#yes here to complete my promise on the cursed ship

[dicktat]

[Commission] For a friend ;) Hakon x Crane DILF supremacy.

If seeing this post causes emotional damage then lmao woops.

Based on this post.

[thrawns-babygirl]

Stake Out #3 (Thrawn x AFAB!GN Reader)

two chapters in two days? impressive? yes. Unsustainable? Also yes. so take what you get before i disappear back into the abyss for the next 6 months.

Also, there is like... some plot happening??? Almost??? and some feelings??? How will our pathfinder and our mid captain navigate such uncertain ground? And a cameo from one of our favourite Chiss? its all happening now.

Rating: E (18+) Warnings: Face sitting, dry humping, cock warming, unprotected PiV, Creampie Word Count: 2900+

[Part 1] [Part 2]

Masterlist

The hours melt into days. You and Thrawn spend as much time as his mission allows as a tangled mess of limbs as you explore one another’s bodies, learning each other as well as your limited time and knowledge of each other’s species allows.

So here you sit, Thrawn’s tongue ravaging you, your legs either side of his head as you grind your clit against his nose. His strong hands are wrapped around your thighs as he pulls you further down on top of him, his tongue venturing ever deeper into your cunt as you moan and whine above him, one hand tangled in his hair, the other resting on the cool bulkhead as he sends you tumbling towards another orgasm.

Since exploring this side of himself, you’ve learned that Thrawn absolutely adores going down on you. No session is complete unless he spends an ample amount of time with his head nestled between your thighs. You begin to wonder if perhaps Chiss are an aquatic race given his apparent lack of need for oxygen as he works his tongue against your slick folds.

You’re so close, so so close when suddenly his comm unit chimes with an incoming transmission. He curses in Cheunh and helps you off his face, wiping his mouth so that he can answer the call. You quickly tug your panties up, breathing heavily and trying to calm your body down after your ruined orgasm.

Thrawn adjusts the bulge in his pants and clears his throat before answering. The conversation is quick, and if you didn’t know any better you would say you sense some actual tension between Thrawn and his captain, which strikes you as odd. It could be your lack of understanding of their language, but their tone and intonation definitely seem like they’re arguing. That pit in your stomach opens up again and you hope and pray to whoever may be out there that this isn’t your fault, that you haven’t distracted the mid captain from his duties and gotten him in trouble with his superiors.

You wait patiently, unwilling to even breathe too loudly lest you accidentally get Thrawn in trouble. The transmission cuts off as you hear and exasperated “Mitth’raw’nuruodo…” come from Ziara and he turns back around to face you, his expression is unreadable but his whole body is tense.

“I apologise, it appears our mission has been discontinued and we are expected to rendezvous back with the Parala at your earliest convenience” his voice is terse, short as he throws his shirt back on and helps you up off the bedding.

“Is everything alright?” you ask softly, tugging your jumpsuit on as he moves around the cabin preparing for your departure from your quiet section of space.

“All is well. My presence has been requested on Csilla.” He looks as if he wants to say more but stops himself, going back to whatever he was doing on the navcomputer.

 “Right… yes, I’ll get us back to your ship as soon as possible” You pull your boots on, your ruined orgasm entirely forgotten as you mourn the lost time you could have shared with the mid captain.

You take a sip from the canteen before donning your sensory depravation helmet and preparing to trance. Just as you’re about to slip away and become one with the galaxy, you feel Thrawn tug your helmet up and place a soft kiss to your lips.

“I’m sorry, I promise that I will seek you out again” his voice is a whisper, filled with a level of emotion the Chiss has never shown you before. It makes your chest tight and your breathing hitch before you once again focus on safely navigating the small shuttle back through the Chaos and towards his people. Closing your eyes and taking a deep breath, you slip away, blind to the way that Thrawn is gazing at you from his seat, eyes never leaving your form as the lights of hyperspace fill the cockpit.

The journey back towards the Parala was long and exhausting, the familiar feeling of burnout lingering in your skull as you take shaky steps down the ramp of the shuttle. One foot after the other you say to yourself, determined not to appear weak in front of the Chiss. Warriors bustle about the hangar, quickly stealing Thrawn away from you as he is lead towards the bridge leaving you alone and disoriented.

You hadn’t been assigned quarters yet, so you’re entirely unsure where you’re meant to be going. Looking around to hopefully catch the attention of one of the passing officers, but none barely even glance in your general direction.

“Are you lost?” a feminine voice calls out from behind you in very heavily accented Minnisiat. Turning you’re faced with a woman in the standard black expansionary defence fleet uniform. Struggling to focus your eyes you nod, clinging to the strap of your pack as if it were a lifeline.

She furrows her brow, before a look of understanding crosses her features. “You must be the Pathfinder who accompanied the mid captain correct?” again you nod, not trusting your voice currently.

She wraps her arm around your shoulder and begins leading you through the ship. “You will have to forgive the mid captain’s sudden departure, there has been a situation that requires his immediate attention. Come with me. I’ll lead you to your temporary quarters until we can drop you off at your station.”

“Thank you” you croak out before the telltale feeling of bile rising in your throat causes you to promptly close your mouth and focus again on putting on foot in front of the other as your head spins. Perhaps you did push yourself a little too hard this time.

The woman sends a worried look in your direction as she stops in front of a set of doors. “You gonna be alright?” she asks with no small amount of concern lacing her voice as she helps you over the threshold into a small room with a single bed and a tiny refresher off to one side.

“Yeah… Yeah I’ll be fine, just need some sleep I think” you throw her a weak smile, hoping to assuage her worries.

“I’ll send someone by soon with some food and water. Get some rest yeah?” she returns your smile, her Minnisiat far more informal than Thrawn’s you notice, making you feel slightly more at ease around her.

“Thank you…?” you look at her uniform, totally unable to discern a name or rank or anything of value. The script isn’t something you can read, and you have less than zero idea what the patch on her arm indicates, all you know is that it’s different from the sun style motif on his uniform.

“Junior Captain Kiwu'tro'owmis” she replies with a smile and the look on your face must betray your bewilderment because she just laughs and pats you on the shoulder “Wutroow is fine” she says as she takes your pack off your shoulder for you. “The wardrobe has some loose clothes you can change into and there is a sonic in the refresher. We’ll need to make a slight detour before returning you to your station sorry, but I’ll make sure someone sends you some food and water in a bit.

“Thanks, Wutroow” you smile at her before sitting down on the bed and laying down, passing out the moment that your head hits the pillow.

You wake with a start, feeling your jumpsuit being pulled from your body, immediately in fight or flight you swing your arms wildly hoping to hit the intruder, only to be met with the deep soothing voice of your mid captain Thrawn.

“Shhh, it is only me. I assumed you would be more comfortable not sleeping in such course fabric” he grabs your hands before you can smack him in the face with a slight smile.

“Junior captain Wutroow informed me that you were fatigued from our journey, I apologise if you feel I pushed you too hard in our return voyage” he rubs small circles on the back of your hand as he speaks “I also apologise for our abrupt departure, for obvious reasons I cannot divulge too much information but it appears that I am in trouble with the ruling body of our people” he places a soft kiss to the back of your hand.

“Because of me?” you ask as you sit up fully to face him, spying the tray of food and canteen of water that he has placed on the table beside your bed and taking a long sip.

He shakes his head “No one knows of our… arrangement besides Senior Captain Ziara, and she is a trusted friend who would not divulge that information to anyone. No, my being in trouble with the Aristocra is wholly unrelated and unfortunately quite a common occurrence”.

You slide the top half of your jumpsuit off your body and tie the sleeves around your waist as you peck at the tray of food.

“So, the captain is… aware of what happens when she sends us away?” you’re baffled. His captain is fine with this? Why?

“Yes, I believe her words were ‘as long as it keeps you busy and keeps you out of trouble’” he chuckles “Evidently, that has not worked”.

You also chuckle at this, finally feeling your strength returning to you. “I hope you’re not in too much trouble, wouldn’t want you to get kicked out of the fleet” you toe off your boots and stand up, stretching your sore muscles, the fog of burnout finally fully cleared.

“If I were to be expelled from the Expansionary Defence Fleet, I would still find a way to contact you” he says with such an extreme amount of sincerity that it causes your face to warm.

“I would… hope so. I enjoy our time together” you smile over your shoulder towards him as you move to take your jumpsuit off entirely, the stifling fabric falling away and exposing your legs to the cool air of your quarters.

“as do I” You feel his gaze on you as you undress, the heat of his gaze raking over your form as you face away from him, suddenly slightly nervous again. It is always like this afterwards, unaware of where you stand. He’s expressed a great deal of interest in you but what does that even mean? Does he see you as a friend? A lover? A romantic prospect? The Chiss are known throughout the chaos to be so extremely isolationist that you’re not even sure that a Chiss being romantically involved with a human is even allowed.

So lost in your thoughts you don’t notice him approaching until you feel one of his strong arms wrap itself around your waist from behind, his fingers splayed out on your stomach as he pressed himself against you.

“You are… ch'esehn” he whispers, his breath curling around the shell of your ear and sending that familiar head straight to your core.

You push yourself back against him “and what does that mean?” you ask in a breathy voice, the tension in the room is palpable.

“I believe the closest translation would be… Breathtaking” he kisses along your neck, slowly moving his hips against you, softly rutting the hard swell of his cock along your rear.

“I have never been so enchanted by someone as I am with you” He sucks a mark against your collarbone, causing goosebumps to prickle your flesh. “After our first encounter I sought out the company of others, but none ever felt as… taskavcehn”

You spin in his arms and raise a single eyebrow as you rest your hands against his uniformed chest.

“Perfect” he translates before moving his lips over yours in a passionate kiss, his arms tightening around your waist as he pulls your body flush to his. This kiss feels different, the others were fuelled by lust or arousal but this one… this one is filled with emotion that neither of you are willing to fully accept just yet.

So instead of thinking you return his kiss with equal passion, following as he pulls you towards the small bed, lying on his back and moving you to straddle his waist, your lips never leaving one another. You move your hips against his, the two of you rutting together like horny midagers, swallowing each other’s moans, only separating so that he can pull your tank top over your head.

You fiddle with the fastenings and clasps of his tunic while he seemingly remains content to slowly move his hips into you while you struggle. Finally getting the offending fabric out of the way you lean down to kiss along his jaw, moving towards his neck and chest, sucking dark marks into his pristine blue skin.

He gasps, his hips bucking up against you with more force as he holds your hips in a bruising grip, his fingers surely leaving marks in your skin as he uses his strength to grind you along his crotch.

“I do not have much time before I return to duty, but if I am unable to see you again before you return to your station I shall leave you with something to remember” he moves you back, so that he can unfasten his pants, pulling them down just enough to free his cock, in the same motion he pulls your panties to the side exposing your dripping cunt.

Your hands on his chest, you slowly sink down on his length, the stinging stretch of his girth quickly morphing into mind boggling pleasure as he bottoms out, your ass against his thighs. You go to move but he holds you still, his cock twitching and throbbing in your tight walls.

“I wish to stay like this for just a moment” another twitch causes your walls to flutter around him and he groans “to burn the feeling of you into my memory”.

“I thought you said you didn’t have much time” your breathing is ragged, acutely aware of each throb and twitch of his cock as it rests inside you, otherwise unmoving.

“Time spent like this is time well spent” he brings his thumb down to your clit, rubbing slow circles against the engorged bundle of nerves, sending white hot pleasure through your whole body, you dig your nails into his chest, panting and moaning at his pleasurable torture.

“You feel… exquisite around me” he groans, his accent becoming thicker as he continues holding himself still inside you, driving you within an inch of your sanity with each flex of his cock.

“P-please…” you moan, attempting again to move your hips but failing against the strength of his hold on you. His thumb continues moving in tight circles against your clit, driving you ever closer to the edge of oblivion. “Please fuck me… Thrawn”.

The sound of his name coming from your lips in a desperate plea seems to do it. He snaps his hips against you, fucking up into you at a blinding speed, your combined moans and the sound of skin hitting skin bounding off the walls of the room. You attempt to move your hips but find yourself entirely incapable of matching his bruising pace, so you settle for holding yourself up as he pounds into you.

“cseo ravri'ihah bun... cseo cssut'sahn... cseo navsabant... ch'ah cart cseo k'ascah...” he pants, his rhythm faltering as he somehow manages to hit deeper with each stroke. He hits that perfect spot inside of you each time, sending you tumbling over the edge into ecstasy, your walls clamp down around him and draw an almost animalistic growl from his chest as pushes himself as deep as he can, spilling his load, muttering under his breath “csei cart hah... tsan'ah hah sea...”

Thrusting a few more times into you, he lays back on the bed, panting and exhausted, but giving you a small smile.

“I must return to the bridge but if I do not see you before you depart… I will see you again in the future. And may warriors fortune smile upon you” he says as he quickly refastens his uniform, straightening himself out and in a flash, he is back to the perfectly put together, stoic chiss that the rest of the galaxy sees.

“I’ll see you again Thrawn and… good luck with whatever trouble you’re in” you stand up on unstable legs and give him a hug which he returns before giving you a soft kiss and departing your quarters. Once again leaving you alone with your thoughts as you gather your clothes and make your way to the refresher.

You stare out of the viewport at the retreating form of the Parala as you once again stand at your station. You didn’t see Thrawn again before you departed the ship, a fact that sits heavily in your chest as you sling your pack over your shoulder, wondering how long it will be before you see your mid captain again.

Thrawn stands at the rear viewport of the Parala, watching as the Pathfinder station slowly becomes smaller and smaller the more distance is placed between the two of you, his hands clasped firmly behind his back as Ziara approaches him.

“I hope you know what you’re doing Thrawn” she says with an exasperated sigh as she too watches the station get further and further away.

Thrawn turns to face her “I regret to inform you that I… do not” he says before taking his leave of the observation deck to return to his quarters to get some much needed rest before he once again faces the Syndicure.

Cheunh Translations: “cseo ravri'ihah bun... cseo cssut'sahn... cseo navsabant... ch'ah cart cseo k'ascah...” = so fucking good... so tight... so incredible... i am so close...

 "csei cart hah... tsan'ah hah sea..." = that's it... take it all...

@thrawnspetgoose @mysticalgalaxysalad @mitth-eli-vanto @al-astakbar @khapikat222 @novemberblueskyink @ele-millennial-weirdo @69fandom-fanatic69 @blackmonitor

[novasolstarr]

Hello and Welcome to NovaSolStarr’s blog!

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Make fairly suggestive content

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[nordschleifes]

chapter one — first comes scandal

➝ lady federica's reputation has been ruined. that doesn't mean she'll accept her fate willingly.

➝ word count: 2,4k

➝ warnings: harassment, physical altercations and fernando alonso being a cunt.

➝ author's note: i promised i would write a regency story and here it is. it's been cut into some parts but i hope to post it all soon. i'm taking the opportunity to tag @viennakarma, who asked to be tagged. enjoy it!

Just one mistake

A single, simple, stupid mistake was enough to ruin Federica's life. Now, she was on that stupid ship, being taken away by her brother from everything she knew, heading to a place she had no memories of.

Freddie, as she was called, was the youngest daughter of the Duke of Madrid and his wife, Reyes. Born in the heart of the Spanish court amidst battles with the French army, she soon left the country after her father was appointed as ambassador to England.

Educated by an English governess, she learned to dance, embroider, and draw, as was customary. Accompanied by her mother, Freddie was also encouraged to learn to play an instrument. The choice fell on the piano, despite her father's wish for her to learn to play his beloved Spanish guitar.

Her debut in British society had been stellar the previous year. With a gentle gaze and a shy smile, she was approached at the balls she attended under her parents' supervision by many gentlemen, all wishing for a dance with her. Her dance card was always quickly filled early in the evening, before she had barely sipped the drink she was holding.

Older women whispered that Freddie would make an excellent marriage, while other debutantes speculated which gentlemen would be interested in courting her that season.

— Federica?

She looked up, finding the broad smile of Carlos, the Count of Alcarria. His dark hair, like hers, and particularly curious brown eyes was proof that he was Freddie's older brother. However, as the Duke's only son, he was also the heir to the title, something he carried with a pride often mistaken for arrogance by the English.

— Yes?

— Are you all right?

She merely nodded, looking out the window.

Things definitely couldn't be all right for her, especially after what had happened the previous week at Lady Stoddart's ball. After a few dances, Freddie had allowed herself to get some fresh air outside. The garden shimmered softly in the moonlight, the bushes moving with the cool breeze, causing her to adjust the long gloves she was wearing.

— Beautiful night, isn't it? — a man said. Turning, Freddie found a pair of familiar eyes staring at her. Slightly bending her knees in courtesy, she knew who he was from the conversations and whispers she had heard when the man entered.

"Lord Norris, son of the Earl of Bristol," she thought to herself.

— Indeed, very beautiful, my lord.

— Have you attended one of Lady Stoddart's balls before?

— No, my lord — Freddie replied, trying to ignore the heat rising up her neck — I couldn't attend last season due to health issues.

The man approached her slowly, his hands behind his back almost disinterestedly.

— A pity, it was a lovely ball — Lord Norris said, giving a small smile — Although, with your presence tonight, Lady Stoddart's arrangements were completely overshadowed.

Recalling the events of that night, Freddie could only feel anger. How had she not realized the direction the conversation was heading? Why didn't she go inside, seek her parents or even Carlos, who was in England after years away due to the war on the continent? Why did she only manage to scream when the man advanced, grabbing her hands while trying to steal a kiss?

It didn't matter anymore. Nothing mattered, especially after her brother had punched Lord Norris, cursing the man for touching a lady in such a manner. It was the end of Freddie's reputation, as well as her life in the UK.

The decision was made quickly and unanimously. In just over a week, everything was arranged for her to accompany Carlos back to the continent. Her mother disagreed, but her father was determined to preserve what dignity remained in the family name.

And that's how she ended up in a carriage, slowly leaving the port of Gijón as the sun set on the horizon.

— Tired? — Carlos asked, pulling her from her thoughts again.

— A little — Freddie murmured.

— You've never spent a week at sea, I believe.

She shook her head.

— Not even two days, Carlos.

— Well, at least we can rest before heading to Madrid and joining Blanca and her husband.

Freddie pursed her lips.

— Where will we stay?

— The Marquis of Llanera will receive us — Carlos smiled — He is an old friend of papá's, and I always stop by his country house when I'm here.

The mention of the marquis made her raise an eyebrow. Despite having a good memory and recalling the members of British society remarkably, as her father often said, Freddie didn't know any of the Spanish nobles.

Perhaps being an "English girl," as her mother liked to say, wasn't entirely good.

The moon was already in the sky when she noticed the low stone walls lining the road, as well as the distant glow of lanterns. When the carriage stopped in front of a wall covered by a hedge, Freddie looked at Carlos, confused.

— Why did we stop?

— Because we've arrived, Federica — he replied, disembarking from the carriage. Offering a hand, her brother helped her down, warning her about the small step ahead.

The two, accompanied by one of the marquis's servants, were led inside. The young man seemed excited, speaking in Spanish too quickly for Freddie to fully understand, but it didn't hide the familiarity between him and Carlos. It only contributed to her feeling even more out of place, but that wasn't a feeling she was willing to expose to anyone there.

The housekeeper received them with a broad smile. After hugging her cousin tightly, the dark-haired woman with thick eyebrows turned her attention to Freddie, giving her a warm hug. The gesture surprised her, as she had grown accustomed to the coldness of the English, but she couldn't say she was uncomfortable.

The servant informed them that the marquis was dealing with matters related to the administration of the property and couldn't receive them personally, but he had requested that she do the honors. Smiling, Carlos said there was no problem and that he understood the situation perfectly.

Dinner was filled with lively conversations, from which Freddie conveniently distanced herself. It didn't make sense to try to understand what they were discussing, especially when she didn't know anyone there. After eating, she retired to the room prepared for her, without saying a word.

Sitting on the bed, Freddie thought about how unfair it was for her to leave everything behind and not the man who had tried to kiss her by force. It was unfair that she had to return to the place where she was born but had no memories of. It was unfair to have to start over alone, especially in a place that saw her as a stranger. It was unfair to see her parents through the carriage window, watching her leave with a restrained expression of sadness.

Reyes was one of the few who believed her daughter should remain with them in the UK. She argued that everyone knew Lord Norris was insolent and that Freddie was not to blame for the incident, even using a note left by Lady Stoddart's footman as evidence. However, her father disagreed, stating that the family's embarrassment would not be alleviated by a piece of paper.

Lying on the bed, Freddie allowed herself to break down, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed quietly. "Unfair, totally unfair," she thought, wiping her face with the sleeve of the cotton nightgown she had put on for bed and wouldn't take off anytime soon.

Freddie spent the days after arriving in Spain in her room, without any strength to get out of bed. Meals were brought to her but returned almost untouched, after all, there was no reason for it. Her life had ended at Lady Stoddart's ball.

— Federica — someone murmured behind her. Rolling over in bed, she found Carlos standing at the door with a worried expression — What's gotten into you?

— Nothing — she replied as her brother approached, sitting on the mattress beside her.

— You've been locked in this room for days, not eating or drinking. That doesn't seem like nothing.

Freddie pressed her lips together as he brushed a hand over her face.

— I don't want this — she whispered — I want to go home.

— You know papá doesn't want you to return to England…

— It wasn't my fault, Carlos, you know that! — Freddie exclaimed, her eyes filling with tears.

— I know, Freddie, but papá wants to protect you. It's better if you stay away from those people and with those who care about you.

She let out a long, frustrated sigh, having imagined that her brother would say something different. Carlos never diverged from their father, always following his words as if they were supreme law. And that was deeply irritating to Freddie.

After some silence, her brother took her hand.

— When will you leave this room? — he asked softly.

— The moment you take me home.

Carlos laughed.

— Well, that's the plan for the next few days.

A spark of hope ignited within Freddie.

— I'm going home?

— Yes. Well, to our house in Madrid — he continued, making her excitement fade — Abuela will be there to welcome us.

Freddie huffed.

— I don't want to go, Carlos.

— But you have to go. And you'll like it, I'm sure.

Rolling over in bed, she turned her back on her brother, too upset to argue or stop him from leaving. There was nothing to say, the decision was already made, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Or there was?

Freddie woke up the next day to the sound of birds and the timid light entering through the window cracks. After getting up and dressing herself, she thoughtfully descended the stairs leading to the common area. Instead of going to the dining room where breakfast was being served, she decided to head outside the mansion.

It was too early for any movement there, which encouraged her to head through the garden to the left of the property entrance. As she walked alongside the flowers and shrubs, her eyes searched for gates and passages that could help her plan work.

Freddie didn't want to go to Madrid, a "small and stifling" city according to her mother's stories. However, the idea of leaving Carlos behind and trying to return to England alone was not simple, not when she seemed completely trapped in that place, whose well-kept shrubs and flowers reminded her of English gardens.

Stopping to look at a bush full of white roses, Freddie touched the delicate petals with her fingertips, thinking about what she could do to change the particularly unpleasant fate that awaited her in the capital of Spain, under the watchful eyes of her grandmother, a deeply religious widow with little appreciation for social life.

— Don't touch it! — someone exclaimed, making her jump back, withdrawing her hand. 

Looking in the direction of the voice, she saw a middle-aged man striding towards her. He was shorter than most men she knew, and was wearing simple brown trousers and a cotton shirt with an open collar that revealed his well muscled chest. His hair fell in curls over his thick, dark eyebrows, which framed his hazel-colored eyes, that were fixed in an intense gaze on her. 

— What? Why? — Freddie asked as the man bent over the roses, inspecting the buds as if looking for any damage to the petals.

— Because you're not supposed to touch them — he murmured in response, not looking away. His dissatisfaction was clear not only in his voice, but in the way his mouth was settled in a thin line, framed by the stubble on his square jaw.

She raised an eyebrow. 

— They are flowers.

— The marquis's flowers, you mean — the man said, giving her a stern look — And he doesn't like people messing with them.

Freddie stepped back as he stood up after his inspection, looking relieved that there was no damage to the roses.

— I didn't intend to do anything…

— Yes, no one ever intends anything — he replied with a voice dripping with sarcasm — Everyone says that, but I'm the one who has to fix everything.

— But I didn't do anything — she argued, somewhat annoyed by the man's tone.

— Because I got here in time to prevent you from doing anything.

A wave of irritation rose up Freddie's neck.

— Don't you think you should treat a lady with more respect? Especially a guest of the marquis…

The man chuckled.

— As far as I know, the marquis's guest is the Count of La Alcarria, and only him. You are just his companion, who wasn't even announced before arriving here — he said with a nearly diabolical gleam in his eyes — By the way, I wonder what happened that made you decide to come to Spain so suddenly.

Freddie's jaw tightened as she clenched her fists. Who did this man think he was?

— It's not up to you to speculate about my presence here.

— Did you give yourself to some libertine? I assume you'll need someone to clean up your honor — the man asked, as if the possibility was amusing to him — Maybe you should warn the poor fellow you're going to marry first…

Taking two steps forward, Freddie didn't let him finish the sentence before bringing her hand to his face. However, contrary to her expectation, the man grabbed her wrist before her palm could hit his cheek. His fingers squeezed her skin as she tried to free herself.

— Watch your mouth, you scoundrel — Freddie growled, pulling her hand back — You don't know me to suggest anything about me or my honor…

— But I know enough ladies to understand their tactics.

She rolled her eyes, making a move to return to the marquis's house. However, before doing so, she noticed the rose bush he had reprimanded her for touching and, in a nearly blind impulse, advanced towards it. Closing her hand around one of the flowers, Freddie pulled, ripping out a handful of petals.

— No! — he exclaimed as she threw the remnants of the rose on the ground and turned, walking back to the mansion with heavy steps.

Freddie had never felt so disrespected, not to mention humiliated. And the situation was even more terrible because it had been said by an employee of the marquis. But, in a way, it was the push she needed to think of a plan and leave that country and its cruel people behind.

She returned to her room with her mind bubbling, the plan forming in her head. Freddie would need a few things, but nothing she couldn't get with a sweet voice and a moving expression directed at Carlos. The most difficult part might be finding a way to get to the port of Gijón since she hadn't paid attention on the way there.

She could only hope that there was a map of the region somewhere in that mansion.

[hikarimiyanaga]

Forget Me

Getting back into writing with One Piece. Boa Hancock has been one of my crushes from this manga for the longest time.

Summary : Falling in Love can be a curse.

Specially if it's with the ruling Empress of the Amazon Lily.

And even moreso, when you can see Boa Hancock fall for Luffy so up close.

So you decide to quit this unrequited love, once and for all.

Oh and also, being Boa's personal bodyguard and assistant.

Warning : Angst. Curse Words.

PS. Just say if you want to get tagged in this series. (And yes, it's another series.)

You sigh for nth time that day. Today was so uneventful once again.

Don't get me wrong, you really loved the peace and all that. Seeing everyone in the Kuja tribe just happy is one of the things you love most in the world.

But you can't help but want more. More thrill. Adventure. Venturing outside of this vast island that you call home.

Unlike most warriors in the island, you never joined Kuja Pirates so you haven't even ridden Perfume Yuda although you are friends with the Yuda pulling it.

You've always had a connection with animals.

"Bored again?" Mari asks as the two sisters pass by you on their way to their sister's room.

"Ha, when is Y/N ever entertained?" Sonia scoffs and you hum.

"Leave me alone, you sisters. Just get those to her."

"You know, if sis ever catches you just calling her "her", she'll turn you to stone."

"Maybe it'll be better that way." You mumble and Mari gets closer to you.

"What?" You sigh again and take the papers from their hands.

"Nothing. I'm going to help you now. Let's just go."

The two sisters look at each other in confusion before they follow you into Boa's room.

"Princess! Your daily morning reports are here." You shout as you open the door and hear a grunt coming from the bed.

"So early?"

"It's 7 already. Time to get up."

Both Sonia and Mari help their sister wake up as you read all the reports.

It was your daily routine.

Read Hancock her reports.

Help her bathe.

See the ugly truth about her.

It was a wonder for you. But you can't help your heart.

You were one of the few who could fully resist her love-love fruit as well. Despite being completely in love with her.

-

You get home and quickly bury yourself onto the sofa in the living room.

"Oh. You're home." Elder Nyon nonchalantly says and you grunt in return. "Tired?" She asks and you hum. "I'll prepare dinner for us then."

"Thank you." You say but it's muffled by the pillow that you buried your face in. But as always, Elder Nyon already knew what you were saying so she chuckles and just goes to the kitchen.

You look over the pictures inside the house and can't help the sudden pang in your heart. Pictures with all the boa sisters, Elder Nyon and so many others should bring you joy.

They were all wonderful memories after all.

But seeing Hancock so happy made you so sad.

Because you know that you can't ever make her happy like that.

So you turn away and wait for the dinner that you were promised while you calm your heart from the pain.

-

"Where's Y/N?" Hancock asks as she eats together with her sisters.

Mari looks at Sonia who sighs. It was her turn tonight.

"Gone home."

"What? Why?" Hancock can't help but ask. Ever since you started working at the palace, you've joined the Boa sisters during Lunch and Dinner, you always made the dining more enjoyable.

But ever since a month ago, you just abruptly stopped. Not even a warning. As if you were suddenly burned.

"We don't know. She just went home after finishing her duties." Hancock falls silent at that then continues eating.

Why would you suddenly do this?

-

Apparently, the universe listens to wishes now.

Because how the hell did Strawhat Luffy just land in Amazon Lily.

How the fuck did this man- boy, really- fucking get here?

"Does he have Yuda-? No, there's no sightings of a new ship anywhere. Flew?? But he's fucking rubber!? He can't do that, that's cheating-!" You grumble as you pace back and forth inside the palace halls. You sigh as you look over the Kuja members just fawning over the boy.

You look away and begin working away.

-

The past few days has been a blur.

One that you can't seem to grasp.

And you had to admit, you have been avoiding Luffy.

Hating the attention he got from everyone else. Hating that he seemed so happy despite being in a place he didn't know. Hated his stories of all the adventures he went on.

Hating the love that came from Hancock-

Oh. So that what it was.

"I'm jealous?" You ask no one as your tears silently fall down. The realization hitting you harder than you thought it would.

You always knew that one day, Hancock would have to fall in love with a man.

Because she was normal.

And you were no-

You get hit by Elder Nyon in the head.

"Where have you been? You missed the whole banquet." Elder Nyon finally notices your tears and you can't help but turn away.

All of them celebrated him. All of them.

"Sorry, I missed the banquet. But I just wanna sleep." You ran away before Elder Nyon could even comment on your unfamiliar tears.

You weren't a crybaby. Gloriosa would even argue that you have no feelings regarding being sad as she hardly ever saw you cry despite being your adoptive grandmother.

It was the first time in all the years that she has known you that she saw tears come out of your eyes.

"Y/N?" She quietly asks from outside your door then knocks. She knocks again as she asks, "Are you okay?" You sigh then turn to the door.

"I'm fine. Just-" You wipe your tears away. "Just really fucking tired."

"Alright. Just- let me know when you need me." Gloriosa decides to leave you alone for now.

You'll come to her when you're ready.

-

As it turns out though. You were never ready. You never even said out loud that you fell in love with Hancock.

In an island full of women, one would think that women falling in love with other women is normal.

And it is.

But falling for the empress?

Like full-on, heart-clenching, soul-consuming, and painful love?

It was unheard of.

For the members of the Kuja Tribe. The Empress is the ruler. It was natural to adore and admire but romantic love?

It was impossible.

You were dangling your feet over the roof as you write down your resignation letter. Hopefully, you could give it to Sonia or even Mari without emotionally breaking down. Besides that, you had enough savings. Enough so that even Elder Nyon has given you her blessing.

"Go discover the world. Go meet other people. Have your own adventures. Then come back when you need to." Was her lines.

She supported you even when you said what your reason was. Although you also never told her who you fell in love with.

Saying it out loud means you have to take it seriously. It meant you had to confess to her. And that-

That is going to be the worst because you already knew that you were going to be rejected.

So you keep it all in.

Better to be unknown than out in the open and then get rejected.

-

You're standing in front of Ran as she reads over your resignation letter. You think the Kuja Pirates left. You aren't really sure. But you know you haven't seen their ship and Luffy this morning.

And yes, even Hancock.

"You're going somewhere?" She finally says after minutes of silence. You nod and she sighs. She was one of those who stayed behind this time.

"What? Why are you sighing?" She shakes her head.

"This is just bad timing. The marines called the empress so we're kind of low in manpower at the moment. I know Sonia and Mari are coming back but-" You sigh at that. But they don't know how to properly run the kingdom.

Only you and Hancock does. To be fair to those two though, you know how much they've spent training their asses off. And the only reason that you do is because you've observed how Hancock does it for so long.

"Fine. I'll stay." Ran beams at you and you sigh. "Only until Hancock gets back. After that, I'm gone."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you." Ran says in relief and you get your packed bag.

You really thought you were going to leave.

"Guess I'll have to go ahead and live here for the meantime." You sigh at that realization.

-

The past few days have been exhausting.

You've read so many reports that you can safely say that you can vomit if you read another one today. You've also read today that the battle at Marineford started just hours ago.

You knew Hancock could do all these things without breaking a sweat but it was still different when you do it yourself.

"You should go home." Sonia says as you tumble into the lobby of the palace. Hancock's various gifts and present from the Kuja members, just pushed aside until she comes home.

"No." You refuse and lean on the wall. "I need to finish up that project."

"Sonia and I can take care of it. Please, Y/N, rest." Mari says as she helps you.

"Thank you then. Just have to-" You don't get to finish your sentence as you faint into Ran's arms.

"Wha- what happened to her?" Ran asks the Boa sisters and they sigh.

"She's working herself to the bones in order to run the kingdom and teach us." Ran hums as Sonia carries you from her.

"I'll take her to her room. Mari, the project."

"Got it." The Boa sisters disperse and Ran sighs as she regrets telling you to stay.

She didn't know that you were such a hard-worker. Everyone in the Kuja Pirates thought that you only ran around trying to please Hancock because that's your job. And they never saw you even train or do anything other than paperwork.

"I never realized that Y/N did so much more." Ran's realization gets heard by Elder Nyon who was coming to see you.

"Ran? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh! Elder Nyon! It's- um- nothi-" Elder Nyon glares at her so Ran succumbs. "It's just she fainted so-"

"WHAT!? Where is she?"

"She's carried to her room by Sonia." Gloriosa quickly goes inside the palace and runs into your room.

"Is she alright?" Sonia jumps at the panic in Elder Nyon's voice.

"She's fine, Elder Nyon." Sonia looks at you. "Just really tired."

"Has she been teaching you guys on what to do?" Sonia nods at the question and Elder Nyon sits by your side. "Go help Mari out, I'll take care of her." Sonia nods then gets out of your room in the palace.

Gloriosa knew you too well. Even if you never told her who you fell for.

It was all in your actions. The way you aim to please Hancock at every turn. The way you beam when she gives you praise. The way you always had this seldom look on your face when you though no one was looking.

You were such an open person when it came to other people's problems, all of those you could solve in a jiffy. But when it came to yourself-

"You really have nothing else to give to yourself, huh?" It was one of the reasons why Gloriosa immediately accepted you leaving Amazon Lily. Because she knew you had to find yourself.

Without her being your guide. Without Hancock being your love. Without the other Kuja Members always looking over your shoulder.

Gloriosa sighs as she gets a towel from your drawer and gets a basin full of water from your bathroom. The least she can do is make you comfortable while you slept.

-

You clutch at the newspaper and try to calm down your heart.

Portgas D. Ace is dead. So it meant that Luffy failed in his mission. You might not have been speaking with the boy but you've heard enough from others. From Hancock herself. This meant that Hancock might be coming back in two to three days.

You start packing your bag in a hurry. You cannot see her again. Not if she'll weaken your resolve to get over her.

"I need to esca-"

"Y/N-" Sonia stops in her tracks as she sees you, panicly packing up everything in your room. "What's happening?" She just came in, wanting your perspective on a potential project that was suggested by the fisherwomen.

"She's coming home." You answer as you frantically shove your clothes in the bag.

"Who?" Sonia places the papers on the desk as she watches you shove some more clothes in the almost full bag.

"Hancock. I need to leave. Immediately."

"You hate sister that much?" Sonia asks as you close up your bag. You sigh and look at Sonia. The woman was visibly tired, she and Mari are new to being the leaders of this island and it shows. You put down your bag and walk up to Sonia who looked down on the floor, not wanting to see you leave at all. You pick up the papers and look over the project details.

"On the contrary," You finally say as you read the last page. "I'm in love with her." Sonia snaps her head up to look at you. You give her a sad smile and she trembles at seeing you so sad and defeated for the first time since she's known you. You just looked so exhausted. "The project is actually good at that point. Approve it and make sure that it can be implemented. And remember, even if you and Mari fail a project, it can always be improved and get started over. Our people have the best leaders." You walk over to your bag and pick it up. "Good luck on holding out for a few days, Sonia. Tell it to Mari too. I have to go now." Sonia just watches as you leave your room, packed bag in tow.

It felt like she was losing you. They were losing you. Their best friend. The Boa sisters adored you. Sonia and Mari trained with you during the early hours of the morning. Hancock even if she feels like it. The three sisters could confidently do anything they want because they knew they have you and Elder Nyon back home. But now you were leaving. Leaving them behind. And Sonia doesn't even know if-

"Will you ever come back?" Sonia asks through her tears. She didn't even realize that she started crying.

She's losing you, her best friend who always made sure that she and Mari feel appreciated. You who was their first friend on the island. You who supported the Boa Sisters in every way possible. You who made sure that Hancock was the next empress. Who made sure that Sonia and Mari had enough training and knowledge. You, the only one person besides Elder Nyon who knew their terrible secret but still loves them despite of it.

"Sonia? Wha- what happened?" Mari asks as she hugs Sonia.

"She left. She left us, Mari." Mari tears up at that. "And I don't know if she'll ever come back." Together, the two Boa sisters cry.

-

You look back at Amazon Lily and smile. You can't help your tears as you put your bag in the small boat.

"Pyhia." You call out your small Yuda and she greets you from the water. "We'll head out soon. Think you can do it?" Pyhia enthusiastically nods and readies herself by connecting the boat on her body. Pyhia has always been smart and it's one of the things you adore about her.

"You're leaving already?" Elder Nyon asks and you smile at her.

"Not yet. Still have to pick up some supplies then give you your letter."

"Letter?" You bring it out from your pocket and smile as you present it to her. "Don't read it until I leave. I might not be able to stand seeing you cry."

"Is it really going to make me cry?" You grin at her.

"I'm hoping it would. If it doesn't then you have a stone heart, grandma." Elder Nyon chuckles at that.

"Let's go shopping for supplies then." You nod at her and carry her on your shoulders. She shouts in exasperation but still cherished the moment. She might not be able to experience in a long time.

-

You tie the floating raft to your boat and hum as it stables on itself.

"Pyhia. Can you take the weight? Try moving around for a bit." Pyhia does as you say and she squeals in delight at being able to do what you said. "Good! We'll take off in a minute then." Pyhia squeals in confirmation and for the last time, you look back at Amazon Lily.

You've already said your goodbye to Elder Nyon. Even sent out the letters to Ran, Margaret, Sonia, Mari, Hancock and some other friends as well. You take a deep breath then yell. "Let's go, Pyhia!"

Then you finally leave your hometown behind.

-

A/N:

AFTER SO LONG, I CAN WRITE.

We bought a computer.

Anyways, thank you for reading!

[lullabyes22-blog]

Snippet - Worth A Try - Mal de Mer

Silco is a shameless opportunist.

Mal de Mer on AO3

Mild NSFW

"You'll be the sun tomorrow," he breathes. "You always are."

 "Silco..."

"It's true." His mouth is a scald; love-biting a path of embers down the curve of her throat. "Even now, when it's night, and I can't see the sky. Even then, I know you're still there."

Mel shivers. She can't stop her body from flowing into the embrace. Can't stop the small moan rising in her throat, or the palm lifting to thread its fingers into his hair. Can't stop her other hand, the one that had been so sure on the railing, from sleeking down the front of his waistcoat to hook shakily into the waistband of his trousers. 

She can't stop anything, she realizes: her body has already chosen.

And the rest of her: doomed to follow suit.

"Come with me," he rasps. "I've a room belowdeck."

"The guests—"

"Too busy getting high. Or getting themselves off." 

"But—"

"There is a bed, petal. It has fresh sheets. Goosedown pillows. A silk duvet." His thumb smooths her brow, sweeping a wayward curl from her face. "Unless you'd rather have them bear witness."

Mel's face heats. She'd forgotten her guests are only a glass away. All their carousing, and curses, and calls. Through the parallelogram of light spilling from the doorway, she glimpses their hazy silhouettes. Someone has put an old Jazz record on the phonograph.  Cevila is doing an exuberant reel with Kolt. Hector is slumped, chin-deep, in an empty dish of macarons. Garlen has hauled a pretty girl—one of the deckhands—onto his lap. His mouth, smeared in the rouge from her lipstick, is open with laughter at something she's whispering in his ear. The Dennings, behind their curtains, are still tangled in a love-knot. But the chaise is rocking in an unmistakable percussive rhythm.

Mel's burn deepens. "I'm not having my guests walk in on us."

"And I've no interest in giving them a show." His smile, a wicked scythe, cuts against her skin. "Unless I charge per head."

Mel's tongue touches her top lip. She can still taste him, and the promise of more. Her body, fuddled by desire, is throbbing with a dull insistence. Her headache is far-off. The fatigue, too, has melted into one long exhalation of release that is its own build-up of tension.

He is so close their foreheads touch. Her eyelashes, damp, catch on his skin as she shakes her head.

"No."

"No?"

"Not here." Her eyes lift to his. "And not on the ship."

"Then where?"

"In the villa. In the master suite. I want a proper honeymoon. Everything I planned for, before you derailed my life." Her voice trembles; her fingers tighten on his waistband, tugging him closer. "I want you to carry me over the threshold. I want to wake up in the morning and find you next to me. I want a breakfast tray in bed, and a day spent lazing on the beach. I want the sun in my hair, and sand between my toes, and you in the water, showing me that backstroke you're always bragging about. And in the evening, I want a candlelit supper. A long walk on the shore, as the stars come out. And after—" Her voice husks. "After, I want every last inch of you. With the door shut and the world outside. I want to know what 'us' means to you, and why I'm the one you chose. I want it all. Everything."

His face is still. Only his eyes—their pupils blown wide, one haloed in pure green, the other ringed by a rim of fire—give him away.

"A fortnight," he says.

"Yes."

"In the villa."

"Yes."

"With the door shut."

"Yes."

"Romance, and the sea, and the stars."

"Yes."

His fingers are threading her curls. The rhythm of his breath is a steady metronome. But his heartbeat, she can feel, is climbing. "And me, every inch."

"Yes."

"Every. Inch."

"Yes, damn you." 

The hand, at the back of her neck, begins to knead: slow, languorous, and so very warm.  Mel’s resolve threatens to liquify completely. But there is a stubbornness to her that won't yield. It is the golden core that had kept her from falling at Jayce's feet, or letting Ambessa dictate the course of her life, or letting her bloodline shape the path of her city.

The stubbornness that, no matter how hard the world kicked her down, has always kept her standing.

That will not, ever, give up on what's hers.

"Yes," she repeats, tipping her chin, "to all of it. All the things we'd have, if not for all this." She gestures: the chaos within, and the chaos without. "Two weeks, and I'll have everything from you. I'll know your measure, as a husband. You will give me every iota of your attention, and more. And you will give it all willingly."

The corner of his scarred lip holds the barest upturn. "You drive a hard bargain."

"I am a Medarda."

"You are, indeed."  The kneading of his long fingers has become a long tender caress, from the juncture of her skull down the wings of shoulderblades to the dip of her spine, then up again. The touch is so lulling that Mel finds herself swaying to its rhythm. "But, Mel?"

"Mmm?"

"You could, at least, let me escort you belowdeck, and out of that dreadful damp tulle. I'll be the soul of propriety. And if, along the way, I manage to coax the rest of those knots out of your shoulders, you'll be a better woman for it. And I, a happier man."

A delicious ripple runs down her body, from the tips of her fingers to her toes. His timbre holds that distinctive gravel—smoke-charred and slow-rolling—that is a matchstrike to her senses. It is, she suspects, the tone he'd use to tempt the devil himself into sin.

But a Medarda is a harder sell.

"A generous offer." She steps back. "But no."

"No?"

"You'll have to plead your case with more ingenuity."

In the dark, his smile is a knife-flick of white. "It was worth a try."

[itstokkii]

a done deal(s)

for @aphcardverse-week day 4: free day

in which nargiza, royal seamstress of the kingdom of clubs, makes deals with a stranger who doesn't seem to be from around here…

characters: turkey, uzbekistan, russia

shipping: turkey/uzbekistan

‧₊˚✧[🇹🇷🇺🇿]✧˚₊‧

"Intruder! What are you doing here? The Royal Guards of Clubs are quite ruthless, you know!" Nargiza quickly turned and brandished her fabric scissors, glinting in the afternoon light.

The intruder held his hands up in defeat, a panicked look on his face as he was thinking about how much longer he could balance himself on the window before she'd push him off the window, and he'd be discovered by the guards.

"Hey, hey hey! Calm down! Yeesh. I'm not here to kill you or anything! I just heard you cry about spinning straw into gold and wanted to help!"

Nargiza stared at him in shock before lowering her scissors carefully on a nearby table. With both hands free, she placed them on her face and let out a sigh.

"Don't make me laugh. You want to help me? How would you even do that? I am the Royal Seamstress. There is nobody in the Kingdom that can work the spinning wheel as fast as I can. Look at this!" She gestures towards the floor, up to her ankles with straw.

"I am locked in this tower, and meant to spin all of this into gold by morning...or I die." Her voice, initially booming with anger, quickly wavered. It seemed she was on the verge of crying, tears outlining her red, puffy eyes.

He wasn't like her, in the sense that he'd been hung, stabbed, or beaten to death over the years, yet he'd always wake up alive. He was immortal and free, never bound to the alliance of any kingdom.

She, and almost everyone else in the Four Kingdoms, weren't like that. But with this immortality came other abilities, of which would be the solution to her problem.

"You wanna know how I got to this tower, past the guards?" He whispered, as if he was about to tell her a secret.

"How?"

"Magic. I could help you spin all that straw into gold, and you'd be very much alive the next morning."

She angrily grabbed his fists. "MY LIFE IS ON THE LINE, AND YOU'RE WASTING TIME BY JOKING AROUND?!"

"I promise! Here, look." He hovered his hand over to the straw, picking up a handful before running it through the spinning wheel. Long, yellow strands of straw spun around the wheel, gradually changing into a color as golden as the sun.

Out came a spool of...golden thread. He hadn't been joking.

"Oh...Oh my goodness. You... What are you?!”

"Anyway, I believe I've caught your attention. Would you like me to-"

"YES!” She yelled, throwing herself at him and squeezing him for dear life, tears of happiness forming in her eyes. He was the answer to this! She could live, and continue her goal of saving up enough to move out of this cursed kingdom with her siblings. And he could do it just like that.

He lightly tapped her shoulder to let him go. "The way this works is like a deal. You need to clearly state your wish. Once I complete my end of the deal, you give me something of yours. How about..." His eyes scoped the room, looking for something she could give him before he looked at the silver bracelet on her wrist, encrusted with emeralds, the kingdom's gem.

"Your bracelet in exchange for my service." He said with a certain finality.

Nargiza stared at her bracelet. It had been "gifted" to her by the King of Clubs when she had been chosen as the Royal Seamstress. It certainly was pretty, but had been considering pawning it off to help save for starting a new life elsewhere. How bad could giving the bracelet to this sorcerer be?

She carefully slid it off her wrist. "And there are extra rules I should know about? No details omitted from this deal?"

"Nope." She then placed it on his hand, and he threw it into his satchel.

"Alright, then, sorcerer, please work your magic. I wish for you to spin all the straw in this room into gold."

"As you wish, miss."

He spun the straw, spools of gold thread piling up, as he engaged her in small talk-about her childhood, her family, her work.

‧₊˚✧[🇹🇷🇺🇿]✧˚₊‧

"Rise and shine, miss!" She jolted awake, straightened her hairbow, and stood up, brushing the dust off her apron as the door flung open to reveal none other than King Ivan.

"Good morning, your Highness."

He looked at the gigantic pile of spools upon spools of gold thread, picking one up to

examine it. He pulled the thread, and rubbed his fingers across the spool. Nargiza's heart pounded anxiously.

"Real gold. I'm impressed, Seamstress. It most certainly wasn't an easy task, no?"

"Perhaps not, but what the king demands is of the highest importance." Nargiza smoothly answered with a soft smile. After almost five years of working as a Royal Seamstress, she had learned how to walk on glass when around him, saying both what was true and what the King liked to hear. She had also learned to fake her smiles, no matter how frustrating or stressful the circumstance.

"Wonderful! Then surely you won't mind spinning some more?" Nargiza's heart dropped to the lowest pits of her stomach.

More?

The King guided her by the small of her back towards another room. This one was noticeably larger. If the previous room was of the size of a single person's bedroom, this could have been a drawing room. A single spinning wheel greeted her, along with the straw she was meant to spin.

"I expect the same results by the morning. See you then!" He waved as the door shut with a resounding CLANG, and then locked from the outside.

She waited for the footsteps to deafen before throwing herself on the piles and sobbing, angrily fisting straw in her hand and throwing it around. The crying and her fit of rage made her feel exhausted, so she wiped her face with her apron and chose to simply lay down among the straw. Soon enough, she had passed out.

She woke up to feel tapping on her cheek, along with a familiar, comforting voice.

"Hey, Nargiz," he said, "wake up, okay?"

She gently pulled herself up, rubbing her eyes to see the sorcerer, who had introduced himself as Sadik the day before.

"What are you doing here? You've done the deal already..." She asked, her voice tinged with sleep.

"I wanted to help you again. Your King is ruthless. How much does he pay you to be his personal punching bag?" She giggled at his slander of her King, easing a bit of stress off her body.

"How much...?" She did the math in her head. "Just enough for food, water, shelter, clothing, and my savings. Surprisingly, the pay is alright."

"Well, he still shouldn't be putting you through this. You deserve better." Nargiza blushed at his words. Someone aside from my siblings who understands...

"Your necklace for my service."

She gave him her necklace without hesitation.

"I wish for you to spin all this straw into gold."

"As you wish, miss."

This time, Nargiza tried asking him about his life, what he was, what kingdom he had traveled from. However, he simply stayed silent, choosing to focus on his work instead.

She had initially been looking at his clothing and the intricate embroidery, wondering if she could replicate that. His satchel looked plain, but it was in the design and construction that made it so unique, unlike the others she had seen in the Kingdom's markets.

Slowly, her eyes trailed up to his face. He had eyes lighter than hers, a warm brown that gleamed auburn when the sunlight touched it just right. He turned to look at her and smirked.

"You checking me out or something?"

"P-PLEASE DON'T MIND ME! FORGET THAT EVER HAPPENED!"

‧₊˚✧[🇹🇷🇺🇿]✧˚₊‧

"Well, what do we have here?" King Ivan's voice echoes across the walls. "This is why the Kingdom of Clubs is so well off. We have the best of the best working in this castle!"

She listened to his words intently, though with distrust and fear as she worried about what he had next in store for her.

"The best chef, the best maids...and the best, the most prettiest seamstress." Of all the things he could have said, Nargiza had never predicted it could have been about her looks. He guided her through different halls and passageways to another room.

"You're kind to everyone you come across, even though you want to rip them limb from limb sometimes. And you're just around my age!"

Where is he going with this...? She looked at the room, as grand as a ballroom, with another spinning wheel and straw.

The King chuckled. "I really should get to the point, shouldn't I? I can feel your impatience. You already know the procedure. Spin the straw into gold by morning. If you complete your task, not only will you be spared...but you will become my Royal Consort.”

She couldn't have heard that right. He played cruel tricks from time to time, this must have been one of them! Her head spun. She felt nauseous. Even so, she gathered the strength to ask him.

"Your...?"

He laughed. "Yes. My wife."

This was the first time in years she let the shock on her face speak for itself. The King smiled.

"Don't be so glum! If not marriage... you can always choose death."

And with that, he swung the door shut.

She spent the whole day sitting down in shock, or taking naps. At one point, she had tried to find paper and a pen-anything to explain herself to her siblings with as a postmortem letter, before finding nothing. It was now evening and there was no sign of Sadik.

It's rude of me to always demand he does my work for me, I suppose...

She looked outside the window, stars like diamonds popping out amongst the inky black sky. She closed her eyes and smelled the fresh, woodsy air. She figured that if this was the last time she'd ever see the night, she had to enjoy it as much as she could. I wonder if he can hear me... She thought. After a short pause, she began to speak out loud.

"Sadik...After I die, please tell my siblings I love them, and that I'm sorry for dying too early. Tell them to open the chest beside my closet at home, and to use everything in it carefully to leave this Kingdom. I don't...I don't know if King Ivan will come after them next. So...please..." Nargiza's voice cracked as she collapsed to the floor, trying her best to console herself and force herself to come to terms with her inevitable death the next day.

All of a sudden, she felt warm hands on her shoulders. He’s here.

"I'm sorry." He simply said. What else could he say to a woman that would lose her life to either marrying a King, or to decapitation?

"I...I don't know what to do," She rested a hand atop of his, "Either way I don't win! I don't want to die! But if I live, I live the rest of my days as his wife..."

Sadik sighed. "It'll be okay. I'll deal with that part as well. You will not be marrying that asshole. Do you have anything left to give me?"

She looked around and at herself, only to come up blank. "No...It's hopeless!"

"Well, you know what they say."

"What?"

"If you can't pay with money, then you pay with your body."

"WHAT?! NO!" Nargiza's eyes widened and she quickly backed away, her arms latching onto the wall across from him.

"Oh my god that came out a lot worse than it sounded in my head." Sadik awkwardly laughed, desperately trying to ease the tension. "I'm so sorry."

"I WAS LITERALLY CONSIDERING DEATH TO AVOID BECOMING SOMEONE'S BRIDE!"

"No, no! I mean I'll just turn all this straw into gold, and take you with me. We'll fake your sudden death, help your siblings leave the kingdom as well, and you'll get the life you deserve." He explained hurriedly as she looked like she was about to slap him.

She paced around the room. "I don't understand. You've just met me! Can I really trust you? What if-"

"If it worries you that much, I'll leave once all the arrangements are done and you're safe. You'll never hear from me again, and you'll be free. A deal's a deal."

"But why? For all it's worth, you could have simply stopped helping me on day one! Why help a stranger to such lengths?"

"I've taken a liking to you."

Her face flushed an angry red, becoming hotter with every second it took her to register what he said."

"I...I wish for you to spin this straw into gold. For the last time."

He smiled, his face also dusted a light red.

"As you wish, miss.”

‧₊˚✧[🇹🇷🇺🇿]✧˚₊‧

Morning came and the sunlight gleamed across an empty room, causing the spools of gold thread to shine and glow. No straw...and no Nargiza.

"Good morning-" King Ivan opened the door with haste, only to find spools of yarn and his bride-to-be gone.

Meanwhile, Nargiza read the newspaper in her living room, surrounded by her siblings and Sadik. The room, as well as the rest of the house is completely bare. Everyone had stayed up the whole night to pack all their items on several carriages. She cleared her throat.

"Search ordered by King to find his missing bride...The King has declared an emergency search of his missing bride to take place across all 12 provinces of the Kingdom of Clubs, effective tomorrow. Hm... Sadik, we only have to complete the letter of my death, right?"

"Yup, then we're straight out of here. Now, "fell to her death during a dizzy spell" or "shot through the heart by a mercenary?""

"I think the first one is more realistic, Sadik."

"Whatever you say, dear.”

———————————————————————

notes:

i saw a fanart where turkey seemed like a joker-type of character? no alliances to anyone, sort of a free wanderer...so I wanted to put that in here!

the story is based on rumpelstiltskin, with the original rumpel being sort of cruel and the villain of the story, this was sort of spun into "but what if rumpel was good(??)" usually I like sticking to source material as much as I can, but in this case, just this once...

[tinyozlion]

Parsing Gundam Wing: 

A Field Guide to a Classic Anime

So, you’re watching Gundam Wing.

Maybe you’re seeing it for the first time, maybe you’re returning to it as a fan of yore, maybe, like me, you’re trying to introduce it to a friend. Perhaps you are watching the English dub, or with English subtitles– doesn’t matter. There’s only one script for both. You’re trying to make it through the first episode, and oh baby, oh baby– What is this pacing? Who are these people? Why do they talk like that? What the fuck is a battle seed? Yes, the robots are cool, but the rest seems like a cursed soap opera. You are understandably hesitant to continue.

 This is normal. 

Take my hand. Shh, shh, come to my arms. You are safe now. I’m here to help. Welcome, brave explorer, to a classic 90's anime that once took America by storm. It’s very good. No, really, I promise, it’s very good.

Now, I can’t promise that you’ll love it! If the Space Opera And Ethics Course With Hot People and Robot Fights genre isn't for you, that's fine, take some hummus and go in peace my friend.

But the rest of you… we are brothers now.

Gundam Wing was lightning in a bottle when it first came out in North America, but even if that particular explosive debut will never come again, I think there’s still a wealth of enjoyment to be had for new fans– especially if like me you love stories that have a lot of depth, a lot of crunch, a lot of rewatch value, a lot of iterative shipping possibilities.

I realize that we live in an era of total media saturation; the notion of investing time in ANYTHING new these days is a tough sell. There are infinitely many things to watch, read, play, listen to-- so how do you justify getting into something that’s kinda old and a little janky? With some parts that haven’t aged as well as others? Something that maybe takes a bit of extra participation to get into?

...As a spoonful of medicine to help ease the media-fatigue, let me share with you something that I've found true in my life: rough edges invite you to participate in creation.

Stories that invite (or demand, or beg) you to participate in them have their own unique value, completely distinct from the value of those that satisfy you immediately; they will reward you for investing in them your time, your creativity, your curiosity.

And I think this is one of those stories! I genuinely want more people to play in this sandbox with me! So, here I am, making a blog about it.

--This is my guidebook to getting into Gundam Wing. It is intended to be a sort of companion, a primer-- maybe a walkthrough? An invitation? to this complex and juicy series.

This won't be a fan wiki-- those already exist, thank goodness, and people can check those out for themselves-- rather, I'd like to make this a repository of context and insight, and to fill in those troublesome missing pieces in the show that are big stumbling blocks to understanding what's going on!

I want to give you what I didn’t have when I started this series back in anno domini two-thousand-and-naught:

All the damn information.

Naturally, there will be more drawings, memes, crabs, very stupid gifs, and probably some crying throughout. And you have my word that I will try and present this in a comprehensive, inclusive, character-agnostic way.

...That said, I am not stealthy! I cannot possibly disguise the fact that I’ve given exponentially more thought to certain characters than to others. You will almost certainly be able to tell when you’ve encountered my Blorbos, my Special Interests--

(Shh, Tinylion! Back in your teapot!)

--But! Look into my eyes. Here is an Absolute, Unwavering Truth about me:

I love, or at least love something about, Every. Single. Character in Gundam Wing. and I will do my absolute damndest to give them each their due diligence, because they're worth it, and so are you.

Thank you for coming, I hope you enjoy whatever you find here ♥

~ Wesley, and to a lesser extent, TinyLion

[brigdh]

Okay I'm really curious about "Seme/uke-ifed ship"

The WIP meme!

Thank you!

Ahahaha, okay, I saw a prompt asking writers to deliberately lean into OOC seme/uke stereotypes, complete with giant yaoi hands, regardless of how little they actually fit your ship. This was my silly result. This is another one where I'll just post the whole thing because I never intended to publish it (among other reasons, it involves me being mean about some common tropes).

Also, wow, on rereading I feel like I should note that I wrote this months ago, long before Stede's dream in 2x01.

“I’ve come to rescue you,” Stede said, “from Izzy.” 

Ed’s hand loosened around the hilt of his knife in shocked confusion. He opened his mouth to curse Stede out, but instead what he said was, “Rescue me?”

“Oh, my darling, yes.” Stede kept coming forward, despite Ed’s bewildered backwards steps. Stede looked golden in the late afternoon sunlight that was just beginning to break through the clouds. He’d grown a beard, the short hairs just a bit redder than the waves on his head. Ed was not thinking about what it would feel like against his skin, if it would be scratchy or soft. He was distracted enough that he let Stede back him up against a wall, and then there was nowhere else to retreat to.

Stede’s hand, outstretched all this time, finally made contact with Ed’s cheek. It was big enough to touch from his hairline to his chin. “The crew told me everything,” Stede whispered.

Ed jerked his head away, but Stede just kept going in the same confident tone of voice. “How sad you were. How trapped. How Izzy marooned them.”

“Izzy?” Ed stared at Stede, but his attention was caught by the black smudge on Stede’s fingers, still hovering between them. Ed’s face paint, transferred to Stede. A dark and possessive hunger shot suddenly through him. He’d put that mark on Stede, stained him. “Yeah, that was all Izzy’s idea. Definitely.”

“I know, dear, of course I know.” Stede crowded closer, his broad shoulders cutting off Ed’s view of the rest of the deck. Ed fisted his hands in the front of Stede’s shirt, pulling him even closer. It wasn’t silk or cashmere or any of the fine fabrics he was used to on Stede; it was something stiff and scratchy, but that didn’t matter. It was still Stede. “I know you could never have been responsible for such an action. I knew right away that it must have been that horrible little man. But I’m here now. I’ll keep you safe from him.”

Ed swallowed down a burst of manic laughter, fighting it back by biting his lip and blinking his eyes up at Stede. Stede seemed taller; it must be those new boots. “Really?” Ed whispered, pitching his voice higher and more tremulous than his usual habit. “Do you promise?”

“I promise, my love.” Stede surged closer, his arms tightening around Ed. One broad hand rested at Ed’s waist, nearly big enough to wrap around it. Ed shivered with anticipation, exaggerating the movement so Stede would feel him trembling. “Oh,” Stede cooed right on cue. “Look at you. There’s no need to be afraid. I won’t let Izzy hurt you.” 

Ed tucked his face against Stede’s shoulder, rubbing his cheek to smear more of his kohl onto Stede. “You can’t trust him. Please. He’ll tell you lies about me, it’s what he always does – “

“Don’t worry. I would never believe him over you.”

“You can’t let him go, either. Last time he sold us out to the British. He’ll do it again.” Ed spared a brief moment to send a silent apology to Izzy, who had honestly been quite helpful lately. But he wasn’t going to let Stede back out of this again. He had to make sure this was permanent, no escape possible. Blood on Stede’s hands was the surest way. “Stede, you have to… I think you need to….”

Stede shushed him, one hand cupping the back of Ed’s head and gently combing through his hair. “I will. I’ll take care of it.”

Ed pulled back just enough to meet Stede’s gaze. He lifted a hand to Stede’s jaw, brushed his thumb through the copper-colored beard. “Will you do it yourself? I don’t trust anyone else, Stede.”

Stede went a little pale beneath his new tan. “Well – I –“

“Please?” Ed whispered. “I’ll feel safer if I know you did it.”

Stede swallowed, the bob of his Adam’s apple brushing against Ed’s fingers, then nodded. The set of his shoulders firmed. “If that’s what you need, Ed, of course. I’ll do it. I would do anything for you. I – I love you.”

“No one else has ever told me that,” Ed lied. 

Stede seemed content to stare into Ed’s eyes for a long moment, long enough that Ed decides to move things along. He let his fingers drift down along the neckline of Stede’s shirt, then curled them into the lowest point of the V. “Take me to bed?” Ed asked, glancing back up at Stede through his lashes.

Stede tightened his arm around Ed’s shoulders, then abruptly bent and scooped up Ed’s legs in his other arm. Ed choked, briefly shocked to find himself being carried like a bride. He didn’t think Stede had been this strong before; he must have spent his time away working out. It was a strange sensation, but not entirely unpleasant. Something new, at least. It boded well for Stede’s devotion to Ed.

As Stede whirled them across the deck to the captain’s quarters, Ed briefly met Jim’s eyes. They were standing beside Oluwande, their hand clutching his sleeve. They’d been smiling, but as soon as they saw Ed, their face went blank, expressionless except for a slight narrowing of their eyes. Near them, Frenchie stared as well, moving slightly to be more behind Jim. Ed smiled at them both and tucked his head against Stede’s shoulder. He’d have to figure out what to do about them, but he had time to plan. He had no doubt about his ability to keep Stede distracted for the next few hours. 

[hummingbird-of-light]

Round 2: Ninth story for @badthingshappenbingo ~

Title: The Hunter And The Hunted

Fandom: Star Trek (AOS)

Character(s): Robert "Robbie" Scott, Leah McCoy, Original Male and Female Character(s)

Relationship(s): Robert "Robbie" Scott/Leah McCoy

Rating: M

Words: 2,741

Prompt: The Most Dangerous Game

Warnings: Graphic Depiction Of Violence, Character Death, Major Character Injury, Blood and Injury, Human Hunt

A/N: Even though I never read it, this is (obviously) inspired by the name-giving book "The Most Dangerous Game"

(You can also find this story on AO3)

~ The Hunter And The Hunted ~

When their shuttle crashed on the small planet, Robert "Robbie" Scott already feared that it was the end. Although all the passengers had survived the crash and come through it relatively well, unfortunately all contact with other ships or planets had been lost. They simply couldn't reach anyone!

Robbie suspected that it had something to do with the planet's atmosphere. Perhaps that was also the reason for the crash. The pilot had simply come too close to the orbit.

"Do you think there's anything you can do about the technology, darling?"

Robbie shook his head regretfully at his girlfriend's question. He had taken a close look at the shuttle systems. There didn't seem to be a solution.

"No... I'm sorry, Leah."

"Great! So we're going to die miserably on this godforsaken planet!" cursed one of the male passengers. His name was Malcolm Wardres, if Robbie remembered correctly. He was an important businessman and was traveling alone.

"My people will see where we crashed and they'll certainly look for us," replied the pilot Grayson sullenly and her co-pilot Samuels nodded in agreement.

"T-that's right."

"Only to crash themselves, huh? Just great!"

"In any case, we need to have a look around and get our bearings."

Mr. Reynolds, a police officer who had been out with his elderly mother, also seemed more solution-oriented. He looked at Mrs. Reynolds, who was being looked after by two crew members.

There were no other passengers. It had only been a small flight, on course to a nearby starbase.

Robbie had given Leah the trip as a birthday present. She had been looking forward to it very much. And now? Now everything had gone horribly wrong.

"I'll accompany you, Mr. Reynolds," Captain Grayson offered. Then she looked at Wardres.

"And you can go the other way with Mr. Scott and Mr. Samuels."

Malcolm just folded his arms and snorted.

"Like I'm going to fight my way through this jungle. No thanks."

Robbie immediately felt Leah tense up beside him. She hated guys like Wardres. And Robbie loathed the man just as much, but didn't show it so openly.

"Then I'll go with the two of them. If you're too stuck-up for that!"

"Wouldn't it be wiser if ye stayed here, mo chridhe? I mean... In case anyone else needs more medical help."

Robbie's gaze slid to the old Mrs. Reynolds, who still looked completely shattered and was standing beside herself.

The look on Leah's face told him that there was no way she was going to let Robbie go if she couldn't come with him, but she also knew how important she was as a nurse.

"All right... but promise me you'll be careful, yeah?"

A tentative smile formed on Robbie's lips and he nodded. He took Leah's hands in his and squeezed them gently.

"Of course."

A quick kiss goodbye and then the exploration teams set off into the depths of the jungle.

~

They hadn't been walking for too long when Samuels flinched next to Robbie.

"Did you hear that? There... there was something!"

Both men turned their heads to look around and they were very surprised to suddenly find some sort of weapon pointed at them.

"Woah!" Robbie raised his hands in the air and Samuels followed his example. Both of them looked frightened as hell as they stared into the face of what had to be an old human.

Robbie couldn't believe it. He hadn't expected that they would actually find life on this planet. Certainly not human one.

"W-we d-don't mean any harm," the Scotsman slowly started to explain, hoping that the man understood their language.

"W-we crashed," Samuels added, using his hand to show the movement of a crashing shuttle.

The man eyed them suspiciously, not lowering his old-fashioned weapon in the slightest bit.

For a moment, Robbie feared that he would shoot them any second, but suddenly their counterpart started to grin. His shoulders trembled as he started to chuckle.

"My, my, boys. You should see your faces. You look like you're about to shit your pants!"

A confused frown crossed Robbie's face. Who the heck was this guy?

"S-Sir?"

The man spread his arms open, a grin on his face.

"Welcome to my private planet! The name's Franklin Rutherford. A pleasure to meet you."

Robbie exchanged an insecure glance with Samuels next to him. The planet... belonged to that man?

"Why don't you boys show me where you landed and we'll get you and your people someplace warm and safe, huh?"

"We?" Samuels asked, brows furrowed, and only moments later more people emerged from the trees.

Robbie was astonished. How had they not noticed all these men sooner? How had they managed to be so quiet?

Rutherford's grin widened.

"This is my staff. They always stay around when I'm on the hunt. Now... let's get to my castle."

~

Robbie was holding Leah's hand in his as they walked through Rutherford's home. The man hadn't lied about it being a castle. The place was huge and gorgeous. There was no doubt that the owner was a very prosperous man.

"Welcome to my home. I hope you'll have a pleasant stay until help arrives," Rutherford said. He was walking in front of the little group, showing them around.

Wardres walked very close to him, obviously admiring the elegance and eloquence of their host.

"I can't believe that you own this whole planet, Mr. Rutherford. How much is it worth?"

Robbie didn't listen to the answer. He wasn't interested in all this stuff. He just wanted to contact Earth and get back home.

"Is everyone okay?" the Scotsman quietly asked his girlfriend next to him, looking at Mrs. Reynolds, and Leah nodded.

"I managed to help her calm down," Leah whispered back.

Of course she had. Leah was great at taking care of people. One of the reasons why Robbie loved her so much.

"How about you dine with me and stay the night? I'm sure tomorrow we'll be able to contact Earth," Rutherford said. He had explained to his guests that the shuttle had crashed due to a rare storm which was untraceable for Earth shuttle systems. As long as it lasted, all technical devices would fail.

Robbie had never heard of something like that and neither had Captain Grayson but they just had to believe it. After all, what else were they supposed to do?

"That sounds like a good idea," Mr. Reynolds said, hoping that that way his mother would finally get some rest. She was walking close to her son, holding his arm.

"Well then," Rutherford stopped in front of a huge door and looked at his guests with a smile before he opened it. "Let's eat."

~

Robbie was stuffed when Leah and him eventually lay down in bed. Rutherford had given them a huge and pretty room.

"I can't believe no one knows about this planet," Leah mused thoughtfully and Robbie nodded in agreement. It really was strange.

"And I cannae believe that storms like that exist. But then again... this galaxy is huge."

A soft sigh escaped Leah and she ran her hand through Robbie's hair, looking at his face.

"I'm just glad that we don't have to spend the night out there. Who knows what creatures lurk in the dark?"

Robbie chuckled.

"Oh, I'm quite sure ye could handle them. Ye can handle anything."

Leah grinned before she pulled her boyfriend in for a kiss. It didn't take long until the two of them fell asleep.

~

It was in the middle of the night when Robbie woke up and groaned. He really needed to take a pee. Quietly as not to wake Leah, he got up and out of bed.

As he walked through the long hallways, he couldn't help but wonder where exactly he'd find a bathroom. Rutherford had explained it to them, but the Scotsman had already forgotten about it.

Who could blame him? The place was huge!

He grabbed the old-fashioned doorknob of a room he believed to be the right one and was glad when it opened.

However, his heart sank as he took a look inside. It wasn't a bathroom.

It appeared to be... a trophy hall.

There were several stuffed creatures and heads hanging on the wall. Robbie had never seen most of them before, however, there was one wall that made his blood turn cold.

The heads hanging on it... belonged to several familar species. Andorians, Vulcans, Romulans... even Humans.

Robbie's eyes widened in fear as he slowly walked through the room.

And suddenly it all made sense. There was no storm or anything like that. Rutherford himself was responsible for the shuttle crash! And he had obviously caused many other crashes before.

For a long moment Robbie was frozen in his place, but finally his feet carried him out of the hall and back through the hallway.

He had to warn them! He had to warn Leah and the others! They had to get out of this place and-

A sharp pain in his neck caused Robbie to stumble and he dropped to the floor. He tried to get back to his feet, but in no time his body was numb.

Steps were coming closer and closer and suddenly someone knelt in front of him.

"My, my... looks like someone found out about my little secret, huh? Well, it isn't like you wouldn't have found out about it in the morning anyway."

Hands forcefully grabbed Robbie by his arms and he was pulled to his feet so that he could look into Rutherford's smiling face.

"I can't wait for dawn to come so that we can start the hunt. You and the other men will make great loot."

The old man's eyes sparkled with joy and he nodded at his staff.

"Put him into a cell. Then get the others. Wouldn't want anyone else to try an escape, would we?"

~

It was early in the morning when all the guests - no, prisoners - were lead outside.

The staff locked all the women up in a big cage while the men were forced to gather on a small spot in the middle of what had to be the mansion's garden.

They had all been dressed in simple dark-green clothing. Robbie assumed that it was so they would fit in better with the environment. A little challenge so the hunt would be harder for their hunter.

"Ah, everything is ready, I see."

At hearing that voice, the prisoner's heads whirled around and Robbie swallowed hard as he saw Rutherford coming closer, dressed in full hunting gear.

"The rules are easy, gentlemen. You run and try to hide from me. If you outlast until dusk, you and the women are free to leave. But I wouldn't hope for it if I were you. I'm an experienced hunter."

The grin on Rutherford's face was malicious as he pointed his old riffle right at Robbie's chest.

"This is crazy! You can't do that!" Leah screamed, her knuckles grabbing the cage's bars. Anger and fear were written all across her face.

Robbie glanced at her, his eyes wide in horror. He was scared as hell.

"I'll give you a head start of twenty minutes. Use that time to run as far as you can."

"You can't be serious!" Malcolm still couldn't believe that the man he had admired so much for his wealth had betrayed them.

"P-please..." Samuels was shaking in fear.

Reynolds didn't say a thing. He only stared at Rutherford coldly.

"Stop this insane game of yours! Right now!" Captain Grayson yelled, but their captor ignored her orders.

"Three... two... one... Go!"

He fired one shot into the air and the hunt began.

~

Robbie didn't know where he was going. His feet carried him through the jungle and he tried his best not to stumble.

His heart was beating out of his chest as he wiped at the tears in his eyes. He couldn't get the image of Leah out of his head.

Leah, locked up in that cage.

Leah, looking at him in despair.

Leah, scared for his life.

He didn't want it to be the last image he'd ever see of her. He wanted to see her smiling face again.

So he had to survive.

Robbie thought of the trophy hall and instantly felt sick. His head wouldn't end up on that wall! No way it would!

He couldn't tell how much time had passed, but the Scotsman startled when he heard a shot rang through the air.

It wasn't too far away from him so he increased his speed. He had to find a place to hide. He couldn't run forever.

More shots followed and Robbie winced at the sound of every single one of them.

Had someone been hit? Had they been injured or killed?

It was a horrible thing to imagine. To think that one of his companions was dead... None of them deserved it. Not even someone like Malcolm, even though Robbie despised him.

When he finally found a hollow tree to hide in, Robbie was all out of breath. He would stay in that place. Just for a bit to regain his energy.

He pulled his knees close to his chest and buried his face in them, trying not to sob too loudly.

This had to be a nightmare. It just had to be!

It had been supposed to be a great vacation. Just Leah and him. A lovely trip to one of the most beautiful starbases.

And now they were in the hands of a psychopath and...

Robbie froze and raised his head when he heard steps coming closer. He pressed himself tighter against the back of the tree, hoping that no one would see him.

And suddenly it happened.

A loud shot. A body dropping to the ground right in front of Robbie's hiding place.

He pressed a hand to his mouth to suppress a scream, gasping wide-eyed at the sight presenting itself to him.

There, right in front of the tree, was Reynolds.

His eyes were open and blood was pooling beneath his chest. But he was still alive and breathing. Robbie could see it.

Tears streamed down the Scotsman's face as he noticed that the officer was staring right at him.

"You were really fast, Mr. Reynolds. But not fast enough."

Rutherford knelt down next to the man, his back facing Robbie's tree, and grabbed him by his hair.

Robbie gasped silently as he watched the hunter place a knife at Reynold's throat.

He would kill him. He would cut the officer's throat. Unless...

Yeah, unless what? Unless Robbie would jump out of his hiding place and try to attack Rutherford from behind.

It wouldn't work. Never! He wasn't much of a fighter!

But he couldn't just watch a man get killed without trying to help either! It was against his nature and beliefs!

So he closed his eyes and took in a single deep breath, counting to three in his head, before he jumped out of the tree, right at Rutherford's back, tackling the man to the ground.

They started to fight, but it didn't even last more than ten seconds for suddenly a shot echoed through the jungle.

And in the moment his body dropped to the cold floor, Robbie noticed the fatal mistake he had made.

The riffle! When Rutherford had knelt down next to Reynolds he hadn't held it in his hand.

Because he had handed it to one of his men. The same man that had now pulled the trigger. The same man that had striked Robbie right between his rips.

He gasped in pain as he placed his hand on the bleeding bullet wound and moved his head to look at Reynolds who was lying next to him.

The man mouthed a silent 'Thank you for try-' before all eyes left his eyes. He was dead.

"My, my. You really tried to be the hero. To be honest, I didn't think you had it in you, Mr. Scott."

A hand grabbed his hair, pulling his head backwards and Robbie squinted his eyes when he felt the cold knife touch his throat.

"Let's end this game, shall we?"

His last thoughts were with Leah. He could only hope that Samuels or Wardres would survive so that she and the other women would be saved.

The last thing he felt was a sharp pain. Then everything was gone.

[solartranslations]

AF2 Dante Chapter 13: Auguri! (TN: Congratulations)

A peaceful day begins. The time has come for them to act on their promise to each other…

~*Scene: Harbor*~

Dante: It’s been a while since we’ve been on a stroll like this

Felicita: That’s because you’ve been doing nothing but work since we got back from Nord

Dante: Ojou-san, are you sulking?

Felicita: …No, I wouldn’t over that. It’s nothing compared to when you’d lost your emotions

Dante: It seems like you’ve grown since that happened

Felicita: I’m just glad that Vir removed your curse…

Dante: I guess even Vir has a weak spot for the one he loves

Felicita: I can’t thank Neve enough

Dante: She must have been trying to make up for what she had done

Dante: I’m sure that’s why she sent you that letter revealing Vir’s whereabouts too

Felicita: I wasn’t even mad at her. She’s my friend

Dante: You should tell her that next time you meet. I’m sure she’d be happy

Dante: Friendship is a boat that never sinks (TN: original pun on “tomo” meaning “together” and “friend”)

Dante: …Just kidding!

Felicita: …

Felicita: …I never thought I’d ever miss hearing your puns

Felicita: I used to just think they weren’t funny

Dante: O-Ojou-san…! Is that how you really felt!?

Felicita: But thinking I’d never hear them again made me sad. I never want that to happen again

Dante: Of course, I’ll tell as many jokes as you want

Felicita: Um, just occasionally is fine

(*shock) Dante: O-Ojou-san…!

Felicita: But now everything’s back to normal

Dante: What do you mean? The most important thing hasn’t been fixed yet

Felicita: Huh?

Dante: The way I look

Felicita: Your looks?

Dante: My ruggedness is completely gone. I feel like I’m not as commanding as I used to be

Felicita: Really? I don’t think that’s changed

Dante: But my ruggedness…

Felicita: I think it’s a good thing that you look younger now

Dante: I-Is that because you really do think it’s better to be with someone young?

Felicita: No, that’s not it. And you’ll just get older again anyway, right?

Felicita: I’m happy I’ll get to see it again

Dante: Ojou-san…I’m glad to hear it

Felicita: Oh…but you’ll keep your hair this time, right?

Dante: Hm… Guess that means my ruggedness with be different than before…

Liberta: In that case, I can burn it off again…

Dante: L-Liberta!?

Liberta: Oh, but I don’t have my Arcana powers anymore, so it’s gonna have to me normal fire

Dante: That’s dangerous!

Felicita: Yeah, Liberta. I don’t want him losing his hair again!

Felicita: I lover older Dante, but I don’t know about him having no hair…

Dante: Ojou-san! Are you serious? That’s a first!

Felicita: Ah…

Felicita: Well…when I was really young, I liked touching your hair when I rode on your shoulders

Dante: That’s…fine, but…

Orso: It sure is nice to see Ojou-san toying with you, Dante-san

Nino: You’re just not you unless you get flustered by everything she says

Dante: Oh…so that’s how you all see me

Orso: N-no, I just think it’s cute when you Ojou-san messes with you

Dante: I guess I really did lose my authority…

Felicita: I like you like this too, Dante

Dante: Ojou-san…

Orso: You really do act younger too now that you’ve regressed

Nino: Looks really are important

Dante: What are you trying to say, Orso, Nino?

Orso/Nino: Ah, uh, nothing!

Dante: Oh, Ojou-san. Shouldn’t you be heading back soon?

Felicita: ! You’re right. What about you?

Dante: I’m going to inspect the ship

Felicita: Okay. See you, then

Dante: Yeah, see you

Liberta: Dante? What’re you making that face for?

Dante: Oh…I was just worried about something…

~*Scene: Felicita’s Room*~

(*knock knock)

Felicita: Yes. …Dante, what is it?

Dante: I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a minute?

Felicita: Of course

Dante: Come here, Felicita

Felicita: Okay

Dante: First, I actually want to apologize for when I lost my emotions

Felicita: What?

Dante: You proposed to me in the Nord style, right?

Felicita: Y-yeah

Dante: And yet, I responded so coldly. I’m sure that must have hurt you

Felicita: There was no helping that. You were under a curse

Dante: I’m glad to hear that. I truly can’t understand why my heart was unmoved at the time

Dante: Because thinking back now, I feel great happiness

Felicita: Just hearing that makes me happy

Dante: And now…it’s time for me to make good on that promise

Felicita: Promise?

Dante: Have you forgotten, Felicita?

Dante: Didn’t I say that after this was settled, we would hold our wedding ceremony?

Felicita: ! Really? Dante…

Dante: Why would I lie about this?

Dante: Of course, if your feelings have changed…

Felicita: There’s no way they would

Felicita: When you said no…I knew it was due to the curse, but I really thought I wouldn’t get to marry you

Dante: I caused you a lot of unneccesary worry…

Felicita: Dante…!

Dante: But you don’t need to worry anymore

Dante: Whatever happens now, we face it together

Felicita: Yeah…

Dante: Together, we can move forward

Felicita: Yeah, we will…

Dante: Let me say it again. Please marry me

Felicita: …Yes

Dante: …*kiss*

~*Scene: SS Arcana*~

Pace: Congrats, Ojou! You’re way too pretty to be Dante’s bride!

Debito: Yeah, Bambina. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride

Ash: It’s not just the clothes either. You just look really good

Dante: No compliments will get me to give her up

Debito: Isn’t it natural for a Regalo man to say that? And I’m not gonna fight you now

Debito: Besides, I think if I tried, I’d get one of Bambina’s kicks

Felicita: Yeah

Liberta: I’m surprised to see Ojou has you on a leash, Dante!

Dante: I’m not sure what to say about that

Pace: Ojou having Dante on a leash…sure is a fun image!

Luca: O-O-O-Ojou-sama…

Debito: Luca… You were seriously over there making weird faces?

Luca: I’m just glad…Ojou-sama is happy

Debito: You don’t look happy at all though

Luca: What are you saying, Debito! Ojou-sama’s happiness is my happiness…*sob*…

Debito: Today is a happy day. Stop crying

Luca: These are happy tears…!

Debito: Really…

Nova: There’s more crying over there too

Mondo: Felicitaaaaa!

Sumire: Oh my, even your nose is running…she won’t like that, you know

Mondo: My precious daughter…*sob*…

Jolly: I can’t watch this

Ash: Hm? You’re not getting seasick, Sunglasses?

Jolly: It’s a happy day. But I’d like to return to the mansion soon

Ash: Oh, no you don’t! Don’t you have something to say to them?

Jolly: Fine…

Jolly: Ojou-sama, Dante, auguri

Liberta: Auguri!

Nova: Auguri!

Ash: Auguri! To Strawberry Head and the old man!

Luca: *sob*…Auguri…

Pace: To the world’s cutest bride! Auguri!

Debito: I’m always here if he makes you cry, Bambina. Auguri

Felicita: Thank you, everyone

>This is our new beginning

(+40 Amore)

>I’m so happy…

I’m so happy…

Dante: This will be our new journey, Felicita. Just the two of us

Dante: I’m sure we’ll also face hardship. But I know we can overcome it together

Felicita: I’m not worried, Dante. Because you’ll always be with me

Felicita: I’m not worried, Dante. Because you’ll always be with me

Felicita: I’ll never leave you, ever

Dante: Neither will I, Felicita

Dante: Let our happiness last forever…

~*End of Scene*~

(Continue to ED1: 400+ Amore)

(Continue to ED2: <400 Amore)

(Back to Directory)

[crying-in-a-stall]

I wrote this non cannon fanfic between a member of my D&D party and an NPC, lol.

♰⊹₊⋆𓆣⊹ ࣪ ˖♰

Elviot stared at Lionheart from across the ship, watching as he talked excitedly about bugs towards Zed. Elviot was here on a mission to destroy the island, and was using Lionheart as a way to travel there, something it seemed like Zed was doing as well.

Lionheart and Elviot have been acquaintances for a while now, and Elviot was mostly annoyed at how loud and boisterous Lionheart could get; the leonin was completely unable to keep a secret, no matter what you threatened him with.

It was bad enough that Elviot had to travel in a small cabin, but now he was sharing with Lionheart and Zed, who he still finds suspicious. The elf had shown up out of nowhere, quite literally, and almost immediately tried to get close to Lionheart, for some reason.

“And I noticed here it mentions one of the bugs being unable to be revived, even on the island?”

“Yes! It was really quite fascinating, we studied this specific beetle and everytime it died, it stayed dead even while the rest revived!”

“Which beetle was it?”

The two seemed to be talking about Lionheart's research, again, and Elviot tuned it out, having already listened to Lionheart for months about his insects. Elviot has heard so much about insects he could recite most of their facts by heart at this point, ‘Insects are hexapod invertebrates of the class Insecta. They are the largest group within the arthropod phylum. Insects have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body (head, thorax and abdomen), three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and a pair of antennae. Insects are the most diverse group of animals, with more than a million described species; they represent more than half of all animal species.’

Elviot continues to read his book, listening to Lionheart’s obnoxious ranting that was secretly endearing.

♰⊹₊⋆𓆣⊹ ࣪ ˖♰

[̲̅$̲̅(̲̅ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°̲̅)̲̅$̲̅]

They made it to the temple, finally, and are preparing to separate from Lionheart to continue exploring. Zed stares at Elviot and Lionheart, and decides to try and give the two some more… alone time then they’re currently getting. Elviots fussing over Lionheart this much in front Z, they decide it’s probably best to turn away, and let them have some sense of privacy for this goodbye. ‘Even though they’ll see eachother again in like, a couple hours.’

“And don’t drink this water, it could kill you.”

“Yes, I won’t”

“I mean it, don’t drink this. It is like a deadly poison.”

“You always think I’m going to eat everything you hand me, Elviot, this really hurts my heart.”

“That’s because you literally ate a cursed sandwich and needed a healer.”

“Alright, well, I won’t drink this, promise, it’s important to you, I’ll just hand it over to the researchers.”

‘God. Could they be any more gross? Just kiss already, and let’s go.’

“Are you prepared, Elviot, to continue to the next floor?”

“Yes, we can go now. I will see you later, Lionheart.”

“Yeah, yeah, bye Elviot. See you later, Zed.”

“Good day, Sir Lionheart.”

Elviot and Zed continue down the staircase, Elviot lighting a candle for Zed without saying anything. Z can’t help but to remember their conversation earlier, when they were speaking without Lionheaert around.

“He’s not my friend.”

“He’s not? You guys were quite close, are you perhaps… more than friends?”

“He’s my boss, but not, I do things for him that make him happy, and care for him.”

“Oh. That’s… nice.”

“Yes.”

Z had not realized that some sex workers could be so loyal towards their sponsors that they would travel across an ocean with them, but Z supposes they haven’t really dabbled in that part of the underground much anyways. All Z knows is that they have to destroy the fifth floor, after that they’ll probably leave these two love birds and never see them again. ‘Disappointing, that they think they cannot be themselves with each other around me.’

Elviot, not having a clue what Zed was thinking about, was focused on trying to figure out what exactly Zed was. They obviously weren’t an elf, no matter their appearance, and they had turned red when fighting earlier. ‘Perhaps, they are a _. They’re known for thinking themselves better than others, and hiding their appearance… Aren’t they similar to insects, somehow? Lionheart would probably know something, then.’

[̲̅$̲̅(̲̅ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°̲̅)̲̅$̲̅]

𖦹 *٭ 𓆣 𖢥 𓆣٭ * 𖦹

The temple exploration passed quickly, and the two ‘elves’ made their way back up to Lionheart, prepared to set up camp again and rest before moving on to the fourth floor. Zed had destroyed a lot of religious symbols, and Elviot had protected his Gods from being destroyed, and protected the room from Zed's pilfering.

Zed was on first watch for the night, citing “Time for the two of you to hang out without me.” Whatever that meant. All Elviot knows is that his connection to Atheros has been strengthened, and he wants to meditate on the feeling alone for a while, but that Lionheart is staring at him, for some reason.

“Do you not have more papers to read, or rest to collect?”

“Ah, yes. I suppose I could organize a few more of these papers. But I seem to be having a bit of a struggle with it. Do you think you could look at these, and help me out?”

“I guess, although I’m not sure how much help I’ll be.”

Elviot moves closer to Lionheart, the two close enough together to be brushing against each other with every movement. Elviot takes the paper Lionheart was just looking at, and reads over it. The two spend hours together, reading and organizing papers, with Lionheart being surprisingly silent during the ordeal. This is not the first time the two of them have sat like this and worked, however it is the first time that Lionheart has been so silent.

“Is something wrong, Lionheart?”

“Huh? Oh, no. Nothings wrong.”

“Are you sure? You have been unusually quiet.”

“Yes, I’m just thinking about.. Bugs.”

“Of course you are.”

The two continue working for a while longer, this time with Lionheart talking about insects, and how interesting it is that their growth is constrained by the inelastic exoskeleton, so development involves a series of molts, and how some insects eat their own dead skin, or feed it to their children. That is until Zed comes back, ripping open the entrance of the tent, and stating how they need their “eight-” “four.” “Four hours of beauty sleep now.”

This time, Lionheart goes to stand watch, citing needing a break from work. Elviot enters his trance, deciding now was as good a time as any, just to realize that Zed was… stealing his candles? Elviot decides to leave the noble be, and question him when they go their separate ways the next day.

𖦹 *٭ 𓆣 𖢥 𓆣٭ * 𖦹

▬▬ι═══════ﺤ

The next day turns to the next week, turns to the next month. ‘Z’ has decided to follow Elviot around, for whatever reason, and they occasionally meet up with Lionheart as well. Elviot knows the leonin's time is coming up, tomorrow actually, and is trying to decide how to tell Z, who seems to enjoy Lionheart’s company for some reason, when Z declares that they should go visit him again.

“That may not be the best idea.”

“Well, why not?”

“Lionheart is… doing something dangerous at the moment.”

“Okay? And? All the more reason to visit him, you can feed him while he recovers and rests.”

Elviot sighs, nodding his head. He supposes it would be easier for Z to just realize Lionheart died when they go to visit him, rather than for Elviot to explain his connection with death.

That was the plan, at least. However, when they arrive at the location where Lionheart was to die, the leonin seems, not fine, but also not dead.

Lionheart is still alive, even though he was supposed to die the day before. He is hugging Zed, ‘as Z has not revealed their -changeling- status to Lionheart yet, for some reason,’ but Elviot is standing a ways back, staring. He hears Lionheart describing the battle he experienced the day before, and how he barely survived the encounter, playing the action up for storytelling purposes, likely trying to get Zed to perform it later. Elviot draws his sword, and the two look over to him at the noise.

“Elviot?” Z asks, looking around. “Is there something coming? What's up?” Elviot is glad that Z has started to speak less formally around him, even though they will likely hate him after this.

“You were not supposed to survive that encounter, Lionheart.”

Z looks confused, but Lionheart seems to come to an understanding. Elviot had explained his connection to the leonin late one night, after he witnessed Elviot murder a random civilian for seemingly no reason.

“Oh, so you’re the one who makes sure the dead stay dead?”

“Yes. Sometimes people will survive their fated deaths, somehow, and that is not acceptable. I make sure they can’t interfere with the fate of the world with their lives.”

“It was my time, then?” Lionheart.

“Yes. And you… survived.” Elviot.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Z.

“You should head inside, Z. Unless you want to witness Lionheaert die.” Elviot.

“You’re going to kill him?” Z.

“Yes. My God requires his death, it was fated.” Elviot,

“It is alright, Zed. I knew that Elviot would likely be the one to kill me one day.” Lionheart.

Z stares at Lionheart, before staring at Elviot. Something in their mind seems to click, as they suddenly nod, mouth ‘forbidden love type shit’ and heads inside. “I’m going to take your gold, Sir Lionheart.”

“Feel free to have it all, Lord Zed.”

Then, it is just the two of them, alone. Elviot walks up to Lionheart, his sword firmly grasped in his hand. Lionheart smiles at him, and removes his armor, making it easier for Elviot to kill him.

“Go ahead, Elviot. I know I have no chance when it comes to you and your God.”

Elviot nods, finding it difficult to speak for some reason. He lifts his sword, and sets it atop Lionheart's heart. Lionheart smiles at him, remorseful, and with a hint of something Elviot cannot, could not name, inside his eyes. He pulls the sword back, and lunges it into the leonin's chest.

The sword gets stuck, tearing through the muscles and hitting the heart, but not coming back through. The squelch of skin splitting has never been this loud to Elviot, and he can feel the slight shift of the sword as Lionheart heaves. Adrenalin is always hard to fight against, no matter how prepared you think you are for death. You always try to fight it. It is why Elviot is needed. It is why Elviot has a purpose. Lionheart squeezes his eyes shut, he is heaving, and one of his hands has grasped Elviots, but he neither pulling nor pushing it. He is holding the sword in place, simply, with a smile on his grimacing face. Blood starts to dribble out of his mouth, and he seems to be trying to say something, but Elviot finds himself unable to hear it, for some reason.

The two stand like that for what feels like a lifetime. Lionheart dying on Elviots sword, smiling. Suddenly, his body lurches forward, his eyes vacant, and Elviot is able to remove the sword. He stands over the body of Lionheart, simply staring at him it. He goes to sheathe his sword, moving on autopilot, before a hand stops him. Z is standing next to him, holding a cloth, and frowning at him.

Right. Blood is on his sword, and if he doesn’t clean it, it could rust his sword. Z takes his sword from him, and seems to be asking him a question, but his ears are still buzzing, for some reason, and they seem to realize he can’t hear them. They move him away from Lionheart, his boss, his friend, the body and hand him a waterskin. They move out of Elviots view for a while, before coming back holding a small viol filled with something, and his sword cleaned.

▬▬ι═══════ﺤ

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Elviot stares at the viol of blood. Z had bottled it for him, without saying anything, and placed it on a string. “A necklace,” they said, “He’ll be with you forever, this way.”

He stares at the viol, and feels the connection of his God growing in strength. It seems like he was put through a test, and he passed. He does not know why his God felt like this test was needed, nor why he was so affected by Lionheart's this one's death. But he does not question his God. He just serves him, as he loves to do. He is told to do something, and does it, simple as that. He puts the viol around his neck. While Z does not know about the fact he collects things of those he kills for his God to wear, they still did this for him. Maybe they are aware, they are rather observant, and it isn’t like Elviot hides what he does very much. He tries to ignore the fact that this is the first time he’s killed someone for his God in front of Z, and so they wouldn’t have known of this tradition.

Elviot closes his eyes, preparing to trance, and finds his memories dragging him into their depths.

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

༺🕷𖤐🕷༻

They were both camping. They were roasting marshmallows, and Lionheart- he was talking about how the total number of insect species vary considerably, suggesting that there are perhaps some 5.5 million insect species in existence. This was one of the first memories Elviot had of him, where he had not yet realized how endearing- annoying Lionheart- him discussing insects could be. He still remembers the way the fire had reflected off his eyes, making them have a honey like sheen. The way Lionheart’s- his voice was lilting and would occasionally rumble when he got excited.

There was another time, when they were simply meeting up after a month apart. They were walking towards each other, and Lionheart- he had this giant grin on his face. Elviot remembers feeling himself smile, however small, back at him. That smile had stayed on his face the whole time they were together that day.

He was sick, another time. Elviot barely remembers that day. All he knows about it was that he was sick enough that he was unable to meet Lionheart- him like they were planning to. He remembers fleeting moments, blurry moments, where he could have sworn he felt Lionheart’s hands brushing his hair, and Lionnhearts face smiling gently at him.

Memories pass through Elviots mind as he rests, and he feels something wet sliding along his cheeks. He remembers that night. Many instances of him and Lionheart hanging out together. Then he remembers a conversation him and Z had, back when they first met each other.

“He’s not… he is not my friend.”

“He’s not? You guys seem close to each other, are you… more than friends?”

“He’s my boss, I do things that make him happy, and I care for him.”

He remembers instances where Z would try to leave the two of them alone together, and has a sudden realization.

“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”

[meetmyothersouls]

Hi,I love your work ! 💕Could you write a imagine where after a painful breakup Timothée wants the reader back and shows up at her house ? Angst to fluff

Thank you so much! You got it! 

Without You

Warnings: angst, fluff, did not proof read

Heartbreak was more painful than you imagined. You thought you had been through it before, but this was different, this was a pain you felt deep in your soul as if your actual heart had been removed from your body and you were left with nothing but a Timothee shaped hole. You cried remembering the words the two of you shared, words you didn’t mean, words you hoped he didn’t mean, but would never know. It was a mutual break up, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. You packed your things from that you kept at his apartment, fitting it all in a small shipping box, and walked home. It was raining that afternoon. 

“At least let me drive you home.” You recalled his annoyed tone as he said it. 

“No. Let’s not drag this on any longer than it has to be.” 

You remembered him grabbing your arm as you headed out of the door. You looked back at him and took in his pained expression, or maybe it was anger, you couldn’t tell. You jerked your arm away from him and slammed the door. That was your last interaction, and it was your biggest regret. 

You’d spent the last two weeks in your room. You skipped classes, begging your professors to send you work to complete to your email, thankfully they obliged. You called out of work, telling them you needed time to recover from an “emotional collapse” choosing the words carefully. 

On the fifteenth day of being a recluse, your roommate, Nikki, picked the lock of your door, barging in and ripping the comforter off of you. 

“Hey!” You exclaimed, attempting to pull the blanket back over you.

“It’s time to get up, you’ve been in here for two weeks and it’s unhealthy! You won’t even answer your phone. Let’s go, we’re going on a walk.” She was adamant, dragging you out of your bed by your ankles. Your body plopped to the floor with a loud thud, and you gave her a glare that promised death. 

“I don’t like going on walks. Or going outside. Leave me alone to mourn.” You knew you were being dramatic, but it truly felt like a piece of you had died. 

Nikki rolled her eyes, chucking a pair of black Nikes your way, “you need some fresh air. Have you even taken a shower in the last two weeks?”

“...yes.” You lied. Personal hygiene wasn’t a thing that mattered to you, who were you trying to impress? No one, not anymore. 

“Okay, so we’re going on this walk, and then you’re taking a shower. THEN when we get back, you’re having a salad, or something other than ice cream and chips.” 

You groaned and as you opened the door, and as you took a step out you slammed into something unexpected, and familiarly scented. You looked up and the something was actually a someone. 

“Tim,” you hadn’t even started walking and you were already breathless. Your knees gave out and he caught you with an arm. 

“Whoa,” Timothee said as he steadied you. 

“I think I’m going to be sick,” you said pulling away from him. 

He held an empty box, and he wore a pair of skinny black jeans, a black t-shirt overlayed with a short sleeve red and black checkered button down that he left opened. 

You scooted by him, sitting yourself down on the highest step of your front porch. Timothee sat his empty box down and kneeled in front of you. You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him, but when his thumb pressed against your chin, you couldn’t fight him. 

“Y/n, I’m sorry.” 

Slowly you brought your eyes met his. He looked sincere, sad, and just as lost as you’ve felt these last two weeks. You didn’t say anything, you couldn’t find words. 

“I cursed myself everyday these last two weeks for letting you go. For not pulling you back into my arms and loving you. Living, breathing, existing doesn’t feel right with you not by my side.” Timothee pressed his forehead to yours and you were silent, “if don’t want me anymore, I’ll leave you alone forever, but please know that an existence without you will be the hardest thing I have ever done.”

What were words in a moment like that? Your arms found their way around the back of his neck, and you pressed your lips into his, kissing him like you’d been away from him for two years rather than two weeks. His presence alone healed you, but his kiss ignited you, rekindling the fire that had been out for too long. 

Reluctantly, he pulled away, but your arms remained wrapped around him, “do you still love me?” he whispered 

“Of course,” you were barely able to manage the words, and they came out cacked and raw. You looked at the box he placed on the step next to you, “what’s the box for?” 

“I want you to bring your stuff back to my place.” 

“Maybe you can convince her to take a shower too,” Nikki groaned, leaning against the door frame. 

You rolled your eyes, throwing a loose pebble from the porch at her before turning back to Timothee, “you sure you want me to come back?” 

“A home is not a home without you, y/n.” 

Tags: @imnotoverlyobsessive @dayafied @soulofendlessbook @fashphotolife @chicchanelcigs @scentedkittenperfection @weasleytwinscumslut @mxciscastleintheair @timotheeisthelomll @marvelmaniac2000 @lovelyrocker @divine-1 @louievr @love-poems-only @starberry-cake @inlovewithphantasy

[babyboibucky]

Greedy

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Bucky wants to try something new with you

Word Count: 1,355

Warnings: Pure filth, groping, tiddy sucking, tiddy fucking, nipple play, bodily fluids everywhere, Bucky cleaning up his own mess bow chika wow wow MINORS STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED

A/N: Sloppy writing ahead but ugh whatever. Anyway this is really filthy but we love that, don’t we @sarge-barnes-sir @lookiamtrying ? 😌 Hope y’all enjoy this, ya nasties 😘😘😘

MAIN MASTERLIST

The comedy movie playing on the television used to be the center of your attention since thirty minutes ago. You still tried to concentrate on it, but with Bucky’s hand cupping your breast every once in a while, it was hard to focus.

“Bucky.” You called out, a warning.

You adjusted yourself on the couch as you laid your back against Bucky’s chest. His arm was still wrapped around your shoulder, pulling you closer before his hand gave your breast another squeeze.

“Stop groping my boob. I’m watching.” You reprimand but Bucky just whined and brushed his fingers against your hardening nipple.

He pressed a kiss on your cheek, feeling his lips smirk against your skin before he straightened up and to grab at your waist.

“Come here, baby.” His voice soft and tone needy.

Bucky’s been on one of those moods again, the kind that made him so clingy and touch-starved. Unstoppable. Insatiable. You groaned and complained about watching the movie, truth was, you could no longer follow the plot. All thanks to Bucky and his wandering hands.

“We can watch it again later, I promise.” He whispered before moving you on top of him, straddling his thighs.

“What do you want, Bucky?” You asked, feigning irritation as you playfully rolled your eyes at himz

Bucky bent down to kiss the top of your breasts, nuzzling his face into your cleavage as his hands move behind you to cup your ass. “You know what I want.”

His voice came out as a rough growl, his face still pressed onto your chest. He looked up at you, pupils blown wide and lips parted. Sticking his tongue out, he leaned forward to flick a nipple through your cami top.

Your hands found Bucky’s hair as he continued his assault on your clothed breast, small whines slipping out of your mouth.

“Fuckin’ love these tits. They make me so hard every time.” Bucky grunted before hastily pulling down the neckline of your top, revealing your breasts to him.

You whimpered when he wasted no time to take a nipple in his mouth, sucking harshly while his hand reached up to fondle your other breast. Wetness seeped out of your pussy, soaking your underwear as your hips began to move against Bucky’s hardened erection.

“Look at those pretty nipples, so hard already and begging for attention. Thought you wanted to watch the movie?” Bucky teased before flicking his tongue against your nipple again, this time in fast and hard strokes.

“Bucky...” you moaned, tugging at his hair as he moved to your other breast, giving it the same attention.

The combination of sucking and licking was making your entire body tremble. You gently pushed Bucky away to completely remove your top, throwing it aside before pushing your chest forward, wanting to feel more.

Bucky continued his ministrations, alternating from sucking and nibbling your already sensitive nipples. Your hips rocked against his, seeking relief from the throb you were feeling in your cunt.

“D’you like it when I suck on these tits, babe? This feel good?” Bucky moaned, cupping a breast before circling your areola with his tongue.

You hummed in affirmation, nodding your head as you watched Bucky lap at your breasts, switching from one to the other. His hands wandered to your waist, keeping you in place as he sucked at your nipple so hard it had you seeing stars.

“Fuck, Bucky!” You moaned, your pussy clenching at nothing before gushing out with wetness.

“Shit, did you just get off?” Bucky chuckled.

Your face was red, unable to believe that indeed, Bucky made you cum just by playing with your tits. Embarrassed at what had just happened, you hide your face into Bucky’s neck and whine.

“It’s okay, baby. I think it’s pretty fuckin’ hot.” Bucky grunted into your ear before helping you off of his lap.

He sat you back down on the couch and stood up, bending down to kiss you before he positioned himself in front of you.

“Want to try something with you, baby. Wanna fuck those tits. You gonna let me do that, princess?” Bucky asked as he shoved his shorts down, just enough to set his hardened member free and god yes, you’d let him do that.

With the way Bucky was looking down at you, you’d let him do anything to you. His cock was red, tip seeping with pre-cum already and although you wanted to take it into your mouth and suck the life out of him, you’d save that for later.

For now, you’ll let Bucky have his way with you.

“See how hard you make me just by having those pretty tits out?” Bucky crooned, holding his cock and slapping it on top of your breasts.

You almost salivate at what Bucky was doing to you— pressing the head of his cock against your nipple, teasing it until you were squirming in your seat. He hasn’t even touched you yet but you could already feel another orgasm building up.

“Squeeze your tits together for me, baby...yeah, fuck. Just like that, god you make so fucking crazy.”

More obscenities fly out of Bucky’s mouth as he circled your nipples with his cock, slapping it against the swell of your breasts, smearing his pre-cum all over your skin.

“Keep your tits pushed together for me, yeah?” Bucky instructed and you immediately comply.

He lets out a primal grunt when he slowly slid his cock in between your breasts, his eyes fluttering close at the feeling of his cock being squeezed. Bucky pulled out again and this time, he took his damn time pushing his cock in between your tits.

“Fuck, baby. Your tits look so perfect with my cock in between them.” He breathed out.

“Hold onto the couch, baby.” Bucky quickly added, his hands replacing yours on the sides of your breasts.

Bucky pushed your tits together, holding onto them as leverage before he started fucking your breasts. You were used to Bucky making noise during sex but this was the only time he had gotten so loud, grunting and growling as he slid in and out of your tits.

“Stick your tongue out baby, wanna feel your tongue on the tip of my cock whenever I slide in.”

You moaned at the salty taste of Bucky’s pre-cum when the head of his cock touched your tongue. Drool began to slip past your lips and chin, trickling down to your breasts giving Bucky more lubrication.

“Fuckin’ hell, baby. Jesus...” Bucky panted, his face scrunching up in pleasure as he felt his orgasm approach.

After a few more thrusts, Bucky quickly took a step back as he jerked his cock until he came on your chest. Veins on his neck popped out as he cursed, watching ropes of his cum land on your breasts.

“You look so beautiful like that, princess.” Bucky praised you and proceeds to spread the mess he made on your tits using his cock.

He bit his lip as he swirled it around your nipple, sliding across the valley of your breast towards the other. Bucky cupped your jaw and tilted your face up as he bends down to kiss you. It’s a messy kiss, all teeth and tongue and spit.

Bucky pulled away and smirked, “Gotta clean up my mess on you.”

The question was lost to a wanton moan when Bucky knelt down to lick your neck, sucking marks onto your skin before moving lower to your tits.

His name came out as a breathy whimper when Bucky started licking his release from your breasts, cleaning you up. He groaned at his own taste when he suckled your nipple again, his hands cupping your breasts to lift them up further into his face.

When he twisted your other nipple, your hands flew to his hair as your back arched.

And with the way Bucky stared up at you hungrily, you already knew that this wasn’t the end yet. It was just the beginning.

-

Everything Bucky Tag List:

@ddowii @jessou893 @stealapizzamyheart @bagelofthelord @mxnt @dontputyourfckingdrinkonmytable @jeeperky @ohladymacbeth @wildflowergubler @supraveng @twinerd14 @buckysmar  @bakugouswh0r3 @sweetcoldharmony @wintersfilm @charminivy @amelia-song-pond @iamvalentinaconstanza @mcubqrnes @i’m-squished @tcc-gizmachine @sipsteacasually @prettyintopeerpressure @weloveyasmin @est19xxshit @bloodhon3yx @dressed-in-prada @lizette50 @thatfangirl42 @sunflowerbunny2​ @unmagically​ @okiegirl24 @sugarpunch-princess @enlyume @vvipgotbb @slimeyderp @lyoongx @just-deka @nobody-will @jaziona92 @elisebuitron @dpaccione @suvikamahes98blr @buckybarneshairpullingkink @earthtonav @x-judyjude-x @nani-kenobi @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @belladonnabarnes​ @iloveangstposts @weenersoldierr​ @asemistablehundredyearoldman​ @reidbuck​ @lizzarooni​ @girlfriday007​ @5-seconds-of-mendes​ @whoth3hellisbucky​​ @bonkywobble​ @lost-in-the-stars03 @its-yasbxtch @twinerd14 @bluehour-553​ @old-enough-to-know-better73​​ @aikeia​ @thefallenbibliophilequote​​ @stucky-my-ship​ @borikenlove​ ​

[shurisneakers]

harmless (ii)

Summary: Bucky volunteers to go stop a small time villain, but nothing can prepare him for what exactly he has to deal with. (Bucky x villain!reader, drabble series)

Warnings: cursing, stealing cultural landmarks, frustrated bucky

Word count: 1.6k

A/N: made a header 4 this fic but i couldn’t take it seriously enough <3 

if you have any ideas for future inventions/evil plans, lemme know! it’s always fun to hear from y’all. 

here’s my ko-fi if you’d like to support my writing <333

Previous Part || Series Masterlist

It’s roughly a week before he sees you next.

Right on time too, according to the briefings he had received. Once a week you’d come up with your next batshit crazy idea and someone would be sent to make sure you didn’t execute it.

It was more of a babysitting gig than anything. Most people would do one, maybe two assignments before asking to not be sent again. 

He was not most people. He volunteers to go again. His afternoon is relatively free and he’s bored. 

Also, and more importantly, he needs to get out of the house before Sam finds out what he did.

“You’ll find her near the Statue of Liberty.”

“How do we know?”

“Oh, she tells us.”

“...she tells us where to find her?”

“Most times, yes. She says it’s time efficient.”

Absurd. He thinks you’re absurd.

Bucky finds you in line to board the ferry. You’re dressed to the nines like an obnoxious tourist, even though you were a local, topped with binoculars and a bucket hat. 

On an unrelated note, he thinks that maybe the mission today is to kill you for daring to wear sandals with socks like a suburban dad. A shudder runs through his body when he sees it.  

He’s wearing all black and a baseball cap. Somehow he’s standing out more than you are.

He boards the ferry behind you, keeping a close eye on all your movements. You take your place near the railing, a seat near the front of the boat. 

His phone rings. He answers it, expecting Sam to screech at him for painting Redwing neon pink again. He should have known it was coming after he shoved Bucky off the quinjet before he had time to strap his parachute on properly. 

“I thought I told you to bring a cape.” 

He quickly looks up at you but you’re not facing him. You have your phone held up to your ear, however.

“How did you get this number?” he asks icily.

“I knew you’d show up again.” Your head tilts to look at the statue in the distance. “Also, thanks for the door money, but I’m not sure I appreciate how you think the least creepy way to give someone money is to drop it off anonymously at their doorstep.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.” He swiftly gets up, stalking over to where you’re sitting. He was advised not to do anything aggressive. Advised was a flexible word. 

“Because I wasn’t going to answer it.” You look up at his figure looming over you. “Oh, hey.”

The phone is still pressed to the side of your face even though he’s right beside you. He cuts the call, shoving it back into his pocket.

“Allow me to introduce my pl-”

“What are you doing here?” He cuts to the chase. 

You send him a glare. “I was going to say it before you told me to. And sit down before everyone thinks you’re going to kill me.”

“Why are you going there?” He doesn’t have time for this, he thinks. He has important things to do. Like watching the reruns of Masterchef Junior. 

He sits in the seat beside you.

“Look at us.” You grin at him. “Me with the evilest outfit I could think of, you with your... Addams Family cosplay. We’re like, two peas in a po-”

“Start explaining,” he interjects. 

You roll your eyes. “I’m going to shrink the Statue of Liberty and use it as a keychain.”

“What?” It’s probably the most benign plan he’s ever heard in his life.

“I’m kidding.” Oh, good. “I’m not using it as a keychain, I’m taking it to class.” Nevermind. 

“What?” He finds himself repeating his previous question.

“I’m shrinking all the statues I can find. I want to use it in my classroom to teach the kids.”

“You’re... a teacher?” He blinks.

“You got a problem with that?” You look offended, to say the least. 

“No.” It’s not what he would peg your occupation as. He didn’t think you had one at all. “How are you planning on shrinking it?”

You rummage through the ugliest fanny pack he has ever had the misfortune of seeing. You pull out a small ring box, complete with a bow tied neatly on top. 

“I was saving this for our third anniversary, but-” you offer him a nervous laugh.

His stony expression doesn’t change, not even a blink. 

“Fine, Jesus, you’re no fun,” you huff, dropping the emotional act when he doesn’t look amused. 

You flip open the lid. Inside there are a few small disks. It looks familiar, he realises.

“Your friend Ant-Boy didn’t file a patent, so I just took his whole shtick.” He wants to defend Scott’s honour; it’s Ant-Man not boy. He doesn’t. He’s too transfixed on what you have in your hand.

“Pym particles.”

“The diet version.” You pick up one of them carefully. “A ripoff, but effective. Just gotta attach it to the thing I want to shrink and give it a few minutes.”

“You’re going to steal the Statue of Liberty,” he says, frankly a little taken aback that you were serious.

“Would you relax? I’ll put it back.”

“That’s not the point,” he damn near exclaims. “You can’t take away the Statue of Liberty just because you feel like it.”

“I literally can.” You point to the chips in your hand. “That’s the point of this, keep up.”

He feels exasperated. He didn’t sign up for this when he became an Avenger.

“Give me the box.” He makes a grab for it but you yank it away from his reach.

“What do you think you’re doing?” 

“I don’t have time for this.” His reruns would begin in an hour.

“That’s my problem, because...” you trail off. 

He rolls his eyes, makes a grab at the box again. His tactic is different this time. He stealthily pins one of your arms down so that you’re basically incapacitated.

“Hey! Stop that.” You fumble against his reach, shoving him with your elbow.

“Just give me the thing and we can all go home for the day,” he huffs, unfazed by your squirming.

“No! Over my dead bod-” 

He doesn’t immediately notice what goes wrong in the scuffle. 

Until you look at the ground near your feet. A disk lay there, undisturbed.

“Is that-” All of a sudden, either he’s getting taller or the ceiling of the boat is getting lower.

“Oops,” you say, not remorseful in the slightest. 

“Are we going to-”

“I’d give it five minutes max.” 

Great. He was stuck on a boat that was beginning to shrink. The other passengers were either oblivious or ignorant to seats that were starting to become too small for them, but Bucky’s heightened senses and extreme reflexes made it hard to skip.

He nudges the piece of tech with his foot. Maybe he can kick it off the boat.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” you warn solemnly. He wants to disagree but doesn’t know enough about the device to dispute you. 

“Fix this,” he hisses, panic slightly rising. His fingers find their way to his phone to send out an emergency text requesting backup and mass evacuation. 

“I think it’s a rather lovely day for a swim, don’t you?” You stare dreamily at the waves that were inching closer up the boat. 

Or you were inching closer to the water. Technicalities were frivolous. 

“There are other people on this boat.”

“River’s big enough for all of us, I reckon.”

“Fix it.” 

“Or what?” There’s a wicked gleam in your eye. “We both know I have the upper hand here.”

“Or I call the entirety of the Avengers here and haul your ass to prison.”

“Will they bring snacks?”

You’re insufferable. You know it. But you also are the fastest way to get out of this situation and right now, he didn’t want to be responsible for a shipwreck simulation. 

“Fine. Tell me what you want.”

“I like soy chips.”

“Soy chi-” He nearly throws his hands up in frustration. “You know what I’m talking about.” 

“I want one historical artifact so I can impress the kids. They think I’m the cool teacher and I want to keep that reputation alive.”

“What makes you think I can arrange for that?”

“You’ve been alive since goddamn dinosaurs roamed this earth, I’m sure you have some connections.” You pause to assess his face. “You know, you don’t look a day over 29. Dermatologists must hate yo-”

“I’ll get you an artifact, now fix the fuckin’ boat.”

“You promise?” You grin brightly. 

He stares at you. You are unyielding. 

The boat’s uncomfortably small and people are beginning to take notice. Worried murmurs fill the air behind him.

“Yes.”

“Okay.” You shrug simply.

You kneel over, picking up the chip from the ground. You do nothing else for two minutes, instead turning away from him to look at the Statue of Liberty that was coming closer.

It takes him a while to realise that half his body isn’t hanging off his chair anymore. The ceiling is moving further and further away from the top of his head. 

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He wants to strangle you. 

Why did he listen to you when all of this would have been over the minute he kicked it off the ship. 

“You can drop it off at my lair on Monday and pick it up on Friday.” You gather your belongings, leaving him steaming behind you. “Nice talkin’ to ya, Sergeant.” 

You step over him, flashing him a quick smile before walking off the boat with the rest of the tourists as if nothing had just taken place. When he looks down, the stupid ring box is on his lap.

He sits there, unmoving, eyes fixed on the container.

The ferry conductor asks if he’s going to get off the boat. 

He simply shakes his head.

Next part

[randomshyperson]

Left Behind - Chapter 6 - Once a Promise, Always a Promise.

Gif was made by my official gif maker friend @abimess

Summary: The one where you lived in the apartment under the Maximoff family in Sokovia, or, your journey as a Sokovian civilian to Avenger.

Warnings: (+16) Violence, fighting, cursing, civil war environments, abuse of power, assault, torture, underage kissing, psychological torture, substance use, mention of assault/fighting of children, smut, kissing, teasing, insinuation of sexual and moral harassment, verbal offenses.

Words: 4.753k

A/N> It's been 84 years... I just hope someone still reads this haha Let me know what you think

All Works Masterlist || Read on AO3 || Series Masterlist

//-//-//-//-////-//-//-//-////-//-//-//-////-//-//-//-//

Chapter 6 - Once a Promise, Always a Promise.

When you wake up, you get your ass beaten up by an unknown woman.

You awaken all at once, advancing against the woman who was watching you sleep. Her surprise only lasts a second, however, as the next she returns your blow and knocks you to the ground, a gun pointed straight at your face.

Wide-eyed, you realize where you are and raise your hands.

"Sorry, sorry." You can quickly. "I thought I was in the lab again. Who the hell are you by the way?"

The woman raises her eyebrow at you.

"Cap, get over here before I shoot her."

And the next second, a blond man is running into the area of the ship where you are, looking worried.

"Let's all calm down, okay?" He asks as he sees the gun extended, and waits for the woman to put it down. You sigh lightly, rising to stand up.

"I'm sorry I attacked you, Miss." You ask as soon as you are on your feet, and massage your shoulder, which hit the ground hard when she knocked you down.

"It's fine, you just got beat up anyway." She teases, making you give a short laugh.

You were about to ask if they could let you off the ship anywhere, but a low groan of pain beside you caught your attention.

Just then you noticed the man lying on the stretcher next to you a few feet away, a large wound in his rib. You are also able to notice the rest of the ship, there is a man piloting a few meters away, and two men sitting further ahead, talking to each other.

"Hey, I can help." You stated immediately, but as soon as you moved, the woman stood in front of you, looking at you with suspicion and defiance, and you swallowed dryly. "I-I can heal him." You clarified, but the woman only changed her posture when the man next to you touched her forearm.

"Can you do that?" He asks you, and you nod. You wait for the woman to take a step back to approach the man on the stretcher.

"Hey, are you guys sure of this?" The man lying down asked uncomfortably, and you raise your hands in the air.

"Hi, I'm Y/N, I won't hurt you, I promise. "You guarantee it." Can I heal your injuries?" You ask and wait for him to confirm.

The wound is deep, but you have dealt with much worse.

"How did you do that?"

"It was nothing." You say as you put your hands down. His skin was completely intact again.

"This sure is cooler than lightning, huh, Thor?" Commented the blond as he sat down on the stretcher, clearly feeling better. The long-haired man at the back of the ship looks at you curiously as he stands up, and when he notices his colleague completely healed, he looks impressed.

"This sure is an interesting skill for a mortal." He says to you, and you don't know exactly what to make of those words, but you don't have time to comment, because he is already approaching to introduce himself. "My name is Thor Odinson, god of thunder."

You frown.

"G-god of thunder?" You repeat confused. "Sorry, is that some kind of joke?"

The woman next to you giggles, moving to sit on the stretcher next to the man you healed. The blond man in front of you looks slightly offended, but his expression softens immediately.

"I understand that at first, mortals may be incredulous at such a..."

"No, I just thought the title was funny." You interrupt the blond man, surprising him. "You guys are the Avengers, aren't you? My master has already told me about you."

“Your master?”

It is the other blond guy in the blue uniform who asks. You mentally repress yourself.

"Damn, sorry." You say. "It's what I used to call the soldiers and doctors who gave me orders."

"Your files say that you disappeared in Sokovia when you were younger, and what we found at the base were the records of the experiments they did on you." He adds, and you twiddle your fingers nervously. "I just want to make sure you're not going to try to bring the plane down with everyone inside."

The attempted joke is enough to make you smile, but you are beginning to feel overwhelmed. You really were free. After all this time, the idea seemed almost absurd.

You try to control your emotion at once, and the man seems to notice, because his expression softens immediately.

"Hey, come have a seat." He asks, signaling to one of the empty chairs, and you obey. "My name is Steve Rogers, and I promise you're safe now. Hydra will never hurt you again."

You nod frantically, feeling the tears in your eyes. But you try to normalize your breathing, not wanting to cry in front of strangers.

"I'm sorry, I just... I've just been trying to get away for so long." You confess next, wiping your eyes quickly. "It's weird to think I succeeded."

"We are going back to the Avengers tower now. Is there anyone you would like to get in touch with?" He asks, and his words make your stomach sink.

"Yes." You say. "But I have no idea where they are."

"Who? Your family?"

You give a short laugh.

"Yeah, I guess so. They were..." You start trying to remember exactly. You didn't even know how long it had been since the time you saw the twins at the Hydra base. You had no idea if they were alive, but you wanted to believe they were. Taking a deep breath, you continue. "They were my friends. Wanda and Pietro, we grew up together. They... I saw them once. When I still had the serum in my head. I..."

Seeing your difficulty in organizing your thoughts, Steve interrupts you by touching your forearm.

"It's okay." He says. "We'll find the twins."

"So they really are alive?"

Steve smiles.

"Yes." He answers and you feel your body relax all at once. "They ran away, I imagine they were scared, but we'll find them."

You gasp, unable to control your tears. Neither Steve nor the rest of the Avengers seem to care.

When you calm down, Steve introduces you to the rest of the team.

You are not exactly happy to meet Tony Stark. The mention of his last name makes you frown, because you know it was a Stark bomb that blew up your home at Sokovia, but when you accuse Tony, he seems really upset.

"Well, I guess you can get on the list of people who hate me then." He grumbles and you cross your arms, the whole team sensing the tension in the air.

"You could at least apologize for blowing up half of Sokovia with your weapons." You retort angrily, and the man rolls his eyes, not getting up from the armchair you were in.

"Sure, no problem. I'm sorry, kiddo. Happy?"

You clench your jaw, but before you can say anything, Steve steps forward.

"Tony, try not to be a jerk, okay?" The captain speaks and the other man lets out a wry laugh. "Have at least some respect for the girl's story."

"I have respect, Captain." He assures as he stands up, looking impatient. "What I don't have is time to revisit the past while our enemies get more and more powerful." He says and you frown in confusion. "I've already banned weapons production in the industries, and we've already taken on Hydra in that place. Now we can move on, because I need to get back to the compound and understand exactly what that thing is."

He speaks and finishes by signaling to the opposite side, and it is only then that you notice the shining scepter on the far side of the room and let out a surprised exclamation, taking three steps backwards.

"How did you guys get this?" You ask horrified and the team looks at you curiously.

"Have you seen the scepter before?"

"Of course I have!" You reply. "That's what gave me the healing! The damn stone went through my chest."

Thor steps forward, looking at you in surprise.

"So Hydra were able to decipher the scepter?

You laugh humorlessly.

"If by decipher you mean press the scepter against my chest while preening me in an iron chair, then yes." You reply, but take a deep breath to calm yourself. "A yellow stone came off as soon as the scepter touched me. And well, it went right through my skin. When I woke up, I could heal. But whatever it is, it killed all the soldiers who were holding me."

Thor seems to consider your words as Steve tells you that he is sorry for what you went through in Hydra.

Suddenly you remember where you first saw him.

"The man on the bridge!" You exclaimed, surprising him, but you were getting your memories gradually, and your heart was racing. "You are Captain America.... My god, where is Bucky?"

"Great, another fan of the metal arm." Tony comments sarcastically, but no one seems to care.

Steve looks at you with a frown.

"Is he safe? Is he free? Can I see him?" You ask promptly next, and Natasha chuckles.

"Hey, calm down." Steve asks and you swallow dryly, trying not to feel so overwhelmed with so many memories coming back at once. "How do you know Bucky?"

You blink in surprise.

"He...he didn't talk about me?"

It takes a second, and then Steve's eyes widen.

“Oh my god, you’re the guardian!

"I am what now?"

Steve lets out an incredulous laugh.

"The guardian." He repeats as if you were going to understand what he meant.

Natasha clears her throat.

"Captain, perhaps you'd better explain." She asks and Steve gestures quickly.

"We've been looking for you for months." Steve then adds, causing you to widen your eyes in surprise. "Bucky he... he's been trying to find you since he escaped. But he didn't know your name. All he knew was the nickname you got from the soldiers. The golden guardian of death. It's been our only tip to find you."

"I thought it was just golden guardian." Clint adds next, Nat makes a noise of agreement.

"No, I'm sure it was just Guardian of Death." Thor comments, but you are barely listening to the teasing, feeling your thoughts racing.

Steve raises his hands to your shoulders.

"Thank you so much for saving Bucky." He says before hugging you. You feel your neck heat up at the sudden contact, but do your best to reciprocate.

Steve lets you go then, smiling.

"He's going to be so happy to see you."

"Where is he?"

"At the compound." Steve replies. "He cannot attend field missions, it's part of the pardon. It's too much bureaucracy to explain now.."

"I think he's just lazy." Tony adds wryly, making the Avengers giggle.

And Steve's smile dies briefly.

"What's with you today, anyway, Stark?"

Tony sighs impatiently, finally rising from his armchair.

"I'm sorry if I'm not reacting in the way you consider proper captain, but I'm concerned about getting to work soon." He says as he moves toward you two. “I need to find out what this thing really is.”

"No, Stark, you won't touch this." It is Thor who announces, and all the avengers look genuinely surprised.

"I beg your pardon?" Stark retorted, but Thor didn't hesitate before he looked at you next.

"Describe to me again how you got your healing, mortal."

You sigh lightly.

"They locked me in an iron chair and brought the scepter." You narrated. "But they lie me on the chair next, and I could only feel the metal against my skin, and then I saw a yellow light. Something went right through my chest, and then right through." You say. "I blacked out for a second, the room was completely empty like a vision. When I blinked, it was back, but all the soldiers holding me were dead. And then they knocked me out."

"Before you said you saw a yellow stone?"

You nodded in agreement.

"I dreamed of this memory for several days." You clarify. "I was back in the room, but this time I watched myself. I saw when they put the scepter to my chest, and when the golden stone came out and went through my skin. It was the stone that released the wave of energy that killed the soldiers .I don't know why I didn't die too."

"A single blow that killed a group of soldiers at once." Thor mutters more to himself than to the rest of the teams. "It's decided then, no mortal must touch this. It's clearly far more power than anyone should have."

"This is ridiculous." Thor accused the next moment, making the team look at him curiously. "You can't just deny knowledge about something like that and..."

"Why are you so insistent on this, Tony?" It's Steve who asks suspiciously. Tony sighs, and gives a short laugh.

"You guys are unbelievable, you know." He says. "I'm trying to find new alternatives to our problems."

"What problems?" Steve asks with a confused grimace, and Tony rolls his eyes, looking nervous.

"Our enemies, Captain!" He snarls. "In case you haven't noticed, it hasn't been too long since we faced an army of robots coming from a hole in the sky!" He accuses. "We don't have the power to face this kind of thing. The scepter is exactly what I need to prevent the worst from happening."

"Where did that come from, Tony?" Steve retorted confused.

Stark gave a short laugh, rolling his eyes.

"I don't have time for this." He grimaced and moved to grab the scepter, but Thor stood in the way, arms crossed. "Really?" Tony impatiently charges, but Thor doesn't move. Stark clenches his jaw before declaring angrily. "I had a vision, okay? I saw all of us, defeated. Defeated because we didn't have the power to win. And I... I could have prevented it."

The avengers look as confused as you are, and remain silent. Tony sighs and runs his hand through his hair.

"It was New York again, but this time the enemy won." He continues, visually upset. When he lifted his face in Steve's direction, his look was angry, but his eyes had tears in it. "And you told me that I could have stopped it."

“I wouldn't do that.” Steve says. “If we ever lose, I wouldn't blame you, Tony.”

Tony gives a short laugh.

“Wouldn’t you really?” He retorts. “I’m pretty sure you would, cap.”

Steve takes a step forward, his eyes soften as he looks at his friend.

“I promise you, Tony. If we lose, we lose together.” He declares. “That’s what being an Avengers means. I’m sorry if I was not clear before, and made you feel any different than this or…”

“Stop it!” Tony angrily interrupts. You flinch because you think you saw a familiar red light in his eyes. “Cut this sentimental crap, Steve. I’m just trying to do what’s necessary here.”

“Back off, Stark!” You order as you noted how he has moved his wand to the scepter, he seems surprised by the action too. You move in his direction as he takes two steps back, looking irritated. You gave him no time to answer however, as you raise your hands over his head and touch his forehead with your fingers before he can complain.

Immediately, you can feel the remnants of magic on Tony's head. You don't recognize it at first, but as your own magic removes the other energy, you sigh slightly. It feels familiar, but you don't know why. The energy is still harmful though, probably due to the intention of the one who cast it, but you manage to clean it all up.

You succeed because you coordinate your magic to wipe the other energy like you usually clear and heal wounds, and it seems to work, because Tony raises his hands to your wrist, his wide-eyed eyes soften and he looks almost startled.

"I'm sorry." He asks and swallows dryly. You remove your fingers from his forehead completely, watching with curiosity. He takes a deep breath, blinking several times as if waking up. "I'm sorry, everyone, I... Damn, it was like a horrible dream. I need to lie down for a minute."

And with that he leaves.

You don't ask questions anymore, because Steve is going after him, and you are trying to figure it out why you still feel the unknown magic tingling at your fingertips, as if it is trying to merge with yours.

//-//

You cry when you see Bucky again.

He lets out a disbelieving laugh, and then he's running up, hugging you tight.

Your conversation is long and intense, and is almost mostly made up of gratitude.

The other Avengers seem very happy to see the whole interaction, especially Steve.

Tony isolates himself in his room as soon as you arrive, and Thor looks upset. He and Bruce discuss something, and then they go to talk to Tony.

You don't pay attention because you are listening to Bucky tell you about getting all his memories back, and living with the Avengers since you helped him. He was now free from Hydra's control, and was pardoned by the state on condition that he was no longer the Winter Soldier.

Nat also added in his narrative the information that he and Steve were "making fondue" and the joke made him laugh with red cheeks but you didn't understand what that meant.

You are very happy to see him, but you can't help but think that he was not the one you wanted to find when you were free.

When he introduces you to the rest of the compound, and to your room, you hug him in appreciation, and you both exchange a knowing look, finally acknowledging that you are safe.

//-//

Your first night in the compound is a strange one.

After meeting the whole team, who were polite despite having fought you a few hours ago, you received a full meal and then locked yourself in your room.

But you were not used to having such a soft bed, not even before Hydra, so sleeping seemed kind of impossible.

Figuring that the Avengers wouldn't mind you taking a late night stroll, you left your room.

"Are you lost, girl?" A female voice suddenly sounded making you jump in fright. It was Natasha Romanoff, or as she introduced herself earlier, Black Widow.

"S-sorry, ma'am." You retorted clumsily, and the woman raised her eyebrows at you. "I can't sleep."

"First, I'm not old, so don't call me ma'am." She commented wryly, and you tried to smile. "Second, I know the feeling. If you want, I can distract you."

Your last social conversation with a woman happened a long time ago, and then you find yourself asking:

"Are you inviting me to have sex?"

Nat lets out a surprised laugh, crossing her arms.

"Where did that come from?" she asks, and you scratch your neck lightly.

"Sorry, I learned how to talk to women from television shows that Hydra soldiers watched in the labs. Bad references. What did you mean by distracting me?"

Nat laughed, impressed by your words.

"I meant like have some tea and tell a story." She clarifies, not sounding the least bit upset. You put your hands in the pockets of the pajamas you've been given.

"R-right. That sounds more appropriate." You mumble with flushed cheeks, eliciting another laugh from the woman. As you begin walking side by side, she comments.

"You know, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with you around here. You are just as awkward as Steve and Bucky."

You end up hearing a story about agents in Budapest, but it seems Nat doesn't tell the whole story. It's nice, though, you missed talking to someone.

"That thing you did earlier with Tony, that was really cool." Nat remarks after a pause in silence.

You take a sip of your tea after shrugging, but she seems inquisitive.

"How did you know it was Maximoff who messed with his head?"

You almost choke at the sudden mention of the name and Nat's watchful gaze makes it impossible to disguise. You sigh.

"I... They are my friends." You confess looking down at the cup, "Or they used to be."

Raising your gaze to Nat again, she only seems curious to know, and you shrug slightly, deciding to trust her.

"We grew up together in Sokovia." You count twirling your fingers on the handle of your cup, "They were the only family I had in the orphanage. And well, it was for them that I broke into a Hydra building."

Nat listens to your story intently, and you swallow dryly before continuing.

"When they captured me, the serum, it... well, it didn't exactly leave me conscientious." You try to explain. "It was like pushing all my memories away, my mind would become completely empty."

“"Is that what they did to Bucky?" Nat questions and you shake your head.

"No, they used electric shock on Bucky." You return with a grimace. "With me, they couldn't hurt me permanently, so they needed something that would make me obey without me being able to heal. It was like being drunk, I guess, only much worse."

“I’m sorry.”

"It 's fine.” You say with a sad smile. “I was dumb enough to go there, i knew the risks.”

“Don’t say that.” Nat asks with a serious voice. “It’s was not your fault they torture kids.”

"And whose fault is it, then?" You retorted, upset, with yourself more than with Nat or anyone else. "My friends for being stubborn idiots? Of Stark for throwing a bomb in my building? I'm tired of looking for reasons to justify what happened to me. Nothing is enough, and I just want to see my friends."

Nat sighs lightly, and raises a hand on the table to reach for yours. You want to hold back the tears, but they are already falling before you can do so.

"I promise we will find your family." She assures you tenderly, and you feel your heart soar at the possibility.

You nod in understanding, taking a deep breath to stop crying.

Nat squeezes your hand, and it takes a moment for you to speak again.

"Wanda." You begin, and almost sob. It has been a long time since you have spoken that name. "She... She must have gotten her powers the same way I did." You say trying to remember everything you witness in Hydra at that moment. "I remember the soldiers talking about the twins being the only ones to survive the stone besides me."

"From Shield records, we know she can manipulate energy and Pietro can run really fast." Nat informs as she releases your hand. She sits thoughtfully for a moment."Maybe because you all got the magic through the same source, you can heal what she can do to Tony's mind. But that's not really my area, maybe you should talk to Thor as well."

You sigh lightly, wiping away the remainder of the tears falling on your face.

"I will." You say. "But I want to find Wan-the twins first." You correct yourself quickly, hoping Nat doesn't notice your flushed cheeks. She does, but says nothing.

"Try to get some rest." She asks as she picks up the teacups. "We have a party coming up, and then Thor is supposed to return to Asgard. I imagine you will want to have a little chat with Bucky before you return to Sokovia."

"I would go back to Sokovia right now if you ask me." You mutter making Nat chuckle lightly. "But I don't want to disturb any of you. I've waited for a long time, I can wait a little longer."

When Nat turns around after putting the glasses in the sink, she has a soft expression.

"You are not a nuisance here, kid." She assures with a smile. "We've just been caught a little by surprise with a new person, but it will be a pleasure to help you find the twins." She says and then has a mischievous expression. "I shouldn't tell you yet, but Steve is pretty excited about the whole thing. He wants you and the twins to join the team eventually."

"Really?" You ask in surprise and Nat just mumbles in agreement, still smiling.

She turns around on the countertop and before she leaves, she turns to you.

"If you ask my opinion, you seem to care a lot about both of them." She says. "I think that no matter how much time has passed, or if they are fighting on opposite sides, she will be happy to see you."

You swallow dryly, looking away.

Nat smiles one last time before leaving and you twiddle your fingers nervously, sitting for a while at the table before returning to your room.

With much to think about, you are surprised that you fall asleep almost instantly as you lie down.

//-//

The Hydra serum is still in your system.

You realize it in a rather embarrassing way actually.

After waking up on the couch, you went to the kitchen.

Bucky tells you that all the team is having a meeting and they will join you two soon, so you just lay against the wall while he reads the newspaper out loud for you.

The Avengers stay in the meeting room for a long time, and don't seem very pleased when they leave, but Tony seems intrigued.

You are surprised that he comes to talk to you as soon as he sees you.

"I didn't thank you for yesterday, kid." He says with a smile. "Whatever you did took away that bad feeling. Now I can work without having to hide that I'm trying to help."

You didn't quite know what to respond, but it didn't matter because Tony was patting you on the shoulder before smiling contentedly at the rest of the team.

"While I figure out a way to decipher the stone, which won't be hard since I'm incredibly smart." He begins his speech, causing the group to let out debauched laughter. "You guys can get busy with whatever old people do for fun. Except you Thunderlord, I'm going to need your help in the lab."

"Wow, Tony Stark asking for help." Thor teases and you watch the interaction with a smile on your lips, moving to join the table. "What a little magic doesn't do to your head, heh?"

"Don't tease me, Thundercat. I'll throw you out of this building, and you won't get any breakfast." He says with false seriousness and you laugh lightly as you pour yourself a cup of coffee. "Hey, kid, give me some too?"

"Ja, Master." You respond mechanically, perhaps even a little sleepily. The Avengers look at you with curiosity and confusion as they see you mechanically pour the coffee, and hand it to Tony, who looks shocked.

"He is not your master, kid." It is Natasha who breaks the silence, and you blink in confusion looking around for a moment.

"R-right." You say. "Sorry about that, Tony. Old habits I guess."

Tony thanks you for the drink, and you think the subject is going to die, but then Natasha keeps looking at you.

"Hey, Y/N, come over here." She asks and you move immediately. Shit. Natasha raises her eyebrow. "Take two steps to the left." Your body obeys. “Now to the right.” She asks and you obey again. This is terrible. The widow looks at you impressed.

"That looks bad." Tony quickly mocks before waving for Thor to accompany him to the lab, justifying that they should get to work soon.

Nat continues to look at you incredulously, but then Steve gets up from the table as well and snaps his fingers in front of your eyes, making you jump in fright slightly. He assumes a worried expression afterwards.

"You are obeying our orders as if we were your masters." He says. "Let's go see Bruce in the lab, he'll want to run some tests."

When you reach the lab, and Steve explains to Bruce what happened at breakfast, you are not surprised that he puts needles in your arm. You hope the news will be good when he finishes assessing your blood.

//-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-////-//

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