#i just have to proofread the first chapter or two and write the first act

[amazable01]

Secretly, I have so many projects I've been working on, but god I wish I was satisfied enough with any of them to post

Might write some oneshots again, just to get back in the swing of posting. We'll see, though

[strongheartneteyam]

[ credits of the Neteyam pic go to cinetrix ]

Champagne Problems.

Pairing: Neteyam Sully x female!human!reader

CW: angsty, reader feeling her heart hurt, adeline being funny and shipping reader and neteyam, symptoms of PTSD (like a nightmare), sexual tension, confessions of love, angry neteyam, confused neteyam, yearning, crying, fluff, sexual content, neteyam loving reader's breasts, neteyam using his fangs on reader's body, p in v, territorial neteyam, needy and clingy neteyam, slight breeding kink, creampie

I almost cried writing this chapter and istg my pussy clenched hard while I was writing the smut part so… have a good read, I guess lol ps: I know I said I was gonna have a break from uploading my long fics (and I am!) but there was an itch in my hand to finish this story and I gave in and scratched it lol I kinda knew I eventually would. But I'm only gonna update the other fics next year. This one was an exception bc there was only one chapter left (this one lol)

Not proofread. I woke up in the middle of the night to write this, it's already morning outside and I'm sleepy and sick :(

Part 7: All I want is you

𓇼

It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you

You're a flashback in a film reel on the one screen in my town

And I just wanted you to know that this is me trying

this is me trying (Taylor Swift)

𓇼

In the morning, you woke up and realized you were no longer sitting on the floor, resting your back against the wall of Kiri's marui, but rather laying in your mat. You had a sharp headache but you didn't really know why. Maybe lack of enough sleep, maybe tension… Your eyes searched around for Neteyam but he was no longer there. You knew instantly that Neteyam had been the one to carry you to your mat. He was the only one awake other than you when you two were talking while it was eclipse and you knew it wasn't his nature to leave a girl sleeping while sitting down on the floor in a weird position and go home. No, he was too much of a gentleman for that.

The realization that you were about to go back to the lab in a few days and leave Neteyam behind again hit you like a train. The thought of being without him and having no guarantee that he wasn't gonna find a mate while you were gone and when you'd come back and see him again, he'd be happy with a beautiful na'vi girl by his side - perhaps even carrying his baby in her womb - broke you in a billion little pieces.

Your heart started to beat fast in your chest, like it was gonna escape from inside your body and come out through your throat. But there was also a big lump in your throat. Anxiety stinged your whole body like sharp, thin needles. 

You didn't want to lose Neteyam. Just imagining having to stare at a wall in your room at night, to see his sweet face in the crushing darkness and feel the tears rolling down your face, reminding you that you would never be able to hold him again, to feel his huge but gentle hands on your skin, to smell his comforting scent… and worse: to know he would be in some other girl's arms every night, letting her kiss him, having… God, having sex with her…

No. You couldn't let him go. It would rip your heart apart.

And if Neteyam didn't go for Munì like you thought he did, that meant that he didn't stop loving you… right? That's what you were desperately hoping for. You were almost sure you had seen him get slightly happy when you acted like an idiot and let him see how jealous you were of Munì last night. Maybe that meant he still felt something for you.

If you were right about Neteyam's feelings, you didn't quite know why he loved the mess of a girl that you were but… somehow he did, and he was sad because of you, because you refused to be his mate when that's all you truly wanted, in the first place. You had let fear hold you back once again. But not this time. You had to be brave. You had to at least try.

Putting the sheet that was once over you to the side, you uncovered your body and, in a rapid motion, you got up from your mat and got to your feet, feeling the slight coldness on the floor of the marui. Your feet walked slowly but surely among your two best human friends, trying hard not to step on or kick one of the girls as they were sleeping right next to your mat. 

You got startled by Adeline's voice echoing in the morning air as she whispered energetically to you.

"(y/n), where are you going?" Her voice was hoarse and slightly funny, because of slumber.

"I thought you were sleeping!" You whispered back as you looked at her sleepy and moody face while she laid down in her mat

"I was but I felt the need to pee and woke up. Answer my question, please!" She demanded

Your heart started beating fast and you spoke "I'm gonna try and make things right with Neteyam."

"Thank God." She dramatically grunted "I knew you liked him all along, I just wouldn't try and force you to mate with the guy, of course. But damn, I've known you since we were kids and I know when you're in love. I wanted to slap you when I saw you looking gloomy and I would ask you what was wrong and you would say that it was nothing but I just knew you were missing him and regretting refusing to be his mate. And Neteyam brought you back to your mat in his freaking arms! You can't let the guy go, you idiot! He loves you! Can't you see it? You both love each other! What was stopping you before from saying “Hey, I know I'm a bit crazy but I wanna be your mate!”?” She sighed, like she was tired of that whole situation

“How do you know Neteyam carried me back to my mat?” Surprise was all over your face

“I woke up at eclipse with your chatter, mamas.” She said nonchalantly 

“Oh…” You awkwardly spoke “So, you heard everything?” You cringed

“I heard a lot of it. Enough to know Neteyam is worth it. Now do what you gotta do. I gotta go relieve myself.” She demanded like a mother would

Your laughter echoed around. Adeline didn't realize how funny she was. You loved her. So, so much. That bitch was everything to you.

In only seconds you found yourself rushing out of the marui's door and your feet walking quickly through the warm Metkayina sand.

After a good while looking around and only seeing turquoise skinned tall Metkayina people, you finally found Neteyam. The sight of his broad, striped back did things to you. It made you remember how insanely good it felt when he was inside of you that rainy night on his hammock.

"Neteyam!" You yelled, sounding way more desperate than you had wanted to, and Neteyam rapidly turned around looked at you, his face covered with surprise

"I'm sorry! I do wanna be with you!" You spoke, breath a bit labored as you felt nervous and insecure about his reaction. The next thing you saw, you were breaking down in tears. 

"Why did you refuse me, then?" Neteyam asked,  slightly angry and utterly confused 

He did not understand why you had put you both through all that pain if you did love him too.

"I guess I was just afraid of finally having something beautiful in my life again, to feel safe again and then lose it. I couldn't bear to lose you. The truth is, I've had a crush on you since we first met too and I think I started to have deeper feelings for you at the party. Maybe we fell for each other at the same time" you chuckled wearily between tears, thinking that if it truly happened, it was beautiful and seemed like something out of a romantic movie

“Were you afraid that I was gonna leave you?” Neteyam asked, furrowing his hairless eyebrows 

“Yes…” You shamefully confirmed.

It seemed like you only ever thought the worst of Neteyam, even though he was known to be a good man and only proved you again and again how much he cared about you.

"Why would I ever leave you if I love you? It's as simple as that, tawtute." Neteyam stated

An amazed smile was born amidst your tears and your heart sped up as your brain processed those words.

"Are you saying you… love me?" It still seemed too good to be true.

"I'm saying I love you more than you will ever know, syulang." Neteyam walked closer to you and tried to touch your hand

You backed away slightly and he felt frustrated. Even as you declared your love for him you were still so guarded. Neteyam let out an impatient breath out of his feline nostrils.

“Tawtute, please, be my mate.” He asked you once again, his heart open to you once again.

“But what about tsaheylu? You can’t make it with me! What if you one day realize you regret missing out on this experience? It’s such an important thing to your people…” You let out a choked sob as you pronounced those words that felt like a stab in the heart

“Not again with the excuses…” Neteyam thought

“Listen” Neteyam asked for your attention “I do not care if you don’t have tendrils and we can’t make tsaheylu. What’s even the point of tsaheylu if I can’t make it with the girl I love? Tsaheylu is about sharing your affection, your devotion, your need with your mate and I don’t need or want anyone else but you, tawtute.”

You kept sobbing and just couldn't seem to stop.

Neteyam grabbed you and held you inside his strong, long arms, one of his hands on the back of your head, pressing it against his body and the other on your shoulder. His warm embrace felt reassuring.

"It's okay, oeyä tawtute. You are safe with me."

After a while holding you like that, he gently pushed you away from him and held your chin up so you could look at his face.

"I won't ever leave you. I promise you, with the Great Mother as my witness, I will never ever let you go. I'm yours forever. I have been yours for so long…" He gave you a calm smile and wiped your tears away

Your gleaming eyes gazed up at his face. He was so beautiful, his dark blue stripes forming intricate pattern on his forehead, a pattern unique to his body. His bioluminescent freckles adorned his big face and shone slightly even in the light of day. You were so damn lucky to have such a beautiful man be so deeply in love with you.

“So, what's it gonna be?” Neteyam's big thumb caressed your reddened face as his lips were curled in a gentle smile, showing no teeth “Can I finally get an “yes” from your beautiful lips?”

You chuckled and smiled big.

“Yes.” Neteyam's heart swelled with affection and relief “Yes, I'm gonna be your mate, Neteyam.”

“Nga yawne lu oer, oeyä tawtute.” (I love you, my human) Neteyam grabbed your face that was tiny inside his two big hands and kissed you eagerly, his lips pressing against yours like he had been needing that for so long.

Neteyam had been dreaming awake every night about how it would feel if he ever got to kiss your small mouth again. His tongue touched the slit of your mouth, deliciously warm and wet and you parted your lips so he could explore the insides of your mouth. Neteyam's large tongue licked your tongue and you moaned in delight at the sensation. You had missed his kisses so damn much… Neteyam tasted your mouth like you were the sweetest berry juice in the whole Universe.

“I missed your lips and your tongue, syulang. I was craving you.”  Neteyam said and softly placed a last peck in your lips 

“I missed you too. A lot.” You smiled at him, still tasting him on your tongue "I love you too." Neteyam smiled at you when hearing those words he was dying to hear for so long.

“Come, have lunch with me, oeyä hì'i muntxate.” (my small mate)

You agreed and Neteyam took your hand inside his much bigger one, taking you to the place where the na'vi were handling food to each other.

Many curious blue eyes looked at the both of you as Neteyam possessively held you by your waist and talked to you gently.

“I'm gonna get some fish and herbs for us, okay?” He smiled happily at you, like he either didn't notice or didn't care about how all the Metkayina at that part of the reef seemed to be watching yours and Neteyam's every move.

Quickly he grabbed the fish and took you to some rocks away from everyone else, what made you let out a relieved silent breath.

You two ate your fish, that had been prepared on a bonfire - it tasted delicious, by the way. Slightly spicy but also with fresh notes of something that reminded you of peppermint. Alien food was better than you had ever anticipated while you prepared on Earth to travel to Pandora.

"By the way, I'm sorry about your arm. I bet it hurt a lot…" You brought it up, after swallowing a mouthful of fish

"Not that much. I'm strong." He played around but Neteyam truly wanted you to see him as a strong na'vi male. He knew it was boyish but he did it anyway.

He won a quick joyful chuckle from you.

"I was gonna tell you that yesterday but I guess I got too nervous and then too emotional and I ended up forgetting to. I'm sorry, I think I tend to seem self-centered sometimes…" You spoke

"Don't worry about it. You do seem aloof and a little self-centered" You scoffed in a joking manner at his bluntness but you actually said “Ouch!” on the inside.

Damn, Neteyam truly knew how to humble someone...

“But I know that's not who you really are. People just have to take enough time to get to know you and they'll see what I see." 

"And what do you see?" Your eyes shone with wonder and your voice was playful 

"I see a smart, strong, sensitive and amazingly beautiful girl."

Your cheeks turned red. You weren't expecting so much praise.

“Ok, stop… I'm not all that.” You awkwardly stated, avoiding his gaze

“Of course you are. I don't know why you can't see it, tawtute.”

Maybe because you hadn't heard that a lot throughout your life…

To be fair, you had been called beautiful and smart many times but not the other two. Kate and Adeline would tell you that you were strong when you needed to hear it but you always wondered if they perhaps just said that because they were your closest, best friends and they only wanted to make you feel better.

𓇼

After lunch, Neteyam sneaked out with you and took you to a private place on the beach where his hammock was hanging, somewhere more secluded, where the both of you could be alone. You knew just what he wanted and you could not lie and say that you were not craving the exact same thing.

Neteyam took you in his arms, winning a squeaky laugh from you as he lift you off your feet. 

Neteyam sat you on his big hammock, your legs hanging in the air and not touching the clear sand. He knelt in front of you and before you knew it, he was kissing you. Neteyam eagerly took your lower lip between his soft, full lips, suckling on it ever so slightly and then pressing his mouth against yours. Neteyam's huge blue hands cupped both your breasts over your white cropped top and you whimpered in pleasure.

"Oeyä tawtute…" he cried out "Let me see these titties" his mouth hanged slightly open with anticipation and desire

Once you let him take your bra off, Neteyam groaned in an animalistic, primal way.

"These perfect soft titties are mine now, oeyä muntxate. Only mine."

"Yours, Neteyam." You breathed, so taken by him and the moment. Your panties were slick with your juices, so much he turned you on.

Neteyam laid you down gently but eagerly on his hammock. He wasted no time and quickly brought his lips to your breasts. He had been dreaming of that ever since the first time he saw your breasts jiggle under your shirt when you were walking fast, troubled with your scientist work. Your boobs were just so different from the na'vi females ones and it made Neteyam daydream about how it would feel to have your small buds inside his mouth.

Neteyam sucked on your nipples like he was hungry and desperate to taste your skin. He licked your sensitive buds swiftly, leaving them hard and wet with his saliva. All you could do was look down at his mesmerizing blue face, staring at his bioluminescent little freckles and moan loud. You started to worry if people could hear but you decided it was not important if they did or not and you just did not care. That intimate, raw moment you were having with your Neteyam was much more important than anything else in the Universe.

He started using his fangs to tease your breasts slowly and you whimpered at the sting but also enjoyed the bittersweet pleasure it gave you. 

“If you want me to stop, just say it, oeyä tawtute.”

“No. Keep doing it, please” You asked

Neteyam bit your right breast harder this time and you moaned loud again. The acute feeling of his sharp fangs harassing your sensitive skin made you feel an incredible sensation that lied somewhere between discomfort and delight but that ended up just being incredibly addictive. Your folds were even more soaked by now.

“Neteyam, please, fuck me, baby” you begged “I need you.”

“Fuck, muntxate, you're so needy for me. It's so hot, yawne…” Neteyam's heavy breath collided with your skin, sending shivers all over your body

Neteyam undressed you quickly and took his loincloth off just as rapidly, his cock hard and proud, slightly curved to the side.

Neteyam took his cock in his hand and rubbed his swollen tip on your glistening clit, making your body tremble.

“Neteyam… please.” You protested

“Say you want it.” He looked into your eyes, his big golden irises shining with the sight of you in front of him, his mouth in a teasing smirk. His accent drove you insane.

“Please, fuck me…” Your face showed him how desperate you were to feel him

“Do you want me to fill you up with my cock, tawtute?” He dig for more

“Yes, Neteyam, I need your big cock inside of my pussy, please, please…” It's like you couldn't take it anymore. Your cunt felt so empty without him.

After hearing those enticing words, Neteyam swiftly placed his large blue cock at your soaked entrance and pushed it all in at once, making you moan loudly in sheer, raw pleasure. 

"Eywa, how I missed this pussy! Your ekxìn pussy feels so fucking good, my little tanhì." (star) Neteyam murmured as he thrusted hungrily into you, his big, girthy cock stretching your insides and filling you up completely.

Neteyam's feelings for you were just so strong that he felt like no words would ever be enough to express his emotions so, he was trying to show you how he felt about you by loving your body instead, pouring out all his yearning for you through his kisses, his desperate caresses, his thrusts…

"Tawtute" Neteyam cried out as he thrusted roughly into you "Oeyä muntxate." (my mate) "Mine. All mine, yawntu…" (loved one) He whimpered in your ear, melancholic and driven wild by his desire and ardent affection for you "Nga yawne lu oer." (I love you) "So, so much."

Neteyam's breath was heavy and irregular as he pounded himself into you as hard as he could. He needed you so much, he felt like he would die if he could not have all of you, if he could not claim you once and for all. It was so good that he didn't last long and came inside of you, his thick warm seed shooting strongly towards your womb. He hoped to breed you but he didn't know you were taking birth control pills. Neteyam's load of cum was so big that it leaked out of your cunt even as he was still inside of you. That was so dirty and sexy that your pussy clenched around his cock as you felt his warm liquid leaking out of your stretched entrance.

After cuddling for a while, when you were looking to find your bra that Neteyam had thrown somewhere in the sand, he looked at your breasts, the two of them full of his bite marks and a big beautiful smile adorned his full lips, followed by a joyful chuckle.

“I marked you well, syulang. Now everybody can see that you're mine. Oeyä muntxate. Mine forever.” He leaned in for a kiss, pressing his soft lips on yours, so needy. Neteyam tasted so sweet but so unique at the same time. He tasted like himself. Nothing else could compare.

You chuckled. “You're so pervy.”

“But you love it.” He smiled at you, his sharp fangs more charming than ever

“Hey! Just because I'm your mate now it doesn't mean you get to be all cocky again.” You teased, pretending to be angry, as you pushed his arm away with your hand

Neteyam only smiled wider. He was over the moon that you were now finally his. All his. Until the end of time.

Neteyam yawned, body still in full bliss because of the powerful orgasm you had given him.

“I'm sleepy, oeyä tawtute. Take a nap with me.” He was already grabbing you in his big striped arms and laying you back on the hammock with him.

“You're not giving me a choice, anyway.” You chuckled and yawned too.

Soon your tired eyes fell shut, as you felt his warm breath on your skin.

𓇼

In the middle of the afternoon, you woke up crying, desperately breathing gasping for air. Neteyam woke up startled with your panicking state. Another nightmare... One of those that left your heart aching and your mind confused for long after you woke up, wondering if it had been reality or not.

“What's wrong, yawntu?” (loved one) 

When you realized Neteyam was by your side, still holding you against his warm body, you felt relieved but only seemed to cry more. You buried your head on his soft chest and he just let you cry there, petting your head softly with his hand, his slender fingers running through your locks of hair every now and then, trying to comfort you.

Eventually you stopped crying, sniffing one last time. You placed a kiss on Neteyam's chest, your lips lingering on his skin for longer than they normally would, as if to try and make sure that he was really there with you, that he was real and was not going away.

“Wanna tell me what happened now, oeyä muntxate?” (my mate)

You looked up at his face, eyes reddish.

“I had a terrible nightmare…” just the reminder made your heart ache again “I dreamt you left me. You got tired of me and found a better mate.”

“Tawtute… that's never gonna happen.”

“You promise?” You needed to hear him promise…

“I promise.” He tried to kiss you but you backed away a bit 

“What if your parents don't approve of us? Will you leave me then?” You hated how clingy and annoying you were sounding 

Neteyam started thinking that he would have to have an endless amount of patience with you. Your fear controlled you way too often. He would have to teach you how to be a little more free. But he would do it gladly.

"Listen, yawntutsyìp" (little loved one) Neteyam held your small face inside of both his huge blue hands "We will fight whatever we have to, whatever comes our way, and we will stay together forever, okay? I'm not letting anything separate me from you. Nothing, you hear me? Nothing." He promised you.

You breathed in and decided you had to try and believe him, otherwise you would end up sabotaging your relationship with Neteyam, you would end up contributing to what you feared the most: him leaving you. What you did not know was that there was actually nothing you could do to drive Neteyam away. He had been chasing you for way too long, he had fought for you like he had fought in the war against the Sky People. Neteyam was too much of a good warrior and too proud to let you go after all that. And damn, he could not imagine a life without you. Not a life where he would be happy and fulfilled, at least. He needed you to see the morning air as fresh, to hear the song of the birds as lively, to see the light of the stars as a guide.

“Okay. I trust you, Neteyam.” You stated, utterly sure of your words this time.

𓇼

♡ Epilogue ♡

You felt safe for the first time in so long while Neteyam held you inside his big arms, his body heat spreading all over you. It felt so cozy and just so… right. Like you had finally found what you needed, what you were unconsciously looking for all along.

Safety, trust, shelter… love.

Funny how sometimes when we need love the most is when we push it away the most, hurt the people who are trying to give it to us the most because we're so terrified to get hurt again, to finally trust and be let down again that we would rather keep drowning in our pain and in our loneliness. Pain can feel comfortable, as crazy as it sounds.

Turn a curse into a kiss

You could have never seen it coming, you could have never imagined back on your Earth days that your safe place to fall would be in the arms of an alien in an exoplanet, outside of your home solar system. What a weird happy ending. But it doesn't matter. There's still much more to come. This isn't the end, it's just the beginning.

𓇼

Change the meaning of your world

Love makes no sense, love has no name

Love drowns you in tears and it sets your heart on fire

Love has no fear, love has no reason

So infinitely vast and we're standing at the edge

Take my hand, erase the past forever

Love Exists (Amy Lee)

𓇼

This is the end, guys 🥲🤍 Feels so good to give Teyam and Reader a beautiful happy ending. Thank you all so much for reading my story 💕

•

Taglist:

@iman-lu

@leaveitbythewave

@creepytoes88

@live-laugh-neteyam

@swaggygurlbae

@neteluvr

@layla2-49

@a-blog-name-2003

@lala-1516

@jakesullyfatjuicypeen

@yeosxxx

@iaratezaewa

@somekindofastupidjoke

@fadedpetal

[fxtalitygod]

EPILOGUE. ~Survival~

Genre: Historical AU, angst, mature, suggestive, arranged-marriage

Warnings: Dark themes, gore, graphic imagery, theme/depictions of horror, body horror, swearing/language, suggestive, pregnancy mentions, mentions and acts of suicide, arguments, mentions of adult murder, Pet name (Little Flower 1-2x) implied Stockholm Syndrome, grief imagery, images/depictions of dead bodies, murder, character death(s), slight misogynistic themes (if you squint), implied incest mentions

Word Count: 5.9k

A/N: Today marks the day I finish this series. Guys, I cannot believe it took me two years to finish this damned series. Do not get me wrong, I loved writing it, but boy, it was a major pain in my ass. As corny as it sounds, thank you all for sticking with me throughout this series. When I originally posted the first chapter, I did not expect ANY attention whatsoever; it was just a self-indulgent thing I wanted to write because I wanted a better representation of (Y/n) where, yeah, she may not be the strongest. However, she still knows how to make do with what she has and make that her strength. I also wanted to give a more realistic relationship with the pairing. As much as I love Sukuna's character, I did not believe him to be a character capable of "true love" but a character that values others but not in the way you might think. I'm talking literal value, currency value, and benefit value. I wanted a more realistic take on the story because I did not know how many more historical "Kuna," "Suku," or "Kunie" stories I could take. No hate for those who write it or those who enjoy it; it just isn't my personal cup of tea. I like true crime and dark stories (I have this serial killer project that I'm stoked about because I know I will get my group an A+), so I tend to enjoy those darker sides, which I believe is why I like Sukuna's character so much, he just feeds into that side of me. There are some of the fantasies I enjoy where Sukuna is non-canon, such as AUs and all that, but when it comes to JJK's storyline or his historical AUs, I tend to fall short of enjoyment of that type of fantasy.

Anywho, thank you all for sticking around and enjoy the epilogue. I hope it was worth the wait. I may or may not have written three times because my perfectionism kicked in every time I proofread it, and I found something I did not like and scraped half the chapter. I bet I'll find a little thing here and there when I post this. Still, it won't be anything noticeable, something along the lines of my tags and probably my TW, though Im usually very on point with those kinds of things. Still, it always seems that AFTER I make the post, I really start to notice things even after proofreading it 50x.

P.S. I plan to do a behind-the-scenes post on all my original ideas. I have worked on this little project for two years, so you bet I had alternatives. Feel free to send me asks or messages asking me about things you are curious about, and I will gladly answer.

JJK Mlist•Taglist Rules• • Pt.I • Pt. II • Pt. III • Pt. IV • Pt. V • Pt. VI • Pt.VII • Pt. VIII • Pt. IX • Pt. X • Epilogue

The market was bustling at this time of day. Workers were heading home from a hard day of work, rushing through the roads as they grabbed ingredients and materials for their households to prepare their meals and homes; everything was so normal...and if she were being honest, it felt strange. The confined life of the temple had practically become a comfort, so when presented with a slice of normalcy, it was foreign and, if she were being honest, alarming as well.

Having so much freedom was intimidating and overwhelming– the fear of having something good and it being taken away was a looming thought that brought many anxieties.

Years have passed since that fated day, Sukuna Ryomen's downfall. Since the fire and the slaughter that had immersed, Sukuna's actions had remained silent. There were whispers of sightings and rumors that the curse user had met his demise, but she knew better. Sukuna Ryomen was unkillable, and if anybody had truly caught a glance of him, they would be dead before they could live and tell the tale.

"Mama."

The world seemed to stop as the word processed through her head. Blood ran cold, and breaths of air seemed to come in at a faster rate. The woman turned to the little girl holding her hand, causing her heart to shatter.

"Darling, I told you not to refer to me as your mother, remember?"

The question remained as a statement rather than an inquiry as if refamiliarizing the child with a rule she had been reacquainted with on multiple occasions.

"I-I know that, but why can I not? You care for me like a mother, so why can I not call you my mother?'

"We have discussed this before, child," the woman sighed, "I believe it unfair to be taking the title of your actual mother."

"Well, if my real mother had not given me away, it would not be like this..."

Pausing mid-step, the caretaker held her breath, controlling the emotions and memories that flashed through her mind. The girl's sentence rang through her head, eliciting a feeling she was not commonly met with... aggravation. With no hesitance, the woman's minimal steps turned into longer strides, her grip even firmer on the young girl's hand. Getting to their place of lodging was more vital than anything, as she wanted to avoid discussing such sensitive matters in a public setting. Prying ears were close enough in such a crowded setting.

Upon reaching the home, the stand-in mother pulled the child inside before shutting the door. She swiftly bent down to the young one's level and took the child's shoulders into her hands. The little girl was shocked by the woman's reaction, staying silent and still as if afraid of what was to come next.

"Child, I will not hear you speak such false claims of your mother. You do not know the sacrifices she made to get you here."

The girl's expression of fear shifted from dread to shame. Her face was red from embarrassment after she was caught for her prior statement. However, as children do, she made it her goal to justify herself.

"What is the point of her sacrifice if she left me. Did she not want to be around me?"

"She did not leave you; if she were still in this world, trust me, she would be right here with you!"

The caregiver's words came out with little thought; all she knew was that she would not tolerate the little girl's false assumptions. However, now that the words spilled out of her mouth, she began to regret them. Seeing the tears well up in the girl's eyes made her wish she had phrased it differently.

"What do you mean?"

The caretaker cursed under her breath before inhaling through her nose, exhaling softly before speaking.

"You deserve the truth, my dear, and the truth is that your mother sacrificed her life to ensure you had a good one. She loved you so much that she valued your life more than hers. You might not understand this now, but that is a mother's love." The woman's breath stuttered, "She loved you more than you could ever know. I will not claim the title as your mother for that reason."

The girl was overwhelmed with emotion, only knowing how to express it through tears. The woman could not bear it and brought the girl close to her chest, embracing her to give any form of comfort that might help– it broke her heart to hear the child's quiet sobs.

After calming down, the kid spoke, though with some light chokes.

"W-what s-should I call you then?"

The warden took a sigh as she thought over her charges question. In all honesty, she had no idea what to say. What answer could she even give her? She could not allow her real name to float between the child's tongue as it would expose her identity. What name could she let the child speak?

"Hmm," the woman loosened her embrace, looking the little girl in the eye with a soft smile, "What do you think you should call me?"

The girl tilted her head, wanting more elaboration.

The lady chuckled softly, "What do you think my name should be, child?"

The caregiver had expected the girl to take some time to come up with an answer; however, the kid took no hesitation when she blurted out...

"Makato-san!"

Silenced engulfed the home as her caregiver failed to respond.

"Makato-san, I'm going to the market. Do you need anything?"

Another prolonged stillness as the young lady waited for a response.

The girl scrunched her brows in concern, extending her neck to look further into the room as if the individual she was looking for would appear. With the growing silence, the young adult searched the home for her guardian.

"Makato-san?"

She searched and examined the silent home with slight panic before finally stumbling upon the older woman, staring blankly at the floor she was kneeling on– unresponsive as she continued to stare.

With caution, Y/n's daughter reached her hand out to her caregiver's, placing it on the woman's shoulder. The response she got was one she had not expected.

The Makato turned suddenly, grabbing onto the young woman's wrist with an ungodly strength that even the girl was unaware of. This caused the girl to wince in pain as she tried to pull her arm away. Her arm was turning a light purple from the lack of circulation, proving the grip's vice.

Despite her fear, the charge could only feel concerned as her caregiver made eye contact, tears welling up in her eyes. It stayed like that for a couple more seconds before she snapped back into reality, gasping as she was presented with the image of her actions, quickly letting go of the young lady's arm.

"I'm so sorry, my Dear. I did not mean to...I was just..." The woman paused, swallowing her following words; however, her stutter did not disappear: "D-D-Did you need something, m-my, Dear?"

"I was preparing to leave and was going to ask if you needed anything from that market," the girl paused, choosing her next words carefully. Makato-san, you've been acting strange as of late. Is everything alright?"

The young woman was old enough to recognize the hesitance in her caretaker's features and the short lack of response.

"Whatever do you mean, Darling?"

"Please do not take me a fool," the youthful female voiced before sighing and looking at Makato in pity, "I'm worried for you, Makato-san. Ever since the refugees from the other village came, you have been behaving irregularly."

The refugees.

To say that their arrival was a shock was an understatement. At first, Makato thought nothing of it until the newcomers began to tell their stories. Their village was burned in a monstrous fire by a "crazed" sorcerer, and their home was now unsustainable to live in as it was left entirely in shambles. Despite this information, Makato thought little of it as there had been few stories of criminal sorcerers destroying homes, most being "inspired" by Sukuna's actions after his sudden hiatus. It was not until an elderly woman, who she happened to hear at random, described the appearance of the sorcerer.

"He was monstrous, the vile thing; he had four arms and two faces if you do not count that horrid mouth on his stomach. I watched both of them grin as it chewed on the remains of my eldest son." the elder choked and sobbed as the memory came back to taunt her.

Makato's heart dropped to her stomach. Rushing home in search of her charge, she found the girl working on her studies. Seeing the child she worked so hard to raise brought relief, but it was not long before the memories and visions began to haunt her. Sometimes, she would see you standing there, looking down at her, motionless and silent, with a pained, pitful look.

She hated it.

When you looked at her that way, she felt weak and vulnerable—as if she were failing. She was not as cool and calculating as you were, nor as confident or intimidating. Had you been here, you would have more than likely been able to disappear from society and find a nice, quiet life for yourself and your daughter. But you were not here; that was the problem– you were just a figment of her imagination.

Even then, she wanted you to stop looking at her that way.

Sometimes, she was left in her privacy and saw your vision appear to accompany her. It would drive her mad as she tried to convince you, even herself, that she was doing enough. She would speak into the silence of the room and get no response.

"What else could you want with me? I am doing everything I can!"

Silence.

"I am happy. She is happy. We are happy. Is that not enough for you?"

Silence.

"He thinks she is dead– he thinks I am dead! There is no possible way that..."

Silence.

"Please, stop looking at me that way. I am capable of doing this...please have faith in me."

"Makato-san?"

Pulling herself from her thoughts, Makato tracked what the girl had said earlier, not wanting to worry about her charge further.

"I apologize for my irregular behavior, my Dear. I can assure you that I am alright. I have had a lot of stress these days regarding the refugees. I want to do my part to assist them, but I have been running myself ragged and am just...tired."

The girl hesitated, not wanting to accept her caretaker's excuse, but she knew pushing the subject would not do her any good, so she nodded in understanding. The worst part is that Makato knew your daughter was aware of her white lie, but she would not admit it for some slim hope that the girl honestly did not know. Sometimes, she wished your daughter had not inherited your intelligence and perception.

"Do you need anything from the market, Makato-san? I plan on leaving soon to aid the refugees."

"No, I believe we have enough supplied for quite a while. All that I ask of you is to be safe, Darling."

Your daughter agreed, letting a soft smile slip onto her face before hugging Makato. The woman accepted the embrace before experiencing a wave of realization. Intelligence and perception were not the only things she inherited from you; she happened to be a real beauty as well.

"My Dear, if you plan on seeing that boy of yours, speak your peace now and know that I only want you to be safe and happy."

The girl struggled to find words before lowering her head in embarrassment, her face bright red with fluster.

"You are of age now, and I want you to know the responsibilities that rest on your shoulders."

"Makato-san, I never meant to keep it a secret. I just...I was afraid of your disapproval."

The more experienced woman could understand where she was coming from. Long ago, she was in the girl's position. However, she was never allowed to pursue her love due to the circumstances of her arrangement, but that does not mean she did not try. Despite her efforts to keep her relationship together, it was all for not in the end. She was given away as a sacrificial lamb to a monster.

Your daughter had a chance of love, and the caregiver would not squander it for her. She wanted your daughter to have a chance at a relationship she never had. Maybe it was questionable on her part due to the circumstances of her mission, but she did not entirely care. She just wanted your daughter to have a normal life.

She knew that was what you had wanted for your child.

"I do not disapprove, Darling. I just want you to be happy and to be careful."

"I promise that I will Makato-san."

There was a pause of awkward silence before the young woman embraced Makato once more.

"Thank you, I'll be back soon."

Makato smiled as she watched her ward leave the home. She had no problem admitting she was happy for the girl, but something deep within her told her it was a bad idea. It was hard for her to come to terms with, but she had an itching feeling that did not settle with her.

The world was perfect at the moment. Your daughter had put smiles on faces from her charity and was now being rewarded with a proposal for her marriage. She hugged her lover, showing her love and adoration in any way appropriate for their stage in relationship. If you were here, you would be beaming with joy, giving consent to the marriage with no hesitation because this is all you could ever want for your girl, and it would have been all you wanted for your twins.

You never had a chance of love and a happy life; seeing your children be able to pursue their lives to the fullest, especially in romantics, would have been considered a blessing to you.

"This is the happiest day of my life, honestly, but have you received my guardian's blessing?"

The young man chuckled, caressing her cheek reassuringly, "I plan on coming over for dinner tonight to ask for your hand properly if you will have me."

The girl could only agree eagerly through her expressions, unable to speak in fear of shouting instead of politely inviting him. Hugging him one last time before parting to rush home and prepare their meal; however, a chill went up her spine the moment she left; everything felt cold, and she could not explain why. Maybe it was the lack of his embrace, but she had never felt that way. There was only one good reason she could name.

Her nerves were getting the best of her...

"What if Makato-san declines."

The young woman's moods changed throughout the day as she prepared for the most significant evening of her life. One moment, she had the goofiest, filled with overwhelming joy, but there were other times when she would find herself chewing her nails from anxiety, and right now, she was having one of those times.

"Dear, stop that. This behavior is far from healthy. What has you behaving this way?"

"Nothing, everything is fine. I suppose I'm just hoping dinner will turn out acceptable tonight."

"Dear, please do not insult my intelligence with these excuses. What is going on that you are not telling me?"

"Well, I—" there was a pause. How was the ward supposed to say anything without giving anything away?

"You what? Spit it out, child, you are worrying me."

"I cannot say. I am sorry. But do not worry, please; something good is about to happen. Please trust me on this."

Makato chewed the inside of her cheek. She did trust her ward, but she had this gut feeling, this sickening feeling that she could not name. Maybe it was just her nerves getting the best of her, so she pushed it aside. She trusted your daughter, the only trustworthy person that Makato knew.

"Alright... is there anything you need help with?

The younger one smiled sweetly, taking her caretaker's hands in her own.

"No, I have it handled. You have been so stressed the past few days that you should just relax. Tonight, all your worries will be washed away." With that, she parted to continue her work for the big news. She was all but too excited.

She was also naive.

She was a sweet little girl, but she was naive. To think all of Makato's worries and problems would go away by simply relaxing, through sweet and simple gestures, was an innocent way to think. It was how Makato raised that girl because she wanted that sweet little girl to have that luxury. There were times she wondered if she had made the right choice, but then she would remember what pain looked like and what too much experience could do to a person.

No, she made the right decision. This is what you would have wanted.

Right?

Yes.

Makato went, and she sat as the young woman finished her final preparations for the meal. The girl looked more stressed than ever, rushing at the final threshold, but it seemed that preparations were finished and she was filling time. She found little things to do that held no significance. She was in her head, making Makato question if everything was truly fine.

Then, the footsteps could be heard. He was here, and everything was going to change. Life was going to change, and it was between her and that door. The biggest day of her life was only a dinner conversation away. So she opened the door and was presented with an image she thought she would never see or experience.

"We must leave. The village is under attack, and we do not have much time."

The smell of smoke was strong, and embers could be seen from a not-to0-far distance. The world came crashing down, and she could not say a thing. She could only stand there with an oblivious smile.

"What?"

Fear, confusion, anger, any negative emotion she could feel, she was feeling. This was not how it was supposed to go. She was supposed to get a blessing and marry the man of her dreams. Why now? Why this? This could not be real, there was no way.

If the world had crashed down for your daughter, the heavens collided into the earth, dissipating everything in its path in Makato's eyes. The older woman stood, no thoughts running in her head as she strided to the boy, grabbing him by his garments

"You tell me now, and you tell me true, boy! What did you see?!"

Her sudden actions left him too stunned to speak, but after some shaking and calling for his attention, he found himself capable of a response.

"Makato-san, what is happening?" It was like everything hit her at once, but she was still trying to understand why it was happening today– why it was happening now at the most crucial moment of her life.

"I do not know what it was, but it was a man of stature. He was disfigured; he had two faces and four arms. He came without warning, started flames, and began a massacre. His face was cold, as if he felt absolutely nothing."

There was no doubt in her mind that it was him, no doubt her former husband as reigning terror; however, based on the emotionless state of his ambush, bloodshed was beginning to lose its flavor. It was comical, but as much as it had some humor, this was no joke. This was all too real.

Makato grabbed your daughter's shoulder, pulling her out of her shock. Tears were in her eyes, looking at her caretaker pitifully.

"Makato-san, what is happening?"

She was naive, and being naive was safe, but being naive was also unrealistic. Makato gave the girl a sheltered life, eliminating the possibility of danger to the girl. That was no way to live.

"Your father, that is what is happening."

"What?"

And the shock returned. Makato made an effort to avoid mentioning Sukuna in conversation, only mentioning you in light memory. As far as your daughter was concerned, her father did not exist...until now.

"That so-called man is your father, Ryomen Sukuna. That is the man who drove your mother to eventually kill herself," A pause, licking her lip as she readied herself to elaborate, "Your mother sacrificed herself to protect you from him. He drained the life from her and left her no choice but to die, but she gave it purpose. She died to give you a life, a life away from him."

"I-" Your daughter was at a loss for words. Everything was hitting her too fast.

"I thought I was doing the right thing by keeping it from you. I wanted you to have an everyday life, but I should have noticed sooner or later that the truth would reveal itself and that he would present himself one day."

There was nothing to say, only to exchange expressions of fear and dismay.

"W-Well, what do we do now?"

"We run."

Taking the two charges, Makato grabbed whatever necessities they needed to start a new life. She had been planning this since the day she ran from the temple. She would admit that now, with a third party, it would be more complicated than she had intended, but they would make do.

They exited the home frantic. The smell of smoke became more potent, and the embers were closer than before. The flames became more evident as they spread. Any entrance to the main road would have been a route to death, but Makato had never planned to use that path. There was a back trail through the woods, one she had discovered when your little girl was merely five years of age.

They ran towards the thicket, avoiding as many obstacles as possible. Things were looking smooth, with hardly any disruptions. It was almost serene, but that was the issue. To have such tranquility was a nauseating notion for mayhem being at their backs.

It was too quiet to be safe.

And that is when she knew to push the girl and her lover aside, veiling their presence with her technique before everything went black.

Ringing...

Ringing...

And more ringing...

The lights were brighter, and the smoke and ash came straight from the source. She woke up coughing and gasping for air. For a moment, she thought she had been dreaming, immersed in a life that was not hers. Maybe she was waking up, back to her village, back to her parents, back to the life before she got caught in that awful nightmare.

"I am surprised that it was you, of all the women she let live." Sukuna started, looking down at what he believed to be the scum of the earth.

No, it was all too real. His voice registered through her head instantly despite not hearing it in years– at least in person. She had repeated memories, but sometimes she wondered if she had deformed his voice from years of not hearing him speak down on her. Turns out she remembered it accurately. It still managed to send chills down her spine and make her wish to be six feet under the ground.

"I was probably too forgettable for her to ever really care about whether I lived or died." Makato spat.

"That is reasonable enough, but that would not serve her memory well and rather insult her intelligence. I will say that, if anything, my Little Flower was too clever to let such technicality slip from her. She probably pitied you and your fruitless womb, so she gifted you with a child for you to care for in her absence. And knowing your broken state, she probably knew you would be eager at the opportunity."

Makato scowled, turning her gaze to the ground. How dare he speak of you in such a way. He said that as if you were on his level, as devious and conniving as he was, and claimed your actions were selfish when they were the opposite. You did this for her daughter, not for yourself. If you had it your way, you would be there.

"How old is she now?"

She refused to answer, turning her gaze back to the dirt. She did not want to give him the satisfaction of belittling her more than he already had. It was humiliating, but she still had some dignity and a promise she wished to uphold.

"What does it matter? She is dead. (Y/n) told you herself that she was gone."

A sharp pain was felt at the back of her head as he pulled her hair to force the woman to look up at him.

"Do not picture me a fool! For a woman whose last words claimed her daughter was gone, she left me the most humorous smile. I know that age of the girl, but I would rather hear from you, bitch, how long you have been holding her captive."

No response.

"Answer me!" Sukuna snarled, pulling at her scalp once more.

"Nineteen years of age," Makato smiled. Why? Do you wish to act as a father now? Well, you are too LATE! While you were out throwing tantrums, I raised her child, which you would not know how to do without being given exact handwritten instructions."

"On the contrary, you let her potential slip, and now she is nothing but another womb to breed. Unfortunate, due to the heritage of her mother and myself. However, a womb is still useful regardless."

Out of anything Sukuna had done, out of anything he had said to threaten her, that was the most horrifying.

"You are a disgusting bastard."

"Do not speak as if you can fill her shoes as if you have her confidence. You would not be in this position if you were half the woman she was."

"You are right; if I were half the woman she was, I could have easily manipulated you and have you play the role of the arrogant man with an ego so big, he does not notice the knife pointing at his back," A pause as she licked her lips, swallowing to try and quench her dry throat, "Everything that woman did was out of fear, much like everyone else; however, she knew how to tick your interest and she used that to her advantage. Honestly, I am ashamed. I only noticed it when she told me about her plan."

A twitch in his eye, he was irritated. It was known through body language and the knowledge of his nature that he wanted to tear Makato apart, limb from limb, until her body was unrecognizable.

"What? Afraid to face the truth of her decision. She could have run away with ease; she could have killed you, but both of those options would have been considered a mercy for you. She took away the one thing that you valued: herself. That must eat at you a lot."

With a swift motion, he scooped the former wife from her neck, squeezing her throat as he raised her to face him eye-to-eye.

"You are a worthless bitch who cannot even reproduce, summing you up to nothing. What is your worth?"

Nothing but the struggling breaths of the woman attempting to pry herself from this monster's grip.

"Exactly, you are worth nothing."

Darkness, wherever they were, was dark. The girl and her lover were still in the woods, alive as well as they could manage. She could only remember running into this place before being shoved into the dark area. She felt the ground around her and reached her arms out into the pitch black as she tried to navigate this strange place. It scared her.

"Makato-san? Where are you?"

No response, only silence.

It was dark and frightening, and she did not know what to do. What could she do? She could cry, so she did; she cried as she tried to find her way back. This had to be some kind of night terror. She would wake up, and she would be at that doorway, welcoming her lover into their home, eating their meal, and then sharing the news. Her lover would get her caretaker's blessing, get married, and live happily ever after, right?

Dreadfully wrong.

Instead, a hand reached out and pulled her out of the darkness. The world was still unlit, but moonlight and the flames dancing in the distance could be seen nearby; however, she was not a part of the conflict.

She was about to scream, cry for help, anything to get attention drawn to her location, but was stopped by a large palm to the mouth.

"Shhh, my love. It is only me. It will be alright."

For the first time that night, she felt genuine relief. Turning her head to see her man, she looked down at her disheveled features. She weakly smiled, moving herself to embrace him. It all lasted for a few seconds until she realized the missing member of their little group.

"Where is Makato-san?" she whispered.

The man looked down, not daring to respond. She attempted to make eye contact, but he would only look away.

"Where is she?" she insistently asked, but louder.

" I do not know; a couple curse users emerged from the woods. Makato shoved us into the ditch, and when I came out, she was gone."

"Well...Well, we must go look for her."

A grasp to the wrist effectively stopped the girl.

"No, I cannot risk losing you, and I know Makato-san would agree. She would not want you going out to risk your life to save her."

How could he say that? How dare he say that! What right did he have in this decision?

"Then you do not know her." she scowled, trying to withdraw from his hold, but his hand did not budge.

"Then why would she tell you everything had she not already predicted the possibility that she might die."

"Because... because...she needed me to know because if we were going to run away, I would need to put in my own weight by knowing our threat...yes, that was it! Now let me go!" She tried to reason, but not to him—herself.

Denial.

"It was a confession! As if she were lying on her deathbed, she confessed everything to you. She wants you to move on, knowing there are dangers like your father. She wants you to kno-"

"Well, she may not be dead yet, so we have to try!"

With whatever strength she had deep down, she broke free from his grasp, sprinting towards the village and the flame. She could hear him following her, but in her mind, she wanted to believe he was doing it because he could see her reason. He would help; she was sure of it.

She was almost there, and she swore she could see the silhouette of her caretaker, but then she found herself on the ground. It was only for a second before being lifted into the air, a hand covering her mouth as she got further from her destination.

Kicking, muffled screams, and the distant cackling of flames could be heard. She bit her partner’s hand in an attempt that he would let her go from the sudden pain, but he was resistant. He merely grunted and winced while continuing his journey back. But then there was a halt.

There she was, Makato, thrown onto the ground. She could see her in the distance. The woman looked weak but very much alive, and she was right there. The daughter kicked, shoved, jabbed, and bit even more, trying to get loose. However, her lover would not budge because although he could see Makato, he could also see the shadow hovering over the woman, the shadow your daughter was refusing to look at.

Then the shadow disappeared, and the dreadful monster emerged, Sukuna Ryomen, hovering over Makato with disdain. Watching as she tried to crawl away but failed miserably. She was fighting, doing her best, but her fate was inevitable.

Death was the only option, and death is what she got.

Ryomen Sukuna caved into his impulses, ripping her limb from limb until she was unrecognizable. The daughter watched, horrified, as the woman who raised her was mutilated to nothing but a pulp. What sort of sick joke was this? She remained silent as she tried to think of who would pull such a childish trick, watching as the image got smaller until nothing was left. Eventually, it was just a tiny yellow dot in the distance and nothing more; all she could do was look at it.

"Promise me you will live."

Breath in

Breathe out

Breath in

Breathe out

Breath in

Breathe out

Breath in

Breathe out

Breath in

Breathe out

Breath in

Breathe out

Breath in

Breathe o-

"NOOOOOOOOOO!"

The scream echoed through the dark room, and you tried to comprehend where you were. The walls were closing in, and the air was too thick to breathe. It felt like like suffocation.

What was this?

Why now?

Where is this?

Why is this?

How is-

"Y/n!"

You snapped back into reality, frantically looking at your surroundings to notice you were in your bedroom.

"Y/n, what happened? Are you okay?"

The silence was tense as you sat there, trying to remember your nightmare. You thought long and hard, but in the end, you had nothing.

"I...I don't know."

You heard a sigh, a hand rubbing your back, and another reaching for your cheek, wiping the stray tears you were unaware of.

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight, again?"

Some of you wanted to say no, but the opposing side longed for it. You stared at the clock on the wall before you, reading the time. It was a little past midnight, and you had hardly gotten any rest. You had a big day tomorrow, and rest was crucial to get through your day. God knows the things you would do if you did not properly sleep.

Turning to your twin brother, you weakly nodded, "Okay."

He did not hesitate to tuck you under his arm as if in an attempt to protect you from any harm to come your way, to shield you from the nightmares. However, despite his presence, it was like a part of the dream appeared that you remembered but didn't at the same time.

"Do you think I'll be a good mother?"

"Why are you asking me that?"

"Please just answer me...for my sanity."

Your brother sighed, resting his cheek on your head as he rubbed your shoulder to comfort you.

"Y/n, I have no doubt you will make a great mother. Come on, let's go back to sleep. I'll stay here, and everything will be better in the morning."

"Promise me it will be better in the morning."

"What?"

"You don't have to hold up to it. I just...I just want to hear you say it."

"I promise it will be better in the morning."

"Okay..."

New series?? Sequel???Maybe, but first, a little break ☆~ (˃̵ڡ‘˶ )

Taglist (Thank you all so much for being a part of this series):

@littlemochi @mistalli @youngbeansprout @bbylime @bangtan-forever1479 @idktbhloley @izayas-rings @o3o-aya @pyschopotatomeme @persephonehemingway @otomaniac @meforpr3sident

@fourcefulcupid @nezuscribe @my-simp-land @zukuphilia @niya729 @spiritofstatic @bbittersw33t @kashasenpai @decaysan @honeybaegle @ygslvr @outrofenty @esposadomd @ali2426 @anmath @yazzzmints @lovingnahida @sincerest-one @rosemaydone321 @j0dios @k-ki3rd @maki-zenin1944 @shadowywizardarcade @ae-mius @xiangping-28 @loaves4me @aloraaaxcrystalzx @chariotwaves 

[novlr]

How can I make my editing process quicker and less stressful? I feel like I’m spending way too much time on it and not really getting anywhere, so I’d love some tips on how to keep it simple and actually productive.

I think that most writers have a love/hate relationship with editing. It feels so good to see your manuscript go from a rough draft to something really polished, but at the same time, the editing process itself is painstaking and laborious.

The editing phase can feel like wandering through a maze without a map. Every writer has been there, staring at their manuscript, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work ahead. But editing doesn’t have to be a source of stress. With the right approach, you can make your editing process both efficient and effective.

Break it down

While some writers thrive taking a do-it-all-at-once approach, this isn’t one that works for everyone. If you feel overwhelmed, you can try to divide your editing into distinct passes, each focusing on a specific aspect:

Story Structure – Focus on plot, pacing, and narrative flow.

Character Development – Examine character arcs and relationships.

Scene Level – Look at individual scene construction and transitions.

Language – Analyse word choice, clarity, and style.

Technical – Look at grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

By tackling one element at a time, you’ll catch more issues and avoid feeling overwhelmed. And you also don’t need to do them back-to-back.

When I do my first editing pass, I look at only story structure and character development. After draft 2, I look at a scene level analysis, with some attention paid to language. If I need to, I’ll repeat this for as many revisions as I need, leaving a deep-dive on language and the more technical proofreading aspects until my final draft.

Create a system

No two writers write alike. Your process will be as unique to you as the writing you produce, so never take someone else’s routine as gospel or as the only “right” way to approach it.

What you will need to do is experiment. Try different things. See what works for you, and what doesn’t. Things you can try might be:

Set clear goals

Before each editing session, define what you want to accomplish. For example:

“Review chapters 1-3 for pacing issues.”

“Check all dialogue in Act 2.”

“Analyse character motivations in transition scenes.”

Having specific targets can help give you focus and give a sense of progress, as it’s a task that you can tick off.

Track your progress

Monitoring your progress lets you actively see what you’re accomplishing. It can be a huge motivator when you can see your manuscript start to take shape.

Keep a spreadsheet of completed editing tasks.

Use a notebook to log issues that need addressing.

Create checklists for common problems you want to catch.

Track time spent on different editing tasks to identify where you might be getting stuck.

Organise visually

If you’re a visual learner, then being able to see your editing process taking shape can be a game changer. You could try to:

Highlight plot threads in different colours.

Mark scene transitions with clear breaks.

Flag areas that need deeper revision.

Use comments or sticky notes for bigger structural issues.

Create a colour code for different types of edits (dialogue, description, pacing, etc.).

Incorporate these colours into your tracking if you decide to use it.

Set a sustainable schedule

Editing can be just as time-consuming as writing (in some cases, it might be even more time consuming), so it’s important to make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself. Don’t expect your editing to be done in a week. To keep a routine that’s realistic and sustainable, you can try to:

Block out specific times for editing.

Set deadlines for completing different passes.

Build in buffer time for unexpected issues.

Schedule regular breaks to give yourself a fresh perspective.

Plan rewards for hitting milestones.

For me, the rewards are the biggest part of the process. I need that little serotonin bump when I finish something and give myself a treat. That can be anything from taking a break, to buying myself something. You can even involve a housemate or family member in the reward!

Keep reference materials handy

If you’re the kind of person who likes to remind yourself of the task at hand, then it can be uesful to keep reference materials or a style guide handy. This could include:

Your story bible or outline.

Character profiles.

Setting descriptions.

Style guide preferences.

A common error checklist.

Notes from previous drafts to make sure you don’t repeat mistakes.

You don’t need to have all references handy at all times. You can pick and choose what works for you, and what is important for that editing pass.

Know when to step back

Fresh eyes make better edits. If you’re tired or overwhelmed, there is absolutely no shame in stepping away. You’ll be much more productive if you approach editing when you’re not exhausted, because it’s very easy to miss things and get distracted if you’re not in the right headspace.

Make sure you take regular breaks between editing passes to maintain your perspective. And don’t be afraid to take a week or two away from your manuscript can help you return with renewed clarity. Read something else. Watch television. Just make sure you do something other than constantly working on your manuscript.

Get outside input

If you’ve done a few self-editing passes and feel you need to start polishing, you might want to look for outside help. This can take many forms. Some are free, while others will cost nothing more than your time. You’ll need to decide what is best for you. You can:

Share your almost-finished product with beta readers (I recommend you read this guide to get the most out of your beta readers, as they can be such a valuable resource).

Consider hiring a professional editor once you’ve done all you can.

Join a critique group for regular feedback during the drafting and editing process.

Find a writing partner for accountability and reciprocal labour.

Trust your instincts

Try different editing processes to see what works for you. Don’t try to force something that isn’t, and be willing to change tack if you need to. If something feels right, stick with it. If it doesn’t, let it go.

But no matter what editing process you choose to pursue, don’t aim for perfection in your first pass. Instead, focus on steady improvement through multiple editing rounds. With practice, you’ll develop a rhythm that makes editing feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your writing journey.

[ilaurabhdh]

| My dove | Ben 10 x reader | Chapter 2|

Masterlist

Warnings : none

Word count : 5.5k

A/N : English is not my 1st language

Credits : @cafekitsune for the dividers

Chapter 1

"Still not working right, Blukic. Set it on stun, we get blast ! Set it on blast, we get low battery warning !" A Galvan complains.

"The knob is upside down, Driba." Blukic points at the knob on the blaster.

"And WHOSE jobs was that ?" Driba glared at Blukic who only hummed and pointed at him.

"Yours."

"Was not."

"Was too."

The two Galvans continued arguing as Ben who transformed into a crystalsapien or what he calls diamond head. Was used as a practice target for their new blaster. The brunette only yawns before transforming back into his human form. You mainly came here to inspect the base and its security, but decided on staying to see what the two galvans had created.

Ben sighs . "Come on guys, are we done here ? I thought galvans were supposed to be the smartest beings in the universe." Even if he was tired, Ben took every opportunity to be sassy and sarcastic. "Smart as in figure stuff out quickly so that Ben Tennyson could go home smart."

You click your tongue. "Didn't you agree to this Tennyson ? You should then see it through with no complaints." Your eyes never leaving your tablet, you were finishing up some reports. You enjoy doing paperwork, keeping everything well and organized. You are competent enough to manage your time with paperwork's, deadlines, meetings and missions. Work was somewhat of your hobby, so doing nothing productive makes you feel extremely uncomfortable. That's why you sometimes do the paperwork of other people to pass time, with their consent of course.

"Yeah, but I didn't think it would last so long. I've been here for at least three hours !" Ben complained. "Why are you even still here ?"

"I was interested in what these two galvans were working on. Plus, my studies aren't ready yet and working in the comfort of my room makes me feel too sleepy." You just finished proofreading for the fourth time what you had written on your tablet and pressed the sent button.

"Geez, do all magisters have to do so much paperwork ? Everywhere you go, you always write something on that tablet of yours. Doesn't it get annoying or exhausting ?" Ben quickly transformed into another aliens as the two galvans started to shoot him again. "Ow, ow !"

"Its actually relaxing, you should try doing some, Tennyson." You said his last name coldly.

"Why does everyone get to be called mister and I don't ?" Ben questions you "Also, why did we hire you guys again ?" Another question but turned to the two arguing galvans.

"Mainly to not get confused with your grandfather, maybe because I thought you were underserving of such title. But after our first mission, I can tell you're not a bad guy. Just a bit annoying at times." You received a notification from Rook, he had sent you some book recommendations about humans and their culture. You and Rook had a pretty good affinity. Two plumbers sent to work on earth, not knowing anything about its inhabitants, culture and surroundings. Even better, Rook was also very organized and a kind gentleman. Rook was almost everything Ben was not.

"What do you mean, was I some kind of bad guy in your head before ?"

"No, I just thought you acted a bit like the people back on my home planet." You answer vaguely.

"And what were people like on your home planet ? Wait, actually, where do you even come from ? Like what alien are you ? I don't mean to be rude but like I've never seen aliens like you." Ben had gotten used to the multiple beams blasting him, he was now more focused on you and your mysterious like aura.

You stopped in the middle of your writing and put your pen down for a second. "I'm an Ornix, we resemble humans but have features from an animal on earth you call 'bird'. Almost all Ornix went instinct." You paused for a moment. "I'm most likely, the last remaining of my kind. And if you ask me, it's better that way." You pick your pen back up and continued writing.

Ben wanted to ask you more questions and why you would say such a thing about your own people. But the familiar beeping sound of his omnitrix went off. He transforms back into a human but the galvans couldn't stop their firearm in time and so had lit up his pants. Ben starts screaming, startling you as you finally look his way. You almost burst out laughing seeing his predicament but held it in and went up to help him put out the flame.

After the whole ordeal, you all agreed that it was enough testing for today and walked out of the room to the corridor.

"Seriously, I'm done being your lab rat !" Ben says firmly.

"Blukic is the one who crossed the polarities !" The shorter Galvan blamed.

"You set his pants on fire." Blukic responded.

"Liar, liar !" Even so, Driba laughed a bit. You couldn't help but join in. "I don't know if it was an accident or not. But seeing Tennyson in such predicament really was one of the most funniest things I've seen. Keep up your work."

"Seriously, you guys are worst than Azmuth. Also [name], don't ever mention this again." The last part of Ben's sentences sounded a bit desperate.

"Of course, we are. Everyone is."

"That Galvan's a genius !" Druba finished off Blukic sentence.

"You don't always get the opportunity to see the oh so legendary savior of the universe, get his pants set on fire. I don't think I'll be forgetting that." You continued laughing, to Ben's displeasure. The hero was embarrassed, the only thing he could hope was for you to soon forget it and never mention it to anyone else. You could see the worry on his face. A little smile etched on your face but vanished as fast as it appeared. "Don't worry Tennyson, I won't tell anyone about it. I'm just going to tease you about it."

"I don't know if that's better but I'll take it." Ben's happiness was crushed by your last sentence but at least you weren't going to snitch on him. "Oh, also, you can just call me by my name. I think that's easier to differentiate between me and my grandpa."

You stay silent, you never really acted familiarly with any of your partners or in short your coworkers. It felt unfamiliar calling someone by their name with no titles. Sure people called you daily by your name because well, you don't have a last name. But they would always start with some kind of formal title. It's the first time you've been on a team where you could call your partners by their first names. In fact, it's the first time you've been on an actual team that didn't last less than three days.

"Okay, Ben. But that's only because I don't want to hear you bugging me about it longer." This was the best response you made up to protect your honor and the rising heat on your face.

"Am I that anoying ?"

"Yes" All three of you say in unison.

"I'm never doing this again." Ben grumbled.

Unbeknownst, two figures roam around until finding the exit. A dog growls. Its owner, a tall figure with bones as armor holds him back. "We have everything we need now, boy. No secrets are safe."

====

The next few days passed by, not much happened since then. You mostly stayed behind at the HQ, making renovations to your offices. Today, Rook had proposed to stay behind while you go patrolling with Ben in Undertown. You were pretty reluctant but agreed.

This is how you ended up fighting off some mercenary after the Omnitrix. A crowd had formed, watching you and Ben fight this 'Sunder' off. Ben had many encounters with him in the past.

"Get him ! Come on ! Hit him harder ! Smash him good !" The crowd shouted.

You easily dodge the hoverboard coming at your way. "Why is there so many aliens gathered here ? Shouldn't they evacuate ?" You questioned everyone's favorite hero, Ben transformed into a gimlinopithecus. Shocksquatch in his words. You had just accepted the ridiculous name he gave to his aliens. You were tired of always correcting him.

Ben dodged the hoverboard and was about to punch Sunder but got hit by the same board. He landed next to you and coughed a bit. "It means they trust us. After all, I saved the universe so I can definitely kick butt and save them."

You gave him a skeptical look. "That just sounds danger incoming. I'll trust you on this one Tennyson. But if anybody gets hurt...you are very much done for." Ben didn't know what he should be scared of, the hoverboard and axe swinging at him or his partner, you.

The large grey alien hopped onto his hoverboard. "Give me your new omnitrix, Ben Tennyson, and this could all be over."

"Sure since you ask so nicely." Ben's sarcastic comment didn't amuse the grey mercenary who threw his axe at his way. You activated your wing engine, leaving Ben to fend for himself. The axe chased Ben down, on his way was a child, he quickly shielded away from the axe and let him off to the kid's father. "Geez, don't mention it." The father only gave him a thumbs up. You tried approaching Sunder but he would skillfully dodge you and continue to rope Ben.

You sent out one of your halos to try capture Sunder who let go of Ben and deflected your halo. You smirked as a second one was sent from behind to capture him. The one he had deflected came in front of Ben's. He smirked, held on the halo and electro shocked it, sending it to you then the halo that captured Sunder. Breaking the villain's hoverboard, sending him flying far away.

"This isn't over !" Sunder screamed before disappearing. Ben transformed back into a Human and screamed back at the direction of his enemy. "Looks to me like it is !"

You landed next to your green shirt partner. Ben smiled at you and raised his hand, showing you his palm. You title your head on the side and continued looking at him weirdly.

What human message is this ? I don't get it..? Am I supposed to read something ?

Ben realizing you probably didn't know what a high-five is, held your wrist and slammed each other's palm. "What was that ?" You ask, still not getting it. "It's a high five. Like you high five with somebody after winning or when you're just happy to see them." You thought about it for a second. "How is us slapping each other palms symbolizes joy or victory ?" Ben looked at you a bit exasperated, you and Rook really like to question everything. "It's just a thing we humans have been doing for like a super long time. Just don't question." You looked at your almost fully coved palm for a brief moment and closed it. "Noted."

At the moment, a tall, green alien with ginger hair and mustache, dressed like a magician walked in front of you and Ben.

"Congratulations my dears ! I saw what you did. Wonderful ! Wonderful, yes, indeed. Absolutely superlative." The green magicians attention was now on Ben. "But, my boy, if you want to prevent that run of elixir down feeling after transformation from beat to boy. What you need is a bottle of professors Hokestar's miracle elixir !" The shady alien shows off a small blue bottle with a star on the centre.

"The who with the what now ?"

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime ! Professor Blarney T. Hokestar's miracle elixir will change everything !" Ben gave him a side eye, the omnitrix user was about to make some kind of snarky remarks but you cut him off. "Is that so ? I've never heard of such products, was it registered ? Did it get verified by the safety department ? Is there a list of ingredients written somewhere ?" You ask curiously, you've never meet a salesman's like him before.

Professor Hokestar's was baffled by your comment. Ben giggled a bit before pushing you behind me. "What she meant to say was thanks but no thanks." Ben dragged you back into the crowd. You observe the professor T. Hokestar demonstrating his elixir on a 'stranger' named Solid Plug. You watch Solid Plug grow floral like hair with one drop of this elixir. You've never seen a product grow floral hair, just by the looks of it, the elixir had no ingredients listed. This was going against many laws. Most of the crowd had left, leaving only three other aliens, Ben and you.

"Now, who will be the next among you to partake of my miracle elixir. Two taydens a bottle." The three aliens still here all bought a bottle or two. You and Ben watched him on the sidelines. After finishing his business, professor Hokestar turned to you and Ben, he was more laser focused on Ben.

"As you can see, business is booming."

Ben gave him an unimpressed look. You were wondering how 8 tayden could be profitable, when including the craftmenship of the bottle and the possible ingredients that were used for this magic elixir. "Doesn't prove a thing. Like they say, there's one born every minute"

"And may i add, you've only earned 8 taydens. That is barely enough for a semi decent meal." Ben tried to hide his laughter again.

The professor only let out a nervous laugh. "No need to worry young lady ! I make decent profit, maybe even more than the average if lucky !" You raised your eyebrow at the statement. Professor Hokestar put an arm around you and Ben shoulders. "But my boy, it is my time to waste."

The professor started to lead the two of you somewhere. You were ready to knock him out unconscious if he dared to do anything. Ben shared the same sentiment, not only because the professor was very suspicious but also because he was very annoying.

You stopped In front of a giant cylinder home.

It looks pretty good. He must make some kind of profit to afford it.

"Welcome, welcome, welcome to Professor Blarney T. Hokestar's Extraterrestrial Emporium, lad!" He laughed. "If you cannot find it here, it probably doesn't exist!" The professor takes out some kind of remote, pushing the button. The front of the home opens to display a multitude of toys and plushies. You were extremely confused, this was a waste of time.

"Seems like it's just a bunch of old second-rate-" Before you could ask Ben to leave, he gasped at the sight of what looked like an obese almost human plushy and picks it up. " Where did you get this Sumo Slammers action figure ? I've never seen one like it before." You looked from behind Ben, what was so special about it ?

Professor Hokestar approaches Ben and take the plushy in his hands. "Special limited edition, only available from the concessionaires of Budokan. Fewer than 100 ever made. If you like it, it's yours, my boy, with my compliments." You put your hand on Ben's shoulder and shakes your head when he glanced at you. Ben looked at Hokestar with a distrustful look. "Why so generous?"

"Oh, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the universe to have a one-man superhero team as a spokesman for my elixir, now, would it?" Professor Hokestar then glanced at you. "And witch such pretty lady as you sidekick, we could make fortunes-"

"No." you responded flatly.

Ben still frowned a bit. "I guess you and your stuff may look kinda weird, but... it all seems harmless enough. Let me think about it." You gave Ben an unimpressed stare and pinched the bridge of your nose. At least he was being a bit suspicious of the merchant.

"That's all I ask, my lad." Professor Hokestar confidently responded, ignoring your remark. But you and Ben had already left before her could finish his sentence.

As you both walked off, Ben was playing with the new toy he had gotten with glee. You couldn't understand how such insignificant thing can make people happy sometimes. You've heard of the human culture of collecting these toys and leaving them to collect dust on their shelves. You weren't aware that Ben was also looking at you funny as you judged his toy.

"Is there anything wrong ?" The brunette inquired. "Nothing, I was just...curious of this thing..." You pointed at the round plushie in Ben's hand.

"Oh you mean this limited sumo smasher plush ? I've never seen one of these before but now I can keep this treasure in my collection !" You gave him another weird look. "I don't understand why you humans collects such random objects just to leave them collecting dust. What even is this 'Sumo slammers' thing ?"

Ben gasped as if you just insulted his whole lineage. "You don't know SUMO SLAMMERS ?? Wait when I actually think about it, it's probably an earthling thing...I also dust and take care of my collections, for your information !" Ben proudly proclaims. "But still I need to show you some of its games, movies and stories ! They're like the most awesome things ever ! They've practically defined my childhood !" You froze, your breath hitched and the world seemed to go slower for a moment.

Childhood..?

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Is this really what childhood about ? Attachment to non existant beings and inanimate objects ?

That sounds really stupid, yet, it is able to bring such joys to everyone. These little attachments formed, define a person.

Something you'll probably never experience.

But it's okay.

As long as others were able to experience it, it didn't matter. It's one loss for the life of a thousand more.

Right ?

"You good ?" Ben moved his hand in front of your face repeatedly. You pushed his hand to the side, nodding and preceded to walk forward. Ben shrugged it off and followed you.

Not long after, Ben receives a call from your third partner, Rook. "Hello Ben and [name], how did it go with Sunder ?"

"Quick. He had to catch a flight. Hey, can you look up a "Professor Blarney T. Hokestar" on the Extranet ?"

"Oh, [name] had already sent a message about it."

Ben glanced at you, you were reading some information on your tablet from Rook. And he thought you had warmed up to him...

"I'll just tell you what I found. Professor T.Hokestar is an intergalactic flimflam man. Is he a threat ?"

"No." Ben scratched his head. "Long story. Me and [name] ran into him...okay, maybe not that long."

"Well, should you need backup-" Ben cuts him off. "I'll promise I'll call you." Ben ends the call.

You continued patrolling the area with Ben, he was playing with his plushie while you did most of the work. During the inspection of an alleyway, you had received a message from the plumber's HQ on your tablet for an emergency meeting so needed to leave. Since you were now one of Ben's partner, you were supposed to not attend meetings or manage intergalactic relationships as much and prioritize protecting the universe. So it had to be urgent if they had called you.

"Ben, I have duties to attend to. I'll leave the rest up to you."

"What duties ?"

"Diplomatic. If you need any help please call Rook. I won't be able to help you until an agreement is settled which could take a few days, weeks or more."

Before Ben could make any snarky remarks, you had already taken off. Ben stands unmoving for a second and sighs. Continuing the patrol he did not expect someone waiting for your leave to talk to him and drag him into his schemes...

====

"So we all agree that every party will not engage in any fights or wars and trading agreements will resume with no problems ?"

The two parties grumbled a bit, and one of them raised their hands.

"No, you cannot try and negotiate about eating babies. You know what happened to Jarett, he still hasn't recovered from it. I personally know the perpetrator behind it so I won't be afraid to send them at your door."

The alien lowered his hands and let out a sad grumble. After everyone signed the agreement the meeting was dismissed. You sat down letting a huge sigh of relief, you had done it a million times but this meeting you only had 5 minutes to understand the situation and resolve it. It felt really draining, hence why you were very proud of yourself for accomplishing it, nothing more fun than work...

Uncle Max, enters the room. Everyone had left except you. Normally you could handle about a week or two of no sleep, but these days you feel a bit more tired out...

"I don't know how you manage to pull it off. That was incredible. Sorry for the late notice, the original diplomat had an accident last minute, you were the only one free and of close proximity." He complimented with a smile.

"I've dealt with many more before, it's only my job to make sure that the universe stays at peace." You rubbed your temple, you really need to sleep...Maybe after you finish the next set of papers sent yesterday...

"You look pretty tired, kiddo. Have you been sleeping lately ?" Uncle Max patted your head affectionately. You wanted to pushed his hands away, you weren't a child. But you couldn't bring yourself. "I'll sleep tonight. After finishing my work."

Uncle Max's face shifted to concern. "You really need to take more care of yourself."

"I do, I always make sure to take a shower, make myself look presentable-"

"Not in that way, I meant your health and life style. Even if you try so hard to act like an adult, you're just a kid." You were offended before you could say anything uncle Max sat down and let out a huge sigh, it conveyed some kind of sadness. Your first were clenched, you tried to control your body from shaking. You didn't need his sympathy, you didn't need anyone's sympathy. Why can't they see that you are...

"Stop always trying to protect others by yourself." Your eyes widened, your clenched hands had lessen. "I know that you never want anyone to experience what you've lived through. But you need to stop carrying such a heavy burden. A 16 year old girl shouldn't be settling a potential war between two planets. She should be enjoying her youth. I'm not saying to stop working overall but to find a balance. Take this old man's advice, have fun, go make life long friends and even meet your love, make many mistakes, it's okay as long as you learn from them. Don't be afraid of the unknown."

You remained silent and pondered over his words. As long as everyone was safe it was all fine. Maybe you should ask HQ to lighten your workload..? A little smiled tugged up your lips. Mister Tennyson was truly a good person.

"Okay, I'll try mister Tennyson." Uncle Max returned your smile. In that moment when you thought you were shaking, your halo had been vibrating for a while,  your made it move in front of you. Putting your hand in it to take out your plumber's badge, you had received 17 missed calls from Rook and 29 missed calls from Ben. You tried calling back Ben but he didn't respond. You then called Rook, he responded immediately.

"Hello,[name] ? How did the meeting go ?"

"It went well, explain why I've receive so many missed calls from you and Ben. What chaos did he cause again ?"

"Well...A Screegit was let loose-"

"WHAT ?!" You shouted. Rook covered his ears. "How did a SCREEGIT end up on earth ?!" Rook took a minute to recover from your shout. "Ben's taking care of it. He's got the situation under control-"

"Send me his location, I'll be on my way." You ended the call. The immediate moment the location was sent. You quickly bid farewell to uncle Max and flew to your destination.

Meanwhile. Ben, transformed into Bloxx was trying his best to contain the screegit. He didn't know how long he could contain it until professor T.Hokestar finally did his thing. "Now, professor ! Now !"

"On my way, my boy !" The professor tried to climb out as fast as he could out of the building through a window but fell. Before he could reach the ground. A pair of arms catch him.

"Hurry up ! I can't keep this up !" Ben grunts in pain, the screegit was letting out more acide and trying to break free. The professor clumsily tried to get his machine but you just took it from his hands and shoved it through Bloxx. The screegit had shrunk back to its little adorable form.

"Professor ?" Ben calls out. "It's over my lad" responds Hokestar's.

"And I better get an explanation on how a screegit ended up on earth."

"Okay, before we start, I'd like to say it's all his fault." Ben pointed at professor T.Hokestar, putting the screegit back in its bubble container. "There you are, precious. Back to your rightful form."

"No !" A Florauna pushed the professor, taking the screegit and running away. "The screegit must run free ! Free the screegit !"

"Does this guy ever quit ?" Ben was about to starts chasing him but, you put your arm in front of Ben. Stopping him from pursuing the activist, that was almost immediately captured by Rook.

"Nice one Rook."

"Always my pleasure." He responded immediately with a smile.

The crystal the screegit was contained rolled to Rook's feet. "We will take possession of the creature now, thank you very much."

"Go ahead ! Lock me away ! Then I'll get to experience how my caged alien brethren and sistren feel." You respected activist but some just go too far. You felt like you've had a hundred migraines today. For once Ben notices. Rook passed Ben the screegit.

"So it's a happy ending for everyone."

"Indeed !" The troublesome professor intervenes, trying to take back the screegit. "And now, with your kind permission, gentlemen, I shall take my Screegit and be-"

"Handcuffed to that nut job for a year if you so much as think about touching that Screegit." Ben hands back the screegit to Rook. "And about 5 years of jail, 70 000 taydens owed." You said unconcerned, starting to already report the situation. Hokestar's only stares blankly. He nervously rubs his hands together and smiled. "Screegit ? W-W-W-What Screegit ? Never heard of the thing before in my life. Heh. No, indeed. Now, if you'll forgive my hasty departure, pleasure to make your acquaintance, looking forward to your endorsement of my products, Ben Tennyson ! Hahaha."

As soon as he was finished, the conman ran away. "Yeah... Like that'll happen." Ben looked at the running professor. Ignoring his assistant trying to run away from multiple plumbers trying to capture him. "Even if it did, we'd probably tax him more." The two boys exchanged concerned looks.

"The professor's motives, I can understand. That Pax fellow, not so much."

" He means well. Which makes him even more dangerous." Rook nods at Ben's statement.

Ben glanced at you for a second. "Rook, buddy. How about we do the next patrols together this week ?"

"But isn't-" Ben shoot Rook a stare and repeatedly glanced at you. Trying to hint something.

"Oh, yes indeed. I think it will be a good way for me to discover more human traditions."

"Are you guys excluding me ?"

"No ! It's just that recently, Rook and I wanted to know each other more ! So we wanted to hang out as bros ! Ain't it, Rook ?" Rook quickly nodded, giving you an awkward smile.

You blink at both of them. "Ok, then. It's good that we all get along as a team." You continued to write in your tablet. The boys both left to go patrolling the area, leaving much more time to manage the damage done.

====

It was late at night, Ben just finished his night patrol and had just gotten back in the plumbers quarters. He didn't even get a moment of rest when grandpa Max instructed him to deliver some documents to someone.

Ben groans. "Why me ? Couldn't grandpa just ask another plumber. I just got back..."

The brunette quickly spotted the room he was supposed to deliver the documents. He knocked on the door once, twice, thrice. No answers. Ben was impatient so just forced the door open. He was surprised to see the familiar [hair color] girl, sleeping on her desk under many documents. On the side, piles of what looked like an unending waves of documents.

How did you manage this ? Ben thought to himself. God, that's why you looked like you were about to fall anytime. Ben was hesitant to put more documents down. He had just realized how much work you handled and the pressure you had to carry everyday.

Ben glanced at the door and back at you repeatedly. He sighed, taking some of the documents that looked easy enough, he sat down at a nearby couch and tried to fill up the papers . It wasn't his strong point but he tried his best, only filling up the documents he was confident wouldn't cause an outbreak. He was only able to finish one pile out of the dozens you had, he had to brainstorm hard on the many meanings of these documents and recheck them on multiple occasions.

By the time the Omnitrix user got up, it was already past 4am. He had arrived at about 11pm, so he spent more than 5 hours only being able to fill up one pile. Ben's respect for you had just skyrocketed, you really managed this in a daily basis. He felt bad, he once did get overwhelmed by schoolwork before. It wasn't as bad as what you had but he could understand to some the degree the pressure.

I really need to ask Rook to teach me a bit about alien diplomacy...

Before leaving and going to bed. Ben tried to carry you to the couch, but you momentarily woke up.

"What...Who are you..?" You asked, feeling drowsy.

"I'm, Ben Tennyson, hero of the universe." Ben confidently affirmed.

You were barely able to keep your eyes open and only snuggled up to him. He put you down on the couch, with a blanket over you. As he was about to leave he could hear you mumbling something in your sleep.

"Bye Mr Ben Tennyson, savior of the universe. Promise me you'll save us all."

Ben turned towards you. "Save who ?"

"My family, we're so close...we'll finally be free soon..." Some tears were forming at the corner of your eyes. Ben approached you once again. Taking a seat on a nearby chair.

"Be free of what ?"

"Will you promise if I tell you ?"

"I promise."

You gave him a warm smile. He had never seen you like that until now, but you looked like an ethereal beauty.

"I'm happy, you'll finally save us from ourselves."

"What do you mean-" You already feel back to the embrace of sleep. Ben was left with more questions than answers. He could try and look up more about your origins but if not even Rook knows what happened on your planet. Then how could he ?

Ben got up again, this time, leaving the room for good and going back home. He had already texted his parents about how he'll come home late. Maybe not this late but they understood his duty as savior of the universe. Back in his room, he lays on his bed and pondered. He shouldn't have asked you all of that when you were barely conscious, he'd just have to wait for you to open up to him. Until then, he'll try the help as best as he can.

When he finally closed his eyes, his omnitrix rang. He quickly picked it up.

"Good morning Ben ! Are you ready for our patrol today ?" Rook energetically says.

"What do you mean ? We're only... 9am ?!" Ben was shocked, he didn't even get a blink of sleep, he spent to much time thinking that he forgot to sleep !

"Yes ? Are you ready for a whole day of patrol ? You did take all of [name]'s shift for the next week, remember ?" Ben laughs in pain. This was going to be a long week.

====

Bonus scene :

You woke up later than usual. It was a first for you, but that meant you'd have to spend more time on paperwork, that you didn't mind much. But it would mess up your schedule and routine. Thank the skies that Ben had taken your patrol.

Shortly after finishing your morning routine. Making sure you looked presentable. Applying a bit of lipgloss. You came back to your office and realized out of the 15 piles of paper you've had, one of them was completed. As you reviewed them, you didn't recognize your writing or anyone for that matter. It did have some clumsy writing yet it looked like they put effort into it. It reminded you of your first times and how you had to work really hard to perfect this skill.

You smiled and continued working pleasantly, wondering who it could be.

Chapter 3

Taglist : @supernerdycookietrashblrr @zomqiez

[amoreva]

FEIGNING FOR YA

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

CHAPTER 2

pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: the first signs of acknowledgement from your family about your relationship and planning and…Luke is a good fake boyfriend!

warnings: not proofread! slow burn, college au, smau, fake dating to dating, cursing, clarisse x chris, aged up! pjo charcters, yn is older sister figure to percy, luke and thalia are older sibling figures to annabeth, drinking

a/n: inspired by charlie’s recent boxing photos! ik it may be a little choppy, but i wanted to put smthg out there before i go on my trip. comments and feedbacks about writing are much appreciated!

series list | next

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

Ding!

A passive aggressive text shows up on your lock screen from Aunt Shelley. You were out with Silena, Clarisse and Thalia when the first signs of acknowledgment of your new relationship shows up.

The photo of your friend group covered by (now) two texts from Aunt Shelley:

Aunt Shelley

I wish you would tell us about this boy of yours before announcing it to the whole world.

3m ago

Kidding! He seems lovely.

1m ago

She was not kidding.

You sent back a short text, making up some excuse about why you haven’t said anything. Sure, you hard-launched the “relationship” intending for your family to see, but that backfired. Kind of.

Most of them didn’t care about social media yet they insisted on following you when you made an account.

Aunt Shelley

Tell him to buy brighter clothes for Easter!

now

At least they didn’t seem to recognize Luke’s mop of curls. Luke has only been to your house once in high school in freshman year. Well, Luke had matured since then and he did gain some meat on his bones. You wouldn’t blame them if they didn’t recognize him.

“Their reactions will be funnier when I introduce myself.” Luke mumbled with closed eyes. An arm wrapped around you abdomen. His thumb rubbing your side. Cheek pressed against your shoulder as he listened to you.

He insisted on taking a nap at your dorm to strengthen the image of your faux relationship, totally not because he was escaping his frat’s latest activities. It was something like a date auction or car wash.

“Do you plan on listening to my Aunt?” You asked, referring to Luke’s closet.

“Fuck, no.” Luke answered with ease.

“Will you at least be civil?” You asked and nudged your shoulder against his head.

Luke picked up his head and looked at you. “We’re supposed to be rebelling. Pissing off your parents for being judgy and shitty and what not.”

Honestly, you were hesitant on “rebelling”. Sure, it was just bringing Luke over and dating him because your parents hate him. But, you didn’t want your parents to hate you for being disrespectful nor rude.

Luke noticed your hesitation. He sighed through his nose. “Fine. I’ll play nice.” He laid his head back on your shoulder. “But you owe me take out if the food is bad over there.”

Believe it or not, Luke had become more docile. His touch more gentle and caring. His pocket always had chapstick now that he had a “girlfriend” again. Was he always like this with his other girlfriends?

You been there everytime Luke was in and out of relationships, but you never seen how he acted with his significant others.

And thankfully, being in a fake relationship with Luke was quite easy. The two of you know each other like the back of your hands. It was practically the normal platonic chemistry, just add cheek kisses, holding hands and flirting. No butterflies appeared and no hands got sweaty around him.

Perfect.

Because thinking about your best friend in romantic sense was the wrong pathway to go. It’s not like you have, just…think about all the movies and books. Usually they never ended well (you think).

“Charlie knows I called it. I knew it!” Silena exaggerated pridefully. Both of you were walking to your Art History Class. “The way you guys would look at each other and—gosh…I still can’t believe it.”

You laughed at your friend’s delusional nature. You can’t exactly pinpoint a time when Luke and you gave each other a look before this contract, but whatever helps Silena sleep at night.

The two of you sit at your usual seats and wait for the rest of the students to trickle in.

Ding!

Mom

Your father and I are very excited to meet this new boyfriend of yours!

now

You wondered if she remembered Luke. He did leave an impression on her. The first time Luke met your mother, he was a little excited and rowdy because you and him were going to stream a new movie that left theaters.

Your mother hated when the quiet in the house was broken when Luke and you were excitingly talking. “You’re like a fly, disrupting this environment.” She scoffed from the dining room and went upstairs to her room.

Safe to say, you hung out at Luke’s house from that day forward (you just gave him your Netflix password). Thankfully, Luke didn’t feel too hurt.

“Oh! I know.” Silena placed her notebook on the table. A suggestive grin on her face. “There’s this party we can go to and celebrate you lovebirds!”

“Silena, that’s not really necessary—”

“You gotta see it for yourself though!”

“See what?”

“That twinkle in their eyes.”

“What?”

The professor entered the lecture hall and began the lesson on art from the transcendentalist period. Twinkle? What twinkle? Like the stuff that romance novels describe when a character falls in love? Come on, that can’t be real.

“Like romance book twinkle?” You leaned over and whispered to Selene. She smiled knowing she had you hooked. Her pencil moved as she talked.

“Like when you get dressed for a party or a date and…and…” She tore her eyes away from you to look if she spelled a word right in her notes. “…they get that first look and their eyes light up like you’re their whole world.”

Your professor called you and Silena out for talking and the both of you quickly write down the notes. Though you both continue the conversation.

“Listen, our friend group doesn’t have to go party or go to a bar. Just suggest a date with Luke tonight and watch his eyes when you’re in your date night outfit.” Silena and you walk to the gym, scanning your ID and going through the turnstiles.

You look at your phone again.

Luke<3

boxing with beckendorf

13m ago

Silena and you walked towards the destination. The familiar black compression shirt and mop of chocolate curls appearing in your field of vision. His gray sweat matching his top.

Beckendorf was spotting Luke as he hit the punching bag in calculated movements. He shifted his weight between his two feet and with laser focus the material of the worn out glove made contact. Beckendorf grunted quietly. Luke could pack a punch.

It was kinda hot.

“Charlie!” Silena disrupted the practice to go hug her sweaty boyfriend. Luke and him must’ve have been taken turns hitting the punching bag.

Luke turned in your direction. A slow smile spread across his fast. He was quick to get his gloves off before greeting you with a forehead kiss. “Hey beautiful.” His hands resting on your waist.

If your next boyfriend wasn’t meeting the same standards as Luke was right now, you didn’t want him. Luke was practically the perfect boyfriend.

“We should go on a date tonight.” You suggested, obviously curious about this “twinkle” Silena was talking about.

Luke grabbed his gym bag and put away his boxing gloves. You grabbed him a white towel to wipe off his sweat. “Yeah? For what?” He drank some water and tossed his gym bag on his shoulder. “Your family being shitty to you again?”

Silena and Beckendorf said quick goodbyes and left the gym. You took out your body spray and spritzed Luke with it a couple of times. “No…” You made sure Silena and Beckendorf were gone. “Easter. We need to talk about Easter with my family?”

“What is there to talk about?” Luke asked and sat down on the wooden bench. You joined him. His musk covered by your body spray.

“I don’t know…like—” You paused trying to get the words out. “What we should do if like—my mother asks some stupid question. Or my aunt flirts with you or if my family ask you to prove we’re dating.”

“You’re not trying to get me to take you out and get you food are you?” Luke nudged your shoulder and teased.

“Yes.” You stated bluntly. “But more importantly, Easter.”

Luke and you decide to go out to dinner at a diner nearby. You made him shower and change first before anything. While he was at his dorm, you were struggling to pick and outfit to successful procure a twinkle.

You stood in front of your mirror, looking at your reflection. Clarisse was on her bed, reading a book for her English class. Though she got distracted by you numerous times.

After what it felt like the umpteenth time putting on different jeans and skirts and some sort of clothing combination, Clarisse pulled her headphones away from her ears. She could feel your frustration and dilemma. The hot-tempered girl was in your shoes once.

“Wear something casual, but cute.” Clarisse suggested and scanned her eyes over the clothes scattered on the floor.

“Like that with…that.” The articles of clothing made sense together, but would it give that twinkle you were curious about. It would have to do for now.

“When’s he picking you up?” Clarisse sat up. “I promise you, you’re overthinking this. It’ll be fine.”

You look at her after changing into the clothes she picked out. “I know, I just—what if this doesn’t work out?” Of course, you had in the rebelling against your parents with this relationship, but to Clarisse—you looked worried about your relationship with Luke.

“It will.” Clarisse reassured. “You’ve been best friends for how long?”

A couple of knocks rapped against your door. Clarisse gestured for you to take a deep breath before she went back to reading. You stalked over to the door and opened it.

“Go change.” You immediately stated upon seeing his shirt.

In big bright white letters, his shirt read “I <3 my girlfriend.” Forgot the twinkle, that stupid t-shirt was going to haunt you forever if you let Luke go out in that.

“What, why?” Luke whined, knowing exactly why.

“Luke! Go change or—or…” You hesitated to find a right threat.

“Helpful hint, sweetheart. If you’re going to threaten me, find a viable threat before you start it.” Luke called out and went to change.

You were going to strangle him. Maybe this relationship won’t be as easy managing as you thought. You were praying Easter will go how it’s planned or at least work in pissing off your parents.

—– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • · —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —–

taglist:

@happy-mushrooms @m00ng4z3r @justanotherkpopstanlol @2hiigh2cry @celluifleur @thatbird-fromrio @yuminako @pookiebear16 @mxtokko @cxcillia @kai-islost @kidkrowk @iluvpjo

[angeliteeyes]

How about some Blanc X Reader this time, felt lil bad for her after the Oracle X Vert one lmao

Ngl I had the same thought lmao—I know it's very much in character for Vert to antagonize her like that, but I still apologized to her in my head for writing it ( ´～｀)

Then again, she'd probably prefer what happened in that one to this situation :p here you go!

Blanc x Fan Reader - Give Those Back!!!

In which you, her beloved (and only) fan, end up reading something you shouldn't have

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

Legends tell of an infamous book written by none other than the CPU of Lowee herself. Despite the numerous copies that had been preemptively made of it in misguided anticipation, only a handful of them sold. Three of them, to be exact. You, and you alone, were the sole person in the entirety of Gamindustri to both own and actually enjoy said book.

"Blanc? You awake?" You called out to her incredulously. Sure, it was the middle of the day when just about everyone was awake, but... this is Blanc you're talking about. Who knows what her sleep schedule's been like the past few days. Thankfully, though, your worries appeared to be unfounded (today, at least). You heard a familiar click of her door unlocking before her messy-haired head peeped out from the other side. A small, giddy smile crept across her face, a muted yet poignantly apparent excitement having been built up inside her.

"Oh, it's you. Come in." The wood creaked as her hand hurriedly pushed it to the side, not seeming to care when it banged harshly into the nearby wall. Mindfulness never really was her strong suit.

Not long after finding your way over to an empty chair, you wound up with a fresh stack of papers being pushed violently into your arms. This silent act had become rather routine for the two of you by now, as much as your past self would have died of shock hearing that. When you first wrote a fan letter to her expressing your love of her latest book not so long ago, you'd hoped that maybe she'd send a polite thank you letter back. Even if it was generic or mass-printed, you would've gladly taken it. Hell, even just her reading it at all would've been a blessing.

The last thing you could've imagined was her adamently appointing you as her proofreader and editor the very next day.

And yet, there you were, about to read the next chapter of her latest writing adventure. Out of the corner of your eye, you could see her feet inpatiently shuffling back and forth. You barely suppressed a chuckle at the sight. Somehow, despite you being her fan, she always seemed just as nervous as you were when it came to these meetings—if not more. You sighed. At least it made adjusting to the strange situation easier on your poor little admiring heart.

"Hurry up and read it." Her words shot out of her like exploding popcorn kernels. Shaking off your initial spaciness, you gently tapped the paper into your knees a few times before beginning to read her work. Let's see...

Awww. You couldn't help but squeal internally in delight at the adorable writing in front of you. Sure, some people aren't interested in her works given her... unique writing style, for lack of better phrasing. But that's what makes them so special! You could practically see visions of her staying up and pulling all-nighters, all the while gleefully tapping away at her computer screen or scribbling onto whatever notebook was nearest by. Honestly, you loved her works even more than the classics other people like to rave about. They just didn't have the same charm that she managed to infuse into each, shoddily-put-together line.

With that said, you had a lot of work to do if this was going to even be up to par with them grammar-wise. You made a quick mental note of the most egregious of mistakes before turning to the next page. There seems to be a problem, though? Your eyes quickly scanned over the first few sentences of the new sheet of paper, each time only leading to more and more confusion. She must have noticed the furrowing of your brows, as she soon followed up with an unnatural cough.

"Well...? Is there a problem?" You tried your best to keep a blank expression, something closer to the one she typically wears, but to no avail. If anything, your meager attempt at a poker face only grew less and less convincing by the second. Your eyes trailed down the paper. With each new word that crossed your line of vision, a warmth grew stronger and hotter on both sides of your face. Eventually, her patience ran too thin and she swiped the paper out of your hand. It was too late, though. The sole paragraph that you had read already permanently seared itself into your brain long ago. As you sat there quietly, waiting for her inevitable breakdown once she realized the mistake she'd innocently made, the afterimage still echoed in your mind.

Ugh, why do I have to wait so long to ask them out??? Fucking social norms!!! I wanna ask them out and go on dates and stuff already, and I wanna kiss them and do other couple things like the couples do in my favorite novels like hug them and call them romantic nicknames and sleep—

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!"

Her loud voice boomed out all the thoughts in your head in one fell swoop. Half of your mind was inclined to sympathize with her and offer her some form of pity. After all, if you accidentally showed someone else your diary like that, you'd probably freak out just as hard as she was. The other half of your mind though... was focused on not being murdered. And given the ginormous book in her hands that was being held over her head in a suspiciously weapon-like form, your odds weren't looking too good.

"You..." She growled out her anger in a rush of heavy exhales. "You. Are going. To forget. You. Read. Anything. Got that?!" The book lifted higher into the air, a warning huff following her threatening action.

"Y-yes! I'll forget, I'm sorry!" You cowered back in terror. Who knew someone of her physique could be so intimidating under the right circumstances?

To your relief, your apologies seemed to finally have soothed the burning rage within her. You watched as her heels—previously elevated to help assert her dominance—sank down into the soft floor and her jaw slowly unclenched. For a moment, you two simply stayed in your positions like statues, unsure of how to move forward.

"But... since you did read it..." Her tone took an unexpected turn, the former harshness evaporating and making way for a newfound soft, shy demeanor. You looked up at her in surprise as she continued on.

"Do you... like me back?"

"What?"

"Huh?"

The air grew still as both of your minds went into overdrive. Wait, so the person she was writing about in her diary was... Oh. Oh. After a handful of grueling, painfully long seconds, you finally understood the source of your shared misunderstanding. Unfortunately, it looked like she figured it out at the exact same time as you did.

"Y-you really didn't realize it was about you? I... I..."

First, her hands shook in what you can only imagine was one of the worst bouts of horrified embarrassment in her life. Then, her hands grasped down on the book she was still holding. And hard.

"I'll fucking kill you!!!"

[illusivewritings]

distanced - yoru x reader

chapter 1: new things

distanced masterlist

synopsis: your childhood best friend, sunwoo, makes you download her favorite game right now. what’s the worst that can happen?

warnings: fem!reader, modern au, college au, cursing, mutual pining, yearning, yoru may be ooc, maybe everyone is ooc tbh, idk what im doing, i’m rly rusty w writing and figuring tumblr out all over again, eventual 18+ content, long distance relationship, online setting, inspired by discord tbh, author is chronically online, not proofread, intentionally lowercase

a/n: i have not written in so long, neither have i written on tumblr in a while… so pls be nice </3 characters may be ooc but i’m very sleepy rn and i’ve had this idea for so long and just needed to get it out!!!! also i will be using jett’s real name, sunwoo :P eventually with other agents too down the line as well

anyway, i hope you pretty people enjoy <3

## fic bellow the cut ##

gaming was never really part of your childhood. sure, dabbling in simple games like minecraft and roblox growing up was a staple; endless nights filled your adolescence with late-night sessions of your childhood friend group within these games. you had to admit though, outdated presently closed-down dress up websites with chatrooms were more your thing back then.

although it wasn’t until recently that your best friend, sunwoo, had become absolutely obsessed with a particular game.

sunwoo’s your best friend. you’d known each other since your roblox late-nights during primary school. she was always your shoulder to cry on, and vice versa. her peppy and quick personality set her out from the others; she was your rock, and you were hers. even after she had moved a few hours away for college, you two kept that bond strong by keeping in touch online.

she was always more outgoing and more of a gamer than you. when you two were younger, you gladly would sit together during lunch hour as she yapped about her favorite piece of media at the moment. in exchange, you would draw her favorite characters from said game. it was enjoyable for the both of you, those simpler times.

though, you never were able to play with her, as much as you wanted to. the best device you had was the ancient family computer that could barely run the two games you could play. you’d rather not risk it catching on fire.

so, sunwoo’s gaming fixations over the years never phased you. you welcomed it, you loved listening to her yap sessions.

“y/n, you need to try this game. please.” she pleaded, her voice crisp coming through the call.

at present time, you now sit at your new pc set up within your dorm room. the first one you’d ever had, all thanks to the lovely sunwoo. she had built it for you when you saved up enough money, the only thing was? you… didn’t know what games to get. at all.

sure, you had minecraft and some digital art software. a rhythm game you barely touched, too. you mostly used your pc for art, as it was always your most beloved hobby. that puts you here now, in a discord call with sunwoo, with her pleading for you to download her new favorite game.

“i dunno, sunnie…” you adjusted your headphones over your ears for better comfort. “i’m really not good at fps games… i’ve never even played any like you, growing up.”

sunwoo sighed dramatically, her mic peaking just a little bit, which made you giggle. “listen, i get that, but y/n i promise- you’ll have fun!” after a pause, she adds: “i can even introduce you to my friends from there!”

you sigh, sunwoo was very persistent. it’s the least you could do for her, considering she built your pc, right?

after another pause, you let out a small laugh. “alright, show me where i can go to download it. what was it called again?”

you can hear her squeal, her mic peaking a bit again; and you giggle at the act. “it’s called valture!” you see her start typing in your guys’ private messages. “i’ll send you the link and show you how to create an account.”

————

you hate to admit it, but it was fun. despite being absolutely cradled by sunwoo the entire time, getting headshot constantly, and being confused at the mechanics— this silly game was fun. the evening was filled with laughs and learning; and you could tell sunwoo couldn’t be more happier.

while sitting in the lobby, sunwoo asked; “would you like to join a server with my friends i met on here?”

you hesitate to speak, only managing a simple ‘um…’ as you debated the incomplex question. being an introvert was damning, but meeting strangers was even more so.

“they’re nice!” she said enthusiastically after sensing your hesitation. “i promise, they won’t care if you’re new. they all just want to have fun, like us.”

you traced over the ‘wasd’ keys on your keyboard, thinking. with how much fun you had, you’d definitely come back online and play again. who’s to say sunnie will be on every time you do play? it would come in handy to meet new people who were open to a total newbie like you.

what’s the worst that could happen?

“yeah, send me the invite.”

you hear the other girl make an enthusiastic noise of excitement once again, as an invite link appeared on your screen. clicking it, you were automatically transitioned to the main channel of the server itself. your eyes darted to the automated welcome message, then to the member list on the left hand side.

“oh wow, there’s not many people in here?” you asked, tilting your head at such a short list. with how outgoing sunnie is, you’d expect her to have more people within the server.

“nope! i told you, not intimidating at all.” she replied. “maybe except yoru and iso… they’re both pretty nasty at the game, you could say.”

as she said this, your mouse hovered over each member with the corresponding names she had mentioned. a person by the username ‘y0ru’ and another by the user ‘isolated.’ this ‘iso’ person was offline, whereas ‘yoru’ was online, with their status displaying that they were on valture. their icon was a character from an anime, but the name escapes you.

“what? like, they’re really good or something?” you quizzed, replying a thank you to the welcome messages you received from two people. one named ‘neonbluu’ and the other ‘gekkonekko.’

sunwoo laughed, hearing a bang on her desk (which presumably was from her slapping her hand on her desk). “really good? y/n, they’re both radiant. like, top five hundred within our region.”

“oh, wow,” is all you could muster. you knew competitive players existed, sunwoo very obviously being one of them. but top five hundred within a region? you furrowed your brows at the thought. that would take so much time, right? “do they… leave the house? go outside?”

she gave a hearty laugh at your question. “oh, sweet little y/n… why don’t we ask, yeah?”

before you could even reply, sunwoo left the call within your private messages. you hadn’t clicked off the server, so you saw immediately where she was; sitting in the server’s only voice chat. your eyes widened, you didn’t want to meet anyone in voice chat right now! sighing, you put your head in your hands. what have i got myself into? you think, until you hear a ping notification.

————

jettstorm

@/starphire COME IN VC RIGHT NEEOOOWWW!!!!!

@/y0ru you come too since ur online we can q together w star aka y/n ^_^

also @/everyone @/starphire is my bestie y/n and you all BETTER be nice to her!!!! she’s new to val and fps games in general >_o

neonbluu

why would you make her first fps val

couldn’t even pull up overwatch?? that’s fucked

gekkonekko

no deadass because val is a wasteland

jett’s actually setting this poor girl up 🥀🥀

@/starphire run while you can mama this game is CHEEKS

jettstorm

gekko and neon i’m muting you two for ruining my fun and whimsy

?mute @/neonbluu 2 mins

?mute @/gekkonekko 2 mins

skyespirit

jett’s dictator arc never fails to be more and more apparent each day 💚

jettstorm

ur all actually bullies

i got us all together and i am being targeted 💔

y0ru

shut up and invite me already

or should i get on an alt since ur friend is new?

jettstorm

omggg alt pls bcs i don’t wanna go against sweats in swift 😇😇😇

y0ru

alr

@/starphire welcome btw

cloverfly

OMG I JUST WOKE JP HEYY @/starphire WELCOMEE 💕

fadednights

welcome, starphire.

@/neonbluu answer our dms, my love.

oh, she’s muted. lol.

jettstorm

yeah keep ur lil ass chihuahua in check fade

you too @/deadlocked i cant understand how you two can’t contain that thing

gekkonekko

‘that thing’ is crazy work when she has 2 gfs and i see no hoes on ur hip whatsoever, jett 🥀

jettstorm

?mute @/gekkonekko 2 hours

phoenixashes

LMFAOOOO

gekko just loves lying for fun because what am i if jett has no hoes ☹️

jettstorm

phoenix please keep ur pretty mouth shut rn or i’ll staple it closed ❤️

phoenixashes

yes ma’am

————

you were having trouble keeping up with so much texting. it had been so long since you had been in a friend group, let alone an online one. nonetheless, you muster up the courage to join sunwoo and the yoru person within the server’s vc.

once you joined, sunwoo greeted you with a very energetic; “hiiii y/n!!! this is yoru, our tryhard of the group! yoru, this is my sweet y/n.”

you smiled at her energy, your nerves calming down just by her welcoming and introducing you swiftly to her friend. “hi, yoru, i’m y/n- but you can call me star if it’s easier.”

“hey,” he greeted in a monotone voice. you honestly couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or not. “jett mentions you a lot. she says you’re a good artist.”

you’d be lying to yourself if his voice wasn’t a little cute to you. he had a slight accent, which you made a mental note to ask what other languages he speaks later.

nonetheless, you let out a giggle. “really? sunnie, i didn’t know you were advertising me!”

“hey!” she said, and you can almost see her raise her hands in self defense. “you are very talented, y/n! you deserve more clients.”

you tab back into the game when you notice that another account by the name of ‘not y0ru’ joined your party.

“alright! let’s queue up! yoru, we need to do our best to teach y/n on the game. be patient with her.” sunwoo commanded playfully.

“i’m patient.” yoru quips back.

sunwoo scoffed. “you are so harsh on the people you coach, don’t even.”

“they’re just soft and can’t take criticism.” yoru sighs. “but star won’t have to worry. she’s surprisingly doing well, looking at her career.”

“huh? my what?” you asked, a little taken aback by the compliment from the smooth voice. he probably is saying that to be nice, you think to yourself.

“your career,” he repeated. “it’s one of the icons on the top left, you’ll be able to see your kda for previous games.”

you were entirely confused at what you were looking at. “kda? what is that?” you asked.

“kills, deaths, and assists!” sunwoo chimed in. “kills are how many enemies you got, duh. deaths is obviously how many times you died. you gain an assist if you do high damage to an enemy, but you don’t kill them- a teammate does.”

“ah,” you voice. this was simple enough to read, you thought. you didn’t think your career was anything special. after all, you did have mainly single digit kills and double digit deaths. “i can barely get over three kills, but thank you, yoru.”

“mhm,” was all he said.

and so, after small talk between you, yoru and sunwoo continued, the three of you loaded into a game.

————

“ahh! that’s my last one, guys.” sunwoo said, stretching her back. it would make sense for her to get off, after all it was almost one in the morning in both of your timezones. you would get off, but the day following tonight had nothing for you, since it was the weekend.

“okay, text me when you wake up sunnie,” you said. “let me know if we’re still on for sunday?”

“of course!” sunwoo beamed. “you two have fun without me, i’ll talk to y’all later. goodnight!”

“goodnight,” you and yoru bid goodbye unanimously. with that, sunwoo disconnected from the call, leaving just you and yoru left.

“do you have to get off as well?” yoru asked.

you shook your head as if he could see you. you mentally rolled your eyes at yourself. “no, not now at least. tomorrow i have no classes, just chores. and uh,” you pause, glancing at his anime icon and feeling a lightbulb begin glowing within your head. “watching some anime, probably.”

you were hesitant, as a majority of the time the three of you spent, yoru was really quiet. except for the occasional shit-talk banter with jett or sarcastic quip at a rude teammate. it had mostly been you and sunwoo making conversation and giggling amongst each other at silly plays you’d do.

but luckily, like a fish in water, he took the conversation bait. “which anime are you watching?”

“i’m not sure, honestly,” you reply. “i used to watch a lot when i was younger. ever since graduating high school, i honestly haven’t had the time to watch any.”

you sit on your answer- it felt dry. boring. you wanted to keep talking, the awkward pauses and silences internally killing you. besides, this was a chance to make a new friend outside of sunwoo and your dormmate. you couldn’t mess this up! quickly, you add; “do you have any recommendations?”

you hear him hum and sigh, probably debating his answer. after a minute, he replies; “do you like action or romance?”

“i like both, to be honest,” tapping your chin, you added onward; “although, i do enjoy a good romance.”

“horimiya, then.” yoru answered. “it’s really short, only twelve episodes. i liked it.”

“is that where your icon is from?” you asked, even though the character he had displayed within his icon did not seem like he was from romance… at all.

yoru actually let out a small chuckle. which, you didn’t think he would be capable of considering how he presented his personality for the last few hours. “no, he’s from a different show. have you heard of jujutsu kaisen?”

you felt so out of touch and old. all of these new shows you have never heard of, and you’re only in your early twenties. “uh… would you hate me if i said no?”

“really?” he asked, sounding genuinely surprised. “it’s been out for a while. pretty popular right now.”

you hummed, tabbing out and looking it up on google. “oh, is it more of an action-type of anime?” you asked, as you read the synopsis of the show. “it seems pretty interesting,”

“it is.” he confirms. “if you ever want to watch it, i’d be happy to re-watch with you. it’s my favorite show right now.”

you giggle at the offer, clicking back on discord. “i mean, fuck it, sure. i could use a break from rotting my brain with val.”

“alright,” yoru said, you can hear him clicking on some things through his mic. “would you want to stay here, or…?”

oh, right. you two were in a public call within the server’s vc. almost everyone was online except sunwoo and a few others- but you didn’t have the social battery to meet anyone else. not without sunwoo, at least.

“do you mind calling me in dms?” you asked.

“not at all. give me a sec.”

with a few more clicks heard, and the disconnect sound of him leaving vc, you received a friend request and a pop up receiving a call from ‘y0ru.’

and so, the night finally began.

————

a/n: hi! this is my first fic i’m publishing on tumblr, so if u made it this far ilysm ty for reading!! i hope u enjoyed, and have a good day/night <3

[detectivemarvelingcomics]

Not Your Classic Vigilante [Ch. 13]

Alternate Dimension AU TW: Language, Light Alcohol, Attempted Kidnapping, CW: OC Use, See the OC Guide [Here] Genre: Drama, Action, Angst, Light Comedy Pairing: Batfamily & Batsis!Reader, OC x Reader YN Pronouns: Female (She/Her) Word Count: 8.8K

(13/?) [First] | [Previous] | [Next] [DC Masterlist] | [Not Your Classic Vigilante Masterlist]

Notes: IT'S FINALLY DONEEEE this is crazy how many chapters have I updated this year? LMFAO Not fully proofread by my awakened mind yet but I did run it through grammarly lol I'll give it a proper look later

Disclaimer: This series is originally by @fandom-meanderer who is a close friend of mine, but she has since fallen out of her Tumblr days and asked me to finish a few series for her, hence why I am now in ownership of the Not Your Classic Vigilante series, I hope I can still live up to her writing as I rewrite this series! (I promise not to change too much, hehe)

2012

Things were different. Lonelier. And maybe a bit sadder. You stood in front of the room that now loomed over you, and you took a deep breath to steady your nerves. You opened it, the door slamming against the wall with a loud bang, and you waited, you waited for the usual ‘Get out of my room!’ But none came. And there hasn’t been one for months now. You walked inside, still a mess and untouched as it was the night before he left, and you sat in the middle of it, hugging your legs close to your chest.

“There’s another party downstairs,” you said out loud. “I was thinking I should go for a walk, should I?” You wondered aloud. No answer. No 'Wait for me,' no 'ask Dick to go with you.' Just silence. You just wanted a quiet place to escape the noise, what with the gala going on downstairs and your father acting in front of the masses, you just didn’t feel up to it. Besides, Dick wasn’t even there to keep you company this time. You sat in the silence for a while, looking around the room as if he was hiding somewhere and was about to jump out to scare you. But no surprises came. Instead, you got up, took one of the dusty books from the shelf, and left the room.

“Oh, hey!” A younger boy stood in front of you, he looked vaguely familiar. “Could I ask you a quick question?” 

“Yeah, the party’s just downstairs, walk down the corridor and you’ll hit the ballroom eventually,” you answered.

“No, it’s something else,” he shakes his head.

“Ah, the bathroom is also downstairs right next to the ballroom,” you cut him off and turned to walk into your room.

“(Y/N) Wayne. I know who your father is, we need to talk.” That got your attention. You stopped with your hand on the doorknob and sighed.

“Right, he’s a businessman, nothing else,” you nodded. But the boy’s face remained grim. “Let’s go somewhere private,” you nudged your head further down the hall and he followed. Once you were both situated in a secluded part of the mansion, he spoke up.

“I’m Tim Drake,” he introduces himself. You shook his hand. Tim Drake, a couple years your junior, you've seen him around in your family's galas before but you've never really talked to him, you were always more preoccupied with your brothers or too busy taking pictures to go up to the boy who tended to stay on the sidelines more.

“I know.” Now you remembered him, he’d gone to a few of your father’s galas before.

“Oh, cool, I was worried for a second, we didn’t usually talk much,” he says, “you were always with two older guys.”

“My brothers.”

“I know that,” Tim shrugs. “I tracked you down because I had a favor to ask you,” he says.

“Sure,” you agreed only as a formality. The Waynes and the Drakes were somewhat of friends. Tim glanced around.

“Batman needs a Robin,” he says quietly. You wondered how he figured it out. There was no point in hiding anything either, he must have been really smart to have figured out your identities, even people who worked right next to your dad couldn’t have deduced it. “Don’t try to deny it, I have pictures,” he says. You shook your head.

“If you’re asking me then that means that Dick said no, huh?”

“Right away,” Tim mutters.

“I can’t give you an answer,” you told him. But Tim’s eyes seemed to shine, as if he’d found a treasure he’d been looking for. Why he was so desperate, you didn’t know. “Well, either way, you figured them out, I’m sure you can think of something too just in case,” you replied bluntly. 

“Thank you, (Y/N),” he says. “Even just thinking about it is enough.”

“Why do you feel like you should do this, though?” You asked him.

“I…” Tim hesitated. “I’m sure you know as well as I do the kind of rampage Batman has been on in the city.” You were. Recently, you were certain, that your father and the one behind the mask are two different people now.

“And you think having a Robin would help him?” You muttered. 

“Yes, I do, and who better than his own daughter?” He asks. You looked away and toward your clasped hands.

“You may be asking the wrong person, Tim, I have no qualifications to be a Robin,” you say.

“Better you than none,” Tim insists.

“I could never do what they did,” you shut your eyes. “The Batman... he scares me,” you mumbled, clutching onto the book in your arms a little tighter now.

“I’m sorry,” Tim says. You held your hand up to stop him. 

“I’m sorry too, Tim, this isn’t a good time,” you shook your head, stood up, and you left. You admired Tim’s good intentions, truly, but they paled in comparison to the thoughts that ran rampant in your mind right now. You just lost a brother. Your father didn’t want to listen to you. Your other brother was nowhere to be found, and that left you to mull all this over. 

You felt lost.

Lost in your thoughts, and all alone. This was the first time, the first in a long time, where you once again felt alienated in this manor. Not a vigilante and barely a Wayne, was donning the Robin mantle what you needed to do to be seen again?

You didn’t know.

~

2022

The three brothers climbed onto the train after Damian pulled an insignia out of his pocket. 

“The Captain sends her regards,” Damian says to the guards. They salute and march away after leading them to a private cabin, one that Damian shut and locked as soon as the other two were situated.

“Alright, Damian, you first,” Tim invites him. Damian nods.

“After that man teleported me here, I woke up on a battlefield, it was… very different than the ones we’ve seen before,” he says. “Everything in this world is different from ours, laws, people, everything,” he says. “I don’t even know where to start for you two. I’ve been here for almost two months now and I’m still learning things.”

“Two months?!” Tim shouts. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah?”

“Damian, you went missing two weeks ago,” Jason corrects.

“Weeks? No, no, I’ve been here for a while now,” Damian shakes his head. Tim pulls out the remains of the watch. “Where did you get that?”

“(Y/N) left it behind before she left,” Tim mumbles.

“This is it. This is the watch that the stranger had too,” Damian takes the watch and opens it.

“So this is the culprit then,” Tim looks down at it. “Maybe we could reverse it somehow to get home.”

“Not in this state, it won’t,” Damian shuts the watch in his hands and places it in his pocket. “I’ve been trying to do my own investigation, but without the watch and with the constant surveillance I’ve been drawing blanks.” 

“Superveillance?” Tim, always the skeptic.

“To avoid any unnecessary complications, I had to hide in plain sight, but that greatly restricted my movements,” Damian grumbles. “Now you two, how did you figure it out?”

“We were tugging it around, and somehow it activated the mechanism inside of it,” Tim explains.

“Before I was transported, the man swang it back and forth, maybe moving the watch is key to activating it,” Damian hypothesizes.

“Movement of some kind, but it has to be precise, otherwise you’d be teleporting everywhere with every step,” Tim swings the pendulum of a clock, but in its sorry state nothing happens.

“Well, either way, we’re not going to figure out shit with it like this,” Jason shakes his head. “I say we find (Y/N) then we figure out how to fix the thing.”

“That’s a good start,” Tim agrees.

“Luckily, I know where she is,” Damian cuts in, “we’ve been sticking close to each other since I landed here.”

“That’s good! She’s alright, then? Safe?” Tim worries. Damian hid the smile behind his hand.

“Good, great even, and most of all safe,” he answers. The train halts and Damian stands up first. “But, since I have you both here, we’re going to have to figure out a way to have both of you go under the radar too. So I’ll share the story we've been using.” Tim and Jason shared wary glances.

“Okay.”

“Sure.”

“We’re from the mountains—”

“Fuck, couldn’t you have come up with something more believable?” Jason groans.

“Trust me, it’s worked so far, it explains our general lack of knowledge on how everything in this universe works as for the lack of ID,” he starts, “so, we’re from a mountain village. Recently, due to impoverished conditions, our parents sent all of us down to start working and to send money home. It works with (Y/N) in her position, it works with me being inducted late, and we’ll find a way to make it work with you two.”

“Sure, alright, I’ll play along if it means we can get home easier,” Tim says.

“Home… yeah,” Damian nods, but Jason is quick to catch his unease. He chose not to bring it up, though.

“Fine, yeah, I’ll be a farmer, or whatever,” Jason leans back against the seat.

“This world, though, you mentioned different laws. Hell, Jason and I got arrested for taking care of things the way we usually do, how can you explain that?”

“The law enforcement in this world is basically airtight, and it’s based on an honor system,” Damian explains, “At any moment, someone can be removed and replaced in the Knighthood under two circumstances: reasonable petition or honorable combat. Reasonable petition is when enough people with viable grievances petition for a member to be removed. Honorable combat is when someone challenges a Knight for their position. Because of this system, a natural respect is garnered by the people, and as a result of that there’s hardly any petty crime. As for the larger crimes, those are dealt with quickly, there’s far worse problems to deal with in this world than crime,” Damian says.

“And the law?” Jason probes.

“No unreasonable violence without just cause and material evidence,” Damian says. “That’s the best way to put why you two were arrested. The victim ran away so you didn’t have their testimony, the criminal was knocked out cold so he couldn’t say anything anyway, and two people without IDs were spotted at the scene. Not a good look, right?”

“Fair enough,” Tim brushes his shoulder.

“It’s a good thing you two are in civilian attire, makes it easier for you to blend in,” Damian says.

“Yeah… speaking of, where’s your uniform? What’s with the get up?” Jason asks.

“It’s at the apartment right now, we had to keep it hidden. To be able to integrate quickly I joined the Knighthood alongside a new regiment, I lucked out in the timing, but because of that I have a strict regimen to stick to, it’s been hard to investigate, but now that I have you both here we should be able to delegate.” The train slows to a stop and the cabin door opens automatically. Damian held a finger to his lips to signal that the conversation was over and the older two nodded. Damian leads them out of the train and the trio steps into a high-ceiling station. “We’re in the citadel now, the Knightsguard is the primary form of law enforcement here,” Damian says just loud enough for them to hear.

“This looks right out of a fantasy book,” Tim looks around.

“Uh… yeah,” Jason watches people interacting with holograms and other tech he couldn’t have even imagined. “So, where’s (Y/N)?” He asks.

“I’m taking you to her, obviously,” Damian grimaces. “But she’s busy right now, we’ll have to wait, but you’ll be able to see her,” Damian leads them down a series of corridors. “I need you both to remain calm while we’re here, though, remember we have to fly under the radar if we’re all going to go home, that means we have to play by their rules,” Damian says.

“Yeah, I can be calm,” Jason huffs. Tim and Damian deadpan toward him. “What? I can!”

“Says the man who decked someone first thing,” Damian chuckles.

“How’d you even know that was us anyway?!” Jason gasps.

“Two men in their twenties, one used excessive force on a civilian and the other screamed in frustration when it happened, then they argued with each other right after,” Damian recites. “I didn’t even have to listen to your names to know it was you two,” his mouth falls into a flat line.

“That could’ve been anyone, though,” Tim says.

“Sure, in any other earth where law-breaking was common, like ours. I already explained to you that things are different here. Not to mention, those other worse things to worry about,” Damian led the two into an arena-like room.

“Dami! Over here!” A voice yells out.

“Ooh, Dami, huh?” Jason nudges him and Damian rolls his eyes.

“Don’t embarrass me,” he glowers.

“It’s kinda in the job description,” Jason snarks and Damian frowns.

“You two are so similar,” he mumbles under his breath. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” he responds to Retta regardless and the three approach them.

“Whoa, who are these?” Lowen asks.

“These are my brothers, Tim and Jason,” Damian introduces them. “They are also from our backwater mountain village,” Damian glares at Hugo.

“Whoa…” Hugo was stuck in admiration, though.

“You two, the group here are my friends, don’t be weird. The one eating a sandwich is Niers, the one who called us over is Retta, the girl playing with those rocks is Luciana, the one reading over there is Lowen, and the one making googly eyes toward Jason is Hugo,” Damian runs through the list and the group exchanges awkward hellos.

“Well, you’re all just in time! The Brigade’s about to start their sparring matches,” Retta points toward the ring in the middle. “Every month the Brigade checks their individual progress through these matches, randomized opponents and randomized scenarios. Though we don’t have to be here, it’s always fascinating to see how quick-witted they are. Truly they are the best of the best for a reason,” she explains.

“Yeah? We’ll see about that,” Jason mutters.

“Jason’s somewhat of an expert,” Tim nudges him.

“What about you?” Lowen snarks.

“He’s smart,” Damian answers for him.

“That’s… that’s it?” Lowen hums.

“Trust us, he’s the most important one,” Jason sighs.

“Oh! It’s starting!” Niers leans forward, pulling out his phone to start recording. “Looks like Officer Jones and Lieutenant Wright are first,” he says.

“Jones is the one on the left, Wright, I’m sure, looks familiar,” Damian speaks so only the two could hear him.

“Holy shit… that’s Alex,” Jason squints his eyes. “What’s he doing here?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out myself,” Damian leans forward. “I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“In our line of work, those don’t exist,” Tim replies.

“What’s your first impression of them? Just a curious question,” Luciana butts into their conversation, she’s looking at Jason, the so-called expert.

“Well…” Jason leans forward. “Both of them are in the military, that’s clear from their builds. Jones has a broader build, though, his shoulders are heavier but his arms are just as built, he probably uses a heavy weapon, right?”

“Right, he uses battle axes,” Luciana leans back. “And the lieutenant?”

“Hm…” Jason thought back, he’d met Alex a couple of times, that nerd. He couldn’t imagine him wielding anything as heavy as an axe, and with that more balanced build it was clear that, if anything, he would only be able to use lightweight weapons. Then again, Alex is a nerd, and if this world is straight out of a story booy then one thing could be plausible. “Magic user.”

“He is an expert!” Niers gasps.

“Just lucky guesses,” Jason hums.

“Watch the screens there,” Retta points to the monitors. “Look, you can see who’s fighting on that first one and the second one shows the random scenario.”

“Swords, wow,” Lowen closed his book and watched with an intent gaze. “Just look at the way they even hold them,” he was amazed, and rightfully so.

“So, you both have talents in martial arts?” Retta asks.

“Yeah, but I’ve never used a sword before,” Jason shrugs.

“Observe carefully,” Damian mutters. Tim and Jason catch onto his words and they turn their focus to the fight ahead of them.

~

2013

You walked downstairs one night, the moon was high in the sky and the stars just barely peeking out of Gotham’s smog. You had another nightmare, the same one you’ve been having for a while now. Your fear of being left alone because of the looming threat of death was one that you didn’t think would be going away any time soon. You walked into the kitchen, ready to pour yourself a glass of water.

“Hey, (Y/N),” Tim says behind you. You gasped in surprise, nearly dropping the glass while turning around. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says. There’s a mug in front of him, freshly poured and still cooling down.

“Is everything okay?” You pulled up a chair in front of him and he hesitated before answering.

“… No,” he looks into the mug in front of him. “I know I volunteered to become the next Robin but… training’s been harder than I thought it would be,” he shakes his head.

“That bad?” You rest your head on your hand. “Is Dick being too hard on you?”

“No, it’s not that, if anything Dick is the only one I’m actually learning from,” Tim shakes his head. “It’s just… it’s a lot,” he admits. You leaned forward on the table now.

“Well, for what it counts, I know next to nothing about fighting crime, so if you ever want to take a break, why not spend the day with me? I’m just a boring old civilian, but it’ll be nice to get some fresh air once in a while,” you offered.

“You’re not just a boring old civilian,” he shakes his head. “But… if you’re not doing anything tomorrow, maybe we can do something then?”

“Tomorrow?” You hummed. “Sure, let’s go do something after school,” you nodded. “I’ll tell dad so don’t worry about it, if he gets upset he’d have to go through me first,” you joked.

“Yes! I can’t wait!”

The next day, you and Tim were practically bouncing in your shoes waiting for the day to be over. Tim wondering what you had planned and you wondering how the day will go. This is the first time you’d have something of a younger sibling and you were so excited about it. You were excited to spend time with Tim the same way your older siblings spent time with you. It was a miracle that your dad agreed to let you take Tim out for the day, granted Dick did most of the talking, but you were thankful nonetheless. And, once the bell rang, it was nearly in the blink of an eye that both of you were outside.

“So, what are we doing today?” Tim asks.

“Hmm…” you pulled out two slips of paper and showed them to Tim, blank side up. “Choose one.”

“Any of them?”

“Yup, the one you choose is the one we’ll do today,” you nodded.

“Okay, well…” he looks between them both and selects the left one, “ice cream?”

“Ice cream it is,” you showed him the other paper which simply read ‘Arcade’ and you saw the way his eyes lit up, “this one is for the next time we hang out.”

“Next time?”

“Sure, even heroes need breaks,” you nudged him. “Anyway, there’s this hole-in-the-wall place I used to go to all the time, you’ll love it there, they have this cookie-butter flavor that is just so good,” you hummed.

“Cookie butter sounds good right now,” Tim follows at your heels.

“Hey, catch up! Don’t walk behind me like that,” you waited for him to join you at your side before continuing onward. “Look at those, Timmy,” you pointed into the shop window at the shoes. “I’ve been wanting that pair since forever,” you pointed at the one in the middle.

“Why don’t you just buy them then?” He asks you.

“Where’s the fun in that? My mom taught me from the get-go to earn things before getting them. Sure, her way was a bit…”

“Illegal?”

“Yeah, yeah,” you tilted your head to the side and nodded, “so I decided to combine both her and dad’s philosophies.”

“Beating people up?”

“No, no,” you shook your head quickly. “Work hard to make the prizes more worthwhile. It’s good for goal setting, and motivation, and it feels nice to finally reach a goal,” you pointed at the shoes. “I’m not going to buy those shoes until I graduate high school. No ifs, ands, or buts,” you announced. You and Tim walked into the ice cream parlor next to it and Tim slid into a booth. “How about you, Timmy? What’s your motivation?” Tim hums for a second.

“I want to do what’s right,” he says.

“You sure about that?” You asked him. He looks confused. “Think about it, Tim. I’m gonna get our ice cream.”

“But, that is my motivation.”

“That’s like premeds saying they want to save lives when asked why they wanted to go into medicine,” you explained.

“Well, you want to be a premed, why do you want to go into medicine?”

“Surgery, I want to specialize in that specifically because I like cutting things open,” you laughed and Tim’s face grew grim.

“Are you serious?!”

“Yeah, I mean, cutting things open with consent, duh, but see it’s small reasons that will help you drive your bigger one,” you say. “Anyway, what flavor do you want?”

“Chocolate, please.”

“Sounds good, think about it, Timmy, I’ll be right back.”

~

2022

“Talk about crowd,” Carter looks out from his spot. “When did we become zoo animals?” He nudges you.

“Who knows? It started out with the twins observing us, and now we have half the knighthood here,” you shrugged. “Poor Nix, though, he got the short end of the stick with swords.”

“He was never good at that subject,” you and Carter watched the sword slip out of Nixon’s hand and land stuck to the ground beneath. Alex, meanwhile, stops the blade right as it would’ve hit Nixon’s neck.

“Yield! I yield,” Nixon rose his hands and Alex put the sword away, offering his hand instead, which Nixon took with pride. “Good one, Lex,” he pulls Alex in and the two bump shoulders before separating. “Hey, stage’s all yours!” Nixon flags you both down.

“Yeah, yeah, take your time to walk that one off,” you fired back. Nixon rolled his eyes and followed Alex.

“Nixon, you have to pay more attention to your footing, I didn’t even have to worry about striking you since you were too busy tripping over yourself,” Alex says, “it’s amazing that you can wield an axe a foot taller than you.”

“Hey, come on, an axe is weighed totally differently than a sword,” Nixon shrugs. “Who’s up next anyway?”

“That would be us,” you raised your hand alongside Carter’s.

“Oh, now this I gotta see, you two don’t get paired up often,” Nixon grins. “My money’s on the Captain, of course,” he whispers to Alex.

“That all depends on what the random scenario is,” you shrugged. “If it’s anything other than swordsmanship or rifling, I’m screwed,” you sighed and followed Carter out, keeping your eyes glued to the screen to see the scenario. The words moved through the screen quickly in a wheel-like fashion until they settled on one phrase.

‘Hand-to-hand combat’

“Damn it all,” you cursed. Carter, meanwhile, stretched his arms across his chest. “You’re an expert at this one, Adara.”

“You would know,” he answers with a grin.

“Oh shut up,” you rolled your eyes, but your smile betrayed you. You grabbed the wraps from the table and secured them around your hands. “Go easy, maybe?”

“You’d hate me if I did,” Carter held his hand out and you shook it with a firm grasp.

“Good answer,” you separated and took a deep breath and, once the buzzer sounded, your first move was to block, of all things. Too preoccupied with what was going on in the stands, you were more focused on not getting knocked down.

“Hey, she kinda looks like (Y/N),” Jason whistles. Damian and Tim turn back to look at him, the latter’s jaw on the floor.

“You really are stupid, aren’t you?” Damian clicks his tongue.

“That is (Y/N)!” Tim gestures toward you with open hands and Jason whistles louder.

“Oh!” He leans back to get a wider view. “Oh,” his voice drops alongside his jaw. He shoots up and runs down the bleachers.

“Jason! Don’t do anything dumb!” Tim makes a move to follow, but Damian pulls him down.

“Shh!”

“He’s gonna blow our cover!”

“You’re both going to blow our cover if you make a scene,” Damian hisses. 

“(Y/N)!” Jason cupped his hands around his mouth and your head whipped to the side.

“Jason?!” Now it was your turn to be shocked.

“Twelve o’clock!” He shouts. You duck your head in time to dodge the jab.

“Distracted, cap?” Carter pulls his fists back and you hold your arms in a defensive stance while shaking the shock from your thoughts. You knew Carter well enough to know that he wasn’t going to let you off easy, and such was true when he landed a hit clean on your jaw. You stumbled back on slightly, pushing your mandible back in place.

“Good hit.”

“Not good enough apparently.” Carter was relentless, you knew he had a natural talent at this but goddammit you were about to get schooled in front of the newbies. You blocked another hit from him and ducked under his swing. You could only dodge him for so long, you’d have to fight back eventually, but he kept all of his weak points well-guarded, moving just enough every time to block you off. It was when he knocked the wind out of you, causing you to stumble back and land against the railing, then a small ray of hope appeared.

“Hey, kid,” Jason takes your shoulders and holds you steady, “come on, shake it off. When dealing with opponents twice your size, you gotta go for the spots they won’t think twice of. Looks like this guy doesn’t skip chest day, but if you look at his proportions, your best bet is to go for the legs and then you throw punches,” he instructs. You nodded your head shakily, your pride was getting in the way of your logic right now.

“Yeah, okay, why?” Was all you were able to get out.

“I’ll be damned if my little sister loses in a hand-to-hand fight, this is my bread and butter,” he hits his chest with his fist. “Now go fuck him up!” He pushes you forward and you roll your neck, the world stabilizing around you and your breathing steadying again.

“Okay, I’m back,” you hold your hands in front of you.

“Isn’t that cheating?” He nudges his head toward Jason.

“Please, he just wanted to say ‘hello,’” you shrugged and charged again. Go for the legs, that’s right, that was always Carter’s weak point, why didn’t you think of that before? Good on Jason for noticing it as soon as he looked at him too, just goes to show you still have a lot to learn. Color Carter surprised when you roundhoused him first, knocking him onto his back and grabbing him by the collar. “Yield.”

“Nah,” he grabs your arm and sweeps you off of your feet, you were airborne for a while before you felt yourself pinned to the ground. You broke free from his grasp and rolled to the side, regaining your footing quickly to move out of the way of another swing.

“Come on, (Y/N)!” Of course, Jason was always the loudest in the room. You adjusted steadied your stance and threw a jab just as you moved out of the way of Carter’s right hook.

“Who’s he, anyway?” Carter asks.

“Focus,” you duck behind him and sweep his legs again, this time Carter falls forward, but you grab the back of his shirt on time. “You always keep your back open,” you shook your head.

“Well, I usually have you to watch it,” he pushes up and pivots on his heel, once again grabbing your arm, but you took this as a chance to slam your knee into his abdomen, effectively knocking the wind out of him and pushing him to the side. You stretched your arms out again and, right as he recovered, you landed a hit clean against his jaw, knocking him onto the floor. You shook the stinging pain out of your hands while he raised his right one. “Yield,” he adjusts his jaw and you help him up.

“Goes to show I’m captain for a reason, right?” You pulled him close so you could whisper in his ear. “Why’d you let me win? I know you can pack a harder punch.”

“Half the knighthood’s watching, and that guy who said ‘hello’ is glaring daggers at me,” he nudges his head toward Jason. Jason. You let go of him and turn to your brother, nodding toward the side of the stage, and he catches your signal, going in that direction while you drop the wraps back in their place. “Where are you off to?”

“Investigation, watch over Eve’s and Alex’s spar for me,” you walked under the entrance and spotted Jason at the end. “Don’t get excited, he let me win,” you jutted your thumb behind you, but Jason still had a proud grin on his face.

“Does it matter? Look at you go, kiddo!” He clapped a hand against your back and you groaned. “Now… what the fuck was that?!” His shout was obvious and you squeezed your eyes shut.

“Look, Jay, a lot has changed since we last spoke, but more importantly, what the hell are you doing here? How? Are the others about to come pouring in?” You asked.

“Oh, actually, Tim’s here too.”

“Tim’s here too?!”

“Yeah, wanna say hi?”

“Jason, be serious, you shouldn’t be here, the three of you!”

“Well, duh, Tim and I came here to nab you and Damian and head back.”

“Head back? Do you even know how to head back?!”

“Sure,” Jason pulls out the wristwatch and you grab it, looking at the damaged insignia on the front. It was almost too scraped and worn through to be able to get a clear image, but the shape was a dead giveaway.

“How did you get this?”

“You left it behind?”

“Me? No, no, that’s impossible, I don’t use this model,” you said.

“Model? Wait, you have one of these?” Jason points at it in your hands.

“Yes, kind of, it’s complicated, Jay.”

“And you never came home?!” You stopped. You took a deep breath.

“… No,” you shook your head. You opened the watch. “Whatever you two did to this, it’s busted beyond repair. It can’t get you back now, and the models I use are under lock and key by the Crown,” you shut the watch with one hand and handed it back to Jason.

“And since Damian’s still here then you haven’t been able to get it, huh?”

“Without putting him at risk, no,” you crossed your arms and Jason mirrored your stance. “I’m not going back, Jay.”

“I’m not going to try to convince you,” he says while rubbing the back of his neck harshly. “Look, I know you have your reasons, and I’m not going to bang my head against a wall to understand them—”

“I thought you of all people would understand,” you interjected.

“What?”

“You didn’t come home either, did you?” You asked.

“That was different.”

“How so?” You stepped up. “We both died because of a mistake that father made and we both came back fundamentally changed from who we were before, how are we different?”

“Because you are you and I am me,” Jason points to you then to himself. “I… I can’t explain it other than that,” he shakes his head.

“Sister,” Damian approaches with Tim in tow.

“We’ll finish this conversation later,” you took the watch from Jason’s hand and held it up. “Look familiar, Damian?” You held it by the chain and the younger nodded. “Shit, this just got more complicated,” you muttered. You shoved it into your pocket as soon as you heard footsteps.

“Ayo, Cap!” Nixon waves his hand. “Ayo… everyone else,” he observes the group while the rest of the Brigade follow behind him. 

“Whoa, long time no see, Alex,” Jason waves.

“Hello, Jason,” Alex nods his head. “I don’t suppose daddy dearest will be next, will he?” Alex whispers toward you.

“Interesting to see a familiar face,” Tim was already making connections, you could see it in his expression.

“Shit… the Queen’s gonna kill me,” you slumped your shoulders and your eyes rolled toward the ceiling. “Would it be nepotism if I just tossed them in some honorary role?” You looked at Alex.

“Yes, very, but they’re too old to take the recruits’ test too,” Alex hums.

“It’s fine, there’s no need,” Tim cuts in. “We’ll be in and out, we’re just here to get Damian and (Y/N) and we’ll be on our way—”

“Whoa, whoa, what do you mean you’re here for the captain?” Carter subtly steps next to you now. “Sure, take the kid, we were looking for ways to send him back anyway, but you can’t take her.” He looks toward you and you sigh.

“What do you mean we can’t take her?” Tim frowns.

“Stop,” you held your hand out and the group fell into a tangible silence. “Look, we can’t have this conversation until we even find a way to send them back. We haven’t had access to our watches since we came back, and we can only use those with a direct Royal order, so until then, we’re going to have to find a way for you both to lie low, that’s why I inducted Damian into the Knighthood, it gave me a way to keep an eye on him while I researched the monster outbreaks,” you explain.

“There’s monsters here too?” Tim asks.

“Naturally,” you nodded. “Any of you have any ideas on how I handle my brothers?” You looked at your team.

“You are taking this surprisingly well,” Alex comments. You look at your watch.

“No time to freak out, I have to head down to the lab soon, there are developments with the daemon I need to check out,” you silenced your phone, “well? Anyone?”

“It’s a long shot, but…” Eve hums. “I know we have openings on our research team, we could probably fit them in there,” she says.

“I could do that,” Tim says. “Jason, though, I’m not too sure,” he looks at his brother, who crossed his arms.

“There is that way,” Alex speaks up but you shook your head.

“No way.”

“Well, it’s your best bet if you don’t want Jason around vials ten times older than he is,” Alex insists.

“What is it? I can handle it,” Jason nods.

“Mm… who would he fight though? He has to take someone’s place,” you mumbled.

“Or, if he fought someone with high authority and they were impressed with him that could work too,” Alex insists.

“Who has that authority?” You asked him.

“…” Alex didn’t answer.

“Oh,” your eyes widened slightly with the realization. “Okay, yeah,” you nodded. “Jason, repeat after me,” you looked at him and he nodded. “I, Jason Todd.”

“I, Jason Todd.”

“Challenge.”

“Challenge?”

“The Captain of the Brigade.”

“The Captain of the Brigade.”

“For a position on their team.”

“For a position on their… team?” Jason’s head tilts slightly.

“Sure, challenge accepted,” you took his hand and shook it.

“Wait… What?!” You pushed him toward the arena. “Hold on!”

“See you guys in a bit, I’ll explain everything after this, promise, meanwhile someone makes up an ID for him and Timmy,” you looked at your team and they nodded, heading toward the stands. “Jason, make it look realistic, yeah? Eyes everywhere.” You pushed him out of the entryway and Jason looked around the arena. He’d seen it from above, but to be in the center of it all was a whole new experience.

“Get a load of this! Someone challenged the Captain!” A voice shouted.

“Captain Wayne?! He doesn’t stand a chance!”

“Who is he anyway? Someone pull up his ID.”

“Not every day we see someone not in the Knighthood challenge, should be interesting.”

“What did you get me into?” Jason asks, looking around the now looming arena.

“Shh,” you pointed toward the screens. The phrases rolled in roulette until it settled: No scenario. “Well, that’s just luck.” Two tables rose on either side of you. “Take your pick, Jay. Whichever you choose I’ll go with too. If I’m impressed, I’ll induct you in, if not… well, we’ll deal with that after,” you shrugged and stood at the table, waiting for your opponent to make his choice. Jason, as predicted, picked up the pistols. “Don’t worry, there’s an enchantment on them, nothing here is deadly,” you told him, picking up your own pair of guns. “We’re sparring, not killing.”

“Sure, yeah,” he gives them a spin to test their weight, and, strangely enough, they felt perfect. “So what exactly are we doing?”

“Only way I can keep you two close by. Tim goes with research, you stick by me. I can’t have you running off punching people, Jay.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Not here you can’t, god, you’re worse than Damian,” you readjusted your grip around the handles. “Think of it as a spar, you’ve done plenty of those.”

“This isn’t fair, though,” Jason stood at one end of the arena. “You’ve watched me since I started, you know all my moves.”

“Not true, there was a three-year gap, right? I would hope you learned something new.”

“Oho, you really are my sister if you’re making jokes about your death,” Jason held the pistol up. “I saw that fight too, let’s get caught up,” Jason takes the first shot and you move out of the way just in time, taking your own shot in response.

~

2015

“So, anyway,” Tim takes a bite of his cheeseburger while you drank your soda, “Conner did some crazy shit where he ripped the robot in two, it was insane!” Tim continued to tell his story but soon he caught himself.

“It’s okay, he’s still your best friend,” you urged him to continue.

“Still, though, I mean…” Tim crosses his arms.

“At least he did it the right way, he broke up with me first,” you shrugged. “And it’s good for you too! You don’t have to hear me talking about him anymore,” you nudged him playfully and continued eating. “Anyway, you were saying?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, sis,” he shakes his head. “Plus, I’m out here with you, why would I want to talk about work?” Tim groans. “How are you?”

“Oh, you know, the usual,” you hummed. “I’ve just sent out my applications. I’m looking into some different universities,” you pulled up the list on your phone. “I’m really looking at Metropolis or Central City, they have strong STEM programs that I’m interested in,” you said.

“Oh… what about Gotham U?” Tim asks. You look up from your phone and you don’t quite think you’ve seen that expression on him before.

“Of course, that’s my safe university, I’m pretty much guaranteed acceptance with my namesake alone,” you cleared your throat. “Is… is everything okay, Timmy?” You asked him. You couldn’t beat around the bush anymore. You’d noticed Tim being a bit more… resistant to certain things going on in the house. You leaving for college being one of them, you never noticed just how close you two were until now.

“Bruce… he doesn’t need me anymore, huh?” He says quietly.

“Oh, Tim, don’t say that,” you straightened your posture and you took a deep breath.

“And you… you have an actual younger brother now,” Tim says quietly.

“Hey, come on, blood doesn’t make the bond,” you say. “Plus, no one could ever replace you,” you continued. “I mean, not just anyone memorizes 200 digits of pi for fun.”

“Come on, that’s nothing!” Tim grumbles.

“Definitely something, Tim I cry tears of joy when problems tell me to just use pi instead of 3.14,” you laughed. “But, I’m serious, Tim, if anything you’re going to get promoted,” you grinned. Tim shoots you an uneasy smile.

“Yeah, I guess, I don’t know what exactly I’m so worried about,” he says. “I mean… well, I don’t know,” he stops and decides not to pursue it any further. “But, uh, Metropolis, huh? That’s a good school!”

“I know, just a little far now that I think about it,” you muttered. “Gotham’s program isn’t so bad either, I guess,” you hummed and took a quick glance at Tim, who already seemed a little happier.

“But, (Y/N), you don’t have to go there, you looked excited talking about those other two,” Tim catches your glance. “It’s just… they’re far,” he leans back against the booth. “We can’t be with you there, you know? You’d be on your own and you’re a Wayne and…”

“Hey, I can handle myself pretty well, I think,” you insisted. “I mean, I made it this far, right?”

“Because you had us!”

“Tim,” your voice dropped and you looked both ways, ensuring that no one was listening. “I get that I’m not as… extraordinary as you all, but I’m not helpless, I can take care of myself, I’ve been taking care of myself, and I know you mean well, but Tim you’ve gotta trust me a little,” you folded your hands in front of you. “I’m not as fragile as Dick likes to make me out to be.”

“That’s… that’s not what I meant,” Tim looked away and you sighed.

“I know, I know you just want me to be safe, all of us,” you crossed your arms. “But I can’t just live in fear. One thing being in this family teaches you is how to be careful,” you looked to the side. “And another thing it teaches you is that family is what you make it,” Tim looked at you now. “Dick and I aren’t blood-related, neither was Jason, and neither are you, but still I have never looked at any of you as anything other than my brothers. The same goes for Babs, Steph, and Cass, you’re all my family regardless of anything, and I will always put you all first. But, with that said, the same goes for Damian. He’s young, alone, and probably confused, we can’t alienate him just because of his background, if anything, that’s why we should accept him more. And you, Tim, I get it, you’re different from the first two, but that doesn’t make you any less than them, hell, I bet if Jason were here right now he’d say the same.”

“But…”

“No ‘buts, Tim, I mean it, you’re amazing!”

“Maybe… maybe I’ll take a page out of your book then, (Y/N), retire early,” he says. Your shoulders slumped.

“Whatever you want, little bro. And if you do, I’ll be here to help you out. And if not, I’ll still be here.”

“Even if you’re miles away?”

“You know, there’s this wonderful invention called cell phones.”

“Stop it! You know what I mean!”

“Yes! Yeah, of course, even if I’m partying it up in Central City, if you call me I’ll come running, I know you’d do the same.”

“Well, that goes without saying,” Tim crosses his arms now.

“So… the new team, huh? I’d love to meet them.”

“Oh, you are going to love them, (Y/N)!” Tim beams.

~

2022

You just narrowly dodged the bullet this time, had Jason already gotten a reading on you? Impossible. You had to switch up your tactics quickly or else you’d actually lose. Think, (Y/N), what was he going to do next? Jason, as much as a wildcard he is, you could read him easily. He had these kinds of wind-ups to certain moves, you noticed. Like now, that roll of his shoulder, he’s going in for a hook so now you had to think about where he’s aiming. If he ducks low enough it’s your abdomen, if he keeps his level then it’s your shoulder. Leave it to Jason to play dirty, he picked up the pistols only for them to be a red herring, but, then again, you should’ve expected this from him as soon as he holstered the damn things.

But you knew him as well as he knew you. You play by the rules, maybe a little too much, out of the box operations were more of Carter’s forte while you and Alex tried to stick to orders more. But, come to think of it, you’d always been this way. Always doing what you’re told and never standing up until you have to. Then here’s Jason, an absolute force of nature when he’s pissed and an unstoppable machine when he’s focused.

You dodged his punch and bounced back, creating some distance before aiming the pistol and taking three shots. One on his arm, the other on his leg, and the third missed its mark when it grazed his shoulder. On each impact the bullet dissipated, hitting him with enough force to push him back but hardly enough to leave more than a bruise. You switched hands and fired another round, this time the bullet grazed his cheek and Jason couldn’t stop the proud smirk that rose on his face.

You never really got why your siblings were so crazy about sparring. Sure, you got it from a training standpoint, but their obsession with it was on a new level. It was just a pass time for them and you’d just sip on a juicebox and wait for them to finish.

But you get it now.

It’s a whole different language, one that was perfected by the Waynes. Each attack was like a part of a conversation, let’s get caught up, you get what he meant now. Even your spars with the other members of the Brigade weren’t this entertaining, and everyone in the stands agreed. Usually, you’d hear roars of shouts but this time it was silent. Everyone was watching in tense observation, trying to see if Jason had what it takes to join the Brigade and, hell, he actually might.

“Come on, Jay, you picked up those pistols, use them,” you taunted. Jason shook his head and charged again, you barely moved out of the way this time. “You’re faster.”

“I do cardio with Steph.” You ducked under his swing.

“Wider shoulders too.” He grabbed your fist before you could hit him and you shook him off before he could toss you.

“Dick would kill me if I skipped chest day.” You held the pistol up but misfired.

“Thought he was more of a glutes guy.” Jason evades your attacks easily.

“You know that’s all genetics.” He shrugs and you take this chance to shoot at his foot, causing him to lose his balance temporarily.

“True.” It didn’t last long, Jason was up on his feet in seconds and you were planning your next attack.

“I’m starting to think you just use those things as a safety blanket,” you looked at either pistol and Jason rolled his eyes.

“You know one thing about you that hasn’t changed, kiddo?”

“What?”

“You still don’t look under you.”

“What?” You looked down and your breath stopped, seeing the array of bullet shells and spikes beneath you. “Now when did you get those?”

“Had them from the beginning, you just weren’t paying attention,” he shakes his head.

“Effectively, this would be a draw,” you looked around you, one misstep would be something of an unfortunate lego brick under your shoes. “Neither of us can move forward,” you explained.

“Oh yeah? Boring,” he shakes his head.

“This match is over,” you announced, stretching out your neck and, in seconds, all the weapons disappeared as if in a simulation and the cheering was deaf to you. “I like you, you’re not Brigade material, but I’ll find a place for you,” you held your hand out and he shook it.

“Sure, I look forward to it,” he says. 

“So, I have to ask, why didn’t you use them? Wanted to prove you didn’t need them?”

“You really think I would shoot you? Spar or not, I couldn’t do that,” he shakes his head. You stopped for a moment, but regained your senses before anyone could notice. “Now what?”

“I either get my ass kicked by the queen or we start your onboarding, should be quick, I’m putting you in one of the honorary squadrons,” you nodded. Jason followed you into the end of the arena. “What we talked about earlier? We discuss it to no one. Not Damian, not Tim, and no one on my team,” you said.

“What did we talk about again?” Jason caught your hint.

“Captain! Captain, we have a problem!” Marion was quick to meet you.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“That beast from a few months ago, the one that attacked the new recruits! It’s back! It’s in the courtyard right now! Aldryn’s moving the royal family to a safe house as we speak.”

“Shit,” you looked at Jason, then to Marion. “Take me there,” you pulled your phone out and held it to your ear. “All members of the Brigade report to the courtyard, we have another Daemon to take care of,” you held your hand over the speaker, “Mary how many of them are there?”

“We counted one so far, but if it’s anything like before…” She doesn’t finish her sentence.

“You take the recruits and go somewhere safe, we’ll call for help if we need it.” You ran off toward the courtyard and Marion looks at Jason.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m with her,” Jason jogs after you. “What the hell is a Daemon, (Y/N)?!”

“We have monsters. This is a recent one that happens to decimate towns,” you explained, “why are you following me? Go somewhere far!”

“I wouldn’t even know where to go!” Jason defends. You both stop once you reach the outdoors and Jason swallows down his words. “That… is that it?”

“Whatever it is… that is not the one that attacked the recruits before,” you looked up. It was huge, bigger than anyone you had fought before. It towered over you easily while fresh blood dripped down its maw. It spots you and its ears straighten in alert while its eyes, empty white sockets, bored their way into you. Your eyes drifted to its neck and you could just barely make out the glint of metal that was hidden in its fur. You held your phone up again. “We need it alive.”

“Roger,” Nixon answered first.

“I’ll handle crowd control,” Alex says.

“I’m on my way now,” Eve was next.

“Can you handle it until we get there?” Carter.

“Sure… maybe.” The beast growled and, maybe you were just noticing it, but with every roar or grunt the skies seemed to get darker.

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[anakin-pilled]

𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘶𝘴 - anakin skywalker x fem! reader (part two)

pairing: anakin skywalker x fem! reader

wordcount: 4.7k

warnings: no use of y/n

rating: rating: 18+ (my blog is 18+ only)

author's note: thank you so much to everyone who liked and reblogged the first chapter! it meant so much to me. i cant believe i managed to push out two chapters in a week!! this chapter might seem slow, but only because im still new to writing fanfics and im trying to find the right groove of things, but please be patient as i hope to fasten the pace and tension with the new few chapters. as always, proofread but please let me know if you see any mistakes and feel free to nicely provide any criticism or suggestions (pls). i really want to keep everything as canon compliant to the star wars universe (minus the timeline, that's unspecified), but i decided to take some creative liberties for minor cultural and geographic details. i get most of my information from wookiepedia or the star wars reddit, so if you have any questions about anything, i'm happy to send any links. okay im gonna stop yapping now. taglist at the bottom! creds to saradika for the header!

You couldn’t bear another moment of dinner with Anakin. Something about him set your nerves on fire and left you completely unsettled–in a good way, a way that you’ve rarely felt before. But it was a way that you didn’t know how to deal with, and this deeply troubled you. How were you going to spend the next ten rotations with him? It sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. You doubted Anakin would do anything wrong. No, you would be the one to do something wrong. Totally embarrassing yourself in front of him or unintentionally acting off-putting just because you found him too attractive.

Dammit, you were thinking like a schoolgirl with a crush. 

After retreating to your quarters, you began to pace around your room. You had to get yourself out of this situation. Avoidance was always your favorite escape plan. It made life simpler when you avoided anything that made you uncomfortable or anxious. You weren’t exactly sure how you would avoid the 6’2 hunk of a Jedi. Asking Gido to remove him was out of the question. You couldn’t have Anakin removed, especially after the Chancellor had been kind enough to request one of the Jedi’s best members. You were being immature and you knew it. It hadn’t even been a full day and this man already made you so nervous that you felt like going haywire. 

You gave yourself a small facepalm. “What am I going to do?” you whispered to yourself. You needed to put distance between you and Anakin. That way you would stay as unaffected as possible. Plus, it’s not like anything could happen between you two. Anakin was a Jedi, and you knew that the Jedi had some unorthodox rules surrounding relationships. However (a small and delusional) part of you already imagined a future between the two of you.  You already imagined your lips on his. A man that captivating only came around every few millennia. Well, that was hyperbolic of you to think. Even you, a celebrity with access to Coruscant’s rich and famous upper echelon, never came across a man like Anakin. When was the last time you even got fucked or had one good Holodrama kiss? Dating is hard when you’re a celebrity. You meet people with the wrong intentions–cocky men who care more about having you as some sort of trophy or are afraid of looking beneath you just because you’re more rich than them. Plus, aside from the shitty dating pool, you were simply too busy with your career to indulge in relationships and sex. It honestly quite was ironic considering many of your songs revolved around love. 

The more you thought, the more you felt trapped in your room. An intrusive thought popped into your head, but you quickly brushed away the thought before it got you in trouble. But then the thought appeared again, and you couldn’t help but entertain what your brain was saying.

Her presence is suffocating is the first thing Anakin thought as you left the room. As a trained Jedi, Anakin mastered the practice of shielding others' thoughts and emotions from affecting him. But you were being so loud through the Force. Anakin felt the same nervous energy he felt earlier in the day when he first met you. Except this time, he felt it ten times worse. 

Anakin knew he was being quiet during dinner. But it was hard to focus with your energy screaming in his ears! So, he focused on trying to enjoy his meal instead. You were nice, Anakin would give you that. But he felt if he talked to you, while also trying to stave off your energy from his, he would overwhelm himself. It was all too distracting–a feeling that Anakin rarely felt. 

Anakin then proceeded toward his assigned room, ready to prepare for the night. Luckily, he didn’t have to stay on guard the entire night as there was no threat direct threat to you in Coruscant. Sleep slowly became a stranger to Anakin in the past few months, so he welcomed the guest room’s luxurious, canopy bed with an unrefined flop. He lay there for a while, though he didn’t know how for long as he just stared at the window in front of him and thought. 

Anakin suddenly heard a crash! noise coming from the living room. He quickly jumped into action and ran towards the sound. What if an intruder was trying to harm you? Anakin wouldn’t let them get near you. Though he would protect you, a pang of annoyance ran through Anakin’s head. How could anyone gain access to your apartment? He went through your security details with Gido and made sure that all access points were being guarded by either a security guard or a droid. Anakin hoped this wouldn’t become another Padme situation–he wasn’t in the mood for a high-speed speeder chase tonight. Better yet, why didn’t he sense anything? Were you distracting him so much that his senses were dull? Anakin couldn’t have that happening if you were both to survive the next ten rotations together. 

As Anakin reached your living room and investigated the sound, he saw what object made the sound he heard. His eyes first laid sight on a broken flower vase. The turquoise vase was shattered into a million pieces on the floor. Anakin then looked at the figure next to the broken pottery and there you were, dressed in a dark robe, halfway to the entrance of your apartment. A look of shock, then brief fear and then embarrassment, went through your eyes when you saw Anakin standing before you with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyebrows raised. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” Anakin questioned you with a glare. His voice had a deep edge to it. He was relieved that there was no intruder, but he wondered what you were doing. If he didn’t know any better, Anakin would say that it looked like you were in the middle of trying to leave your apartment. Except, Anakin did know better so he knew that was exactly what you were trying to do. The dark robes were a telltale sign of this–it disguised your figure and the hood covered a majority of your face. 

You cleared your throat before putting on a tight-lipped smile, “Oh, I was just trying to night walk in the gardens before going to bed.”

“The gardens? I thought they were closed for renovations. That’s what Gido told me.” There was a slight smirk on Anakin’s face as he replied. He knew he had you.

“Not for me. I have special access…you know, the building manager is a fan of mine. Perks of being famous.” You felt slimy using that as an excuse, but it was better than letting the Jedi know your true intentions. 

“Really?” Anakin admired you for doubling down on your lie, but once again, he could sense your energy through the force. You were hesitant, like you weren’t fully convinced of what you were saying either. Anakin continued, “Then why are you wearing such a thick robe? The weather has been warm lately, even at night. Don’t you think that you would sweat too much?” 

You chuckled nervously before saying, “I sweat all the time.” You quickly shook your head. Kriff that’s not what I meant! you cursed in your head. “I mean I’m used to sweating during practice and performances so it does not bother me too much. I felt chilly which is why I decided to wear my robe on my walk. Please excuse me for disturbing you, General. I must have been in such a rush that I accidentally knocked over this vase. I assure you that I did not intend to raise any alarm.”

“It looks like you were sneaking out to me. Is that why you feel so tense right now? You know, we Jedi can sense emotion. I can sense that you’re not being truthful. There’s no lying to me, pop star.” Anakin replied smoothly. 

You shook your head. It looks like your plan of trying to put distance between you and Anakin wasn’t going to work after all. You should have known–how could you outsmart a Jedi? It was easy to sneak out with your regular security staff, but Anakin was different. 

“I apologize. You’re right. I wasn’t going to take a walk in the gardens. I thought I could visit the night market on level 3204, the Alderaan district. I just needed to clear my head. I didn’t tell because I didn’t think there would be an issue since I was going to keep my identity hidden.” Anakin noted how your apology sounded genuine. 

“Level 3204. Isn’t that a bit far from you? I never suspected that you would stray anywhere past the 5000th level,” said Anakin. When people on Coruscant managed to achieve enough wealth to live on the 5000th level of Coruscant, it was very rare that they ventured anywhere below. The only people that ventured below were those dealing in shady business. That’s not to say that the 3000th level was necessarily bad–he knew that the lower levels were a mixture of the classes ranging from middle-class families to criminals. Anakin had been to almost all the levels of Corscant while on Jedi business. He had seen the most impoverished slums, where crime was rampant and everyone fended for themselves. Yet, he had also seen the richest that Coruscant had to offer–elegant restaurants, opulent theaters, and people dressed in the most expensive fabrics. It always amazed Anakin how in the capital city of the Republic, one of the richest planets in the galaxy, could house such a dichotomy. 

You took offense to Anakin’s words. What did he know about you? Sure, you were wealthy and privileged, but that didn’t mean you had to confine yourself to a small circle of society. You enjoyed visiting what Coruscant had to offer–the different cultures, species, etc. It may have been unconventional for someone of your status, but your parents raised you with humility. Anything you earned in this life could be taken away from you at any moment, so you tried your best to explore and enjoy everything while you still could. 

Now you weren’t thinking about this annoyingly handsome face or soft curls. You were thinking about how he pissed you off. Just another person making assumptions about who I am. Your eyes narrowed before dignifying Anakin with a response, “And where is it that I belong? Please enlighten me. What? Do you think just because I am rich, I wouldn’t dare mingle with anyone in a lower class than me?”

“That’s not how I intended my words to come across.”

“How did you mean for your words to come across?” Anakin felt your energy shift. You were no longer hesitant or nervous. 

“What I mean is that it is unorthodox for celebrities to venture anywhere below Coruscant’s surface. It’s not exactly the most celebrity-friendly place. I would know as I’ve to the 3000th level several times before,” Anakin explained.

“Well, I’m an unorthodox person then. I’ll let you know that I enjoy the night market in the Alderaan district, it has good food and honest people. Now, you can either accompany me or stay here and make more assumptions about me. Whatever you choose, I will still be attending the night market. Feel free to tell Gido.” You turned around and continued walking toward your front door before you were stopped by Anakin. 

“Kriff. You’re not going to make this easy, huh? Fine. I’m going with you to the market because it’s my duty to protect you, but don’t try anything.”

You first discovered this night market in Coruscant’s Alderaan district only a few months into your arrival on the planet. Your fame had not skyrocketed yet, so you could easily travel between Coruscant’s levels without being chased by HoloNet reporters or crazy fans. You stumbled upon the market one night while lost on level 3204. It was a serendipitous moment for you. The night market operated every night and was primarily inhabited by Alderaanian expats, however, there were a few stalls run by species from exotic planets who sold even more exotic goods and foods. At the time you discovered it, you were feeling homesick and lonely. Your home planet of Bar’leth was nothing like Coruscant. Though Bar’leth had some metropolitan cities, it also had greenery and fauna. And the population wasn’t nearly as dense as Coruscant! You grew up in Bar’leth’s capital city, but you could still name your neighbors and there was a sense of community. Coruscant had none of these features. The night market was more than just a market, it reminded you of a tiny piece of home in the most bustling place in all of the galaxy. 

The familiar smell of grilled bantha skewers and roasted pormork flooded your senses. The area was decorated with a mixture of bright, fluorescent neon lighting and the warm, cozy light from twinkle lights from the vendor’s stalls. Light music played in the background from a live band playing in a corner somewhere. Though the market was mainly filled with adults, the occasional child and their family were seen. You and Anakin walked at a comfortable place in the middle of the road. Neither of you was talking, just observing the scene around you. You observed how people interacted with each other and made up life stories for them in your head. Anakin observed for any potential danger. 

“I’m sorry for snapping on you earlier. I hate when people make assumptions about who I am. It’s a sensitive spot for me. You know, with my name always in the tabloids,” it was you who decided to speak first. 

Anakin listened before responding, “Maybe I was wrong to make those assumptions about you.” He still thought it was odd that you wanted to venture so below the surface, but if there was one thing that Anakin understood, it was your disdain for assumptions. As the Chosen One, everyone made assumptions about Anakin—assumptions he should act or think. And somehow, Anakin always failed to live up to people’s assumptions of him. There were very few people in his life who accepted him the way he was. This was another point of contention in his life. 

Instead of letting this event take place in a silent awkwardness like dinner, you decided to make an effort to keep the conversation going. Anakin didn’t directly apologize, but you took his words to be a positive sign. “I know it must be a shock to you that I wanted to visit this market. And you were partially right to judge, who would suspect that I stray far from my life on the surface? The truth is, no one would expect that from me which is exactly why I do what I do. Not even Gido knows that I come down here.” 

“What makes this specific place worth sneaking out for? Aren’t there any other places you would rather be than down here?” Anakin asked this question sincerely. He was curious about you. While he was no stranger to Coruscant’s rich elite, the people he met were confined the the political sector.  He knew how politicians acted and their thought processes, but he knew nothing about the other type of elite—the celebrities, like you. 

“It reminds me of home, and the simple days I used to live before the glitz and glamour. There was a farmer’s market on Bar’leth I frequented with my family. There was local produce, lots of gourmet food, and trinkets of all kinds. I stumbled upon this market by happenstance one day and I never stopped visiting it ever since,” you explain truthfully. You loved the life you lived now and you were extremely grateful for it. But nothing could compare to your old life when you could enjoy the simple pleasures of life without any care in the world. Nowadays life barely gives you a chance to breathe since you were always working on something–whether it is new music, media appearances, or special performances. “You know, you’re actually the first person I have told about this place. You better keep it a secret, or else.” Anakin could tell you were joking by the smile on your face. He returned your joke with a small smile of his own.

You continued the conversation by asking Anakin a question of his own, “Don’t you have a special place that you like to visit when life gets too hectic?”

Anakin’s automatic response was to give you a generic answer. Before he could give you that generic answer, he changed his mind. He knew that was too guarded, but he couldn’t help himself. Anakin had been hurt too many times now–hurt by life, by his actions, and by the actions of others. Opening up was a recipe for disaster, especially when Anakin knew how passionately he felt about almost everything in his life. The only person Anakin managed to completely open up to was Padme, but even she was off-put sometimes by the level of passion and truthfulness he displayed. She never verbally admitted it, but Anakin could tell. Though you two didn’t know each other very well and have had minimal conversation so far, something about your energy invited Anakin to open up. Your energy in the force was serene. However, it wasn’t the type of serenity that Anakin felt whenever he was at the Temple. At the Temple, it was so peaceful, it was almost like it was devoid of any energy–it perfectly balanced all the energies of all the Jedi order and created a feeling of equilibrium. Your energy was serene in a way that reminded Anakin of his mother–comforting and warm. He could feel it radiating off your person. Ever since Anakin left with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, he could never sense that same energy in anyone else. Not even Padme, whose energy was more dynamic and loud. Thus, Anakin decided to be honest with his answer. 

“There is a place that I like to escape to sometimes. It is located in a secluded corner of the Jedi temple and only accessible through the garden wing. I used to go there all the time as a Youngling and then a Padawan. It has the best view of Coruscant since it faces the intersection where the old Republic Theater house and Senate offices meet. On clear days, you can watch the sunset from there.” Anakin didn’t know that the Senate offices were in that direction until a few years after he moved to Coruscant. Once he found out Padme had stepped down as queen and became Naboo’s senator, he would stare at that intersection as a way to feel closer to Padme during their years apart. Despite the breakup, the spot still comforted Anakin because it served as a reminder of how far he had come. He was no longer a lovesick fool and rambunctious Padawan, but a mature and fully-fledged Jedi Knight. Through the transitional nature of life, that spot would always be there for Anakin. 

It was your turn to nod and listen to Anakin.

“How was it like…growing up in the Temple?,” you hesitated, not wanting to overstep any boundaries with Anakin. You remember how the tone of his voice earlier when you questioned him about Tatooine. 

“Growing up in the temple was…different. When I first arrived, I didn’t realize I would be living in a religious organization. There’s a lot about the Jedi that was very different from the life I lived on Tatooine. Though I can’t complain too much, I had a permanent roof over my head and food on my plate every day. And, there was practically no sand at all. The best part,” Anakin finished. 

“I imagine it’s like one big family, no?”

Anakin sucked his teeth in response before continuing, “Since I arrived at the Temple later than the normal age, I didn’t grow up with my crèche. We had lessons together every now and then, but if there was anybody I considered like family to be in the Temple, it would be my former master Obi-Wan, and my Padawan Ashoka. She’s actually a  fan—I promised her I would try to get an autograph.” Anakin looked sheepish at the mention of the autograph.  

“Remind me before you leave. I’ll make sure to sign something. Should I sign her lightsaber?” You made sure to make a serious face while looking at Anakin. Then, you let out a giggle. “I’m only kidding about the last part. Come on, let’s get something sweet.” Your pace picked up before leading Anakin in another direction. 

You stopped by a stall owned by an older Twi’lek lady who sold homemade rishi honeystix. The honeystix quickly became your favorite item at the market because of its’ sweet flavor and crispy batter. They were similar to a childhood favorite snack of yours, except the rishi honeystix was fried, not baked. 

“Can I have two honeystix please?” you asked the owner. She nodded yes before you handed her over the credits, adding some extra for a tip. The owner quickly prepared the dessert before handing it to you and sending a warm smile to both.

“Enjoy the sweet treat! I love seeing young couples like you visit the market,” she stated with a look of adoration on her face. 

You and Anakin straightened your postures and sent a sheepish smile to the owner. 

“Oh, we’re not-” “She’s not my-” You both said at the same time. 

The owner giggled out an apology before turning her back on the both of you and preoccupied herself with preparing more food. 

Her comment affected you more than you would have liked to admit. You couldn’t say you wished you were dating Anakin, you hard knew him after all. But the idea of someone mistaking you to be in a relationship with someone as attractive as Anakin made you feel a funny feeling. You felt a moment of giddy before telling yourself to calm down. 

You led Anakin toward an old fountain that sat in the middle of the market. “Ever tried these before? They’re the best! I don’t come here too often anymore, but whenever I do, I make an effort to buy these.” You then handed Anakin his dessert. 

“I don’t think I have had these before. The Jedi diet consists of the Temple’s cantina food and whatever rations we have for off-world assignments. Though I try to explore new foods when I have the chance,” Anakin stated. He picked up the dessert and observed it. Anakin didn’t have much of a sweet tooth, but he was intrigued by its flavor. A sweet aroma wafted off the dessert and even Anakin felt tempted to try it. 

You were looking toward the distance as Anakin inspected the dessert. You were about to take a bit of your honeystix when you made eye contact with a small figure in the distance. As your eyes focused on the figure, you realized you were looking at a young Rodian child. Their gaze shifted from your eyes to the dessert in hand. Despite the Alderaanian district being one of the more wealthy districts in the lower levels, many families still lived in borderline poverty. You smiled at the child in reassurance before getting up from the fountain and slowly making your way towards them.

Anakin looked up at the sound of your figure getting up and was about to ask you where you were going before he saw you walk to a child and kneel before them. He couldn’t hear what you were saying, but he saw you hand over your honeystix to the child. You hugged the child goodbye, but not before handing them a few extra credits. The child’s purple eyes widened and a bright smile appeared on their face. They gave you another hug before retreating to wherever they came from. 

You got back up from the ground and walked back toward the fountain without saying anything to Anakin. You continued like nothing happened and asked Anakin, “Did you enjoy it?”

He ignored your question. “What was that about?” He was referring to the instance in which you gave away your dessert to a child. 

“I saw the little one looking at my food, so I decided to go over there and offer it to them. I could tell she was hungry. It’s alright, I can always buy myself another.”

Anakin always believed that you could tell a lot about a society or individuals based on the way they treated children. He hated Tatooine and regarded it as one of the lowest civilized planets in the entire galaxy–for many reasons, of course, but the primary reason is that those on Tatooine had no issue trafficking children into slavery and treating them as chattel. He wished that more people displayed kindness toward him as a child. Anakin’s only crime was being born into the world, but aside from that, he was innocent and deserved to be treated with dignity and humanity. You were kind. It seemed like a bare minimum requirement to be astonished at, but with the type of people Anakin has had the displeasure of meeting, kindness was a trait he rarely witnessed outside of the Temple walls. 

You stared at Anakin as if you were waiting for him to say something, but he simply observed your face without saying anything. A timid look washed over your face before you turned your head to the side and blew a piece of hair out of your face. 

“Well, I think it’s time we head back.” 

Being with Anakin was different than you expected. At first, you were overwhelmed by his presence–caught off guard by the fact he looked like a literal god from one of those classical paintings located in one of Corucant’s largest art galleries. You’ve always had a soft spot for pretty boys. Plus, you also had a penchant for romanticizing almost every interaction and person in your life. Not always in the romantic sense though. From brief strangers to friends, you tried to put a positive spin on everyone you encountered. There was no way of telling if fate was real, but you liked to believe so. Anakin was no exception to these rules. 

You were so close to successfully sneaking out of your apartment, without being detected, until you accidentally bumped into that stupid vase. Anakin came running out while you scrambled to make it look like you hadn’t been caught in the middle of doing something you weren’t supposed to be doing. You knew that if Anakin found out that you were leaving the building, he would either force you to say or contact your manager. So, you lied and tried to convince him you weren’t sneaking out. Of course, he saw through you and you gave up without a fight, until he made that stupid comment. Lying was never your strong suit anyway and it wasn’t worth the hassle anyway. So, Anakin joined you on your night adventure. 

Though you were initially anxious, once to got to the market, you felt your head clear. This was your comfort place, and it soothed your racing heart and clouded mind. Once you were past that anxiousness, you found that Anakin had a calming presence, once you got over your initial nerves. Anakin was observational, though it was expected of him to be so. However, it felt like he was really listening to you and clinging to what you said. He looked pensive as you described why you liked the night market so much. You wanted to make conversation with him, you didn’t feel forced to. Maybe it was the nature of the predicament you were both and the fact that he would be your bodyguard for the next week and a half, but you felt drawn to him. You wanted to know more about who the “Hero with No Fear.” You feared that if you got to know him anymore, then you might fall for him.  Except, you had to stop yourself before it went any deeper than that. Once again, you reminded yourself that Anakin was a Jedi. Off-limits. So, as you settled into bed, you promised that you would actually keep your distance. There was no use in getting attached to him. The Jedi belonged to no one. 

taglist: @angie2274 @bunnylovesani @0709fullofstars @js-favnanadoongi @payton-dixonreader it wasn't letting me tag u ):

[chososchalupa]

wish that it was me

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

The last person you wanted to see at this meeting was your older brother. The same brother who left you in the hands of Chuuya Nakahara and the Port Mafia years ago, but all you can see now are the pleading eyes of Osamu Dazai begging for forgiveness.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Chapter four - Don't be mad

wc - 718

cw - self harm, suicide attempt,

i was half asleep and sick while writing this chapter,, also not proofread

chapter five

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“Do you want to talk about it?” Chuuya asked as the two of you sat on his couch. 

You glanced over at him quickly before averting your eyes back to your hands as you played with the sleeve of your shirt, “Why does he act like everything is normal?” 

Chuuya sighed, “Hasn’t he tried explaining it to you?”

He has. Every time you’ve seen each other he's attempted to explain but you weren't interested in his stories. You just wanted an apology, for him to say he missed you, for him to act as if he cared even if it was just pretend. 

“He’s so much happier now, without me. He never even tried to reach out” You spoke, your eyes filling with tears. “He doesn’t even know, does he?”

Chuuyas eyes darted to your wrist as you played with your sleeve. “He knows. I told him.”

You looked up at him as he spoke, “When?”

“The day it happened”

You nodded, your mind flooding with memories from that night.

It was the night Chuuya came home after meeting with Dazai for the first time in years, his eyes looking brighter than usual. He rambled on and on about what Dazai was doing and how much better he looked. He tried explaining why Dazai left but you didn’t hear a thing. 

“Please stop” was all you managed to say before breaking down in tears. 

You could see the light dim in Chuuyas eyes as he wrapped his arms around you, 

“‘m sorry. Just thought you’d wanna know” he mumbled 

Sure, you’ve cried over your brother before, more times than you could count but this time was different. This time you knew for a fact that he was happier without you, living a completely different life without his little sister and that broke you even more. You had calmed down enough for Chuuya to head to bed, leaving you on the couch with your own thoughts. You sat in the dark for what felt like hours before slowly making your way to the bathroom. 

You sat down slowly on the toilet seat as you held a razorblade you had found in one of the drawers in your hand. You whispered an apology before sliding the blade over your wrist. You felt instant regret as you watched the blood flow down your arm, your mind becoming foggy as you screamed for Chuuya. The last thing you remembered was the door swinging open and a voice yelling for you to stay with him.

You woke up the next day in a hospital bed, Mori and Chuuya standing in the room.

“I’m sorry” You whispered, causing them both to look at you. 

“You lost a lot of blood but Chuuya brought you just in time” Mori spoke as he lifted your arm to inspect the stitches he had done. 

“He isn’t worth this, ya know? You can be happy without him” Chuuya said, watching as Mori looked over your wrist. “Don’t do that dumb shit again”

You smiled softly. Although it was unfortunate circumstances, this day caused you and Chuuya to become closer than ever. 

You were brought back to reality when Chuuya snapped his fingers in front of you,

“Huh?” You asked, looking up from your now faded scars.

“I said, you wanna get something to eat?” 

“Sorry, lost in thought. Sure, we can get something” You smiled

“There's a new Mexican restaurant I’ve been wanting to try. Apparently they have-” Chuuya was cut off by his phone ringing, “I have to take this” He spoke, standing up and walking to the kitchen

You sat quietly, listening as Chuuya whisper-yelled to whoever was on the other end of the phone. 

“You idiot, that is the worst fucking idea you’ve ever had”

 You rolled your eyes, now having an idea of who he was talking to, you decided the conversation wasn’t worth listening in on. 

You scrolled on your phone, only looking up when you heard footsteps approaching.

“Okay, don’t be mad but-” 

Your eyes narrowed as he spoke, “Chuuya, I swear to fucking god-” 

Just as Chuuya was about to respond, you heard a familiar knock at the door. 

You took a deep breath before looking from the door back to the man in front of you, 

“I hate you both”

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AO3

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[rorilisa]

Gravity Falls fanfic idea

Okay, so I had the idea for this fanfic last summer and I finally wrote something, so let me know what you think! This is just a preview, a little Chapter 0 if you will. Let's see if I can actually manage updates this time! Oh also, I didn't really proofread, and I wrote this like five minutes ago so please forgive any errors. Future chapters (should they come to exist) will be a lot more thought out and edited. Thanks for reading!

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Dipper should have known things could only stay relatively normal for so long in Gravity Falls. It was suspicious how calm the summer of their senior year was, even more suspicious that their first couple of days at Gravity Falls High School passed by without incident. Being the new kid in school isn’t so bad when you’ve been through an actual apocalypse with most of your grade, even if everyone pretty much pretended Weirdmageddon never happened (as was required by “Never Mind All That” Act). Things were going well with Pacifica, the friendship the two decided to continue after their summer fling two years ago still going strong. Mabel was already two weeks ahead on assignments and searching for a new crush to focus her remaining attention on, currently transfixed by a red-haired girl in their history class that Dipper playfully called “Mabel’s Wendy”. 

Everything was going really, genuinely, actually well. Too well. Almost so incredibly well that Dipper nearly missed the subtle changes that started the week before school began. The gnomes, who paid many visits to the woods around the Mystery Shack, were suddenly gone. Before their first day of senior year, Dipper had gone searching for an hour to no avail. They were nowhere to be found. Not only that, all magical wildlife seemed to be missing from the forest surrounding the Shack, yet when he searched the forest on the other side of town, magical creatures were lurking about everywhere. When Dipper brought it up to Great Uncle Ford, he was brushed off quickly, the older man too busy writing up plans for his next voyage with Stan. 

The next thing he found that night was a newly built house, about 5 miles from the Mystery Shack. It was a beautiful piece of architecture, floor to ceiling windows on every wall and a wrap-around porch that was covered with perfectly placed ivy. Dipper had no idea anyone was moving so close to them, yet when he asked Gruncle Stan about it, he was once again brushed off, given only the information that some ‘rich schmuck’ had built the place and moved his large family into it without so much as a hello to the neighbors (the Mystery Shack was the only building anywhere near the new house, so Dipper didn’t blame them for stopping by). 

Wednesday started just like all the other unnaturally normal days of the now past summer break. Dipper woke up, got dressed, made himself his normal breakfast of a piece of toast with peanut butter and bananas, then went out for his normal morning expedition. Then, he drove himself and Mabel to Gravity Falls High in his 2005 Honda Civic that he swore was a magical creature itself considering how well it was holding up, especially after the Lilliputtian infestation of 2014. He parked in his normal spot, not specifically assigned to him but it might as well have been, and the twins made their way into their shared homeroom. The sky was gray today, something that differentiated it from the first two days of the week but there was nothing surprising about a cloudy day in Oregon. First period passed, then second and third, but it was fourth period where things began to noticeably shift. 

Dipper had been focused for the first three periods on writing notes in his own field journal, creating an updated version of Journal 2, but in fourth period he finally began to catch on to the whispers. 

“What’s going on?” He leaned over and asked Pacifica, who was diligently taking notes on Mr. Blandley’s boring class lesson as always. She looked over at him with a slight glare, annoyed that he was talking in class but too much of a gossip not to answer.

“How have you not heard yet? There are like, five new kids and they’re all hot.” She responded, before her eyes slid to the front of the room where a girl Dipper had never seen before was sitting. She had long, wavy blond hair and was wearing designer clothing he swore he’d seen in Pacifica’s closet. Speaking of, the blond next to him looked positively envious of the girl now stealing all of the attention in the classroom, a mixture of jealousy, fury, and lust in her eyes. As if she could feel the stare on her back, the new kid turned her head to lock eyes with Pacifica, then Dipper, and the boy had to hold back a gasp. Her eyes were unnaturally gold, gold enough that for a moment, Dipper was confronted with flashbacks of puppets and triangles and a summer of chaos. But just as quickly as she looked back, she returned her attention to Mr. Blandley. 

Trying to shake himself out of the bad memories, Dipper attempted to focus back on his journal, but his mind was now stuck on the blond girl sitting 4 seats ahead of him. Something wasn’t right, and he felt a chill crawling down his spine that he knew all too well meant something was coming, something bad. 

The rest of fourth and fifth period dragged on until finally Dipper could rejoin Mabel in the cafeteria. After getting their lunches, they made their way to their normal table where Pacifica and Candy were already sitting, talking amongst themselves while glancing at a table in the back of the busy lunchroom.

“Did you have classes with any of them??” Mabel suddenly asked excitedly when they took their seats, and Dipper furrowed his brows before remembering the golden stare of the girl. 

“Oh, the new kids? Um yeah, Pacifica and I did in history. Something was off about her-” He began to say before his sister's eager voice cut him off.

“They’re all so hot! Like models hot! There’s no way they’re highschoolers I mean- look at them!” She said before not so subtly gesturing to the table where all five of these new students sat, picking at food on trays and surveying the room with matching golden eyes. Dipper furrowed his brows and watched them before a girl with short, choppy brown hair met his eyes and he quickly looked away. 

“Who are they?” He asked, still feeling incredibly unsettled about their odd appearances, but also the unnatural beauty that he’d be a fool not to notice. He focused on Candy as she answered, pushing up her glasses while smiling, looking away from the table of models to look at him.

“They’re the Cullens.” 

[bibbityboppitybillyharvgrove]

Always There - Chapter Thirteen: S.Snape

Summary: Y/N Potter was left with a baby to care for after her brother and sister-in-law were murdered by Voldemort. One person was there for her, a person she didn’t expect but soon became her comfort person, Severus Snape. During Harry’s third year at Hogwarts and her third year as Herbology professor, a few old friends come around again. Y/N has to handle the feelings of these old friends being around again as well as handle her feelings for a certain potions master all while she tries to hide these things from her godson.

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My full Masterlist

Pairings: Severus Snape x Female Professor Reader, Potter!Reader x friend!Remus, Sister!Reader x James Potter, Potter!Reader x Friend!Sirius

Chapter Warnings: Female Reader, Potter Reader(No physical description of reader) probably shitty writing, Harry growing up in a loving home, food consumption, Umbridge, not proofread

Series Warnings: Female Reader, Potter Reader (No physical description of reader) probably shitty writing, OOC Snape, Harry grows up in a loving environment, mentions of death and murder, poorly written angst, Remus is a shitty friend, poorly written pining,

Please let me know how I can improve my writing and being more inclusive to POC as I am whiter than white. Please also let me know if I have to add more to the warnings! My messages are open as well as my asks!

I am starting a taglist so leave either a comment or something in my asks if you would like to be tagged in any of my works or just this series!

Author's Note: My favorite character has finally been introduced in this chapter! As a Ravenclaw myself, I find so much joy in Luna's character so I'm very excited to write her into this series!

Please let me know how I can improve or if you find any errors! Correct me, don't be afraid to! I want to improve my writing and become a better writer so any feedback or advise is welcomed!

Word Count: 1573

My asks are open for questions, suggestions and feedback!

Feedback is welcomed and encouraged!

Enjoy!

not my gif

not my gif

After Y/N had a good crying session with Harry by her side, she felt much better and more prepared for the year to start. It had taken her some time to work her way into going back downstairs and apologizing to both Severus and Remus who of course both held no grudge and forgave the woman rather quickly. Severus had made her sit down and gave her a plate of only her favorite foods, chatting with her as she ate. She hadn’t realized how hungry she actually was until she had finished her whole plate and still wanted more, so Severus refilled it and handed it back to her.

“You have a good talk with Harry then?” Severus finally asked her after she finished her second plate of food.

“Yeah, I told him a story about my days back at Hogwarts and how Sirius and I had that bet, do you remember that?” She replied, finally looking her partner in the eye.

“I do, you were going to let that dog take you out on a date before I ever did,” Severus replied in a sour tone.

“You know Pads and I never went on that date. They were all too busy teasing me about my crush on you that Sirius had forgotten. And by the time he remembered he had dropped the straight act and started going out with Remus,” She rambled.

“Back it up a minute. You had a crush on me in your fourth year? And you never thought to tell me?”

“Well no, I thought you had a crush on Lily so I just kinda left you alone with that and kept it to myself until my brother found out and in turn told all of our friends about it.”

Severus took to teasing her stating that he too had a crush on her during their time at Hogwarts together but he thought she had a thing for Remus. The couple shared a laugh over their shared obliviousness before going off to bed, where for the first time in a while, Y/N had slept through the whole night without waking up once. The next morning, the two professors had to leave for Hogwarts, they were both needed at the castle the day before the year began. As they bid their goodbyes, Y/N pulled her best friend aside. 

“Look, I know it’s only one day, but can you please keep a close eye on Harry? Even send Sirius to tell him stories about Jamie or something, just keep him occupied until tomorrow where he can be with me again. Please, Rem?” She asked the werewolf.

“Of course Dove. Don’t even worry about it, I will keep an eye on him and so will Sirius and Molly and Arthur. All of us will keep him safe until he is on the express on his way to you. I promise,” Remus replied.

“Thank you Remmy. You truly are the best. Love you.”

“Love you too, dove. Now go before you guys are late. I’ll send an owl in a few days.” Remus sent her off with a kiss to the head and watched as her and Severus left the Black residence hand in hand.

The pair had gone to the nearest floo network and flooed into the Hogwarts castle. There were a couple new professors starting for this school year and Dumbledore had wanted them to get acquainted with the returning professors before the students arrived. Y/N and Severus walked into the headmaster’s office where a majority of the other professors were waiting. The two stood towards the front with McGonagall. 

“Have a nice summer Miss Potter, Severus?” Dumbledore asked the pair.

“Just fine, how was yours, Albus?” Y/N replied.

“Wonderful, thank you. We are just waiting on one more and then we can proceed.”

And so they waited, all of the professors that were punctual talked amongst themselves, some sitting on the floor, others finding an empty spot to sit. This went on for nearly 2 hours before the last professor showed up, a short woman dressed in all pink. She looked like a toad in Y/N’s opinion. Finally, Albus could start his usual spiel, telling the professors what to expect for the year and introducing them to the new professor for defense against the dark arts.

“This is Professor Umbridge, she will be the new defense against the dark arts teacher. I wish everyone to give her a warm welcome. Good luck this year, it will be a great year,” Albus explained before releasing all of the professors. Y/N and Severus officially shared their quarters this year so both of their belongings were in Severus’ quarters. 

Y/N wished it was her quarters from the year before but because Severus was the head of the Slytherin house, he had to be close to the Slytherin common room. She had been in the dungeons before and had stayed in his quarters but she couldn’t get used to the constant darkness and cold that ran through the air. It would take her some time to get used to but as long as she had Severus she would gladly go anywhere with him.

It took them no time to get unpacked and settled, going to the Minerva’s office when they were done to catch up. They’re first night back at Hogwarts was uneventful, spending most of the day catching up with the professors they liked and considered friends. Y/N even taking time out of her day to chat with Professor Binns who droned on about the history of magic and Hogwarts itself. She had willingly and actively listened to the ghost drone on until she checked her watch. It was nearing midnight.

“Oh my, would you look at the time? It was lovely talking with you professor but I should go to bed. Have a lovely night!” She excused herself before rushing to the dungeons and back to her quarters. Severus was fast asleep on the bed, hugging her pillow tight to his chest. She tiptoed her way to the bathroom where she changed into pajamas consisting of one of Severus’ shirts and a pair of sleep shorts. She made her way back inside the room and to the bed where she had to gently pry her pillow from his grasp and replace the pillow with herself. 

The second her body hit the bed, his arms wrapped around her, pulling her straight to his chest. “Where were you?” He mumbled sleepily in her ear.

“Got carried away with Binns. I forgot how much that man could talk,” She whispered back.

“He’s a ghost, not a man,” He corrected.

“Whatever, goodnight, honey. I love you.”

“G’night, love you too darlin’.”

The couple slept rather soundly that night, both ending up sleeping in later than usual, waking up close to noon the next day. Y/N rushing to get ready so she could see her nephew again even though it had been only a day and Severus taking his sweet time getting ready. “I’ll meet you in the great hall for the sorting. I want to make sure Harry was okay last night,” Y/N told Severus as he was getting dressed and she was putting on her olive green cloak. 

“I’m sure he was fine but go. I’ll meet you there,” Severus replied, walking over to plant a kiss on her cheek before going back to getting himself dressed. She made her way to the great hall to greet the returning and the new students. She was extra excited when she saw her nephew rushing towards her with a smile on his face. 

“Aunt Y/N, they’re amazing! I never thought the carriages were pulled by anything but wow! Can you see them too? The thestrals?” Harry rambled as he hugged his aunt tight.

“I can see them too, they’re pretty cool huh?”

“Hello professor Potter, have a good summer?” An airy voice asked from behind Harry.

“It was okay, Luna. How was yours, dear?” She smiled at the blonde.

“It was magical, I’ll see you later professor.” Y/N giggled a bit at the girl as she skipped into the great hall. She held a deep appreciation for the girl, no matter how much she was picked on or how much she had gone through, she was still such a positive person. Someone she wanted Harry to be around and hoped that the two would become friends at some point. “Okay love, you go in, I’ll see you in a few.” Harry walked into the great hall and took a seat with the rest of his house. Y/N going in once Severus had met her by the door, both going in together and sitting together. 

It was the beginning of another year at Hogwarts. Yet another new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the rest of the professors staying the same except for an interim Care of Mythical Creatures professor filling in for Hagrid until he returned from his mission. She was looking forward to this year, hoping that it would be better than the last few. That Harry would be safe for once this year but she knew deep down that it was another typical year. It was going to be another year of trials and tribulations, another year of hardships, she just hoped that they would be able to power through them.

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[99corentine]

Corentiiiine!

First of all I want to say that I love love love Gol Hah Dov! Definitely one of my absolute favourite fanfics of all time. I'm on my 5th or so reread at the moment and love it just as much as when I first ready it. The way you write the relationship between Miraak and Chrysanthe scratches that fated-enemies-to-lovers itch perfectly.

I loved GHD so much that it has inspired me to start writing my own Miraak/LDB fanfic, I have read most of fics available but want more! I have been planning it for ages (an embarrassing amount of time and many, many notebooks in fact) but have just started writing it out officially. The first chapter is very nearly done, and I have plotted up to the final act, but I just wanted to ask how you found the writing process and managed to keep motivated? I haven't evenn published it yet, but I'm already worried that it won't hold up to the other fics out there, especially one as amazing as GHD. I also fear I have bitten off quite a lot with the amount I want to write, and keeping momentum may be difficult.

Thank you again for sharing Gol Hah Dov with us! I look forward to reading Tooth for a Tooth, Tavstarion is another favourite ship of mine and if it's anything like your other fics I'm sure to love it!

Hello, and thank you so much for such wonderful words! I too have been re-reading GHD as I'm proofreading it one last time at the moment, and it's been interesting to see how my writing style and preferences have changed over the course of the story. I'm very proud of how it turned out, and endlessly bowled over by how many people have come forward to tell me they liked it. My dumb self-indulgent story about a 2011 game! It's crazy that it's had so much attention.

You can never over-plan for a story, so having a number of notebooks worth of planning is a great start! I would say you'll want to write the first few chapters before publishing it, just to assure yourself that you're going to keep writing - I have written loads of stuff I was sure would turn into an epic longfic and I never made it past chapter one or two, sometimes it's just like that. When you're confident you'll keep going, publishing it will then motivate you to do more.

I've covered a little of my writing process in this guide I knocked together (which you may have already seen). I'd say specifically for writing motivation, these three things work for me:

Absolutely DO NOT discuss the plot or story arcs in great detail with anyone, as mentioned in my guide this will demotivate you to actually create a finished piece of writing. Holding onto that cool plot thing you want to show to the world and what people's reactions to it might be will fuel you to Write The Thing

Sometimes it's hard to get stuff down on paper, and when that happens eventually I just brute force it: sit down, no distractions, no phone, and force myself to write something, anything, even if it's garbage. I kind of hold myself hostage sometimes, e.g. I'm not allowed to watch this TV show/play this game/do this other project until I've worked on this one

It's helpful to break writing down into smaller chunks. You mentioned you've bit off a lot, can you break it down into story arcs or segments? If you do you'll be writing not to the end (a distant and unattainable-feeling finish line), but just to the end of the next story arc, which is less daunting.

As for quality, I wouldn't worry about that because you'll improve over the course of your story. I loved the events in the early chapters of GHD (scary Miraak is my favourite Miraak) but I think the writing of the later chapters is much, much technically better, because writing so much made me improve. We're also our own worst critics, of course! So your writing is likely better than you think, and it can only grow.

Best of luck to you with it! A longfic is no easy endeavour (and Tooth for a Tooth is probably going to be enormous too...) and it takes a lot of patience and perseverence, but I believe in you!

[forgottenfourr]

i saw you in a dream - university smau

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chapter fourteen - impossible

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w/c: 1349

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a/n: i am still very sick (yes again) but the people must be updated!! while bedridden i have been rewatching kingdom: legendary war and i always forget how insane it is but i love it sm. i always act like i'm watching it for the first time when i rewatch it. but watching 3 groups that i absolutely love (skz, tbz, & ateez) compete against each other is so </3

chapter is not proofread because i am too exhausted too tbh

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yn's pov:

as you predicted, the cafe was agonizingly slow today. plus the anxiety of meeting with chan during your shift today was not helping the hours go by any faster.

it's about 2:30 when he walks into the cafe, his normal bright and full smile plastered on his face like always. maybe this chat won't be as shitty as you thought.

"hey!" he greets, voice as joyful as it always is.

your anxiety subsides slightly, "hi! do you want anything to drink? on the house." you try to match his attitude but fail.

"nah i don't really drink coffee. i'll just go sit and you can meet me there whenever you're free, yeah?" he says while gesturing to the booths that are just a few hundred feet away from you two.

"i can go on break now! min is here so he knows about you coming here to talk." like on cue, minho appears behind you, placing his hand on your shoulder to make you aware of his presence.

"oh my god minho! hey!" chan says somehow more cheerful than his previous words.

"hey, chris, how are you?" minho quickly starts a conversation with chan like they are lifelong friends.

"i'm good! busy with senior year stuff but overall everything is alright. how are you?" you can hear the genuine response and question in chan's voice. it makes you wonder if he is always an open book like this for everyone.

"meh, senior year. pretty exhausting shit. plus being friends with this dumb ass," he says while pinching your side making you shriek away at his touch.

"DICK HEAD" you retort back to minho whilst shoving him. causing both of the boys to laugh.

you groan at the two and how immature they are. "min i'm going on break," you state. not giving him the option to say no or ask you to wait a few more minutes.

"okay, don't miss me too much!" minho calls out sarcastically as you and chan make your way to a nearby table. his comment making you turn around and flip him off which resorts to him laughing at you again in hysterics.

you and chan take a seat across each other. if anyone were to not know the context of what is going on right now you're sure they would think you guys were on a date.

"it's nice to see minho so comfortable with you," chan begins, ultimately dragging out the conversation you so desperately just wanted to be over.

you nod your head at his words, a slight smile on your face.

"i don't mean to sound rude but, can we just get to the point? what did you want to talk to me about?" you feel awful for skipping the small talk and going right to business but you felt as if you couldn't wait another minute. your anxiety growing in you more and more as each second passed on.

chan's face seems to falter slightly and he repositions himself in his chair. it is very evident that he is now uncomfortable.

"yeah uhm," chan pauses for a moment, trying to find the right words that wouldn't automatically accuse you. "don't take this the wrong way but," he takes a deep breath, "did you actually write the guitar part for your song?"

a haste breath falls past your lips at his question.

"what?" of course you did. you came up with it yourself. you weren't a piece of shit. you would never steal another's work.

"of course i did, why are you asking?" the genuine annoyance and hurt so audible in your tone.

"i am not accusing you of anything!" his statement coming out very quick and apologetically. "it's just. i have a friend who i worked with a few months ago. and he has a guitar part in his song that sounds identical to yours. and it could be a coincidence! but it seems very unlikely?" all his words have a ping of uncertainty to them.

"no, i swear i wrote it myself i-" a sudden thought making you cut off your own words.

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

you remember exactly where you first heard the guitar melody. you had finally fallen asleep after nearly 3 days of being awake. you remember returning to your dream world, immediately greeted by the mystery boy. it felt like it always did, serene and peaceful. but it was different that day. the boy spoke to you.

"hey, do you know how to play the guitar?" he said with a warm smile on his face. the one you grew so fond of.

you laugh slightly, "i can but i am awful at it."

"would you like to be a little less awful at it? i can teach you some stuff," he said as he pulled out a guitar from seemingly nowhere

you didn't know what you expected his voice to sound like but it was certainly 10x better than anything your mind could've made up.

your cheeks blushed at his offer, "i'd love to." you replied, your acceptance making the tip of his ears red.

you guys spent the rest of your time together sitting together and playing songs for each other. though, most of the time it was him playing for you and you watching him with awe. he taught you different chords and melodies, helping you with each note as you struggled through.

there was one melody though. one that stuck with you. that bounced through your head at any given moment. one you found yourself humming at any given moment. it was like it was planted in your brain and you had completely fallen in love with the simplicity of it. the melody being so beautiful and perfect no matter the key or pace.

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

your face grew pale at the sudden realization. you had only heard it once in your life. and that being from your dream boy. who is fake. who your subconscious came up with. right?

because it wouldn't make sense if the boy from your dreams actually existed. it isn't possible. and if it was, the only thing about the boy that would be the same is his appearance. everything else about him your mind created.

so there is absolutely no way he also just so happens to know the guitar melody that he taught you in your dream which you then thought was just something you came up with yourself because AGAIN it happened IN YOUR DREAMS.

there was no way that is possible. even if a teeny tiny bit of you wanted it to be possible, there is no way. it's like scientifically impossible. sharing your dreams with someone? let alone someone you don't even know?

it's too much to process. let alone in front of chan who probably thinks you're having a mental breakdown or going absolutely fucking insane right in front of him. which you kind of are!

"uh, yn?" chan tries to get your attention back to him quietly but him calling your name just makes you all too aware of what is happening right now.

you quickly stand up and you continue to revert your gaze from him. "i uh, i have to go." you quickly say, words barely audible through your mumble.

you don't give him a second to think before you're racing out the cafe's front door and run home. leaving chan there unsure of what just happened.

it's too much to think about. you just need to be away from everyone right now. minho will be fine at the cafe by himself. he'll be pissed but he'll forgive you. you'll make it up to him later. right now you just need to be alone to process everything. the possibility that somehow the boy you have been spending time with in your dreams for the past 7 months might be real and also might have been having the same dreams you have.

it's too much. but a part of you is hoping that he does exist and remembers everything you two did together. it's nearly impossible but one can hope, right?

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[braveclementine]

Chapter 35

Warnings: I think none. I'm to lazy to proofread.

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own my OCs: Elizabeth Silvertongue and Clementine Greenleaf. I also own Clementines' brother Donavan. The following OCs are owned by other Wattpad writers as this is a collaboration project. Their OCs are on the face claim page. I do not condone any copying of this.

"How are you feeling about going back to school?" Steve asked as he flipped pancakes in the pan with efficiency. Bucky had already left for an early 8:00 Psychology class. I didn't have my first class until nine and Steve didn't teach his first until 11 though he'd be giving me a ride. 

"For the classes and teachers?" I asked, "Fine. The other students. . . well I mean I'm not going to be shouting at the top of my lungs that I'm married to two teachers. And if people ask about the ring I can say I'm married. I'm old enough. I just don't have to be specific about what you do."  

"I just meant going back in general." Steve said, putting the pancakes on a platter, putting it down on the table as he shut the stove off. He looked at me with a soft smile, "Your heart doesn't seem to be set on it at least." 

"Oh." I said quietly. "Well, honestly, I wasn't sure. But I'm going to give it a go and see how I feel about it now that I'm doing it." 

"Alright." Steve said, kissing my forehead. "Let Bucky and I know how you feel, kay? You know we'd do anything you needed us to." 

"I know, thank you." I said, picking up two fluffy pancakes and putting them on my own plate, "And thank you for the pancakes." 

"Of course Princess." Steve said. 

ꨄ︎

I took the elevator to the third floor, feeling to tired to take the stairs and found room 319 which turned out to be an enormous lecture hall. The plaque on the inside near the lights panel said that it could fit 150 students. 

As I'd predicted, Vision was the teacher, though he was in his human form that I rarely saw when at the tower. He gave me a subtle nod and a small smile, but otherwise didn't act as though he already knew me. 

In the large classroom I sat in the middle of one of the long tables, second row from the front so I could see the board. Seats filled up around me, although the seat to my right stayed open during the entire class. 

It was a basic lecture, already starting on the concept of limits and I took diligent notes in my lined notebook, writing down everything he wrote up on the board. After class however, Vision motioned to me to come over and I approached him as the other students flooded out of the classroom doors. 

"Yes Professor?" I asked. 

"I heard that you're looking into Accounting as your major?" Vision asked, pushing his glasses up on his nose. 

I tried not to make a face. Every day, accounting made me dread my future. "Um, maybe." I answered. 

"Well, for business, I would actually recommend that you take Business Calculus." Vision said. "It's an easy state of transfer and the recitation session is on Tuesdays at 4:25 with Mr. Parker." 

"Thank you Professor," I smiled, though for some reason my heart felt heavy. "But to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure if I still want to do business." Or school at all. "That's why I chose Calculus over Business, so my options are more open." 

"I understand." Vision answered with a swift nod of his head. "Let me know if you need any help, I can usually ah, compute things faster than the counselors." 

I laughed at that, waved, and headed to art history, wondering exactly which Maximoff was teaching my art class. 

Doctor Maximoff, turned out to be Wanda. Now that I knew who all the Avengers were, sometimes I was surprised by how my fellow classmates didn't figure it out. Granted, the Scarlet Witch had a red mask that went over her face as a disguise, but still. 

Wanda also turned out to be the 'least' professional of my teachers. She wore a warm cozy sweater, her bright red hair piled up around her while she sat on a table in the front of the classroom, looking over her shoulder at the projector as she taught the first 'type' of art: Italian Byzantine. I could see why Destiny was so smitten with her. 

After that, I headed to the student center, a place I hadn't hung out much the previous year, but decided to check out this year since it was right next to my next class. 

The student center mainly had restaurants for those with meal swipes (which included me). It was three stories tall with a basement and one of the bigger buildings on campus. I knew the second floor contained lots of study rooms and officers. I was pretty sure it also contained the esports lounge, two more restaurants (one of those restaurants contain a sport lounge with TVs on every wall showing different sports, along with board games, pool tables, air hockey tables, foosball, and Nintendo switches), and the convenience store which was just called 'The Emporium'. 

I decided to head upstairs, heading into the Sport Lounge, finding out they had BYOW (build your own wings) and quickly ordered half a pound of buffalo chicken, boneless, along with fries. I sat at one of the tables, looking over my art history homework on my computer, a feeling of depression settling on my shoulders that I couldn't pinpoint. 

I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. It wasn't that I wasn't happy. I was thrilled to be with Steve and Bucky. I felt like the simple answer should've been 'college' because as we had gotten closer to a new term starting, the more I dreaded it. Except I genuinely loved college. I loved my classes, my teachers (some perhaps a bit too much), and was even looking at clubs. Maybe my heart just wasn't set on accounting anymore. Maybe if I changed my degree I'd feel better. 

And yet, it felt like there was something. . . just something. Not missing, but not there either. I couldn't explain it, I could only feel it. 

I closed my computer, tossed my trash, and headed to the next building over. I needed to get my head into the game. I couldn't afford to lose my full ride because I felt a little off. I would get through this. 

I would. 

: ̗̀➛

"What do you think we should do for the first Valentines day?" Bucky asked Steve. Elizabeth was upstairs in the study room they'd furnished with Tonys' help so she could do her homework and studying at home. She loved it and spent a large majority of her time in there. They figured once she was done with school, they'd turn it into her own office. 

"I was thinking either very cliche," Steve said, "Or something completely out of this world." 

"Examples?" Bucky asked. 

"Cliche as in, dinner, a movie, and then coming back here to make passionate love, or out of this world as in flying us out to Italy for well, you know." Steve smiled a little. 

Bucky chuckled, "Valentines day at the villa? That would certainly be a memorable one." 

"I feel like the first should be memorable anyways." Steve sighed, rolling his shoulders as he sat up from his stiff hunched position over his own desk, checking the syllabus for the East Asian course he was teaching this semester. "Regardless of what it contains." 

"Any idea what she would prefer?" Bucky questioned, "I think she'd go for either." 

Steve flipped the page and then admitted, "We've never talked to her about BDSM. I suppose we were just worried about getting her to marry us in the first place. But she's seen some of our play, so she can't be entirely opposed to it." 

"It would be fun to have a little rope bunny." Buckys' lips curled into a smirk, moving away from leaning against the wall. "God the images in my head." 

Steve lost his concentration on work, pausing for a moment to think of her smooth skin wrapped in rope, her ass a delicate shade of pink from the flogger, her lips pouting around the red, white, and blue gag ball. Steve bit his bottom lip without realizing it, until Bucky pulled is lip with his fingers, raising his eyebrow. "All worked up there doll?" 

"You did it on purpose." Steve accused with a smile. He'd bit his lip so hard he could taste the metallic copper of blood. 

"I did." Bucky smirked, eyes darkening as he moved even closer to Steve, planting himself between the space between the desk and his chair. Their knees touching each other while Bucky gently caressed his chin with flesh fingers. 

"Man Buck you pick the worst times." Steve breathed out with a slight laugh. "The workload I've got." 

Bucky knelt in front of him, somewhat under the desk, undoing Steves' zipper. Steve couldn't help but bite his bottom lip again, completely turned on by the sight. "How about you get back to working then Professor?" Bucky asked with a mischievous smile. 

"You're a tease." Steve shook his head. "Just blow me Bucky baby." 

Bucky didn't need any more encouragement. He yanked Steve's boxers down just enough that he could take the hardening length into his mouth and started to bob his head up and down, his tongue wrapping around it. 

Steve moaned, his hand sliding into the brunettes' hair, letting his husband take control, working him like he had learned to since the 1930s. 

Steve blew down his throat, breathing out a content sigh. He reached down, caressing his lovers chin. "Want me to take care of you?" 

"Nah." Bucky stood, kissing Steve's forehead. "I know you were serious about the work, I just don't want you too worked up. I can wait until later tonight. Love you baby." 

"Love you too honey." Steve smiled and turned back to his work as the brunette strolled from the room, whistling as though he hadn't done any dirty deeds. 

ꨄ︎

I hurried to the second Classical Mythology class of the semester, not wanting to be late, and also legitimately loving the class. Ivy was taking it with me, sitting next to me in the first row. 

Professor Hiddleston was a tall, lean man with curly brown hair, bright blue eyes, and glasses. I was pretty sure he was the same Professor I had seen, the day I had been running from who I figured had been HYDRA agents, but it had been such a quick glimpse I couldn't be certain. 

"Hey Lizzy!" Ivy said happily, twisting a giant green pendant that hung on a heavy gold chain around her neck. 

I raised an eyebrow. "Wow look at that rock." 

Ivy laughed. "Loki got it as an early Valentines' Day present. It's quite scandalous isn't it?"

I smiled. "It's pretty, actually. Although it's going to be hard to match with any clothes." 

"I know." Ivy rolled her eyes. "Apparently it's worth more than this college too." 

"Why am I not shocked?" I asked dryly, pulling out my Classical Mythology textbook and notebook with a few coloured pens to take notes. 

"What about you? Anything your boys have planned for Valentines Day?" Ivy asked, twisting a lock of her hair in her fingers now, letting the pendant hang against her chest. "I overheard Heimdall talking to Sam about taking Clem to Asgard for some fancy picnic." 

"They've asked." I said slowly, feeling that weighing depression start to settle on me again. "But I have no idea what I want to do. . ." 

"Well," Ivy said, lowering her voice a little as more students filed into the classroom, starting to take their seats. The Professor at the front of the classroom was frowning at his computer like the technology wasn't working for him. "Do you want something sweet and classic? Or something different?" 

I really did try to think the two over and then sighed, "I don't know Ivy. I. . ." I couldn't explain what I was feeling, there weren't words for it. I settled for shrugging and said, "Maybe I'll come up with an idea later. I just kind've have a brain fog about it." 

"You know the holiday is next-" Ivy started but was interrupted by Professor Hiddleston starting class. And Ivy knew better than to distract me in class as I took diligent notes. It certainly helped that the Professor had a soothing voice that really helped facts stick in my brain. 

"Miss Crow, Miss Silvertongue, if the two of you could stay after class please. I have something to discuss with the two of you." The Professor said as students started to pack up their belongings. I looked up in surprise, my heart starting to race. What had I done? I'd only talked in the beginning of class, not during it. I'd taken diligent notes and even answered questions. . . was he really so strict that-

"You look worried Kit." Professor Hiddleston smirked and I couldn't help but feel stupid. 

"Loki?" I questioned, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. 

"Kit I'm hurt you didn't know it was me." Loki had changed into himself now, the door closed shut with the blind pulled down. Ivy had hopped up and embraced him as he looked down at her, kissing her softly. 

"Run along kitten." Loki whispered softly. "I need to talk to her alone." Ivy pecked his lips once more, waved at me, and swept out of the room. Loki motioned for me to come to him with a finger and I stood up, walking over to him. He pulled me into his arms and asked, "What's wrong Kit?" 

I burst into tears for no reason, sobbing into his chest. I didn't bother trying to explain, letting him delve into my thoughts and memories, hoping that maybe he could find what was wrong with me. Loki soothed me, rubbing the my back with his hands, murmuring soft things in another language that I didn't understand but soothed me anyways until I stopped crying. 

"I'm sorry." I whispered, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand as Loki released me. 

"You needed it." Loki said quietly. He paused and then said, "I don't have magical answers Kit. I know that you aren't feeling a lack of love for or from your husbands. I know that you love school so that isn't what it is. It's not something that you don't already have, but something you feel is missing. There is a puzzle piece that you don't have figured out. But it'll be okay Kit, you just gotta go through life one day at a time." 

I nodded, still mopping my eyes up with my hands. "I just hate feeling like this. I don't have excitement for anything Loki. Valentines day is coming up and I feel like curling up in the bedroom watching Tremors than going out or doing anything. But I know they have different plans and I don't know what I want." 

"Maybe you should take a gap year." Loki suggested kindly. 

"No I can't do that." I shook my head. "I'll fall to far behind." 

"It would give you time to figure out what you really want." Loki said quietly. "You might love being at school Elizabeth, but part of me wonders if you really want to be here. A gap year might solve that. Talk to Rogers and Bucky at least?" 

"I will." I said softly. "Thanks Loki." 

"Anytime Kit." Loki said, turning back into his Professor disguise as he stood, sliding his hands into his pockets. "See you next week." 

I walked out of the Classical Mythology class and out of the building, pulling my scarf around my throat tighter as the snowflakes drifted past my face. Loki hadn't really given me any answers. . . but I felt lighter than I had all week. 

ꨄ︎

"How was school?" Bucky asked as I walked into the living room, a mug of hot chocolate in my hands as I sat down on the couch next to Steve, curling up next to him. He was leaned forwards as he scribbled out notes on papers, in the zone. 

"It was good dad." I teased. "How was work?" 

Bucky rolled his eyes. "Fair enough." He paused and then said, "Loki did talk to me though." 

I sighed, "Yeah, I know." 

Bucky just stared at me for a long moment and then asked, "Is it us?" 

"God Bucky no." I exclaimed, putting down the hot chocolate to jump up and rush over to Bucky. Except I tripped over Steves feet. Steve leapt up, catching me around the middle while Bucky crashed out of his chair and onto the floor as he tried to catch me. 

"Smooth." Steve teased the both of us. Bucky grumbled as he got up from the floor. Steve pulled me into his lap, wrapping his arms around me, resting his chin on the top of my head. "And that's not entirely what Bucky meant Princess. He was just asking if there's more we could be doing?" 

"I just don't know." I said softly. "I don't know why I feel so off. If I did maybe I could provide a solution. I just feel so indecisive about everything. I want to be in school because I love it. And yet I don't. And I want to go out to dinner for Valentines day, but I also just want to stay inside and be alone with a book. But I know I don't actually want to be alone, I just feel melancholy. I don't understand why." 

Bucky sat down in front of me, taking my face into his hands, a slight frown on his face. "I don't suppose you're in a permanent subspace are you?" 

Steve huffed behind me. "I think we would've noticed if she was in a subspace." 

"I don't think so." I said uncertainly. "My subspaces usually feel more floaty. I feel like myself just. . . it feels like there's this weight on my shoulders. Like I'm juggling to much but I'm not really doing anything at all." 

Steve hummed softly as he cuddled me and I started to drift off to sleep while Bucky got up to reheat my hot chocolate which had grown cold. Neither of them said anything and they didn't have to. I felt rather content with them and I knew that whatever problems I was facing I would get through them. . . together. 

But as I drifted off to sleep, I ticked one thing off my to-do list. 

Yes, I wanted to go out on Valentines Day. 

ꨄ︎

I checked myself in the mirror, feeling self conscious about my clothing. It had been titled under 'dresses' on the rack so I'd bought it, thinking it would be cute for Valentines day. It was baby pink with large pink satin bows on the shoulders. Clear princess shoulder cuffs for the arms. It had a corset of sorts built into the bra and had cute pink flower designs on it. But looking at myself in the mirror, paired with my barbie pink high heels, I was wondering if I needed something else. . . like pants. 

It was way above my knee, not short enough that I couldn't go out in just the top, but also short enough that I felt it was scandalous and not my style. But I also didn't have anything to pair it with besides maybe a pair of my lightest blue jeans nor did I have anything else planned as a backup for Valentines day. 

The idea of just staying home with ice-cream and a movie swelled up inside of me again. I ran a hand through my curled hair in frustration. Why hadn't I just tried this on at the store? Angry emotional tears built up in my eyes which just made me angrier at my hormones which weren't making any sense. 

There was a light knock at the door. "Princess are you alright? We don't want to rush you but the reservation uh. . ." Steve trailed off, clearly not wanting me to feel pressured. "Do you think you'll be ready within 10 minutes?" 

I trudged over to the door without saying anything, opening it up and stared up at him. He opened his mouth, pausing at my red rimmed eyes. "I screwed up Steve." My voice cracked. 

"Ah Princess." Steve said gently. "What's wrong?" 

I gestured to my hopeless outfit. "It's to short. I have nothing to pair it with and nothing else to wear!" 

Steve actually smiled and held up a finger, jogging down the hallway. I just stood in the doorway stupidly until he came back with a pair of skinny, white jeans and pink flats. "Try these on. See if they fit." 

I breathed a sigh of relief after putting the jeans and shoes on, now suddenly loving the outfit I was wearing. I flew out the door, crashing into Steve. "Thank you so much." I sung, tears coming to my eyes again, but happy ones this time. 

"You don't have to thank me Princess." Steve soothed gently. "That's what Bucky and I are here for." He laced his fingers through mine, leading me down the hallway. 

Bucky was checking his black tie in the mirror. He caught my eye in the reflection, winking at me. "You look adorable baby doll." 

"Thank you." I said softly, walking into his arms. "You look very handsome." I fixed his tie with a slight tug before turning to Steve, "Are we ready to go?" 

"Waiting on you Princess." Steve winked, holding his arm out. I took it gingerly as though I could somehow dirty the white sleeve of his suit jacket, and then we were out the door. 

ꨄ︎

"Do you think we should get dessert?" Steve asked as Bucky cleaned up the rest of his plate, soaking up gravy from his mashed potatoes with bread. 

"I'm full." I said quietly. 

"You okay doll?" Bucky finally came up for air from his food, looking at you with his brow pinched. "You didn't finish all of your food." 

I hadn't, which in most cases was fine. I usually didn't finish my food anyways, always getting a to-go box. But I had eaten less than normal as I wasn't feeling the best. I hesitated and then smiled, "Yeah Bucky. I rarely finish all of it anyways." 

They both scrutinized me for a moment until they were distracted as the waitress came over, asking about dessert and bills. They decided to get a dessert to split between the three of us and I took a few bites. The creamy vanilla of the ice-cream, mixed with the hot fudge and the brownie was good, but I couldn't eat more than four bites before I felt like I was going to throw up. 

I sighed, feeling bad that I was ruining the whole night. It was our first Valentines day and I had screwed it up with freaking out over clothes. I didn't want to cause a scene because my stomach wasn't feeling the best. It happened all the time really, nothing to worry about. I had probably had to much sour or spicy food earlier. 

"That was really good, very rich." I offered with a smile as Steve scooped the last bit of ice-cream into his mouth. 

"They always have good desserts." Bucky grinned, leaning back in his chair. "I'm stuffed!" 

Steve smacked him across the chest and Bucky let the chair fall back onto all fours. I laughed at the silent banter and Bucky shot Steve a sheepish grin. 

"You should know better. Behave yourself." Steve scolded him lightly. 

"Yes sir." Buckys' eyes twinkled and now Steve shot him a warning look. Already the feeling in my stomach was subsiding as I watched them. 

"I think we're ready to head out Princess," Steve said, pulling his wallet out. I didn't see how much he'd slipped into the bill but it made the smile slide off my face some. I felt so guilty for some reason that I couldn't explain. 

Bucky took my hand, leading the three of us out of the restaurant. I pulled myself together, tightening my hold on his hand. We walked around the mall a few times until I started to shiver in the cold New York air and we headed back to the car. 

Bucky climbed into the back of the car with me, holding me in his arms. "You okay doll?" 

"Yeah Bucky, I've said I am." I answered simply. 

"Princess we can read you better than that." Steve said as he pulled out onto the main road, heading home. 

I was silent for a long time while they let me think, Bucky continuing to rub my shoulder gently with his metal hand. 

I sighed. "I feel like I screwed today up." 

I expected them to protest, to tell me that I hadn't. Instead, Bucky asked, "Can you tell us why you feel that way?" 

"Because I've been off for so long." I admitted. "And I wanted today to be special, I really did. But I screwed up with my clothes and then I wasn't very hungry at dinner and then I just felt like this swell of depression come back up. I feel like I was supposed to go home with you guys and make love but instead I. . . I don't know." my voice cracked. "I think something is wrong with me." 

"Nothing is wrong with you sweetheart." Steve said gently and Bucky kissed the top of my head. Steve slowed the car as we came up to a red light. "Do you want to talk to Sam again?" 

"Yeah maybe. . ." I whispered, looking out the window. 

"I'll call him tomorrow." Steve said, looking at me in the rearview mirror. "You don't have to worry Elizabeth." 

"Everything's going to be okay." Bucky whispered in my ear, "I love you doll."