to the chapters you will write in the future!❤️❤️

[atmilliways]

Wrong On The Money (32)

part 32 of ?? | 1207 words | Teen+

Blackmail fic on Ao3 | on tumblr

Summary:

Steve bursts through the door like some sort of floppy haired, athletic puppy. “Hey Eds, look who I found!”  He’s dragging someone behind him by the wrist, and a very nonplussed Jeff waves hello.

(cw references to Billy's racism)

32.

Eddie has finally moved up from bed rest to shuffling around the house sometimes as long as he takes frequent breaks. Which he’s happy to do, because his PT exercises always kick his ass right into nap time. The new couch in the new living room is actually comfortable, and it's a relief to escape from his now over-familiar bedroom.

Steve bursts through the door like some sort of floppy haired, athletic puppy. “Hey Eds, look who I found!” 

He’s dragging someone behind him by the wrist, and a very nonplussed Jeff waves hello. Mouth dropping open, Eddie raises one hand for a weak wave back. 

“I have to go back to the store,” Steve says, all but bouncing on the balls of his feet as he circles back to the door. “I kinda forgot about groceries for a minute there, so, still need to get those. But you two should catch up!”

“Uh, okay?” Eddie says, and Steve flashes him a grin and two thumbs up before disappearing again. 

“What,” Jeff starts, sounding shaken, “just happened?”

Eddie shrugs. “Steve Harrington.”

“He knows where you live? He calls you Eds?”

“If it helps, the nickname is new. And, uh . . . he kind of lives here too. Loooong story.”

Jeff shoots him an incredulous look. Then he asks where the PBR is, shaking his head when Eddie admits that he can’t drink on his meds so there's none in the house. (“I can have one beer,” Eddie has whined many times, but always gets a blunt no from Wayne or Steve in response. He’s given up on sulking about it.)

First, they sit on the couch with a can of Coke each and catch up. 

Jeff’s family did leave Hawkins, but only until it was declared safe again. They’re staying with his aunt on the outskirts of town—and Eddie doesn’t know her number, which is why his calls never went through. Jeff’s actual house is still undergoing repairs before they can move back in. He’s taking a year off before college to take some of the financial pressure off his parents.

Gareth and his mom are camped out in a hotel, taking advantage of the government’s emergency subsidies for families whose houses were totally leveled. They’ll probably stay in town and buy new. 

“Frank’s folks had to move, though,” Jeff admits. “He’s on the other side of Roane County now. The high school over there doesn’t even have a D&D club.” A pause. “Oh, and I wrote to Margaret, she’s coming to visit next month to, and I quote, ‘take in the ineffable shitshow that is Hawkins, Indiana.’ I think New York is getting to her, man.”

And shit, it’ll be good to see Margaret again, same way it’s good to see Jeff and it’ll be good to see Gareth. Frank too, whenever he can swing by. Because the thing about being suddenly folded into a new friend group of monster hunters is . . . Eddie still misses his old gang. One is silver and the other’s gold, and all that bullshit. 

Eddie, for his part, gives a perfunctory explanation of the house (“Government restitution for our old place and my criminal record going through the meat grinder”) and Steve’s presence (“We talked it out, the past few months he’s just been . . . paying rent in advance”). 

Silence creeps in. Eddie sips at his Coke, slurping it in little mouthfuls as if that might continue to delay the inevitable. 

It doesn’t.

“So . . . what the hell happened, man?” 

Eddie tries not to look directly at his friend. “You mean to Hawkins?” He’d signed a shit-ton of NDAs while high off his ass on painkillers, but that still feels like the easier question to answer. 

“Dude, everyone knows about the earthquake,” Jeff scoffs. “I mean with Harrington. If you talked it out with him, why is he playing the Alfred to your Bruce Wayne?”

Thinking back to the demobats, Eddie snorts. If only Jeff knew. 

He doesn’t tell him, though. Not because of the legalities—fuck that shit, this whole mess was the government’s fault to begin with, he’s pretty sure. It’s just that, Eddie wishes he didn’t have to know. He’s not going to inflict that on a friend. 

But he does explain about Steve, more or less. 

“Okay,” Jeff says finally. “So you’re telling me that gas leak a few years ago killed Barbara Holland actually in his backyard, and the government covered it up but he still felt guilty for some reason, so he started making up for it by being less of a douchebag.” Pausing for a moment, Jeff frowns as he goes over it in his head the same way he would a campaign, ticking unspoken points off on his fingers. “The timeline works, I guess. . . . I don’t remember him causing much trouble for anyone after that fall. Hagan got worse, and Hargrove was a fucking nightmare, but the worst Harrington did was not be quite popular enough anymore to keep them in check.” Jeff looks up at Eddie. “And then . . . he started babysitting nerds? Our freshman nerds.”

They’d literally seen Steve pick the kids up from Hellfire games all school year—from a distance at first, and then close up once the blackmail had been set in motion. But Eddie gets it, because he hadn’t understood it at first either. 

“Dustin’s got him wrapped around his little finger,” he confirms. “All the little shits do. Remember when he came to school with his face all rearranged by Hargrove? Asshole was gunning for Lucas.”

That makes Jeff’s eyebrows twitch together and his mouth set in a grim line that Eddie doesn’t often see. Eddie can practically see his opinion on Steve going up based on Jeff’s own run-ins with Hargrove. “Christ.”

“Yeah.” Eddie plays with his now empty Coke can, pushing the aluminum sides in and then popping them back out again. “And then I fucking blackmailed him.”

“Not very successfully, though,” Jeff points out, scratching at the side of his jaw. “Not if his real motivation for giving you money was wanting to help out and work off some of his guilt about Barbara. Actually, he’s the one who led you on, and nobody was being intimidated by anybody. Which—I’m not going to say I told you so, but I definitely called it.”

Sputtering, Eddie tugs the tab off his can and flicks it at him. “Dick!”

“And are you still crushing on him hard?”

This time, he throws the whole can, but Jeff ducks it. 

“That’s a yes.”

“We’re friends now,” Eddie hisses, pulling hair across his face to hide his embarrassed flush. “He saved my life, and based on his cooking alone I think he’s slowly becoming Wayne’s favorite son. I can’t—”

“You said Steve was the one who brought up living with in the first place,” Jeff points out. “He knows you were both at that club for the same reason, maybe he’s . . . you know, interested. Did you ever think of that?”

“No,” Eddie grumbles, lying. “Look, Steve didn’t want to live under his asshole parents’ roof anymore. That’s it.”

He refuses to read anything else into it. That way madness lies, and too much seeing what he wants to see rather than what’s actually there. 

[bangtaninborderland]

JHS: Twisted Feelings

Summary: After working at an award show for 2 years everything had become normal, idols were no longer exciting to see, performances became dull and every day blended together, that was until an unexpected man asked for your help.

Genre: idolljihope x fem!reader, angst, fluff, strangers to lovers, ongoing series

Warning: none for this chapter!

A/N: I i in no way own bts and this is purely a story of fiction! I wanted to specify that this story takes place around the timeline of what would have been the mots 7 era if Corona didn’t happen, I didn’t want to confuse people as I go. I am trying to update as much as possible I find so much joy in this story. This is short but I am planning to update more I just wanted to get through this kind of boring but necessary chapter.

Ch.03 <. Series Masterlist > Ch.05

Thankfully the negotiations didn’t take as long as you had initially thought, a few different company lawyers had come in to review and make any changes necessary to the standard contract Sejin had given you but overall it wasn’t unpleasant.

You had decided that you would translate, whilst providing the members with private lessons if they decided they wanted them. It would be full time and you had agreed to be “on call” 4 days a week. The pay rate was almost triple compared to what you had been receiving at the awards company but then again that was expected. It was more than you had anticipated but it was understandable once you found out their previous translator had made a choice to reduce her hours to focus on her family.

Something you admired.

Sejin had informed you that the boys had been called into a meeting room, one of which you would have to join as it was about you, he instructed you to the room and asked that you wait there whilst he gets you an employee card made.

The members were definitely loud, you could hear them before you had even opened the door to the meeting room, their voices rebounding off one another in what appeared to be a debate over which song was harder to perform. You felt awkward at first, like you was intruding, that was until Hoseok looked towards you a hand beckoning you to sit at the table.

“I’m guessing you took the job if you’re here.” He was talking directly to you but the other members had quietened down - all focused on your conversation.

You have a slight nod. “It appears to be so, I mean it wasn’t a hard decision to make.”

“Well we are happy to have you, we will try and make it as easy as possible. Jungkook and Yoongi would both like to take lessons, we spoke during rehearsal.”

You look towards the mentioned men, you was surprised Yoongi had wanted to accept the lessons, him being more reserved than the others.

“I always want to help in the English interviews more and it frustrates me not being able to understand army when they comment.” Jungkook gave an explanation, one that wasn’t necessary but one that you took thankfully.

You smiled at him, converting wordlessly that you had taken in his comment. It was nice they felt somewhat comfortable with you but in all honesty you was unsure how to respond.

“Maybe we should introduce ourselves a little more?” And just like that you were saved from an awkward silence by none other than Kim Seokjin.

“I’ll go first?” You suggest, taking it as a yes when no one interjects.. “I told Hoseok-ssi previously that I was unsure how good of a teacher I would be. I’m not the most qualified person for this job but I don’t want to look at it in that way, I don’t want to look at this as I am someone who teaches you and works for you, I think when you approach something with that much of a definition it can become stressful and overwhelming. I will do my best to support you through any interviews or meetings where it is necessary and I will always try to be available if any of you have questions or need help with something. I worked translating for years before this and I studied English for a very long time so I hope I can at least use that to help you all.” You finish your personal monologue with a little clap, one that makes you cringe at yourself.

“Does it bother you working with idols? Do you have any experience?” Taehyung was the one to question you, it wasn’t a question that was surprising but the scepticism his voice held was.

“I have worked around idols not directly with them, I’d prefer it If you didn’t refer to people as if they are nothing more than their job titles. I don’t see you as idols I see you as human beings doing your job the same way I will be. I know that in this industry there is a lot of worry about having your privacy breached or information leaked but that isn’t something I would ever do or accept being done. Not because of a contract clause but because everyone deserves a right to privacy and anyone who disregards that is the lowest kind of being.” Your face falls flat, you know it was probably time to shut up but something inside of you secretly wanted this to work.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply anything.” Taehyung slumps into his seat a little further, no doubt he too was wishing the floor would open up and eat him.

“Are you worried about your security and privacy? A lot of our staff have left because it became too much?” Jimins voice was lighter, he seemed soft.

You shrug your shoulders before shaking your head. “No, I mean in all honesty they could leak my information if they wanted too. I’m pretty sure no one would be interested in my personal activities I’m not the most exciting person.”

“You’re much braver than me.” Hosoek smiles at you, the tension in the room growing thinner as the conversation continues.

Sejin had joined shortly after, informing everyone of your role and the rules of their interactions with you. It was mostly just about the times you’d be working, he had made note that Jungkook and Yoongi wanted to take private lessons alongside Hoseok.

After that Jungkook had excused himself to get refreshments and snacks. Sejin had insisted that you spend time together in the building to get to know one another as it was only a few weeks until their schedules would pick up and you’d be thrust together 24/7, they all seemed happy to have the rest of the day off apart from this mandatory bonding session.

“So how old are you?” Jin asks, reaching to take a packet of honey twists from the snack pile that had been formed upon the table.

“I’m 24 in international age, I’m sorry I don’t know your ages?” You looked around waiting for someone to answer.

“You’re the same age as me and Tae. Jin Hyung is 27 so is Yoongi Hyung, Namjoonie Hyung is 25 and Hoseokie Hyung is 26 , me and Tae are 24 and jungkookie is 22.” It was at this moment you was thankful that you had good memory retention, you’d have to make sure to get a list of their birthdays. Even if you were only a staff member you didn’t want to forget something so important.

“Can I call you Noona?” Jungkook perked up causing a giggle amongst the men, you felt almost sorry for Jungkook until he smiled at you.

“Sure you can.”

“Thanks Noona.” He pops a chip into his mouth before turning the pack around to read the nutritional information.

“You can talk casually with me, I wouldn’t want it to be weird.” Taehyung mumbles, you slightly regret your rant at him earlier. You’d applied to him privately especially when he was trying to make you feel comfortable. “Me too.” Jimin agrees handing you a bottle of water after retrieving one for himself.

“You didn’t think we would want any?” Jin asks, rolling his eyes. “You’re supposed to take care of your Hyungs.” If you hadn’t already experienced his playfulness you’d be worried but you could see the way both he and Jimin were laughing about the situation.

“Anyone else have any honourific requests before we move on?” You ask uncapping your water bottle.

Yoongi, Jin and Namjoon all shook their heads no. Each of them slowly breaking off into their own groups on the couch in the corner.

You turned your attention to hosoek who had softly called your name. “You can talk to me casually if you’d feel comfortable like that, I wouldn’t want you calling me Hosoek-ssi all day every day.”

“I wouldn’t want to disrespect you.” If it’s one thing your parents had taught you it’s to respect your elders. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” He smiles giving your shoulder a squeeze before looking towards the members. “Wanna join them on the couch?”

You contemplated it for a second, it would be nice to spend more time with them, it was clear from Sejins instructions in just a few weeks you’d be preparing to fly with them for their tour and that would be easier if you knew each other better but their dynamic felt so entwined and it would be a lie to say it didn’t make you feel like an outsiders “I think I should go I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“You’re not overstaying anything.” Hoseok was quick to reassure you, his smile warm. “We can always ask the others if you’d feel better knowing their preferences?”

You weighed out the possible embarrassment to any other outcome and decided in this moment it was most likely best to ask so you whispered a quick but hesitant “yes”.

You felt a weight lifting as he stood up calling everyone’s attention. “Hey guys does anyone mind spending more time together?”

An array of “nos” came from everyone, making you feel more welcome.

“See? I knew they would like you.” The comment is smug, proud.

“Oh please them not kicking me out doesn’t constitute to them liking me.” You laugh, his mathematics of the situation not adding up.

He doesn’t seem to mind the joke, it felt nice to have someone other than Na-Rae to joke with.

You talked with him for a few more minuets, he was explaining some part of the choreography to you when Jungkook asked you over to help him read a letter someone had left for him on Weverse. Hosoek wasn’t happy with the interruption but work came first, even in friendlier situations like this.

The rest of the afternoon went smoothly, each member divulging things about themselves as the day went on, mostly about their work life, their pets and their families, nothing too personal. You could tell they all had apprehensions sharing anything like that when you had let slip that you wasn’t dating anyone after jin had asked how you’ll manage your time. You was quick to reassure them that you never wanted them to be uncomfortable and that you didn’t need to know anything more than what they felt okay to share.

Before you had left they had all exchanged numbers with you. It was the easiest way to contact one another and it would allow them to come to you directly instead of waiting for the daytime if they needed help.

When you got home it was far too late to cook anything so you decided on ordering takeout, which arrived much later than you had hoped, it didn’t take you long to finish eating the food hadn’t been the greatest and you found yourself full after a few bites so you boxed it up and put it into the refrigerator. You had just about finished when your phone rang.

“Rae?” You mumbled as you answered the call, happy to hear your friend on the other end.

“I hadn’t heard from you so I thought I’d check in, things are hectic without you here.” She sighs but you can hear her clicking a pen against her desk, something she only does out of boredom.

“So hectic that you have time to call?” You ask, settling down on your coach.

She whines dissatisfied. “You just had to go and get a new job didn’t you.”

“How did you know?” You sat forward, had it been leaked already? You knew that news travelled fast it was impossible not to but that was almost too fast.

“Oh stop worrying!” She chastised. “Your mother called me and asked me to get you a cake for celebration. I’m guessing you took the job? What are they like?”

You shake your head, throwing the tv control back on the seat beside you. “They are nice but that’s all I can say.”

“Stop.” You laugh at her irritation. “Seriously?”

“I know it’s exciting Rae but I don’t want to take away the little privacy they have, they are nice, they made me feel welcome.” You knew you could trust her but even so it still felt wrong, especially after how Taehyung had seemed so on edge about you.

You heard her throw the pen at her desk, as much as you loved your best friend she could be very dramatic. “You’re no fun.”

“You’re not respectful.” You shot back, a little harsher than intended.

You had almost thought you’d upset her until she asked her next question.

“Are they really hot in person?”

“You don’t get bored of yourself, do you?” It was true, she never got bored.

“Nope I couldn’t, too amazing for that. When do you have a day off?”

That was something you wasn’t entirely sure about. You hadn’t actually organised the days you would be in the building and the days you’d be on call for the group. “I’ll have to ask the management team.”

“You started a job without knowing the days you’ll have off? Yeah they must be hot.”

“I’m going now.” You rolled your eyes, not that she could see you.

“Lunch on your day off?”

“Only If you don’t ask me how hot they are.”

With that you hung up, not entirely sure what to do with yourself. You’d never usually had a day off during this time of year, you knew the best thing would be to write but all you could think about was your private lessons tomorrow with Hoseok, Yoongi and Jungkook.

The rest of the night passed painfully slow, you found yourself alternating between putting together documents for your classes, planning and sending unnecessary messages to your parents in an attempt to procrastinate.

In the morning you were informed a car would pick you up, both the members and Sejin had decided it would be best that you be discreet, no one needed ridiculous dating rumours and although you were okay with people asking it wasn’t exactly a positive experience to have your information leaked.

The ride to the company building wasn’t as fun as it had been when Hoseok had picked you up, secretly you were thankful it had been him but that didn’t mean anything, he was just fun.

They had all explained their limitations and desires with you, the things they wanted to be able to do in English, Yoongi wanted to learn to write music in English which admittedly would take a greater level of understanding, Hoseok wanted to know enough to help Namjoon through the interviews something Yoongi had also intended to do and Jungkook wanted to know everything possible and was adamant that he would be better at it than anyone else. After the Grammys they all decided that they should learn something additional, especially for occasions like that.

You entered in the same place as yesterday, they really were serious about security. After having your ID scanned and a quick bag check done you were allowed into the company, Sejin had set up a room close to the practice room, it was kind of like your own office, there was everything you would need to help the members, books, a computer, a table against a small black couch in the corner. The room smelled like fresh paint although that wasn’t surprising, Seokjin had explained how the company only recently changed buildings.

Before you could even settle into the space there was a knock on the door.

“Come in.” You shouted, you continued looking through the folder left on your desk, it included various documents about the members schedules, where you’d be needed, when you wouldn’t be, any relative information, you knew you’d have to look through it all properly later.

At least you wouldn’t be bored tonight.

“Hey, I see you come in I just wanted to make sure you settled okay?” You turned to see Namjoon, his blonde hair messy and eyes dark.

He definitely did not look okay. “I’m fine Thankyou, are you?”

“I’m okay, I thought it would be a good idea for us to talk. Can we sit?” He gestures to the table and you agree, taking a seat at the chair beside it as he sits himself on the couch.

You waited for a moment for him to speak, you could see he was unsure of what he was going to say which only made you hesitant to hear it.

“I care about my members a lot, I try to navigate the English side of things as best as I can but I too make mistakes. We rarely are ever provided with English translators in interviews and our previous translator wasn’t always able to translate in our interviews. I don’t like to see them stressing and worrying over things like this but they do, each of them grow more anxious around the time we have foreign interviews.” He pauses and you’re unsure wether to speak or give him more time, you didn’t want to assume where this was going and say the wrong thing. After a brief look at you he continues. “I want to think you’ll be good for us.”

With that he leans back and you find the words to respond, despite how gentle he was there was also a underlying threat between the lines stating do not fuck this up. “Namjoon-ssi, I am happy that you felt comfortable enough to talk to me about this. I can’t speak for the people who worked with you in the past but I have my own morals and expectations of the level of professionalism I want to have here. I will try to help as much as possible with everything related to that and I obviously wouldn’t like to see any of you stressed or anxious being an idol already seems exhausting.” You gesture to him and he laughs, dimples forming either side of his face.

“That’s true. Do I look that bad?” He asks, running a hand over his face.

Your shake your head earnestly. “Not at all, you’re human. It’s okay to be tired.”

He seems relieved to hear that and for the first time today you feel like you’ve started this job on the right foot.

“You’re very kind. I should go, Hobi will probably be here soon.” He stands up, his hand lingers over the door handle before he turns back to you. “You don’t have to answer this I’m just curious but why did you take the job so easily?”

“I want to write more, I always loved writing and somehow I lost the time and passion to at my last job. I know it’s going to be hectic here but I feel like it’s a chance for me to find who I am and what I want. I like new experiences and new places, I also would like to be able to give back to those around me and I couldn’t do that where I was.” You sometimes hated your honesty but it was better to be open then have them all thinking you had an ulterior motive for the job.

“Maybe one day I’ll get to read what you write.” His response is short but for some reason it only brings you motivation.

“I’m sure you will.” You smile at him once more and then he is gone.

The door closing only to reopen, this time with a different face.

“Hoseok-ssi, Goodmorning.”

His hair fell across his face, his smile bright. Although you had been expecting him you felt excited to start the day now that he was here, he always had a way to brighten the situation.

“Please call me hobi.”

[summerwritesfics]

🧊An Unexpected Twist

Pairing: None Length: 613 Words Rating: General Warnings: Mortal Kombat 1 timeline, Kuai Liang is Scorpion, Pyromancer!Kuai Liang, Fluff, Power Awakening, Bàba Zero is trying his best

Ice, Ice, Smoke And Fire Masterlist

Notes: Another one I’ve had written up and edited for a while. Ice, Ice, Smoke And Fire is just gonna be a series of silly fluffy oneshots following Bàba Zero (dubbed Sub Zero in this, I’m kinda going with Bi-Han taking the title after Bàba Zero’s death) trying his best… cuz tbh I just want to write the Lin Kuei trio as children getting into trouble and making their dad’s life difficult. I kinda like the idea that Kuai being a pyromancer was a surprise to everyone, hence why he still has an ice related name. I’d also like to say I wrote this before MK1 came out (just after Dominic accidentally dropped that Kuai was Scorpion in that IGN interview), so we didn’t have the intro’s where Bi-Han and Tomas talk about Mama Zero. That said, Kuai never really talks about her, so I’m going with the headcanon that she died when he was still young and he doesn’t have as many memories of her as Bi-Han and Tomas do (I headcanon Tomas is the middle brother). Anyway, enough of me clarifying stuff: enjoy the fluff :)

“Bàba, look what I can do!”

Sub Zero looked up from his paperwork to watch as Kuai Liang ran into the room. He was 6 years old now, around the age where his cryomancy should be starting to come through. He held his breath and smiled, eagerly awaiting to see if indeed Kuai’s cryomancy was finally taking form.

Kuai held his little hands up in the air, his face scrunching up as he did his best to summon his new abilities. Sub Zero didn’t say anything, wanting his son to do this by himself. Finally, there was a small flash, as magic finally erupted from his hands.

Except… that was not ice.

Inside Kuai’s palm was a small flame, flickering away like a lit candle.

“Look! My ice is orange!” Kuai seemed blissfully unaware that what he held in his hand was pretty much the complete opposite of ice.

Sub Zero could only stare in shocked silence, trying to wrack his brain as to some explanation of how this could have happened. His bloodline had been one of cryomancy for generations, and as far as he remembered, his late wife had no inherent magical abilities that could offer an explanation.

“I can also do this,” Kuai announced, quickly turning to his left, and putting the flame directly under the room's curtains.

Unfortunately, Sub Zero had not quite realised what Kuai was about to do until the curtain set ablaze. He scrambled out of the seat, grabbing Kuai around the waist with one arm, while summoning a thick layer of ice to douse the flames. Kuai giggled the entire time, not grasping the danger he’d just posed to them. Despite Sub Zero’s delayed reaction, thankfully the damage was minimal.

Sub Zero let out a relieved breath, before shifting his arms until Kuai was comfortable and in front of him. Kuai clapped his hands in triumph, clearly very proud of himself. Weirdly, Sub Zero was proud of him too, even if he was a menace. Even if this entire debacle raised so many questions.

“Kuai Liang, could you show me again?” He asked gently, wanting to see it one more time, slightly closer up this time. “Cup your hands together, and let the magic flow to them.”

Kuai nodded confidently. He cupped his hands together, that same look of sheer concentration gracing his features. Eventually, the same thing happened again, and there in Kuai’s hands was a flame. Sub Zero smiled, this was in no way something he ever expected, but it was what was happening. He would just have to find a way to help navigate his son through this strange new power.

“Grandmaster!” The door slammed open and Hydro stumbled inside, looking extremely panicked. “We believe we’re under attack, we’ve found fire’s all over the temp-“

He stopped speaking when he noticed the small flame in Kuai Liang’s hands.

“Stand down, Master Hydro,” Sub Zero replied, trying not to laugh. “I suspect the attack came from within and have apprehended the culprit.”

He shot Kuai a glance, and he still looked far too happy with himself.

“I… see…” Hydro sounded as shocked as Sub Zero had been. Still he straightened himself out. “I will… Uh… Go and aid the efforts to fix the damage.”

Hydro bowed to him, before turning to leave. Sub Zero redirected his attention back to Kuai Liang, who had put out the flame and was now looking at his father with bright eyes. The child needed guidance, and even though Sub Zero wasn’t sure he would be enough, he would do everything possible to do so.

No matter what, he would always do his best to support his child.

[beehiveofblorbos]

happy birthday Kokichi! i took my crack at drawing him XD hopefully ill have done him justice

for what would be his 24th birthday, im gonna take some of my top kokichi quotes and break down why i love them so much and how they illustrate his best character traits and moments. Quotes will be above cut, explanation will be under cut, numbers will line up

1. “It's funny... Is your common sense really so similar to everyone else's common sense? Is what you believe to be right based on your common sense also right for everyone else?” To Kaede, at the end of their second Free Time Event.

2. "As soon as that thought entered your head, Monokuma had you right where he wanted. Because what mattered most to Monokuma is that the killing game started. Regardless of your reasons, the moment you felt the urge to kill, you had already lost. You agreed to be part of this killing game when you allowed murder to fill your heart." To Kaede, at the end of trial 1, after the vote and before the execution.

3. “If you keep saying all this uplifting stuff about working together and cooperating... ...then you can expect to receive some painful retaliation. Get it?" Ch2, during group discussion

4. "But I like playing on Mean difficulty. Also, I don't run from battles in RPGs, either! I wanna win this killing game! So I'm not gonna run from it, I'm gonna crush it! That'll be waaaay less boring, don'tcha think?" Ch2, another group discussion (iirc)

5. “If you’re planning to expose a liar, you have to corner them psychologically… only then will they reveal their true self as a liar, hiding beneath a layer of deceit!” Ch2 and ch4 trial, during the debate

okok honestly originally I was intending to do 24, but I am so tired and also really pushing it on time. I will reblog this later with additions till I get to 24, though, so stay tuned! Hope to finish by end of month

1. As y’all know, I really love Oumatsu whether it be romantic or platonic. They’re both leader figures, both willing to go to morally grey measures, both focused on directly confronting the mastermind and the killing game, both stubborn liars, both self-sacrificing till their self-sacrificial end. Across all my pondering about Kokichi’s plans and plots, I’ve never come to any conclusions suggesting that he’d been planning to take any significant action in ch1. I think that was the closest time he was to “cooperating” with the group. I think he really did want to survive with everyone else, just as she did. He is fully aware that very few to none agree with his common sense. But with his awareness of what other people’s common sense looks like (and the jokes + teasing comments he makes sounding people out)

2. This is the moment I started to sit up and pay attention to Kokichi. Kaede is prone to assumptions and charging ahead with what she thinks is best for the group. Once again, she’s charged ahead on her own, and this time the mistake was fatal. Still, even as he criticizes her (noting that she fell into Monokuma’s trap the minute she decided to kill, and Kaede takes this in stride), he offers her the highest compliment he seems to give (the one he wants to receive as well when his death approaches) - that she wasn’t boring. Not only that, he displays his own insight. Instead of only focusing on the tragedy before him, he looks ahead to the larger picture. He focused on the collective enemy, Monokuma, and how this case impacts the class’s position.

3. Again, he’s looking at the big picture. Up until this point, he tries to make suggestions to the group about how to act. However, this also doubles as a clear warning. He’s learned from paying attention to Monokuma’s actions in ch1, and he learns fast. He takes this killing game so seriously!!!

4. Kokichi is someone who looks for the most complete and thorough victory possible, to ensure he’s fully handled the situation. He also enjoys challenges and games; so of course he’d have fun creating small little rules for himself to keep things interesting. Applying this mindset to the killing game to remain flexible and openminded, while reducing fear, is an admirable moment of self manipulation and encouragement as well. And I’ll talk more about his definition of “winning” later.

5. For one, it’s a bookend quote! He says it both in this trial and the last trial he’s alive during. Secondly, it’s a clever tactic, especially for V3 where frankly? The evidence isn’t always enough to concretely convict a culprit. Kokichi has a fantastic sense for people, and his strategy of sounding someone out by provoking and annoying them repeatedly is really intriguing and endearing to me.

[rhyssands]

June 02 - summer sun

prompt: garden hose rating: g wordcount: 1,215 characters: Frisk, Flowey, Chara warnings: none prompt from this post, read it on ao3 here

——

There are some things about the Surface during summer that Frisk just adores and always has.

For one thing, there's the fact that it's suddenly not rude to spray people with the water hose when it's hot out. Frisk has always liked doing that, especially when no one got mad at them for it, and they like it even more now that no one pretty much ever gets mad at them for it.

Three years on the Surface with their new family has shown that it's not considered rude by pretty much any of them.

In fact, Dad and Mom both laugh and thank them for the help in cooling off. Undyne tries to fight the water spray like a dog, gnashing her teeth and running to stay in the stream while Frisk moves the hose around. Sans playfully gives them crap about it and often uses blue magic to pull the hose out of their hand and spray them right back. Papyrus just gasps like he's received a grievous insult, playfully of course, while ringing out his scarf until he, too, ends up using blue magic to give them a thorough soaking with the hose. Heck, even Alphys just laughs.

It'd be really nice if they could hose Chara down, but alas, they'd have to enlist someone else's help and convince Chara to pilot their body around for that to happen.

Unfortunately, Chara would know they were plotting it.

It's a real shame.

They giggle to themself as they start up the hose this afternoon, early in summer, rinsing off their sweaty hands before giving themself a splash directly in the face and sighing when the wet and the light breeze work together to bring their temperature back to something a little more tolerable.

"I just had an idea." Chara utters to them, voice full of mischief.

They don't have to make their interest known in words or even in sign, Chara knows they've got their attention.

The other human giggles and says, "Mom moved Flowey out into the garden last night, right?"

No further explanation is required.

Frisk grins and takes off at top speed with the hose while Chara cackles in the back of their head.

Mom moved Flowey to the back of the garden, like she did last year, in hopes that some sun and time in the open air would keep him from causing problems in the house out of boredom. Plus, she likes to let him out of the pot from time to time so he can go do his own thing independent of them if he really wants to.

(He usually sticks close, although by all means he could have left to wander the Surface the second Frisk convinced him to come up here.)

The reason for their haste in approaching where he's been re-planted is that they have a very limited amount of time to act. If he notices them coming with the water hose already turned on, he'll move before they can get to him.

For once, they manage to outmanuever him.

They skid to a stop in front of him and manage to blast him full in the face with water before he can drop fully into the ground to escape them.

Frisk laughs, Chara whoops in delight inside their head, and Flowey lets out an indignant screech that cuts off as he drops under the dirt.

When he pops back up at their side, a vine has already snatched the hose out of their hand.

"Brat." He tells them, scowling up at them and still dripping water. He's a little muddy now. "I don't know why I still put up with your nonsense."

"Cuz you looooove me." They reply, grinning unrepentantly down at him.

For as terrifying as he really is when he wants to be, they have a hard time being intimidated when he's less than a sixth of their height, after their latest growth spurt. Plus, he's more or less sworn off of genocide and any other assorted villainy.

He says it's because it's 'boring' now, but they think he just likes having a family again and doesn't want to jeopardize his place in it by being evil. Little does he realize that they'd forgive him for almost anything if he asked for forgiveness.

Expectedly, his response to their words is to scoff in disgust and spray them with the hose. "You're delusional. Does that normally happen to humans your age?"

They roll their eyes in reply as they ring their hair out and tie it back. If he really didn't love them, he could (and would) do a lot worse than just spray them with a hose when they're being annoying. They'd be dead a few hundred times over if he didn't love them.

So they just use their hand to mime someone talking, the semi-universal dismissive symbol for 'blah blah blah' and 'I don't much care for the nonsense you're spouting'.

He sprays them with the hose again.

Chara says, "He's so full of it."

Their voice is fond in the way it normally is when they talk about Flowey. Even if he denies being Asriel, they seem to see every little piece of him that's still their brother, and they still love him every bit as much as they did when they still had a body. Frisk only loves him twice as much as a result of how much Chara loves him.

"Totally full of it." Frisk repeats, for them. Unfortunately, Flowey can't hear or see them, so Frisk usually plays messenger. "Even Chara says so."

The noise Flowey makes would probably sound like pure annoyance to anyone else. After the last three years, though, Frisk can tell he's fighting not to laugh. They grin wider and, while he's distracted, manage to wrangle the hose back out of his vine's clutches to spray him down a second time.

They spend a good deal of the rest of the afternoon fighting over the hose, although they do move out of their Mom's plants so as not to cause any real damage with their hijinks. By the end most of the yard is soaked and puddling, and Frisk's clothes are completely stuck to them, weighed down by water until they're practically suctioned on. Flowey is looking pretty ragged from all the water, as well, although he somehow manages to look at least a little more dignified than they probably do.

They pretty much only stop because Frisk doesn't want to run the water bill up too high and they've slipped in three puddles already.

Flowey gives them a final hosing-off, making them laugh even as they guard their face. Then he shuts the water off and puts the hose back where it belongs. Frisk knows if they brought it up he'd brush it off as not being out of kindness, but rather a desire not to hear their Mom complain about it being left out. They skip the argument for today and tromp over to the patio to flop down and sprawl under the sun until they're dry again.

Flowey comes to sun himself next to them, and when Frisk looks he's got his eyes closed. He's smiling. He looks happy.

Frisk huffs in satisfaction and closes their eyes as well.

[faerywhimsy]

TD;DR

No one: …

Me: So I know Lestat's the main character of Prince Lestat, but did any of the other beloved characters see the warning signs of the Voice/Amel in the world before it started going around compelling the old ones into killing younglings.

Sorry, killing young ones. And what might those warning signs have looked like?

Prince Lestat is meant to be read as a sequel to Queen of the Damned and, structurally, its many view points succeeds in that goal. However, thematically, there was so much a missed opportunity in actually seeing many of our favourite characters still existing in the aftermath of maybe as little as a decade still scrambling with the grief and loss and so many abruptly silenced minds...

None of them were... doing well... post-Akasha. But then the tension begins to build again.

Slowly, at first. Disconnected fragments across the continents of the world.

Because it's not like these immortals have ever been the best at communicating directly:—

The Coven and the Courtiers - A Guide (QotD 1.5)

Khayman is with Maharet, never straying too far from the jungles of the Amazon, when he picks up the first murmurings of malcontent from the spirit they moved from Akasha into Mekare. It is not happy within its new host. But perhaps it wasn't happy in its previous host either. Akasha sat as a statue under Marius for centuries before ever waking up. Khayman wonders if they're going to have that long again.

Marius is in Brazil with Daniel. He cannot help himself from scanning nearby minds, even as he claims a hope to remain on the sidelines of their world after the disastrous end of his two millennia caring for the Mother and Father. Marius is therefore one of the first who hears word of a very early and isolated Burning that doesn't seem to have any connection back to Akasha. But it would be foolish to ignore them completely, especially when the last Burnings are still so recent.

Pandora's returned to Arjun in India, but he has begun to act strangely. Because of the veil between their minds, she can only ever understand it through the words he offers for explanation. He wishes for the sanctuary of the earth. Inwardly, Pandora wonders if it was her urge to rush to Marius' aid when he was encased in the ice. She doesn't think it was her alliance with Santino, who is now of course dead to them all. She watches Arjun—before he goes into the ground—because he is the love of her life. She watches him because something deep within tells her something's not right.

Mael was filled with a profound sense of purpose during the first Burning. He would look after Maharet and Jesse. Yet, he had failed in that. Since the Burning, Khayman has taken over as Maharet's consort and companion and that's left Mael with... nothing. His maker Avicus has a new coven in Geneva now, with immortals as old as Gregory and as young as Davis. If Avicus thinks of Mael at all, he has no cause to think it. He's had a very long life but, without any sense of purpose calling him, there is no long any care in him. Not for himself, not for any his kind.

Bianca's in Paris with her new fledgling. They never imagine anything could hurt them. Why would they? The first Burning passed them over without so much as coming near them. There's a rumour passed around Europe lately that bringing one into the blood no longer seems to be happening the way it used to. Tales of mute zombies with hearts that won't beat—truly dead things in the place of fledglings—abound. But even that's easy to ignore when Bianca and her own fledgling feel so young, and in love, and immortal.

David is one of three who were mortal during the last interaction with a Queen of Vampires. He and Jesse talk about it sometimes. Jesse has kept up contact with the Great Family in South America, just as David kept some of his contacts within the Talamasca in Britain, younger ones who didn't mind seem to mind when he became a vampire. The same ones Marius' maker Teskhamen has also given his life into the hands of. They're the ones to bring David's attention to Burnings-related incidents as they start making the news on human television stations. They're the ones to ask him if this is something they should be worried about.

Gabrielle alone is able to say that—when the Queen descended on them the last time—she was the one in risk of losing her only remaining son. She knows many think her cold, but they don't know the pain of burying a child born of their womb. Gabrielle has hardened herself because it's the only protection she's found for her heart and her time in Turkey with the ancient handmaid Sevraine has not her changed utterly. Oh, Gabrielle's not blind, she knows her son will not let this world come to an end. Nor is she—first fledgling of Lestat—unaware of the Voice that whispers to him now.

Killer is in Philadelphia and is only just a century in the blood and one of the youngest outside the "Coven of the Articulate" to have survived Akasha's massacre. Killer makes up part of the Fang Gang, the coven that lies closest to Armand in New York City, less than two hours away. He may only be notable for his proximity to Armand, and his prior connection to Davis, but even he senses the change in Armand as word begins to trickle back to Trinity Gate and the Fang Gang are forced to disband.

Armand knows already he will protect his chosen family at all costs, from any future threats or Burnings. Was there a moment he considered taking them all underground where none would find them should anything resurface? Yes, though he'll never admit it. There was always that concern that the Sacred Core residing in Mekare would corrupt her. Is that what they are starting to see now?

Louis can hear nothing for himself, of course. But Lestat's visits to Trinity Gate begin to grow more and more sporadic and Louis can see Armand grows steadily more tightly wound as the world around them changes again. But still Louis counsels his love and companion to pause. Wait. Be vigilant, but if Khayman and Marius have told them they are already watchful of possible threat, they are likely not the only old ones to do so.

Benji's too much like Armand; he will protect the ones he considers his tribe. He never really understood how the old ones isolate themselves, hasn't really had enough interaction with them to recognise it in any real way. For him, immortals live like they do in Trinity Gate. Benji's radio show begins slowly, like a modern analog of Armand's Théâtre des Vampires, in that no human hearing it will believe, but blood drinkers will find what they need.

I was going to suggest Lestat's probably one of the youngest immortal to actually hear Amel's voice. Then I remembered how strong in the blood Daniel's always been depicted for his age. So yeah he's mad, but that's not helped by the fact Amel started yammering at him from the same point as Lestat. "He rages," said Daniel. "When he's gotten into my head, he's raged."

Cause it's a psychic blast, people. Even Lestat acknowledges, "the Voice is working on a number of fronts".

In any case, all of this is more or less the outline of what I've been thinking of as the QotD 1.5 head canon, something that's being played out in How They Get to Trinity Gate as we get to the pointy end of the fic.

[rinzay]

Sup, this isn't really an idea, but more of an explanation of how the possession worked in my idea list. I thought you might be interested in reading it!

Prelude: How the possession in my outlines worked

I have noticed that a lot of people are a bit confused on how the possession here works, so I wanted to clarify it with this little addendum of sorts. My version would have Vanessa initally black out occasionally for the first month or so after her initial possession. They would happen more specifically when she has her therapy visits. This is also where GlitchTrap/Afton attempts to rewrite her childhood memories to include an abusive father figure (presumably like him) to try and make her more obedient.

This is contrary to Vanessa's actual childhood, which was fairly standard and had 2 normal loving parents. It should be noted that in this universe they died in a car crash the year before the events of Help Wanted. All the therapists would play along as a way to diagnose her (or something idk) before eventually telling her that her memories don't line up with what her patient report sheet (or whatever they use) says about her childhood.

This gets rid of all the work Glitchtrap puts in and Vanessa original memories come back the overwhelming shock of which causes her to freeze up, and during this time she blacks out and Glitchtrap takes control of her and kills the therapist. He would then get her back to her apartment where she would regain consciousness and be none the wiser to her therapists fate. Controlling Vanessa directly takes a lot of energy from Glitchtrap and tires him out since he isn't intended to "control" humans just be manipulative. This is why he can't take direct control of Vanessa and has to resort to attempting to mentally gaslight her.

This happens 5 times before Glitchtrap says "screw this" and decides to create Vanny. He doesn't really want to do this, as he will be creating a different persona. This persona will be "programmed" to be subservient to him. However there is always a risk that since they are effectively their own person, this seperate personality can decide to not listen to the instructions correctly or do them their own way. They can also have their own goals that conflict with Glitchtrap's (something that you see in idea 6). He doesn't see any other way however, and is getting impatient and wants to start being evil again quickly. So he creates Vanny out of his own agony power thing and some of Vanessa's emotions. He uses ones that are still hurting from her parents death, duplicates and then corrupts them beyond all recognition.

Vanny is "made" (for lack of a better word) to control things directly, unlike glitchtrap. As such, the experience is now completely different. At her last therapist visit, Vanessa is forced to watch herself kill someone for the first time, starting off the worst 6 months of her life.

I hope that cleared up some confusion. If it didn't, let me know!

OOOOO that's interesting, glitchtrap I would love to stab u.

So Vanessa would have 'black outs', was she aware these blackouts were happening? Or were her memories on of before the appointment, leaving no memory of the therapist.

If she did, I wonder If she would get it checked or if she considered it a problem far too late.

If Vanny were created from Vanessa's emotions stemming from the death of her parents then it would mean; grief, longing, sadness, and anger is comming to play. When twisting those emotions I guess you get someone who is Possesive and Violent.

Vanny got some twisted morals since those are not only just regular emotions but very strong ones aswell if the accident was recent. If it wasn't then the 'black outs' glitchtrap has been causeing would definitly add some uneeded stress to her, when you are stress you are emotional so you could think of the stress factor as a multiplier!

Every Virus has a firewall, could Vanessa potentionally atleast resist Vanny's hold for a few seconds? Or even stall her movements through sheer will? Or would it be that she is completely helpless and all that she could do is watch her body move at someone elses command?

JJDVWJWHWJW Your possession idea is interestin, JDBSJSBFJ

[jess-themess05]

This isn't really an idea, but more of an explanation to better elaborate on how Vanessa's possession in my outlines worked

Prelude: How the possession in my outlines works

I have noticed that a lot of people are a bit confused on how the possession here works, so I wanted to clarify it with this little addendum of sorts. My version would have Vanessa initally black out occasionally for the first month or so after her initial possession. They would happen more specifically when she has her therapy visits. This is also where GlitchTrap/Afton attempts to rewrite her childhood memories to include an abusive father figure (presumably like him) to try and make her more obedient.

This is contrary to Vanessa's actual childhood, which was fairly standard and had 2 normal loving parents. It should be noted that in this universe they died in a car crash the year before the events of Help Wanted. All the therapists would play along as a way to diagnose her (or something idk) before eventually telling her that her memories don't line up with what her patient report sheet (or whatever they use) says about her childhood. (In this universe, patient 46 doesn't exist and the lines in their tapes about them misreporting their childhood experiences are moved into Vanessa's tapes. Also any references to courts in Vanessa's tapes are replaced with lines that imply Vanessa was the one who told th therapist about her "abusive" childhood.)

This gets rid of all the work Glitchtrap puts in and Vanessa original memories come back the overwhelming shock of which causes her to freeze up, and during this time she blacks out and Glitchtrap takes control of her and kills the therapist. He would then get her back to her apartment where she would regain consciousness and be none the wiser to her therapists fate. Controlling Vanessa directly takes a lot of energy from Glitchtrap and tires him out since he isn't intended to "control" humans just be manipulative. This is why he can't take direct control of Vanessa and has to resort to attempting to mentally gaslight her.

This happens 5 times before Glitchtrap says "screw this" and decides to create Vanny. He doesn't really want to do this, as he will be creating a different persona. This persona will be "programmed" to be subservient to him. However there is always a risk that since they are effectively their own person, this seperate personality can decide to not listen to the instructions correctly or do them their own way. They can also have their own goals that conflict with Glitchtrap's (something that you see in idea 6). He doesn't see any other way however, and is getting impatient and wants to start being evil again quickly. So he creates Vanny out of his own agony power thing and some of Vanessa's emotions. He uses ones that are still hurting from her parents death, duplicates and then corrupts them beyond all recognition.

Vanny is "made" (for lack of a better word) to control things directly, unlike glitchtrap. As such, the experience is now completely different. At her last therapist visit, Vanessa is forced to watch herself kill someone for the first time, starting off the worst 6 months of her life.

I hope that cleared up some confusion. 

yayayaya ooohh this is very helpful! more backstory aswell heheh >:)

well first off, what a power move to insert memories of an abusive father based on yourself. least he’s honest!

afton just getting rid of the therapist makes sense, the logical side of me (there isn’t much) thinks that if i were having frequent black outs and memory loss i would see a doctor, but who would want to take care of a patient, whom the last time they saw a professional, ended up being the last patient they would ever see before dying of mysterious causes

or

just a mysterious murder

and i still love the idea of vanny being made from vanessa’s negative emotions, her anger and irritability, just generally the emotions you’d rather not feel. i believe i’ve said this before (and if not then oops) but vanny technically being made from vanessa would make not blaming herself wAYYY more difficult! no she didn’t directly directly cause it, but possibly knowing her negative feelings were used to create her worst nightmare has gotta be difficult.

[nottoonedin]

Hello again, I hope you enjoyed idea 15!

This isn't really an idea, it is more of an explanation. But I figured you might be interested in reading it

Prelude: How the possession in my outlines worked

I have noticed that a lot of people are a bit confused on how the possession here works, so I wanted to clarify it with this little addendum of sorts.

My version would have Vanessa initally black out occasionally for the first month or so after her initial possession. They would happen more specifically when she has her therapy visits. This is also where GlitchTrap/Afton attempts to rewrite her childhood memories to include an abusive father figure (presumably like him) to try and make her more obedient.

This is contrary to Vanessa's actual childhood, which was fairly standard and had 2 normal loving parents. It should be noted that in this universe they died in a car crash the year before the events of Help Wanted. All the therapists would play along as a way to diagnose her (or something idk) before eventually telling her that her memories don't line up with what her patient report sheet (or whatever they use) says about her childhood.

This gets rid of all the work Glitchtrap puts in and Vanessa original memories come back the overwhelming shock of which causes her to freeze up, and during this time she blacks out and Glitchtrap takes control of her and kills the therapist. He would then get her back to her apartment where she would regain consciousness and be none the wiser to her therapists fate. Controlling Vanessa directly takes a lot of energy from Glitchtrap and tires him out since he isn't intended to "control" humans just be manipulative. This is why he can't take direct control of Vanessa and has to resort to attempting to mentally gaslight her.

This happens 5 times before Glitchtrap says "screw this" and decides to create Vanny. He doesn't really want to do this, as he will be creating a different persona. This persona will be "programmed" to be subservient to him. However there is always a risk that since they are effectively their own person, this seperate personality can decide to not listen to the instructions correctly or do them their own way. They can also have their own goals that conflict with Glitchtraps. Glitchtrap doesn't see any other way however and is getting impatient and wants to start being evil again quickly. So he creates Vanny out of his own agony power thing and some of Vanessa's emotions. He uses ones that are still hurting from her parents death, duplicates and then corrupts them beyond all recognition.

Vanny is "made" (for lack of a better word) to control things directly, unlike glitchtrap. As such, the experience is now completely different. At her last therapist visit, Vanessa is forced to watch herself kill someone for the first time, starting off the worst 6 months of her life.

I love your interpretation of how Vanny came to be and how she's kind of her own person in a way? I find it very interestinggg :>

[zoropookie]

SWEET MELODY

☆ chapter fifteen — you need help (🎂)

Even if you felt an eery aura linger in the air, you counted on the warmer part of who you know to dispel it. Beidou was always that answer to you.

It’s been a while since you and her had some time to reflect on the weight of their shared past. The bakery was too busy nowadays to fathom the concept of meeting each other’s time together, any real conversation or emotions that wasn’t over text. Finding time was a simple rarity you didn’t even know you had, even lost in your own thoughts.

“You’ve got guts, kid,” Beidou paused, her eyes stared directly at the road, unmoving even once. She leaned back, the soft shuffle of her seat and clothes breaking the silence. Expression hardly there but a small smile, you turned towards her. “Not everyone is lucky to get this far.”

You looked back to the dashboard of the car, “I don’t think I’m following, I’m sorry.”

“When was the last time you got the chance to revisit your past…say, in a more effective way?” Beidou’s smile faded, more thoughtful and pondering. “Is that letter even helping you?”

You swallowed as the lump built in your throat. “Kazuha’s voice isn’t there anymore when I read it, but it’s still his handwriting.” You tried to rationalize, even though you knew Beidou was right. This letter was the only thing you could even date back to or his voice without revisiting baby photos and videos.

“I don’t know your situation,” Beidou said, still in mere wonder. “I don’t even know if this will help you in your hunt, but there’s a reason why you won’t go through your mom’s room. Don’t want to question it. I took the job of helping you out.”

“It’s okay, you were here when I needed it the most, I at least owe you an explanation.”

“Stop doing that, you owe yourself something none of us need, at the end of the day. When was the last time someone’s ever heard you out on how you feel other than your therapist?” Beidou’s tone was rough, but with little malcontent.

“I feel like that’s where I should put it anyway, all the meaty things,” You lowered your head. “It doesn’t take anything except my thoughts away, which was the point, I think? I don’t know…I think it’s better than letting someone else handle that baggage.”

Beidou didn’t answer you right away, allowing the silence settle between the both of you. A low hum of the car’s engine filling what was left of their thoughts. When she finally made out her words, she spoke quietly, almost contemplative. “You’re a very kind person to me. The least I can do for you is listen to what you have to say. It’s not like anyone else has the thought to.”

You didn’t know much about what people around you thought, having been so nestled in your own head that everything else you had going on seemed too much to ask from people. So as you began to hard focus on your thoughts, you began feeling the weight of grief settle over you. A heavy fog of regret, what’s been lost along with the heart you had, sharp and twisting in your wake, sensations that made it harder to forget now that it was back to the surface.

Your eyes welled, brain sending sharp signals to your fingertips, wet tear ducts, heart clutching in ruin. “Kazuha asked me…once she died if I wanted to leave her room alone or look through it so we could keep things in it. Looking at her room was really painful, but it was the way she left it and I didn’t want to change it. My mom really liked painting and would always paint every photo she took of us, even when the both of us wouldn’t pay attention to the photo. In those moments, mom would find strength to raise us again, even when she was still dying.”

Beidou reached over, hand finding yours on the console and giving it a squeeze of support. “We left it the way it was. I can’t go in that room ever again, not while she’s not there.” Your words poured out in liquid babble, unable to control your running lips. “I lost most of my forevers.”

Beidou squeezed at your hand ever so slightly after pulling up to her home, anchoring the weight of the situation with just a sympathetic sigh. “You’re too hard on yourself, kid. It’s disappointing,” She steadily said, “I just hope this tape makes you feel better.”

“Tape?” You blinked your wet lashes, looking up. You had to admit, your heart started sinking.

“Come inside.” Beidou could only answer with, opening the car door and locking it once you exited.

You weren’t a frequent guest of Beidou’s house, mainly because Kazuha was the sole one to come over here, but when you did have the access you venerated at the work. The home stood at a more narrow street and it was painted with a navy blue, almost black, the coating of the home standing proud and alive with the weathered fading giving it a story to tell. She walked you through the uneven path of cobblestone, moss lurking and steadily growing in the crevices.

Leading to the porch, a broad and sturdy platform that could have easily been the bow of an ancient ship dated back from centuries creaked under your feet. You entered the room to Beidou’s home, looking in amazement at tacked up world maps that were aging gradually in the living room. “Wow…” You couldn’t help but drawl.

“Like it? Things didn’t really change in the past few years, just got older.” She met in front of the shelves after setting her things down on the couch. Shelves crammed with books extending floor to ceiling, spines of the tomes cracked, faded. She took out a box, labeled with big red letters something you couldn’t exactly make out, but became ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ once she got closer.

“No, yeah! It looks amazing! Now I know why Kazuha always used to come here.” You chirped, admiring the work that was done compared to when you were last here. You sat down on the soft couch, your heart full in your body, but you didn’t know if it was from anxiousness or general expectancy.

“Here,” Beidou said, her eyes meeting yours with a more serious outlook. “Me, Kazuha, and a few other friends made this time capsule in high school. It was time to open it up, and…none of us wanted to touch his stuff, so we wanted to give his tape to you. He recorded it a long time ago, just thought maybe they’d help you remember some things.”

Your breath caught in your throat, fingers trembling while you reached your hand out to open the now cleaner box that was probably buried. You looked in, there were multiple tapes that he put in this box, some looking more wear and tear than others.

Fingers grazed against the plastic of the tape, with the words in your brother’s handwriting of his name. Beidou moved the old cassette player sitting in the corner for you to put it in. With a heavy heart, you picked up one of the tapes and entered it, deftly sliding it into the player and pressing play.

The TV lit up automatically, a moment of static in your veins, as your eyes glued to the screen. Your shoulders dropped at the familiar sight of your and Kazuha’s old school.

The camera in the moment was moving aggressively around until an unidentified voice started calling. “Kazuha, this is your tape! Say something funny!” The voice caught his attention on the screen.

His confused eyes looked around, almost expecting more of an answer. “Well, I need more than that. Give me something to make a joke about.”

“That’s the thing, it’s supposed to be on the spot!”

“I know nobody who’s able to make a joke on the spot without getting made fun of.” Kazuha replied, his soft voice ringing in your ears.

“You know damn well Kazuha has no capability of writing anything on the spot other than HAIKUS ABOUT LEAVES.” Beidou’s younger voice rang in the footage, “Leave him alone! Go find someone else to torment!” She said, her hand covering the screen.

“I DIDN’T EVEN SAY ANYTHING—”

The tape ended, your eyes were slowly filling with tears as you scrambled to take the tape out and put another one in. Each tape you watched, Beidou would make certain comments or give a laugh, letting you know of the good times they had, but all you could think about was how fortunate you were to be listening to these right now. Revelry of your brother’s successions, watching him to find a way to cope while he’s gone.

“(Y/N)! Li— listen to me,” Kazuha said in the tape, him looking at the screen while in the background there’s chaos of a New Year’s Eve party. It caused you to widen your eyes, distraught. He looked a little tipsy, his cheeks reddened in the video, but his look still remained soft. “You had a hard time tonight without your ex. You’ll be older one day. And when you do get there…realize that happiness is the most fundamental element of finding who you are. You are anything but a facade of the people who came before and after you, but an amalgamation of why you’re respected among many. Keep your dreams, keep your mind. You’re the strongest person I know…! I love you. Be that person through all tribulations.”

After that, Kazuha stared at the screen, spaced out from how much he drank at that party. But eventually someone called him over and he shut off the tape. Your body wracked into shambles, crying out after the tears built up so much in your eyes that you spilled oceans.

Everything, and you mean everything came back to you. You remembered the Sunday mornings that you two would take care of the old oak tree, you remember when your mother would join you two to bake tiny treats together, there was a rule in the home where if you wanted to have sweets you must make them yourself. You remember the laughs, the smiles, Kazuha’s joy seeing you, your mother’s joy knowing you were happy.

You remembered how soft Kunikuzushi used to be, even if it was a now fleeting memory in your heart. You had to move on.

You wailed once the tape cut off. “Beidou,” Your voice trembled helplessly, moving your body over to claw at her shirt, feeling yourself get lightheaded. “Beidou, we have to find him! We have to!” You panicked, shoulders shaking from how hard you cried. “He’s out there somewhere…he wants me to find him!”

Beidou sat there stunned as she wrapped her arms around you, who was clawing at her shirt valiantly. Steadying your shaking frame, she rested her chin gently atop your head. “Yeah,” She said, knowing the floodgates were opened at last. “We’ll find him.”

previous ☆ masterlist ☆ next

THERE ARE not many things that can sway your interest ever since the "incident", but in spite of that, you pushed forward. you are now the owner of the biggest bakery chain in your city, consistently seeing couples and catering to them as such. you've been a big host at weddings, events for celebrities, and even a big support for your friends and family. you've even earned yourself a niche following as well by how sweet you are to everybody around you. but, even with your kindness, you don't have a particular spark that keeps you going anymore these days. that is until one of your employees starts suggesting you write love letters to customers who request your services. at first you thought it was a horrible idea that could easily turn into trouble, but that was until you were tasked with writing one to your own (very very famous) ex-boyfriend.

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[fractured-shield]

oh! this sounds so fun actually, hang on a second

Fractured Shield 3.24 draft

Draft 2.Crimson stone and aureate scales

(the second is semi-complete but could stand some edits/additions, I'm still making active progress on the 4th chapter of the first and need to edit the other 3 chapters)

snippet from ch4 of "Fractured Shield 3.24 draft" (written last night)

Idhren watched her leave, drying the gathering tears in his eyes once again.

“You met that leatherworker she’s apprenticed to,” he said to Hal as he folded the handkerchief again. “What did you think?”

He didn’t like how she’d talked about them, how quick she’d been to agree to leave. She’d said there was nothing keeping her here, or something to that tune. It wasn’t the most surprising, coming from his child—Hal had been right to say she’d always thought the world of him, regardless of his own opinions on the matter. But still, he felt uneasy. There should have been Oenith and Deorwine, at the least.

Hal watched next to him as Therien continued at her hurried pace back into the city below. Some of the councillors were starting to return to the oak-hall’s entrance, and the soldiers from Ilgost were setting up in the guardhouse nearby, talking among themselves in the glottal-accented Common of Renithal, Ilgost’s capital.

“She didn’t seem afraid of them, but it didn’t look like she liked them much, and it was certainly mutual. They’re…a bit opinionated. They owed a favor to Deorwine, apparently.”

Opinionated. So they weren’t fond of elves, and likely even less fond of any involved so directly in the Alliance council. He hoped she hadn’t faced too much of their prejudice by relation to him. She, at the very least, deserved none of such talk.

“And how is Deorwine? And his girl, are they alright?”

“I can’t say for sure, honestly.” He scowled. Idhren had heard that Commander Deorwine had retired, but he was a bit young for that yet, unless something was the matter. And Therien had mentioned they worried over keeping his military stipend.

“I wish I’d been able—”

“Stop that,” Hal interrupted, instead of letting him be as displeased with his own failings as was deserved.

“She’s my daughter,” he began, then kept going as if that wasn’t explanation enough. “I wanted her to be happy these past years, not…feeling like an unwanted foreigner, dreaming of home because she has nothing here. I don’t know how much she’s been hurt by this, by me, but at least… At least I can try to be there now, if she wants, despite my failings.”

“If she— Of course she does, both of you think too damn much. Gods, you’re so much alike sometimes.”

He winced. He knew it, but that didn’t mean it had to be pointed out. He wished she wouldn’t take after him so. He didn’t know how much was innate, how much came from a childhood of latching onto him as if he was someone to look up to, as if following in his footsteps would lead to anything more than bitter turmoil and misery that she certainly didn’t deserve. 

He tried to keep up the mask of a neutral expression to avoid another scolding from his Second-officer. “That’s the concerning part.”

“I don’t think so. I’m sure you didn’t miss how she’s turning out so much like her mother, too. That’s more concerning, if you ask me.”

Hal was right. The idealism, the headstrong will and sharp tongue, the piercing conviction to do good even if it meant getting in a fight for it—even desecrated by his own predisposition for worry and doubt he had hoped to spare her from—all of it shone sun-bright. Not as a mirror of Leithe, but as herself, half-grown and clumsy and perfect and, gods, she was going to be a force to be reckoned with one of these days, more than she was already. Gods help anyone in her way, the brilliant little hellion, he knew Leithe would’ve loved to see it. She was going to do so much good—not that she needed to, not that she wasn’t already perfect and so, so much more than he deserved—but he knew she would, just the same. Gods and their thrones, but he’d missed her so much.

“She’s going to try to get involved in some part of this, isn’t she?”

He looked to Hal with a grin, feeling lighter than he had in weeks—no, years, more likely. “I wouldn’t count on anything less.”

WIP Wednesday Game

It’s WIP Wednesday, time for a little accountability, sharing your work, and getting a kick in the pants.

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In a reblog (or new post w/ rules attached), post up to five (5) filenames of your WIPs; not titles, file names.

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[mandos-mind-trick]

Necessity

Summary: The Batch’s civilian member gets doused with a toxic pollen while on a mission. Crosshair volunteers to help, but has to confront some hard feelings after. 

Pairing: Crosshair x reader, implied and mentioned established poly Batch x reader

Characters: Reader (written in 3rd person, mc is not named but has an established nickname, no physical descriptions are given), The Bad Batch + Echo

Warnings: NSFW, sex pollen, dubcon, explicit P in V smut, very crude language, shitty aftercare, Crosshair is a dick, some bullshit science but it’s Star Wars so who cares, some serious talks of consent, established polyamory. 

A/N: I literally spent all day writing this sob. Came out of nowhere but I liked where it was going. It’s my first clone fic so please go easy on me. Also, it takes place in some random ambiguous time after Echo joins. This may become a series with Midnight and the Batch, I’m cooking something up, but we’ll see how it goes. 

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“It’s alright. You’re alright.” 

The cool press of plastoid armor against her cheek is a relief to the burning under her skin. She wants to peel off her armor, peel off her skin. It’s too hot, her skin is crawling. 

“...doused her...temperature’s rising.” 

Tech? It sounded like Tech. His voice was fading in and out, as was her vision. 

“No! Don’t take off your helmets. They’re the only thing...us from...dosed too.” 

She fades out again, head lolling against the armor pressing against her.

She’s shocked awake by the cold, sputtering as cold water washes over her. 

“Sorry.” Tech murmurs. “We have to get it off of you.” 

His voice sounds far away despite the fact he was leaning right next to her. The cold feels good, but it does little to cool the heat beneath her skin.  She’s still in her clothes, all of her getting soaked by the freezing water. She shifts a little, gasping when her thighs rub together. She’s damp. Not from the water, but there’s an intense ache between her thighs.

She reaches for his hand as he reaches across her to shut the water off. She pulls it to her face, nuzzling into the gloved hand. It’s not enough, though. She needs more. She needs to feel skin. Someone’s skin. 

“Hey.” Tech stops her from pulling off the glove. “No, hang on. We’re gonna figure this out.” He wraps a towel around her shoulders. “Just hang on.” 

She whimpers as he leaves her, the door sliding closed behind him. 

***

“So what are we dealing with, Tech?” Hunter asks, his head resting in his hand. They had sealed off the cockpit, making sure none of the pollen had followed them in. 

“It’s very fascinating.” Tech says, looking through the slides. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s very potent. Just this small dose could affect any one of us.” 

“So how do we fix it?” Echo asks. 

“It mainly affects the brain.” Tech says, still looking at the slides. “But it seems endorphins and oxytocin bind to it and neutralize it.” 

“What?” Wrecker asks, the other four members of the Batch looking at Tech for further explanation. 

“They’re brain chemicals. Most commonly released during sex. Judging by her body’s reaction to the pollen, that’s the whole idea. She needs that release of chemicals in order to neutralize the effects of the pollen. It’s quite genius actually,” Tech adjusts his glasses. “Quite effective in distracting an enemy platoon if they’re all out of their minds.” 

“So, she rubs a few out and she’ll be alright?” Hunter asks, sinking into the pilot’s seat.

“No.” Tech deadpans. 

“What do you mean, no?” Hunter asks sternly. He had been the first to notice something wasn’t right, the shift in Night’s scent, the way her heart sounded like it was going to beat right out of her chest.  

“Well,” Tech starts. “It’s not that simple. This is very potent and she got a big dose directly on her body. If she can’t produce enough chemicals by herself, the prolonged state of arousal could kill her. If her temperature continues to climb, if her heart rate stays elevated too long, the dehydration, sheer exhaustion, all of it could be deadly.” 

“So one of us has to fuck it out of her system?” Crosshair asks, chewing his toothpick so hard it might snap. 

“That would be ideal.” Tech says. But we’d have to do it. The last bit goes unspoken.

None of them can look at each other. It had been an unspoken rule when Cody had forced codename Midnight to join them that things were to remain strictly platonic among them. It had been easy at first, as a string of missions had left them with little downtime. But when their missions became less frequent, and their travel time between them increased, it became hard for them to ignore the feelings stirring in each of them for the civilian. Even Crosshair couldn’t deny the softening of his exterior towards her, even if he did still give her reason to call him a dick constantly. 

“I’ll do it.” Crosshair says, the other four occupants turning quickly to look at him. 

“Cross...” Hunter starts, wanting to argue, but Crosshair doesn’t let him. 

“I’m the only one who can.” He says, standing. He’s already pulling off his armor piece by piece. “We need Tech to keep a clear head in case something goes wrong. A small dose might kill Hunter with his senses.” His eyes drop to Echo. “We’re not putting Echo through something like that. And Wrecker might kill her if he loses control.” He lets his codpiece drop to the floor with a clang. “It’ll be easier for her to hate me when it’s all over.” 

“He’s right.” Tech says, finally. “He’s the safest option for all of us.” 

Hunter sighs, wanting to argue, but he knows Crosshair is right. “Don’t...hurt her.” He says to the sniper, not really sure what else to say. Good luck felt too wrong in this situation. 

“I don’t think she’s the one you should worry about.” 

****

“Give it a couple times.” Tech says as they stand outside the door. “If it’s working, she’ll show some signs of lucidity. If she’s not...I’ll try to come up with something else in the meantime.” 

Crosshair nods. Just fuck her till she’s back to normal. Shouldn’t be that hard. 

He gets an eyeful of her as soon as he walks through the door. She’s on her back on the floor, legs spread facing the door. Her clothes have been abandoned in a wet pile in the corner. He can’t help but zero in on where three of her fingers are stuffed into her cunt, a small puddle on the floor under her ass. 

“Cross.” His name leaves her lips in a mix between a whine and a moan. It shoots straight between his legs. He runs a hand over the bulge in his blacks as he slowly approaches her. 

“You’re making a mess, little girl.” He drops to his knees between her spread legs, watching her fingers slide in and out of her dripping cunt. 

The nickname had started as an insult. He had meant it in the most derogatory way he could, not trusting Cody that this girl could handle herself on the kinds of missions they were sent on. He could hardly call her that in any way but ironically. She was older than him, older than all of them. He wouldn’t say it had taken on an affectionate meaning now. But she did get less angry with him when he said it. 

“Please,” She begs, lifting her hips to fuck herself into her fingers. “I-I can’t...” 

He grips her under the knees, her skin slick with sweat. He parts her legs as far as they’ll go. She’s flexible. He’d watched her time and time again maneuver her way through a battlefield like it was a dance. She was a competent fighter, something she had proved time and time again. She fit in with them so well, something even he had to admit. 

But this. This would complicate things. 

He had to do it. If he didn’t it would kill her. If he didn't, one of the others would have to. It would put them, or her, in danger. He sighs out a curse, pulling her fingers from her cunt with an obscene pop. He shoves them into her mouth, one hand holding her wrist there, the other sliding between her legs. 

Her pussy is red and glistening. She’s moaning, the sound muffled by her fingers. His own slide over her slit, the copious amounts of slick allowing them to slide right into her. She moans, eyes rolling as his long fingers reach deeper into her than hers ever could. She’s so desperate, a couple passes of his thumb over her clit has her shaking and cumming around his fingers. 

Her juices slide out around his fingers, wetting his hand. It’s obscene, all of it. He loves it. 

He releases her to work his cock out of his blacks. There’s drool sliding out of the sides of her mouth, a string of saliva attached to her fingers as she pulls them from her mouth. He groans at the sight, passing his slick hand over his length. 

“Please, Cross, I need you.” She whines, lifting her hips off the floor. “Hurts so much. Need your cock in my pussy. Need you to fuck me.” 

“Yeah, little girl? You need me to fill you up?” He flips her over on her stomach, delivering a slap to her ass. He likes the way it jiggles, the way it fills his hands. How he’d love to tie her up, take her apart piece by piece until she’s begging him for relief. Not because she’ll die if she doesn’t cum. 

“Please.” She whines, grinding her hips into the floor. 

He curses softly, using a hand to guide himself into her. There’s almost no resistance as he slides right into her dripping cunt. He holds himself up, taking a moment to drag his eyes along the delicate curve of her spine. 

She whines, lifting herself onto her elbows, grinding back against him. He watches her for a  moment, enjoying the needy side of her. The things he would do to her if she were in her right mind. But she wasn’t. She was fucked up, and he needed to fuck her to fix it. 

“Please.” She whines, already clamping around him as her movements grind her clit against the floor. 

He presses a hand between her shoulder blades, forcing her flat on the floor with a quiet thud. He pins her down before pulling his hips back, almost slipping out of her, before surging forward. She moans loudly, the sound vibrating through his hand on her back. He keeps her pinned still, building up speed as he thrusts in and out. 

The force of his thrusts have her clit dragging against the floor again, her legs already starting to shake. She was so close, the feeling of him inside her already easing some of the ache that had been burning for what felt like hours. She’s drooling on the floor where her cheek is pressed into it but she can’t bring herself to care. 

He doesn't stop when she cums, working through the fluttering and squeezing of her pussy around him. He’s quickly forcing her into another. The more she came, the quicker this would be over. He tells himself that, even as he pauses to cum inside her. She had an implant, they all did. They were clones, but they were still men. They still had their needs. 

He’s not sure how many times she’s cum since they started. He’d lost count, even of his own. They’re both a mess, both slick with sweat and covered in fluid. But he knows, he can tell it’s over. Her body doesn’t feel as warm, despite the fact they’d been going at it for a while. Her moans aren’t desperate anymore. They were softer and more restrained when he’d cum in her the last time. Her body was still, no longer moving with him, seeking any friction she could get. 

And the way she said his name...

“Cross.” She breathes, reaching out for the hand that’s planted next to her head. “Cross, wait, please.” She wraps a hand around his arm, holding on as tight as she can. He could easily pull away, but something in her voice is keeping him still. 

His knees are aching. They’d been in this position for a long time. He’d have bruises probably, but so would she. He knows she has to hurt. She’s going to hurt. He’s still inside  her, going soft as she relaxes. She slowly starts to move, working herself over onto her back. It’s a bit like watching a fish attempt to flop back into water, her movements jerky and weak. 

He slides out of her with a gush of fluid as she turns, making her groan and wince. There’s a wet patch of drool on the side of her face still, as well as an imprint of the lines from the floor. He doesn’t want to look at her as she lays under him, but she holds his face in her hands, forcing him to. She’s still breathing deeply to recover from the exertion, and likely being squished into the floor for so long. 

“Cross.” 

She says his name so gently, with so much emotion it almost makes him shiver. Kriff, what he wouldn’t give to hear it all the time. He wasn’t like Hunter, or Tech, or even Wrecker. He hadn’t given into her. Not before. He was a cold-hearted asshole to her. Sure, he’d saved her ass a few times on the battlefield, and she’d even saved his. But that didn’t mean he wanted to climb into her cot with her and fuck the adrenaline away after a fight. He did care about her, but he had never given thought to acting on the attraction. 

But he couldn’t deny the stirring he felt every time he walked past her makeshift room and heard the quiet giggles, the creaking cot, the occasional moan when they thought no one was near. The quiet sighs and occasional wet smack of skin and lips from Wrecker’s bunk when she stayed with him. 

“One more time.” She says quietly, wrapping her arms around him. “One more. Please.” 

It would be so easy to slip back into her, fuck her for real. Finally let himself go, let himself have what he’s been denying himself of. 

But he can’t. He had done what he needed to do. He pulls away, her muscles too weak to try and fight him, bring him back. He tucks himself back into his blacks wordlessly. Pushing himself to stand. He focuses on the pain in his knees, the stiffness of his body. He could at least clean her up, make sure she’s decent before Tech comes in to probe. 

Instead he leaves, ignoring the calls of his name behind him. 

*****

She hates him. 

She tries to fight the burning tears behind her eyes. She focuses on the cramping as Tech’s fingers push into her abdomen. She’s sore and raw, her whole body feeling like she had just lost a very brutal fight. She’d been in those fights before. It was how Cody had found her. 

But this. This was something else. 

What she wouldn’t give for an ice cube. Or even an ice dildo. A huge ice pack she could just lay over her body and let herself go numb. It wouldn’t fix the pain inside. 

She’s crying, hot tears burning her skin. 

“Hey, I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt you, but I have to make sure nothing’s injured.” Tech wipes the tears from her cheeks. Precious Tech, always so sweet to her. 

She wishes she could tell him, explain why she was crying, but she can’t put it into words. Crosshair was a dick. A giant dick. To everyone. Even sometimes to his own squadmates, his remarks would bite a little too hard. He didn’t like her. She knew that much. She had butted heads with him time and time again since she had joined them. Name calling, verbal altercations, she’d even hit him once. 

They had lessened a bit over time, when she’d proved herself capable of being a part of the squad, being involved in missions as dangerous as the ones they went on. Even after she’d drunkenly confessed her feelings to the Batch and fucked Hunter, then Wrecker, then Tech. Echo had expressed his hesitations and she had respected them. But she had made it known, if he ever did want to, she’d be willing. She had made sure Crosshair had heard that as well. But still the sniper had been cold, ignoring any and all attempts to spike his interest. 

Tech had explained to her what happened. Or, at least some of it. She’d been dosed by a sex pollen, and Crosshair had elected to fuck it out of her system. He couldn’t tell her what had happened while Crosshair was with her, but she remembered bits and pieces of it. It had been more shocking that Crosshair had been the one to do it. She had been convincing herself perhaps he didn’t have any interest in sex, or maybe he wasn’t into women, before this mission. 

It could still be the case. But his blatant rejection had hurt her. No explanation, no reasoning. No gentle let down. He had just up and left her. Walked out and hadn’t looked back. 

The machine beside her beeps and she closes her eyes. Tech had wanted to analyze her blood, make sure there was nothing else, no lasting effects. She wanted nothing more than to go lay down, curl up somewhere, cry. She hated crying in front of them. She tried everything not to, even when she was hurt she waited until she was shut away in her makeshift cot to finally let the tears go. She had mastered the silent cry a long time ago. 

She forces herself to stop, sitting through the rest of Tech’s exam quietly. He rattles off about infusions, electrolyte levels, muscle fatigue, even as he carries her back to her makeshift room. It was a storage closet they had cleared for her, giving her more privacy than their bunks. She hadn’t cared, she would have stayed in a bunk, but they thought it fair to give her more privacy. She wasn’t a soldier, and she was a woman. 

She’s thankful for it now as Tech leaves her with an electrolyte pack. He’d been sweet enough to tuck her in, but that had only made the ache in her chest worse. She hated it, that she was feeling it. She would take his cruel words, his name calling, the glare in his eyes every time he looked at her over this. 

Tech had said it had taken two hours before she snapped out of it. She could feel the effects of those two hours. The dull ache in her pelvis, the rawness between her legs. The ache in her chest. 

She hurts. All of her hurts. Even the inside. 

*****

“It’s been two days.” 

“I’m sure she’s just tired.” 

“But what if something’s wrong?” 

“Nothing’s wrong.” Hunter says, leaning back in the pilot’s seat. “She’s...sleeping a lot.” 

He had been listening in on her, checking in. She hadn’t left her room in two days except for the occasional trip to the ‘fresher. She hadn’t left since...that incident. They had all agreed not to give specifics on what had happened when the GAR inevitably contacted them about their delay. They had picked up some sort of bug from the planet, and had chosen to quarantine. It had turned out to be harmless, and they were on their way to their next destination. It wasn’t totally a lie. Just nothing specific. 

No one needed to know. 

She cried a lot. Hunter was the only one who heard. She tried to be tough in front of them, saving the crying for when she was alone in her room. He always heard her sniffles, scented the salty tears when he passed. He never said anything. He didn’t think she’d want him to. This time, though, he could hear her quiet sobs from the cockpit. 

“What the hell did you do to her?” Wrecker finally snaps, storming towards Crosshair where he’s seated, dutifully cleaning his rifle. 

“Nothing she didn’t ask me to.” Crosshair bites back, standing to defend himself. 

“Hey.” Hunter steps between them, putting his hands up. “This is not helping any.” He turns to Wrecker. “If it’s bothering you so much, I’ll go check on her.” 

“I’m just worried about her.” The giant deflates a little. “I miss her.” 

“I know.” Hunter says, putting a hand on his shoulder. “We all do. But you remember what Tech said. She just needs some time to recover.” 

Wrecker takes a step back, nodding. “I just want her to be okay.” 

“I know.” Hunter squeezes his shoulder. “She will be eventually.” He turns to fix Crosshair with a gaze, the sniper still glaring, but he knows the situation’s been diffused. 

Crosshair had been broody, more so than normal. He either stayed in his bunk or sat in the corner, repetitively cleaning his rifle, taking it apart and putting it back together. He hadn’t spoken much, even when Tech had checked him over. He had been bombarded with questions when he’d come to alert Tech that she had recovered, but he had ignored them all in favor of slipping away to the ‘fresher to clean up, and then hiding away in his bunk. Hunter knows it must have been hard on him, but he was right. He was the only one who could do it. Tech had reaffirmed they had no other options. Even trying to get to a medical facility wouldn’t have done much good. They likely hadn’t had that much time either. 

Hunter leaves the cockpit when he’s sure things have diffused between Wrecker and Crosshair, not wanting to risk more disruptions on the ship. He can hear the quiet sniffles as he approaches, smelling the salty air. He knocks on the door, the sniffling quieting. 

“I know you’re awake.” He says, finger hovering over the pad to open it. Tech had wired it so she could lock it if she wanted to, but she almost never did. “Can I come in?” 

She gives no answer, the only sound inside the muffled breaths. He was the commanding officer. He had to ensure the well being of all of those under his command. He tells himself he’s not breaking any moral code when he opens the door anyway. 

His eyes make a quick scan of the room. It’s dimly lit, the overhead light shut off, only the small string of lights around the bed lit. The case of rations Tech had slipped in sits unopened, as does the canteen of water next to it. He steps closer to the bed, moving slowly so as not to startle her. She’s crying again, face shoved into her pillow. The blanket is tossed haphazardly around her, pieces of bare skin revealed. 

He kneels down next to the cot, reaching a hand out. “Hey.” He almost whispers it, scared of breaking the quiet heaviness of the room. The air inside is stale from not being opened, the sadness of the single occupant weighing heavy. He could almost taste it, even without his heightened senses. “I need you to tell me what’s wrong.” 

She lets out a sob, pulling her face from the pillow. “I don’t know! I don’t know what’s wrong!” Her breaths are shaky, eyes red from crying. “It’s stupid! I shouldn’t care, but I can’t help it!” 

He carefully scooches her over, being careful not to hurt her as he takes a seat next to her on the cot. “I need you to explain things a bit.” 

She turns to face him. “Is he gay?” 

“What?” He asks in confusion. 

“Is Crosshair gay?” 

Hunter chokes on a laugh. “I don’t...” He pauses, thinking about it. “I don’t think so. I’ve never seen him show interest in men before. Then again, I’ve never seen him show interest in women either.” 

She groans, pulling the pillow over her face. “That doesn’t help me!” 

“Care to share, mesh’la?” He asks, gently peeling the pillow away so she doesn't suffocate herself. 

“I asked him to fuck me.” She deadpans. “I asked him after the pollen had worn off. I asked him to fuck me one more time, just so I didn’t have to feel like I was taking advantage of him, or he was taking advantage of me and I just wanted a little closure and he just walked out. Now I feel like I overstepped and it’s all my fault and I’m causing too much of a rift in the squad and I’ve made everyone uncomfortable and maybe I should just leave.” 

Hunter stares down at her, processing her words. “You’re not going anywhere.” He says finally, cupping her face. “Crosshair volunteered to help you because he didn’t want any of us getting hurt, including you. I know it wasn’t easy for him either. He does care about you in his own weird Crosshair way. He’s been brooding since that day. Brooding more than usual. You should talk to him. The way you know how.” He smiles at her. “In the meantime, Wrecker is very worried about you.” 

She pouts. “Poor baby, will you send him in?” 

He nods, kissing her head. “Yeah. Gimme a minute.” 

He heads out into the hallway, pausing by Wrecker’s bunk. He grabs Lula before calling out for his vod. He knows from the heavy footsteps in the cockpit he’s heard. He heads back to Night’s room, kneeling down next to the bed. 

“Here.” He places Lula in her arms, brushing the hair from her face. She looked pathetic and he hated it. He hated seeing her like this. “What a karking idiot.” He hisses, shaking his head. “I care about all of you, but sometimes I want to let Wrecker punch Cross right through the side of the ship.” 

Night cracks a smile. “I’d gladly watch that right now.” 

Wrecker appears at the door with perfect timing, stepping into the small space. “Night, you okay?” 

She sniffles, clutching Lula tighter to her chest. “No. Will you cuddle me?” 

Wrecker grins. “Yeah I will!” He moves to the bed, picking up Midnight and settling himself on the small bunk. “It’s okay, Night. I’ve got ya.” 

Hunter watches them for a moment before stepping out, closing the door. His blood boiling, anger filling him. He makes his way back to the cockpit, desperately clinging to his last bit of restraint. It goes out the window when he sees Crosshair, red filling his vision. 

He grabs Crosshair from his seat, slamming him up against the wall. “How dare you! I know you’re a miserable bastard who hates everyone, but that was taking it too far!” Echo and Tech are at his sides, trying to pull him away from his vod. “How dare you leave her like that!” 

Crosshair glares at him, shoving him back a bit. “You don’t know what it was like. It wasn’t her asking me to do all those things to her. I feel like I...took advantage of her. I couldn’t look her in the eye not knowing if she knew, if she remembered. If she thought I had...” He clenches his fists. “I care about her too. More than you think I do. If you think that was easy for me, if you think I don’t regret leaving her like that, you’re wrong.” 

“You could have told one of us! We would have gone in, comforted her more! She’s so upset because you made her feel like she took advantage of you!” 

Tech and Echo hold him back as he tries to lunge towards Crosshair again. “Hunter!” Tech draws his attention away from Crosshair, forcing him back a couple steps. “We need to discuss this, but you need to calm down first. You’re no good to anyone if you’re upset.” 

Hunter can see the guilt behind Tech’s glasses. He was the first who saw her after. He had known something was off, but he hadn’t thought it could be something like this. His thoughts had all been physical ailments, aftereffects of the pollen. He was right there. He could have done something. 

Hunter knows Tech is feeling partially responsible, even if it wasn’t his fault. 

“We need you to calm down. Then we’ll all talk about this like adults.” 

If the situation wasn’t so serious, he may have cracked a smile at the inside joke. Midnight was technically the only adult on board. 

****

Midnight finds Crosshair in the hull, seated at a table. He’s got his head down, focusing on the ration in front of him. He doesn’t even bother looking up when she approaches, standing over him. She slams her hands down on the table, drawing his attention up to her face. He glares at her, eyes squinted. She’s glaring right back, nose scrunched in the adorable way it does when she’s angry. 

“I’m going to talk, and you are going to listen.” She says, pointing a finger at him. 

“I don’t have to do anything.” He snarks. 

“No, you are going to listen because I deserve at least that much.” 

He glares at her, but doesn’t reply. She knows she has him. She stays standing, leaning her hands on the table. 

“I know why you volunteered to help me, I know you only fucked me because you had to. I know we both feel like we took advantage of each other even though it was a life or death situation. I want you to know,” She curses the way her voice shakes. “I want you to know that I’m okay with it. If you’re questioning my consent, I’m going to tell you now, I want you to do it. You saved my life, and protected the squad. I would have wanted you to do it. But I need you to be straight with me because I can’t take it anymore. I know you don’t like me, you don’t like me being here. I need you to tell me flat out that you don’t want me so I can stop feeling horrible about trying to coerce you into fucking me.” 

He stares up at her for a tense moment. She wishes she could read minds, get anything out of him that let her know what he was feeling. But all he gave her was his signature glare, which told her next to nothing other than that he was annoyed by her very existence. 

He moves so fast she almost can’t process it. He stands, grabbing her and dragging her up onto the table. His tray clatters to the floor along with his silverware, both of them ignoring it. She’s kneeling on the table, eye to eye with him. His hand is closed around her throat, his breath fanning across her cheek as he leans into her ear. “You don’t know how badly I want to fuck you, little girl.” He hisses. “To bend you over this table, fuck you until you’re begging, then I’ll decide if you get to cum.” He licks the shell of her ear, a quiet whimper leaving her. “I’m not soft.” He warns her. “I’m not gentle. I’ll pick you apart piece by piece until you can’t even speak. I’ll have you thinking about me every time you walk, every time you sit down.” He bites at the skin below her ear, sucking a mark. “I’m not going to be nice to you.” 

She gasps as his free hand fondles her ass, squeezing it roughly. “You’re a dick, Crosshair. I wouldn’t expect you to be nice to me.” 

He growls, crashing his lips against hers. It’s desperate, rough, so very different from the others. She presses closer to him, his hand sliding into the back of her lounge pants. It was the set she always wore between missions when they had downtime on the Marauder. 

They ignore the sound of the door opening, and the disgusted cries of poor Tech. 

“Really guys, the table? We all eat there!” 

“I fucked her on it last week.” Hunter says, patting Tech’s shoulder as he passes. 

Tech gives him a look. “You at least wiped it off, right?”