nqmonarch · 9 months ago
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Yandere Blade Part2
Don't know why but I feel like Blade would call the reader "fool" (affectionate) like as a petname? Like not degradingly but just Blade is kinda shit at expressing himself (aside from expressing pain) so a lot of the time reader doesn't pick up hints and he's like 'tsk fool...'
But like you're his fool so it's okay. Around anyone else you're not allowed to do such foolish things, what if they take advantage of you? Assuming you're around anyone else alone which is near impossible.
Also reader being like "I want you to die, I'll find a way to kill you." as if it's romantic and Blade being like half flustered half frustrated cause like he wants to die but no way in hell is he leaving you on your own or killing you. And bro's just like "You fool >:(" and reader is like ??? how tf do I read your mind.
Part 1 you don't have to read it if you don't want to but you can :)
TW: Yandere, Violence, Kidnapping
After you left he appeared in your dreams. It was strange, if anything you'd expect it to be a welcoming presence, memories of the past gone by. Yet instead all you could see where hate fueled eyes and his arm twitching struggling to resist the urge to raise his blade. If you were him you'd hate yourself too.
You'd been gone for a while, you were sure the medicine must've run out. You'd spent your time researching the Borisin, another creature "blessed" by Yaoshi. They had incredible healing ability yet could still die, and you didn't see any effects of mara. You'd managed to get aboard one of their ships and while you would've loved the opportunity to research them further and learn about the Abundance's effect on them, you couldn't.
The Borisin weren't well known for being kind, they valued strength above all and preyed on the weak. You were lucky for still being alive on their ship. Although, you were prison you'd learned a bit from observation and your cellmate, curiously enough another person interested in mara. They knew more about it than you.
You couldn't tell their gender, a ragged brown cloak covered them near completely aside from their porcelain pale legs and long blonde hair. They spoke of research projects you'd never heard of, of how livers were where mara gathered in both Foxian and Borisins, and how death of these long life species would come suddenly. When their cells suddenly stopped multiplying.
If you took out Blade's liver would he die? He would be in pain, agonizing pain if it didn't work. Would it even grow back? At this point you were too scared to try anything, in case of another failure. But you had to kill Blade. Maybe you didn't have it in you but you had to for his sake.
"I must wonder..." The voice drawled, a rather raspy quality to it, "Do you hate the Abundance?"
You looked over at the hooded figure, your back pressed against the cool wall of your cell, "Can't hate someone I don't know," You replied, a slight frown on their face, "But I do hate the number of lives they've ruined, even if they meant to save those people, you think by now they would've learned they hurt more than they help."
You'd seen it time and time again, a person lost to mara, set to forget everything in their life and turn on those they love lost in a sea of pain and hate. Getting to know Blade just made you hate it more.
"Didn't they save those lives first? Do you not need to continue helping just to find a way to help without hurting? Surely, in the end all the pain will be worth it." The person spoke slowly, leaning closer to you but not close enough you could see beneath their hood.
"I'd rather die young than lose myself completely," It was personal preference, "Maybe they did, but even if their immortality came without the cost of sanity, it has a cost of its own." You heard footsteps growing louder in between your words, "Sometimes we're too short sighted for our own good." You wished you'd stayed on the Xianzhou Luofu.
You could've told Blade that you couldn't do it, you could've begged him to stay by you anyway. You could've found a way that didn't involve death. But you would be a fool to think there was a cure for mara where the mara struck didn't die. You weren't that dumb. It would've all been empty promises, you would've wasted your life looking for a cure knowing you would never find one. On the other hand there had to be a way to kill Blade.
The stranger let out a sigh, and the footsteps stopped, a shadow hanging over you. One of the guards had come, you weren't sure for what. Perhaps, now that they knew they could kill you without any repercussions they'd come to do that. Yet as you strode out of the cell calmly, following the wolfish person, death never came. You were left to wonder what would have happened if their head hadn't been sliced messily off their body.
It took a moment for you to register it, the warm blood splattered on your clothes, staining them. The scent laid thick in the air and yet you were unaware of who the assailant was. You'd seen a brisk dark figure in the shadows only a moment before it'd happened.
Arms wrapped around your body, holding it uncomfortably tight. Normally, you would've fought back and called the person a creep but you knew who this was. Beneath all the blood was the faint scent of spider lilies. His arms remained still around you, refusing to budge in the slightest. You reached up and went to pull one of his arms down by his forearm but his other hand caught yours and held it tight against his blood soaked sleeve.
"At least let me go so I can see you," Your voice was gentle, and a small smile rested on your lips. Was it bad to say you were happy to see him again? He was wanted, for good reason too. But since when did emotions listen to ethics?
"No..." Blade's voice was a weird mix of pain and relief, both strained yet as he approached the end of the words he spoke he sounded more euphoric, arms quivering as they held you, "You would just leave again."
You chuckled, you weren't sure if it was out of sorrow or amusement, "You came." You didn't expect him to. "Do you really think I can kill you?"
You didn't get an answer at first instead feeling your cloak brushed to the side, your neck being left exposed. It wasn't pretty, you'd been in a prison cell for how long now? They didn't treat you well either. Not much food or water much less the opportunity to bathe. You'd offered your food to your cellmate but they declined, claiming their kind didn't need to eat as often. Instead you often received the rations for both of you, guilt settled in your gut at the thought.
You weren't sure what was going to happen now. If Blade killed you, would your cellmate at least be able to live or would he get overtaken by mara and go on a murderous rampage? Mara tended to become more unstable when emotions became more unstable.
Teeth pierced your skin and you let out a yelp, tightening your hand around Blade's forearm, and clenching the other one in a fist. "What are you? A dog?" You barked out, you had thought he'd resembled one before... but biting you like this? Wasn't that too much? It wasn't as painful as you'd expect it to be.
Once he'd managed to get his teeth into your skin, he stilled as if satisfied. His arms and mouth latched onto you like a terrified child scared to leave their parent. He wasn't planning to murder you, that was a plus. But for some reason it only made you feel more guilty. Guilty for leaving him, you should've told him. If you did then you would've wanted to stay.
This was for his own benefit, right? You could find a way to relieve him from this pain, right? But even if you did would you be able to kill him? "You shouldn't bite me," You chided him, moving your free hand uncomfortably over your shoulder to nudge at his head, hair brushing up against your hand. It felt rougher than usual.
At him remaining still you spoke again, "Seriously, for your own good, I'm dirty right now." You let out a sigh, pushing your hand against his head right now. He let go, moving his head back slowly and then rested it on your other shoulder, tilting his head toward you.
There was a dull ache where he'd bitten, slowly disappearing as heat took its place. You were probably bleeding.
"I don't know," Blade suddenly spoke voice scratchy and your eyes furrowed at his words. "Stay... you should stay. If you can't kill me. Stay."
"You're upset at me leaving..." You mused, he had mentioned it earlier but you'd just assumed it was because he thought you'd given up on killing him and ran.
You heard footsteps in the distance and jolted up a bit. The Borisins could smell blood, couldn't they? One of their canine characteristics. "I suppose we should be heading out then," You chuckled, yet couldn't help but be on edge your shoulders tensed even as you remained in Blade's arms. "Wouldn't want unwelcomed company to interrupt our welcome."
You felt him sigh, hot breath hitting your neck. Yet he didn't move at all, "...Blade?" Was he just going to wait for them to come and slaughter you both? Well, you suppose he'd live. But the pain of having his body ripped apart would last in his mind. How had he ever managed to stay sane?
Right, he wasn't sane. "Are you going to run away again?" Blade's voice echoed against your ear, and your smile twitched in response.
"If I die then I'll be leaving too, from a place I can never return from," You replied mock cheer in your voice. He stiffened for a moment before instantly relaxing despite the footsteps getting louder.
"I wish you would wield me as the blade I am," He muttered voice gruff and you vaguely remembered when you'd had him kill mara struck for you. It hadn't been pleasant. But if you'd found a way to kill him it would've all been worth it.
You felt your anxiety begin to rise as the footsteps only came closer and closer, you decided this misunderstanding had gone on long enough, "Look, I left because I wanted to help you," You explained, cringing at the weakness in your voice, "I am going to find a way to kill you Blade," you promised despite the sinking feeling in your heart.
You knew at this point you were just lying. Even if you found out how to kill him you wouldn't be able to. You felt his body to begin to shake before you heard it, the sudden laughter. As if all in life was futile. It chilled you to the bone, it sounded like a mad man losing his last bit of sanity becoming hysterical. At the sound of Blade's laugh the footsteps began to speed up having a clear source of the intruder.
...Was he going to kill you? You really thought he wouldn't, given that he'd bothered to keep you alive this long. He stopped in his laughter stilling, and in a strangely affectionate tone said, "Fool."
His hand reached up to the side of your jaw and--
You supposed being knocked out was better than being killed. It really could be worse. The bed you were on was also surprisingly comfortable, would it be more comfortable if you weren't being clutched against a nice firm chest that was probably Blade's? Well, the hug was pretty comfortable so you were going to say no.
"You're awake." Blade's voice sounded rather hoarse. Had he not slept at all? Now that you were thinking of it, you'd never seen Blade asleep aside from when your medications made him do so.
You attempted to turn around to face him but the second you began to move your body his grip tightened, "Good morning," You laughed nervously at his actions. You were both happy and perturbed to find that you'd been bathed and your clothes had been changed.
"Stay."
It sounded like a command yet you could feel the desperation from the way he gripped your arms in the hug.
"You... fell in love with me at first sight," He still remembers that bullshit you made up to get him to stay?! "So stay..." His voice broke a bit at the last word, cracking.
You felt him dive his head into your neck. Pressing his forehead against your skin as if he was performing worshipping. Then relishing in the feeling of his skin against yours as if any crumb of physical affection gave him held the same meaning as giving a starving man food.
You did love him, and you wouldn't be surprised if you continued to do so for the rest of your life. Blade may be-- Blade definitely is a terrible person in some capacity but you couldn't help who you loved right? Plus, it wasn't like you were a saint either. You cared for life and you wanted it to thrive, yes. But, if a few individuals suffered for the greater good you wouldn't complain. If some had to die for the whole Xianzhou Luofu to overcome mara, wouldn't it be worth the price?
[A quick note, in actual research please be ethical. This reader is and should in no way be a role model for real life. If you consider doing unethical research please reach out to someone.]
When it came to people you loved, you'd be willing to bend your morals. You knew it wasn't right but, love is a very dangerous beast. "I'm doing this because I love you," You stated and you felt his hair brush against your neck, his nose met your jaw, his face continuing further until the two of your faces were side by side.
"Fool." His breath was warm against your cheek and you felt your face warm.
"Didn't you want to die?" You retorted, feeling grievance come into your voice. You were doing this for him.
Blade's lips pressed chastely against your cheek, the corners of his lips slightly uplifted. Then he bit, much more gentle than he did before, it was akin to how he bit you the night before you left. When he'd been struggling with his mara, and looked at you with those panicked eyes. All you did was turn and walk away.
Still... "What are you, a dog?" You teased him, not bothering in moving. It didn't really hurt.
You weren't sure if you'd be able to move anyway. One of his arms had moved in front of you, gripping down on the bedsheet, allowing him to shift the majority of his body weight over you. He moved his head up from your cheek and stared down at you, your eyes meeting his eyes. Their colors were similar to that of a fire's but they'd never been calmer, a look of devotion in them.
"Do you want me to be?" Blade shifted his weight, sitting more upright, keeping your legs in between his. He grabbed your hand and began to lay gentle kisses on your hand moving upward to your wrist and then forearm as you stared at him dumb struck.
You took the opportunity of his weight being off you to grab his jaw and tilt it toward you, "Of course not." You glared at him and pulled his face close enough so you could kiss him.
It was like water breaking through a dam, his reaction was immediate. He responded desperately, kissing back with rushed fervor albeit clumsily. His lips pressed against yours, yet his tongue was trying to get in on the action, flicking against your lips and leaving them wet. It was as if he'd die if you left.
It didn't move much further as Blade moved away for a moment to speak, he stared into your eyes something that could be considered deeply romantic if not for his next words, "Don't run away or I'll kill everyone."
"...You're ruining the mood," You muttered, feeling bristly hair against your palm as you pulled his head closer to yours lest he ruin the mood with another comment. You'd talk to him about finding a way to kill him later, but if you brought it up now you were pretty sure a massacre would happen.
"Fool..." Affection laced Blade's voice as you pulled him in for another kiss. You suppose you didn't mind being called a fool, so long as you were his fool.
AND THAT'S A WRAP for this little story, if you want idk spin offs or like little snippets of life (like an epilogue on cuddling or jealousy or whatever) send in an ask or something i'm always happy to write!
Anyway GUYS DOES BLADE SLEEP? genuine question.
Also you know how in like some yandere fics they restrain the reader with restraints? Yeah Blade is the restraints. He's also the weapon. Bro is everything in one. and like ugh writing kiss scenes i feel so awkward, my end goal for this year in writing is to write like a nsfw scene (not on this account will prob make a separate one) to like really challenge myself but i dont think itll be possible
Anyway on a bit of a more serious note, I love yandere as much as the next person IN FICTION. Please be sure not to romanticize these troupes in real life because your life can get fucked over very easily by people who resemble yanderes.
Let's enjoy ourselves IN FICTION please :) so I can keep writing this without having made someone romanticize a troupe that is dangerous in real life.
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ashthemadwriter-archived · 1 year ago
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Two Peas In A Pod
—A blessing... or a calamity in disguise?
Fandom: Blue Lock
Pairing: Nagi X Fem!Reader
Genre: Crack, Humor, Horror
Format: Short fic
Warnings: Breast feeding, Jealousy, Probably ooc!Nagi
Word Count: 1.5K
A/n: Idk I just thought this would fit him lol. Might remind you of boss baby.
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There are moments in life which can never be forgotten. Long awaited moments that leave a sweet velvety taste in your mouth and get engraved on your memory,
Moments like this.
Nagi is in hospital, standing next to the delivery room with his infant in his arms. He's wearing the most genuine smile he could ever wear, staring at his baby boy's angelic face. The baby has the tiniest hands ever that would get lost in his if he were to hold them, and the cutest chubby feet ever. He could just eat them right away.
"Wow Nagi, he looks just like you!" Reo says, smiling at the sight while snapping a picture. "You two are like two peas in the pod, except that his hair isn't long enough to be as messy as yours"
"I know. I did hope he'd take after y/n, but he's still cute"
Your husband looks so grown up like this with a baby in his hands. That's what makes Reo to snap another picture, this time in full frame of both Nagi and the baby. His smile is as soft as when he watched him saying his vow to you, and he can't help but to feel happy for his best friend.
"I'm gonna go get a cup of coffee and call Isagi and others. They've been waiting for the news"
"Ok"
Nagi's gaze doesn't leave the baby's face to follow Reo's footsteps walking away. He persistently stares at the baby's closed eyelids, wondering if they're hazel colored like his, or have the color of your eyes. Maybe it's a mixture of both, he thinks, if it's possible. He doesn't have to wait for long to find out though, because suddenly, the baby's eyelids start shuddering and in less than a second, they're wide open, displaying the warm chocolate brown color of his eye balls.
Every inch of his figure resembles his father. Even the look in his eyes is curious, just like Nagi's is right now.
"Welcome home, little thing. We're gonna have so much fun together, me and you"
"I don't think that's gonna happen"
Nagi doesn't know whether he should believe his ears, or his eyes. A talking baby? That's a miracle! Babies don't start talking until they're two years old, but this one in his arms was definitely the one talking a little while before, since his intense stare is piercing through Nagi's heart.
I must have very strong genes.
"What do you mean, that's not gonna happen?"
"Oh sorry, I guess I wasn't being clear on the matter" The baby speaks in a semi-grown up voice. "I meant that, you won't be having much fun from now on"
"How come?"
The baby's innocent expression is all gone. Now there's a straight yet devilish look on his face which Nagi doesn't find charming. "I thought you would already figure out that much, but I guess I was wrong. Heh...what a pain"
"Stop giving me that shit and tell me already"
"You don't care much for sharing; do you, my dear father?"
Oh.
Nagi doesn't like where this is going. He feels an unwelcoming sense of threat in his heart.
"So what? Are you saying you're gonna steal y/n from me?"
"No..."
The grin on the baby's face isn't casual. All of a sudden, Nagi doesn't find a single thing resembling him. The baby looks more like... Light Yagami from death note, the blond version.
"...I'm saying that I already have"
This can't be happening.
"Tough luck. You'll never be able to split us off. Y/n's love for me is boundless. I'm her one and only"
"You were her one and only" His gums are visible through his demonic smirk. "Now that I'm here, you won't get a quarter of the attention you used to receive. From now on, I'll be the one who sleeps in her arms at— well all the time. She'll always be near me, looking after me since I'm just a fragile little thing. The time she used to spend alone with you is gonna be limited to less than ten minutes, and your share of affection will also be mine. Even if you two do get the time to be alone with each other, she'll be too exhausted to even look at your face. She wouldn't miss it, since she gets to be with me all the time"
The world comes crashing down on the white haired man. Through his storming mind, he can see himself curled up under the strangely ice cold blanket while staring at you frustratingly, asking you to get in the bed with him already. But standing on the other side of the room, it feels like you're a thousand miles away, voice barely making its way to his hear yet so destructively striking him, saying you have to put the baby to sleep first. Even after doing that, you're so tired that you pass out on the bed before Nagi can even lay a finger on you.
"Not only that, I'm gonna take away all the other things you enjoy as well"
Another illusion appears before his eyes, only this time he's sitting on the couch, and you're standing in front of him, wearing a somewhat annoyed expression.
"I'm sorry Sei, but we can't afford to buy more video games anymore. We have to start saving up for Light's college"
No.... that can't be real. He can't give up on his video games for a serial killer's his child's future. That's absurd. You're not expecting him to do that, are you? You know how video games are important to him.
"Just you wait my stupid father, I will take everything you cherish in your life, and it starts from this very moment, with your most loved one"
His most... loved one?
Just as he's about to ask the little demon about his intention, the door to the room opens and a nurse comes out. "Alright! It's the baby's lunch time"
No. Not that.
"His lunch time? You mean, y/n's gonna feed her...?"
Nagi's voice is shivery, like he didn't know about how the babies drink milk. The nurse is a little taken aback by that, but still keeps her smile on.
"Yes sir, he needs to be fed right now, so if I may..." She reaches out to take the baby from his embrace, but fails when Nagi steps back.
"You... can't do that. I mean, this baby looks like he should drink formula milk instead of breast milk. It'll be better for him"
"The hell are you talking about, Nagi? Let the nurse take him to y/n" Reo suddenly appears next to him, giving him a questioning look.
"No— You don't understand— I—"
"What's up with you man? Here, ma'am; take the little thing to his mommy"
Nagi feels all the misery existing in the world raining on him as he watches the nurse take the infant to you. Reo looks away when you pull up your hospital gown to reveal the enchanting sight of your breast that are bigger than usual and are full of milk, all ready to be devoured in the baby devil's throat. This is it. The beginning of his torment, the sight of his most comforting treasure being possessed by another person, shattering his heart into a zillion pieces.
"No..."
The baby squeezes your right nipple with his hand, letting out a small whine.
"Stop it... No..."
You softly caress his cheek and baby talk him to enjoy his meal.
Why can't all of you people see his devilish smirk?
"No..."
The baby looks at him from the corner of his eyes. He's taking his most special thing, his stress balls, his warm pillows he snuggles his face into at nights, his soft squishies he plays with whenever he's bored, his delicious jello balls he sucks on to help him go to sleep...
"No... No... No..."
You hold your left boob and snuggle him closer to help him drink, and he helps himself out, by brutally taking it into his mouth.
It happens.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO"
Then Nagi wakes up from his sleep.
Through his blurry vision, he recognizes his room in the middle of the night, and of course, your kind hand on his shoulder.
"Sei? Are you ok sweetheart?"
Nagi keeps panting. He hurriedly looks around the room to see any sign of the baby, but thankfully, he finds nothing. He can't ignore the cute bump of your belly under your oversized T-shirt though.
"Y/n?"
"Yeah?"
"If the baby looks like me we'll give it away"
"Excuse me??!"
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All rights reserved © 2023 AshTheMadWriter. Please do not copy, repost, translate, or modify my works on any platform.
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rainbowmoonstonestories · 6 months ago
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Let Your Dreams Be Your Wings | Chapter 17
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Chapters: 17/? Fandom: The Sandman (Netflix 2022, minor content from the Comics) Rating: Explicit Relationships Dream of the Endless/Morpheus x F!Reader  Characters: Dream of the Endless/Morpheus, Lucienne, Matthew the Raven, Mervyn Pumpkinhead, Hob Gadling, Death, Rose Walker, The Corinthian, other minor Sandman characters, Original Characters. Warnings: 18+ content (minors DNI), explicit sexual content, POV switching, very long chapters to read. Summary: You always dreamed of becoming a successful Fashion Designer, sharing your creations with the world and making your father proud. But with him being very ill and so many costs solely weighting on your shoulders, things didn’t go as planned and you had to take a different path instead. An interesting offer led you to the elder Alex Burgess and you were hired as a new housemaid for a very good pay. However, your kindness and outstanding empathy convinced the man to give you an additional task for a doubled compensation; gaining the trust of Dream Of the Endless, held captive into the basement for over a century. Despite the shock of finding such an ethereal entity stripped of all his clothes and contained into a confined space, you had to accept for the sake of your father. But the more you got to speak to the mysterious anthropomorphic personification who didn’t utter a single word, the more you were lost into his eyes that, conversely, seemed to contain the entire universe. A deep connection formed between the two of you, separated only by a thick layer of glass.
Little did you know, what started like a simple housemaid job was about to change your life forever.
Credits: The moon dividers were made by firefly-graphics
Tagging: @number-0-iz, @emarich7, @jaziona92. If anyone else wants to be tagged in the next updates, let me know! I noticed that Tumblr sometimes won't let me tag everyone for some unknown reason, so if it comes to that I can at least send you a message to notify you.
You can also read this on AO3 if you feel more comfortable!
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You believed that your sojourn in Cape Kennedy would be explicitly for work, but what started as a simple business trip evolved into a much more complex situation, teetering on the brink of catastrophe.
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Andrew turned out to be significantly more enjoyable to spend time with than you actually remembered. During your university days, he was much more timid and insecure than the person who rushed up to you outside the airport, surprising you with a tight, joyous hug that instantly dissolved all the peculiar anxieties you were feeling upon landing.
Truth be told, your memories of interactions with him during your evening outings were sparse, as he tended to stick close to Ella, engaging more in conversations with her than anyone else. After many years without seeing him, you even reached a point where you forgot his existence. It's astounding how the progression of time and accumulation of experiences can unveil a person's genuine character and unearth the finest qualities they've kept concealed.
Just a handful of phone calls and a smattering of text messages were all it took for you to grasp his newfound confidence. He didn't need an extended conversation to establish a comfortable and friendly rapport with you. His messages were punctuated with a barrage of emojis, more than you had ever received at once, and his gif reactions were so humorous they had you doubling over in laughter.
His style was impeccable, with that colorful shirt that seemed a tad eccentric but in a balanced way, blending perfectly with the sophisticated black jacket, jeans, and shoes he had selected. His light brown hair was partly styled in a sort of pompadour, but the gentle breeze was lending it a pleasingly disheveled look. His stubble was barely noticeable, enhancing his handsome face with a mature touch due to its well-groomed appearance.
His car was quite luxurious, but you couldn't expect anything less of him at that point. The seats were incredibly comfy and the interior exuded a scent of white musk. While he drove, keeping the radio at a soft volume to ensure clear communication, Andrew finally provided a comprehensive explanation of the purpose behind your trip to Florida.
"So, I already mentioned this, but I've been following your work for quite a while now. And let me tell you, your creations are phenomenal.”
"Why, thank you," you responded with a smile, sweeping your hair away from your face. The salty scent of the ocean wafted in through the open windows, instantly reminding you of the beach landscape in the Dreaming.
"Now, the reason I sought your help is for a new collection I want to curate for the summer season. My goal is to merge innovative design with sustainable practices, demonstrating a commitment to environmental consciousness and ethical manufacturing methods.”
"That sounds wonderful."
"Indeed. I want to draw inspiration from the colors, textures, and patterns found in the aquatic world. Each piece in the collection needs to exhibit intricate detailing and innovative fabric choices.”
You nodded, mentally cataloging all the information he was sharing.
"I envision the collection to be versatile. I'm not planning to just create swimsuits, but essentially a complete range of summer attire that one could wear.”
"Of course," you agreed.
Andrew's face lit up. "Now, imagine having the perfect match, maintaining a consistent theme but with originality and diversity so that it doesn't all look the same.”
The wheels in your brain were already turning at full speed, sketching out what could potentially become the first set of drafts to propose.
"Obviously, I don't want anything in the typical ‘mermaid style’. That's just boring. But there's only so much I can do with my creative process.”
"Well then, you've contacted the right person for the job," you declared, wearing a broad grin.
Andrew raised his hand, his chuckling robust and contagious. It took a moment for you to understand that he was soliciting a high-five. You couldn't even recall when you last partook in such a lighthearted interaction. It elicited a comforting warmth in your heart.
As you slapped your hand against his, he exclaimed, "You bet I did, girl!”
The car ride was brief. He pulled up directly in front of his workplace, a shop that seemed quaint in size, but instantly made you feel welcomed with its glowing neon sign. The store's beautiful mannequins were adorned with impeccably tailored clothing, arranged in a professional display that mimicked the beaches of Cape Kennedy. The shop windows were truly extraordinary, an authentic work of art. You could tell that they had intentionally incorporated real sand and seashells into the composition.
"Wow," you gasped, your gaze fixed on the spectacular view. "Andrew, I haven't even stepped inside, and I'm already smitten.”
He chuckled softly. "I can't take the credit, I'm afraid. This is all the work of my window dresser.”
"Well, there's undeniable talent on display here.”
"Oh absolutely, she's the best in the business. I enjoy updating the shop's aesthetic quite frequently, and without her expertise, I'd be utterly clueless.”
Guiding you gently inside with a light touch on your back, he announced his presence. The woman behind the counter, a striking young lady with untamed red hair, sparkling green eyes, and a smattering of adorable freckles across her cheeks, whirled around so quickly she nearly collided with the table.
“Oh hey! Hi!”
Named Charlotte, she was no more than 20 years, with her primary role being the management of the shop's sales, encompassing both the physical store and online transactions. Andrew regarded her akin to a younger sister; she looked quite vivacious at first impression, yet proved to be exceptionally proficient and reliable in her role.
Without missing a beat, Charlotte promptly offered snacks and drinks to both you and Andrew, ushering you towards the back where the true magic unfolded behind closed doors. Their laboratory was surprisingly larger than the retail area itself; it resembled a lavish loft, complete with expansive industrial windows and the cozy glow of fairy lights.
The window dresser, an elegant woman in her 50s, was diligently constructing props in a distant corner. Despite her long, red nails, she glued and cut materials together with remarkable precision. As you walked by, Andrew introduced you to his tight-knit team, each member of which showed exceptional openness and kindness.
Positioned at the farthest end of the room, a welcoming lounge space beckoned, replete with plush couches and a variety of seating options. The area was bathed in soft light emanating from an oversized lamp, exquisitely fashioned in the shape of a flower. To you, a good workplace needed to reflect the comfort and coziness reminiscent of home. The relaxed ambiance was not just perceptible, but it was also nurturing an environment of seamless harmony among the team members.
Although your jet lag was already starting to take a toll on you, you managed to stay alert throughout the remainder of your visit to the shop. Andrew penned a list of essential points for you to memorize, letting you savor your tea on the most comfortable bean chair you had ever sat on. The enthusiasm he injected into everything he described, including the addition of sketches and adorable emojis scattered throughout the paper, marked him as a kindred spirit in creativity. Although he might not possess a specialized skill for complex projects demanding a unique approach, his talent in overall management was clearly evident.
Your collaboration with him had just begun, yet you found yourself already envisioning future partnerships.
As the day progressed, you noted the sun beginning to set. Andrew made sure you had everything required to start on your drafts, but his clear and concise manner of speaking left no room for questions. Ideas were already flooding your mind, and you were eager to begin sketching them out. But as strong as your creative desire happened to be, it was matched by a pressing need for rest and rejuvenation.
Thus, Andrew led you to his car once more, steering it towards a quaint Bed and Breakfast that he had personally reserved for your stay under your name.
"Hal, a good friend of mine, owns the place," he elaborated. "He's a great guy. I'm certain you'll find his company pleasant.”
"I appreciate this, Andrew. You didn't have to go through the trouble, I could have arranged for a hotel room."
"It's really no trouble at all. Besides, it was I who invited you here. It's the least I could do," he replied. "I've known Hal since I moved to Cape Kennedy. He was literally the first friend I made here. I prefer to have you stay somewhere I know is safe."
You couldn't help but smile. The thoughtfulness he was extending was truly heartwarming.
"Then, I'm confident I'll be in good hands.”
As the car came to a halt, you took in the sight of a lovely establishment, surrounded by a lush expanse of greenery. The entrance, painted in white, exuded a touch of rustic charm yet retained an aura of elegance. A solitary lantern hung just above the front door, adding to its appeal.
As you stepped out of the car, Andrew fetched your suitcase from the trunk. Simultaneously, the door of the Bed and Breakfast swung open, revealing a man with short hair, mostly silver, with a prominent black section over his right front, and shorter strands on the left side. He was dressed casually in a short-sleeved black button-down shirt, jeans, and dark shoes.
Andrew immediatly greeted his friend, embracing him in a warm hug. "Hal, it's good to see you!"
Hal reciprocated the gesture enthusiastically, sporting a broad smile. "Good to see you too, my friend."
Feeling a tad shy, you took a small step forward, subtly tucking your hair behind your ear.
As Hal and Andrew broke their embrace, the owner of the B&B shifted his focus to you. His eyes lit up in recognition. "Ah, you must be Y/N! Welcome, it's a pleasure to meet you in person. I’m Hal Carter," he greeted warmly.
"Nice to meet you, Hal," you responded politely, extending your hand for a handshake.
"To be honest, I might be a fan of yours," he confessed, gently enveloping your hand with both of his in a sign of admiration.
"Really?”
"Oh yeah, he was practically over the moon when I told him who you were," Andrew chimed in.
"Come on now, it's not every day I get the opportunity to host a celebrity," Hal playfully retorted.
To say that you were feeling bashful at their comments would be a gross understatement.
"I'm flattered, truly. But I am no celebrity by any means," you said humbly.
"There's no need for modesty, darling. Your name has been creating quite a buzz around here."
"Wait, it has?"
"Oh, didn't I mention it?" Andrew scratched his cheek nonchalantly. "The Corbyn&Jones brand has been hitting the roof in online sales recently.”
You were aware that your company had gained significant popularity in the UK, but you had absolutely no inkling that it was expanding overseas at such a rapid pace.
"You certainly did not, but thank you," you chuckled, giving Hal's hand a gentle squeeze.
"No, thank you. It's wonderful to have you here. Our little odd family seems to be growing today."
Once Hal let go of your hand, Andrew picked up your suitcase and trailed behind his friend, who was now guiding the way towards the porch. However, he didn't proceed inside, preparing to head back to wrap up some last-minute tasks and shut the shop for the day.
He bid his goodbyes with another warm embrace to Hal and a hug for you, expressing his gratitude for your contribution to his project. Though being left alone among strangers often made you a bit agitated, Hal had a knack for making people feel comfortable. With his effortless charm, he could put you at ease and bring a smile to your face without even trying.
Upon entering the main hall, you were guided to meet your future housemates, each one more unique than the last. First up were Barbie and Ken, an apparently cheerful couple who could easily be mistaken for real-life versions of the famous dolls. Barbie was undeniably beautiful, her long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes catching your attention immediately. Ken, on the other hand, was the epitome of a ladies' man. With dark brown hair shaved at the sides and neatly tied in a small bun, coupled with a grin that came across as slightly mischievous, he certainly fit the part. You even suspected that he might be flirting with you, considering the way he looked you up and down and the tone he used, which was typical of a man trying to make an impression.
Barbie's features visibly hardened, although she attempted to hide it.
No, this guy was undeniably a massive red flag. It would be best for you to maintain a wide berth from him.
The other two women were somewhat harder to characterize, mainly because they appeared strikingly similar in their looks. Dressed in head-to-toe black ensembles, they wore dark veils over their faces and sported long raven hair with straight fringes. Their ebony lipstick and eye makeup further accentuated their gothic aesthetic. Introduced as Chantal and Zelda, they immediately offered their congratulations on your success, conversing as though they had known you for a long time. Zelda, seemingly more reserved, would whisper her sentences into Chantal's ear instead of speaking up. Whether they were twins or lovers, it was hard to tell, even for Hal.
You also learned about another guest, named Gilbert, who mostly stayed to his attic room and rarely ventured out. He was described as being quite reserved, often preferring to spend his days engrossed in reading.
After a careful exploration of the place, you found yourself growing fond of the building's old but warm interiors. It radiated a sense of coziness and was easy to navigate, with your room situated on the second floor, adjacent to Barbie's and Ken's double chamber. The space was generously proportioned, maintained with meticulous cleanliness, and supplemented with a private bathroom. The allure of the king-sized bed was nearly overpowering, but you managed to resist the temptation of flopping onto it face-first.
You opened your suitcase and began organizing your belongings for the upcoming days. You didn't bring a lot of changes of clothes with you, being certain that you would indulge in some shopping during your spare time. Utilizing the Wi-Fi password supplied by Hal, you initiated your laptop to review your emails and incorporate Andrew's annotations into your Notion documentation.
Since the night of the Fashion Show, an increasing number of journalists and influencers had reached out to you for exclusive interviews or sample requests for promotional purposes. Although your company didn't take the distribution of free products lightly, Ella suggested to participate in a handful of interviews as a strategy to enhance your public image and thereby increase followers and sales. Regrettably, your time had been exceptionally limited, which led you to decline those offers until you could find a moment of respite.
You allowed yourself a moment to lie back on the comforting mattress, your gaze unfocused as it rested on the ceiling, while the events of the past months replayed in your mind. The dramatic and swift transformation that your life had undergone since the day you met Morpheus was almost beyond belief. At times, you harbored a fear that you might wake up to find it all had been nothing more than a beautiful dream.
Once everything was in place and the empty suitcase stowed under the bed, that strange feeling in your gut that you had nearly forgotten about began to resurface. This time, it was even more intense than before, sending a sudden chill through your bloodstream. Instinctively, your eyes darted around the room, half-expecting it to collapse and swallow you down, unable to comprehend the cause.
What on earth was going on with you?
You took deep, calming breaths to stave off the discomfort. You had grown familiar with this physical reaction, but you staunchly refused to accept it as an omen of impending misfortune. Your life seemed to be finally heading in the right direction. You were satisfied, your job was highly fulfilling, and your success had even brought you Abroad. What could possibly go wrong?
Could it just be a projection of your subconscious, a subtle onset of panic manifesting due to your residual insecurities? Could it be due to that faint voice inside you, suggesting that it might all be too good to be true?
Rising to sit on the bed, you pulled out your phone to start a mini investigation of your own, sending texts to your father, Hob, and Ella at the same time. Given that they were a few hours ahead, you didn’t expect an instant reply. Nevertheless, you were eager to at least eliminate the possibility of them being in any kind of trouble, particularly your father.
Luckily, he was the first one to get back to you. His message was filled with joy, knowing that you had landed safely and were having a good time. He wished you an enjoyable stay and invited you to visit him upon your return. So, at least with him, everything was in perfect order.
Soon after, Hob's text came in, equally buoyant and accompanied by a host of heart and hug emojis. Ella's response took a little longer, but once she replied, you spent the following fifteen minutes exchanging voice messages. The sinking feeling in your stomach seemed to slowly dissipate again.
You exhaled, slipping your phone into your pants pocket. For a few minutes, you sat there in silence, attentive to the clock's ticking and the distant voices emanating from downstairs. Whatever it was, you knew you couldn't afford to dwell on it for too long. Perhaps it wasn't anything significant.
Just as you were preparing to stand and join the others, an unexpected knock at the window caused you to startle. You spun around, staring out into the darkening sky but seeing nothing unusual. Then, a second knock drew your gaze to a black figure with large, flapping wings, incessantly tapping the glass with its beak as it fluttered in the air.
Puzzled, you approached the window to open it. The black bird perched on the sill in front of you, fluffing its feathers and looking up at your confused expression.
"Hey Y/N!”
“Matthew? What are you doing here?”
He clicked his tongue. "Well, it's quite a story.”
"Did Morpheus send you?”
"He did, but it's not you I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on this time.”
"I don't understand.”
"See, I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to tell you about it.”
You leaned in slightly, bringing your nose closer to his beak. "You're here now, aren't you? Go ahead, spill it.”
Matthew exhaled a sigh. His reluctance to speak suggested that your intuition may have been justified in its alarm. Whatever was transpiring, it could explain the knot in your stomach that kept fluctuating.
"So, there's a girl who arrived here. The boss and Lucienne need me to monitor her because of the... uhh… abilities she possesses.”
If anything, that added to your confusion even more.
“What kind of abilities?”
Matthew paused before continuing, "Look, this is just a precautionary measure. You don't need to worry about it.”
"If you say that, it just gives me a reason to actually be worried about it. Why did you come to me if you're not going to tell me anything?”
“I wasn’t expecting you to be here, of all people.”
The more you heard him out, the more you were certain that something was incredibly wrong.
"It’s a work trip,” you explained. "Could you be a little more specific?”
"Y/N, if you get too close to the Vortex, things could...”
“What even is a Vortex?”
Your eagerness to know was elevating your voice by a few octaves, and you had to tightly shut your eyes to maintain your composure.
"The boss could explain that more effectively.”
"Then let your boss know that he and I will have a chat later.”
“I think he heard that.”
“Good.”
Hal's voice resonated from behind your door, beckoning you and announcing that they were on the cusp of starting dinner preparations. Clearing your throat, you responded loudly, assuring that you would descend in a few minutes to assist.
Matthew waited, ears attuned to the receding footsteps, before speaking up again. "It appears you're quite occupied here,” he noted. “I should probably return to keep an eye on Rose.”
Your complexion turned ashen. You had pushed that memory to the back of your mind, distracted by your responsibilities and the thrill of your new adventure in Cape Kennedy. But now, it was vividly clear as you recalled every single moment, every word spoken, within your dream.
And, above all else, you remembered her.
"I'm Rose. Rose Walker.”
"I'm Y/N Y/LN, it's a pleasure to meet you.”
"Where exactly are we?”
"This is the Dreaming. Or at least, a portion of it.”
"Wait, am I asleep?”
"Where do you hail from, Rose?”
"I come from New Jersey, but I'm travelling in search of my brother right now.”
"Do you have any idea where he might be?”
"I actually do. He’s in Florida.”
It couldn’t be…
“Matthew, you don’t mean Rose Walker, do you?”
“Wait, have you met her already?”
What were the chances that this girl would not only be on your flight, but also expected to stay at the exact location that Andrew had organized for you?
Rose Walker, a name you had believed to be confined merely to the realm of the Dreaming.
“Matthew, she was in my dream. I saw her there.”
“You did? Oh…. oh. That’s not good.”
The way he stuttered, hopping back and forth on his raven legs, did not augur well at all.
"Matthew?”
"I need to go. For now, just... stay alert, okay?”
You had a multitude of questions, but as impatient as you were to unravel the mystery, it had to be postponed until the ensuing night, the moment when you would drift off to sleep and step into Morpheus' domain.
“Take care, Matthew.”
“You too, Y/N.”
You watched him take flight and move away from the house, swallowing down your burgeoning sense of foreboding about something you had absolutely no knowledge of.
You heaved a heavy sigh, shutting the window, and forcefully suppressing the growing sense of worry that had risen to your chest.
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Preparing dinner alongside Hal and the others turned out to be an enjoyable experience. The familiar atmosphere you found yourself in was fantastic, and Hal exceeded even Andrew's glowing description. He was amusing, jovial, a person who enjoyed light-hearted banter and voicing his thoughts out loud.
Occasionally, you could feel the weight of a scrutinizing gaze on you as Ken stole covert glances in your direction. Each time you noticed him uncomfortably close, flashing what he likely considered a charming smile (which, truth be told, had no effect on you), you found an excuse to put some distance between you and carry on with your tasks at a more comfortable space. Barbie appeared blissfully oblivious, but you were certain she was doing her utmost to feign ignorance. To an outsider, they projected an image of flawless perfection - so perfect, in fact, that it bordered on being entirely artificial.
She was unmistakably in love with him, that much was evident. However, you couldn't help but wonder if he reciprocated her feelings to the same degree, or if he was merely concerned about maintaining appearances.
Certainly, the fact that he seemed to flirt so openly with other women despite the presence of his lover was enough to cast him in a highly dubious light.
Barbie, on the other hand, was a genuine sweetheart. Even from the limited conversation you had with her, it was easy for you to see that she was highly romantic and imaginative - someone who had far more to offer than what she allowed to surface.
Zelda maintained her communication restricted to whispered exchanges with Chantal, but her smile was soft, belonging to someone who likely had weathered many personal storms. Chantal boasted about their private collection of stuffed spiders, inviting you to take a look. While spiders weren't exactly your cup of tea, a part of you was intrigued to uncover more facets of their personalities.
Gilbert was the only one absent, aside from the other two new guests (one of whom was none other than Rose herself) who had gone off to the foster agency. Though you were keen on making his acquaintance, you opted to respect his apparent need for privacy.
As dinner quickly concluded, you volunteered to assist Hal with the dishwashing and general cleanup. He liked engaging in conversation and delving into people's life stories, so you both exchanged tales of past hardships and the transformative journeys that led to you standing side by side as you were now. However, while you were satisfied and exactly where you aspired to be, Hal was surprisingly discontented. Despite managing his grandmother's house and performing as a Drag in the local nightclub, he harbored dreams of far larger audiences and grander stages, envisioning himself in the spotlight akin to a Broadway star.
The past hour seemed to fly by, and as you took the liberty to prepare yourself some tea, Hal started to get ready for his work shift. A group outing had been planned for that evening to witness the landlord's performance, and you were promptly invited to join them and share in the camaraderie. Even though your inclination would have been to retreat to your room and rest until the next day, you chose to step out of your comfort zone and agreed to tag along without any objections.
Hal had just revealed his ambition to become a celebrated performer. The least you could do was to appreciate his genuine talent and offer your support.
Engrossed in casual banter, the others lounged on the couch while you savored your warm cup of tea on your own. The first sip brought immediate hydration, aiding your digestion and offering a moment of tranquility amidst the heaviness of jet lag and travel fatigue. Being so far away from home was unfamiliar to you, but the thrill ignited by your new project was so powerful that it briefly superseded the returning feeling of your twisted gut.
Eventually, your peace was subtly disturbed when you noticed someone silently glide into the kitchen just as you were settling at the table. Lifting your gaze, you found yourself looking at a middle-aged man dressed in Victorian-style clothing, his gray hair and mustache adding to his distinctive looks. There was something about him that suggested another era - as if he had stepped out of a time machine or leapt from the pages of a Sherlock Holmes novel.
The man smiled, acknowledging his quiet intrusion with a polite, "Oh, my apologies, Miss.”
You didn't recognize this man, and that could only mean he was likely the elusive guest from the attic room.
“Hello. You must be Gilbert,” You replied in a cordial tone.
"Indeed. And you must be one of the new lodgers.”
"I am. Name's Y/N, Y/N L/N. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Before you could reach out to offer a handshake, Gilbert leaned forward, performing an old-fashioned but entrancing bow, while tightly clutching a peculiar cane in his left hand. “Delighted.”
You smiled at how his small glasses stayed slightly askew on his nose. The aura he exuded was strikingly peaceful, uncannily familiar even. You couldn't quite put your finger on why.
"I didn't mean to intrude," he said. "I was engrossed in a book and thought it would be pleasant to have a cup of tea alongside.”
"You're in luck then. I just brewed some for myself. There's a bit of it left, would you like it?”
Gilbert's eyes softened even more. "If it's not too much trouble, then yes, I would gladly accept.”
"It's no trouble at all. I always have the habit of making too much.”
"But one can never have too much tea, can they?”
You released a robust chuckle, standing up to reach for the teapot, and picking up a clean mug along the way. "Absolutely.”
He watched patiently, observing you as you poured the remaining tea, its steam rising invitingly.
"Here," you offered, gently sliding the mug towards him. "It's Earl Grey. I hope it is to your liking, sir.”
"A classic," he remarked. "Always the finest choice, don't you agree?”
His manner of speaking was so reminiscent of a traditional British gentleman that it made your heart flutter. It was incredibly refreshing to witness.
"Finest choices are my preference," you admitted, sporting a grin.
Gilbert gently blew on the liquid to cool it down, carefully sampling a few drops. He savored it much like a connoisseur, licking his lips afterward.
"Delicious. Just what I needed to accompany my reading. Would it be all right if I finished this in my room?”
His zeal to return to his book was amusing; it brought to mind your own fervor during your younger years.
"Of course. May I inquire about the book you're reading?”
“Oh, it’s Chesterton!”
Intriguing choice, you mused to yourself. Especially given that the author's name also happened to be Gilbert. Upon giving him another glance, you noticed an uncanny resemblance between him and the images you had seen of Chesterton. What an interesting coincidence.
"Enjoy your reading then. Are you coming with us tonight? To see our landlord’s theatrical endeavor?”
"Yes, I received the invitation. That sounds lovely, doesn’t it? I'll likely join you all later.”
With another understated bow, he excused himself and left the kitchen. As he disappeared up the stairs, you could hear the contented "mmhh" he hummed in appreciation of the tea.
Traveling had always been an activity you desired to devote both time and money towards. It offered opportunities to delve into various places and cultures, as well as meet a diverse array of unique individuals. Having just arrived in Cape Kennedy, you made some intriguing new acquaintances within the span of two hours (Ken being the singular exception). At first, you assumed Hal would quickly become your favorite, but Gilbert seized that position in less than ten minutes.
Sipping the last bit of your tea, you listened to the soft music playing in the background and the continued laughter of the rest of the group. The sound of footsteps entered the scene, and their chattering was interrupted as they began to converse with someone who had just walked in through the front door.
Hey!" Ken exclaimed.
“You’ve returned,” said Chantal.
“How’d it go?” Barbie asked curiously.
You perked up your ears and furrowed your brows. The response that followed instantly froze you in your tracks, causing your hair to stand on end.
“Well, I didn’t make any new friends at the foster agency.”
“You stood up for yourself. I was very proud of her.”
While the second voice was unknown, the first was unmistakably identifiable. It belonged to a girl who you weren't even aware existed in your reality - someone you had seen in the Dreaming, sharing a few tranquil moments together while asleep.
Rose Walker. The very one that Matthew was supposed to be supervising.
Until the very last moment, you tried to convince yourself that you were making a colossal mistake, that none of this could be possible, regardless of the myriad of unthinkable things you had experienced with your own eyes. Prophetic dreams were rare, but you could have at least rationalized the existence of a girl with the same name as the one you had dreamed about.
No, the voice was a perfect match, etched into your mind, ringing in your ears.
Gradually, you placed your empty mug down and left the table, cautiously stepping out of the kitchen and into the living room.
Ken smiled, grasping his car keys with pride. “Well, you can tell us all about it over drinks.”
Barbie interjected. “We’re taking you out.”
You'd be damned if that wasn't indeed the same person you had met on the beach in Morpheus' realm. Same face, same clothes, same adorable black locks streaked with rainbow hues.
Beside her stood a taller woman with dark brown hair, dressed in a long coat and holding a green bag in her right hand. She radiated stunning beauty and sophistication.
“Right now?” The woman asked.
“Absolutely,” Ken replied.
Suddenly, a wave of self-consciousness washed over you, leaving you uncertain of how to approach and introduce yourself. You chose to keep your distance, staying in the shadows as long as necessary.
Rose turned her attention to Chantal and Zelda. "You look so nice. Should we change?”
Both of them shook their heads, but only Chantal offered an answer. "We always look this way.”
Ken and Barbie immediately confirmed it.
“They do. Even at breakfast.”
“Right.”
Your heart leapt as you watched them all stand up, getting ready to leave.
Ken let out an "Ooh" as he downed the rest of his drink, smacking his lips with his hand afterward. “Shall we, ladies?”
You rolled your eyes. Somehow, his self-centeredness was palpable, the fact not lost on you that he was the lone man in the midst of women.
“We’d love it.”
“But shouldn’t we wait for Hal?”
Chantal cast a contented look at Rose. “Hal’s already there.”
Rose raised an eyebrow in puzzlement, clearly unaware of Hal's performance that evening. As Ken, Barbie, Chantal, and Zelda left the house, you grasped the chance to take your action. Before she could move away, with the woman's hand gently resting on her shoulder, you managed to speak, your voice coming out slightly raspy and unsure.
“Rose.”
The duo halted and pivoted, their gazes locked on you. The woman appeared surprised that you knew her friend's name, while the one who was the primary subject of your interest looked completely shocked. Her mouth agape, she stared at you incredulously, while you nervously twiddled your fingers and inched closer to their position.
“Wait, Y/N? Is that really you?”
Could it get any more awkward?
"Yes. It's good to see you again.”
"Do you two know each other?" The woman asked, her attention shifting back and forth between you and Rose.
The girl seemed to be at a loss for words. "Uhm...”
"We met on the plane," you blurted out, not thinking clearly.
"On... the plane? When did you even have time to meet?”
Darn. Naturally, she wouldn't believe that. How could you have been so oblivious as to not realize they had traveled to Florida together?
Luckily, Rose devised the perfect alibi right then and there, despite its implausibility. "You were asleep. We crossed paths during my bathroom break.”
“Really..?”
"Y/N, this is my friend Lyta Hall. Lyta, this is Y/N Y/LN.”
Rose appeared as perplexed as you, evidently anxious and actively steering the conversation away. Lyta didn't press on, instead, she greeted you with a warm smile and a handshake that was both firm and gentle. "Nice to meet you.”
"Nice to meet you too," you reciprocated.
"Are you joining us?" Lyta queried.
"I am. Speaking of which, we should probably get going, before the others start to suspect we've fallen into a black hole.”
They both laughed at your jest, and you followed straight, trying to come to terms with the enormity of the situation you were getting yourself into.
Lyta took the lead, confidently walking along the front avenue. You deliberately reduced your speed, maintaining Rose by your side, who then clasped onto your sleeve with a certain desperation.
"What's going on? I thought you were a dream,” she murmured.
"Yeah, no kidding. I thought the same of you,” you echoed her words, clenching your teeth so that no one else could pick up on your conversation.
"Well, this isn't the only strange thing that's happened to me recently," she revealed. "How can this even be real?”
"Trust me, I have absolutely no idea.”
With her usual sunny disposition, Barbie encouraged you to pick up the pace. "Come on you two, you don't want to be late now, do you?"
Reluctantly, Rose let go of your arm. "Can we talk about this later?”
What could you possibly discuss when you were utterly clueless about the unfolding events? Perhaps Morpheus could provide some insights into the situation the following night.
“Of course.”
Seeing that Ken's car was a genuine Lamborghini didn't surprise you - it was a perfect mirror of the personality you had deduced from his overall demeanor. Rose invited you to ride with her and Lyta, along with Chantal and Zelda who had already staked their claim on two of the back seats. As you laid one hand on the car door and swung a foot inside, the distinct caw of a raven echoed from the roof of the B&B. Once you were inside the vehicle, you spotted Matthew perched atop the porch, an unmistakable indication that he would be monitoring your movements for the rest of the evening.
Or more precisely, conducting surveillance on Rose and anything she might be entangled in.
Yes. Your boyfriend undoubtedly owed you a significant explanation.
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Your time at the nightclub happened to be a lot more enjoyable than you had predicted. Hal was undeniably gifted, boasting a star-worthy voice and a charismatic presence that drew people in. The audience was amazed, absorbed in his performance and thoroughly entertained. He deserved all the applause and exuberant whistles he received upon the completion of his display.
Hal was too talented for that diminutive stage. You could picture him on a much grander platform, performing and singing for the world to see.
You saw Rose step out to make a call at one point, and Lyta later told you that she had bumped into Gilbert outside the club and decided to go home, as jet lag was taking its toll on her. Her prolonged absence was starting to stoke your worry, but the text she sent to Lyta didn't hint at any particular disquietude.
And Matthew was nowhere to be seen.
Barely able to keep your eyes open, you hurriedly undressed and slipped into your comfortable pajamas. You staggered towards the bathroom before returning, ultimately surrendering to the beckoning coziness of your bed. The murmurs of Hal, Ken, Barbie and Chantal echoed from the lower floor, gradually diminishing as they each withdrew to their rooms for the night.
The moment you switched off the lights and allowed your eyelids to fall, you succumbed to sleep like a lead weight, drifting off within mere seconds. It took you a while to regain lucidity as you traversed the realm of dreams, transitioning from one scenario to another drawn from your waking life. After multiple shifts in the landscape, you found yourself journeying down a path that could only lead to one destination. You walked faster, a smile playing on your lips, as you crossed the bridge suspended over the lake.
As per tradition, Able was the first to welcome you. Goldie fluttered around him as he tended to the gardens, his little wings joyfully flapping. The baby Gargoyle let out an adorable little squeak when he spotted you, propelling forward to land directly in your outstretched hands.
The warmth and hospitality of the brothers always made you feel cherished whenever you visited. They served the most exquisite tea and sweets, the likes of which you could never find in the Waking World. Goldie, comfortably nestled in your lap, clutched a bit of your dress in his tiny fist. Able and Cain continued their conversation, sharing stories of their day with you and news of something in the Dreaming that instantly piqued your interest.
Reportedly, a Vortex had emerged, prompting speculation about whether Morpheus was taking sufficient measures to address it.
“What's this Vortex everyone's talking about?" You asked. "This isn't the first time I've heard about it.”
"A Dream Vortex is a rare disturbance in the fabric of the Dreaming," Cain explained. "It materializes once in every era for reasons that remain a mystery, even to the Endless.”
"Yes, a Vortex appears as a mortal who temporarily becomes the center of the Dreaming," Able added.
"A mortal? You mean, like a human being?”
They both shrugged at the same time. "That's what the dream folk say.”
You nibbled at your lower lip, apprehension creeping into your voice. "And what does it do, this Vortex? Is it dangerous?”
They shared a cautious look, probably considering what details they were allowed to disclose. Just as Able was about to respond, a booming voice called them from outside the House of Mystery. Morpheus was standing at Cain's door, his hands still at his sides, his long coat swaying in the soft breeze.
Could this have been a strategy to stop them from conversing with you, from revealing things you weren't supposed to learn?
Cain cleared his throat, hastily rose to his feet, and opened his home to the Lord of Dreams, who chose to remain outside.
"Lord Morpheus, what a surprise," Able greeted him, his tone respectful yet tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Would you care for some tea?”
"I am here for Y/N," he stated with authority. "I need to take her with me.”
Cain clenched his jaw, clearly irritated by the King's imperious manner. "But of course, my Lord.”
As you made your way out of the house, you kissed Goldie's snout and handed the baby Gargoyle back to Able. "Thank you for your company, guys.”
"It is always a pleasure, my dear," Cain responded with adoration.
"Please visit us again soon," Able called out, waving.
You gave them a nod and a broad smile, observing as they withdrew into the house and closed the door behind them.
Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Morpheus's hand. With a subtle gesture, he silently invited you to take it.
"Come," he said, noting your bemused expression.
"Hello to you too.”
Morpheus' austere countenance cracked, giving way to the beginnings of a smile. With a barely perceptible sigh and a quiet chuckle, you grasped his cool hand and gave it a solid squeeze. His fingers immediately closed around yours as he turned, creating a sandy portal in front of you.
As soon as you stepped into it, you were immediately whisked away to his throne room. The transition was so smooth, it felt as though you hadn't moved at all.
It didn't take long for you to pick up on his distress. His retreat into silence, his reluctance to meet your gaze, and his pout resembling an aggrieved cat—these were not things you could easily overlook.
"Morpheus, can you tell me what on earth is going on?”
The Endless' eyes moved from the floor and landed on you.
"What's this whole ordeal about Rose Walker and the Dream Vortex, and why did you instruct Matthew to keep an eye on her in the Waking World?”
Given his noticeable lack of effort to keep you updated, you were uncertain of what to expect.
"Rose Walker is the Dream Vortex," he specified. "Its presence can attract the dreams of others and manipulate causality, causing a series of fateful coincidences to occur around it.”
"That's not a good thing, right…?”
"No, not if it remains uncontrolled.”
“And it is?”
“She does not pose an immediate threat, if that is what you’re asking.”
Then why did the entire situation make you feel so uncertain? Why was your instinct telling you there was much more to it?
"Morpheus, she was in my dream."
“I am aware of that.”
“But why? How?”
"Your connection to the Dreaming is extraordinarily powerful, my love. Your consciousness is awake; you come here to lead another existence, and your perception is amplified.”
He wasn't mistaken about that. Even at this moment, you were speaking to him with pristine clarity, as if you were not asleep at all. Nevertheless, witnessing your dreams intertwining with someone else's was anything but reassuring.
“Be honest with me. What are the dangers associated with a Vortex?”
"There is no necessity for you to be alarmed.”
Despite his attempts to shield you from the truth, you were determined not to let the matter rest.
“That doesn’t answer my question.”
"Y/N-”
"I'm not a child, Morpheus. Whatever it is, I can deal with it.”
Was the situation really so dire that he feared it would terrify you? Or perhaps he was trying to avoid some form of harsh judgment?
“A Vortex gathering strength is capable of weakening the walls between dreams.”
Well, that did sound alarming after all.
“Can you elaborate?”
Morpheus paused, searching for the most appropriate words to convey his explanation.
"The rippling effect it would create could extend to the Waking World, with reality itself unraveling and descending into chaos.”
Your stomach churned. "Rose Walker could do that?”
“As I said, she is of no danger to my realm or yours at the current moment.”
What would be the consequences if she did, hypothetically, transform into a significant risk? What would be the fate of the Dreaming and the Waking World if the Vortex were to activate with full intensity?
"If needed, would you be capable of stopping her?”
The ensuing silence was disconcerting, and the response that you received was even worse.
"The only way to stop a Vortex would be to destroy it. As an Endless, I cannot take action against any mortal that is not an active threat.”
If your stomach was already twisted in knots before, now it felt as though it was being turned inside out.
"So, that implies you'd have to kill her? But she's just a girl... and I don't believe she even realizes what she truly is.”
She seemed so pure, filled with hope about finding her brother Jed. When you met her at the B&B, she was just as incredulous as you were to learn that you weren’t merely a figment of imagination.
"No, she does not. Tonight, when she falls asleep again, I will assist her. Together, we will search for her brother, and one of my missing nightmares.”
Your head was reeling. "Missing nightmares?”
He looked up, staring at the colorful windows above the throne. "Three of my subjects have strayed away from the Dreaming. One dream, two nightmares”
Following his line of sight, you observed the glass transforming, with each window producing a different image. The first two depicted unique individuals - a woman with blue skin and a man donning a fedora and black eyeglasses, while the third seemed to portray a lush, vibrant landscape. It took a while, but your focus returned to the second plate as it suddenly sparked a sense of recognition. Where had you seen that man before...?
And then, a light bulb went off in your mind, as you realized you had actually met him in your waking life.
"I'm sorry," you said nervously. "I should pay more attention to where I’m walking.”
"It's alright," he answered with an American accent, helping you to your feet and removing his hand so slowly that you had the impression he was trying to feel you. "The important thing is that you are okay. You didn't get hurt, did you?”
His voice was coarse and slightly deep with a note of allure. At the same time, it served to make you even more anxious in his presence.
“I’m fine,” you replied. “Are you?”
The corners of his lips raised up even more, and you could see his perfectly white teeth gleaming under the sunlight.
“I am,” he nodded. “But please, let me help you.”
You remembered how he daringly stepped uncomfortably close to you. You recalled how he used the pretext of your accidental collision to invite you for a drink. He had a certain darkness about him, but you couldn't identify whether it was the thick glasses hiding his eyes or the strange aura that seemed to form around him.
"Morpheus... who is that man?”
"The Corinthian is a rogue nightmare, one that feeds on the dreamers he was supposed to serve.”
Feeds…
"Why do you ask?”
Even in your dream state, the skin on your face managed to drain of color. Had you accepted his invitation, what would he have done to you? What were the Corinthian's intentions, and was he aware of your relationship with his master? Was that a calculated scheme to ensnare you in his grasp?
Now that you reflected on it, and considering the way his hand had held you, touched you, and reluctantly let you go, you could confidently say that your encounter with the nightmare in question was anything but accidental.
"You're not going to like this,” you declared.
His fingers delicately brushed your chin, gently cradling it between his thumb and forefinger, directing your face towards his. His eyes locked onto yours once more, and his brows knitted together.
“What is it that you are keeping from me?”
Holding back your anxiety, you drew a deep breath and steeled yourself. "He was in London a few months ago. I ran into him on the street.”
If it were possible for his own complexion to turn even more ghostly, you knew it would happen at that instant. His eyes dramatically widened and darkened, and his breath became rapid as the latent anger in him began to surge. His hand dropped, suspended in mid-air.
“What?”
"It was brief, really. I was in a rush. We bumped into each other and my bag fell to the ground. He said he wanted to offer me a drink as an apology, but... he came across as a bit forceful. I declined.”
Noticing how distraught he was, you placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "He didn't harm me, and I haven't seen him since that day.”
“This is my fault,” he admitted. "My absense caused all this.”
"And in what way exactly are you accountable?”
"Had I been here, fulfilling my duty-"
"Oh, come on. It's not as if you took a 100-year vacation, did you?”
There it was again, that vulnerability that you felt compelled to shield. That sliver of insecurity that even he, as the King of Dreams and Nightmares, as an Endless and a being more potent than a God, could exhibit.
"If there's anyone to blame, it's Roderick Burgess for imprisoning you. And then his son, who out of fear, refused to set you free.”
The mere thought of it could still provoke your wrath.
"I cannot absolve myself simply due to a mortal's triviality.”
"Morpheus, life is a turbulent journey filled with a series of unfortunate and unpredictable circumstances. Some may call it destiny, while others might call it misfortune or casuality. Regardless of what it was, I wouldn't wish what you endured on anyone else, not even my worst enemy.”
You knew that what truly plagued him was his inability to prevent the incident, his failure to resist, allowing a mortal man driven by greed to exploit his power. But you would defy anyone to act differently, to surrender and accept the conditions set by those humans for their release, amidst the uncertainty of whether their captors would even uphold their end of the deal.
In addition to the heinous act of murdering his raven, right before his very eyes.
You clasped his hands in yours, gently caressing the backs of them with your thumbs. "Please, stop tormenting yourself.”
"Y/N, this is not-”
You silenced his words with a kiss, pressing your lips against his. “Don’t.”
When you pulled away from him, he attempted to speak again. “I-”
"No, hear me out. I am not an Endless, and I'm certainly not you. I can only understand a fraction of what you do, and I would never presume to preach about what is right and what is wrong.”
Another kiss followed, soft and sweet, akin to a peck.
“I understand that you carry the responsibility of the Dreaming and the well-being of the Waking World upon yourself, but if these dreams have left while you were imprisoned, you cannot blame yourself.”
You leaned into him and waited until his body finally succumbed, the tension slowly ebbing away. His hands traced along your back, moving up and down gently and delicately, as if you were crafted from crystal.
"Y/N, the Corinthian was created to reflect humanity’s darkest fears. He has been thriving in the Waking World far too long.”
He was frightened, petrified by the thought of what his nightmare could have inflicted upon you.
“He allowed me to leave.”
“Even so, I require Rose Walker to lead me to the Corinthian, Gault and Fiddler's Green.”
The faster he could find him, and the other two, the better it would be for the Waking World.
And for you.
"How can they elude you like this, when you are the one who brought them into existence?”
"My dreams and nightmares have a certain level of autonomy and independence from me.”
On one hand, Morpheus faced the looming disaster that the Vortex in Rose could create if allowed to expand excessively, and on the other, he needed to leverage such power to find his stray dreams and restore order in his realm. How could a single entity fullfil such a role alone?
You encircled your arms around his neck, letting out a shaky sigh that brushed against his skin. "Oh, Morpheus. I wish I could offer more than just a handful of soothing words.”
"Your words carry more power than any action taken, my love.”
You hummed against his neck, taking in the revitalizing aroma of sand, pine wood, and sea salt.
“Just… be cautious with the Vortex. I don’t have a good feeling about it.”
“I will ensure that no harm comes to you.”
"Yes, but it's not myself I'm worried about.”
You cupped his face, gazing at him with tear-filled eyes. "After everything you've done to reconstruct your realm, I can't stand the thought of it being ravaged again.”
He grasped your wrists, keeping them stationary and secure within his grasp. "Your regard for the Dreaming is commendable. The situation with Rose Walker is under control.”
You pursed your lips. "Well, maybe, but...”
“I will see it more clearly. Soon. For now, live your waking life without shouldering this burden.”
"That's easier said than done. Anything that puts you or your realm at risk, is not something I can simply ignore.”
Then, it was Morpheus who surprised you with a kiss, delicate and feather-light, coaxing your eyes closed as your body relaxed in his arms. It was his way of indicating that he didn't want you to obsess over it, or to overanalyze something that might not even happen in the first place.
You felt your surroundings vanish, dissolving into a puff of black dust, and his fingertips traced down your neck until they rested over your pendant, which glowed and bathed you in its blue luminescence.
His voice echoed, sounding like a distant illusion. "This dream is over.”
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The next morning, you were up and active at an early hour, seated at the table with your orange juice on one side, the laptop bustling with work on the other, and your sketchbook open in front of you. Hal continued to express his pride in having such a talented artist like yourself in his house, anticipating nothing but exceptional outcomes from your collaboration with Andrew.
Rose arrived with a hefty stack of freshly printed posters, featuring an old photograph of her younger self standing alongside her brother Jed. The heading was written in bold red letters, stating "Have you seen this boy?" and was accompanied by a description of the little Walker, along with Rose's contact information. Barbie was ecstatic, grabbing a pile of posters to distribute around, while Ken was far from thrilled about it. Although he put on a smile and pretended to be in agreement, you could tell how bothersome such a task was for his vain personality. You didn't think you could dislike him more, but given his obvious lack of empathy, how could it be otherwise?
Zelda and Chantal also offered to take some, serving as clear evidence that appearances can be deceiving, with the two of them being far more compassionate than a man flaunting his material wealth. You would happily spend your day in their company, surrounded by their stuffed spiders, rather than endure even five minutes in the presence of that man.
Hal assured Rose that he would be more than happy to accompany her to hand out the flyers, and although you had little time to be outdoors, you took a handful yourself to make your own contribution.
Lyta was not present, still fast asleep in the room she shared with Rose. As soon as you heard that, somehow, the knot in your stomach made an abrupt return.
Curious.
In the early afternoon, with the house practically devoid of company, you had all the tranquility and calm required to focus on your work. The initial sketches were already done and delivered, and Andrew had sent you merely a few notes for alterations, while the majority of what you had crafted even exceeded his expectations.
According to him, your creative prowess was unparalleled. You had reached a point where your work came effortlessly, and you could generate an original idea in a blink, without having to discard any crumpled drafts. However, you knew that a part of it was attributable to the second life you led in your dreams.
As you composed the day's final email, Lyta made her presence felt in the living room, radiating an odd sense of exhaustion. She bore no resemblance to the woman you had met the previous night, and for a moment, you wondered if she was unwell, which could explain her absence at breakfast. She dismissed it casually, attributing it to the travels she and Rose had embarked upon in the past few days. You noticed that she was getting ready to leave, mentioning her intention to revisit the Foster Agency to convince the woman there to conduct a comprehensive check on Jed Walker. Apparently, the agency refused to disclose Jed's location to Rose due to her unstable financial situation, leading her to print all those flyers in a desperate attempt to at least locate and speak to her brother. You admired Rose's persistence, and appreciated Lyta's efforts to support her friend.
You had gleaned from Hal and the others' penchant for small talk and gossip that she had once been married, but had tragically lost her husband not too far in the past. The revelation caused a pang in your heart, as you could only imagine the profound grief Lyta must be grappling with after losing the one she loved.
And you committed the colossal blunder of imagining yourself in her shoes.
If you were to lose Morpheus, you would feel as if the earth was being swept from beneath your feet, your soul being torn and scattered into a thousand pieces, your breath being sucked out to the point of suffocation. Having been with the Lord of Dreams for just a few months, you shuddered at the enormity of the loss after so many years. After marriage. After laying out a shared future together.
Fortunately, Andrew had scheduled a meeting in the late afternoon, aiming to give you a glimpse of the seaside while further discussing and refining the project. Stepping out of the house would serve as a distraction, helping you to disengage from the persistent, looming sense of foreboding and any other intrusive thoughts you could do without.
Since you had some time to spare before the meeting, you squeezed in a bit of shopping, including picking up some souvenirs for your dear ones, and to take a breather at a nearby cafe. You had brought along Rose's flyers with you and were pleased to see a few of them were picked up within mere minutes.
As you waited for your coffee to cool down to a more palatable heat, you browsed through your phone, responding to the pending texts and emails. Even without you in the office, things at Corbyn&Jones were progressing smoothly, though you were sorely missed by all. The online shop continued to record a surge in sales, and the company's account on social media, managed by Freya, had experienced a significant increase in engagement and views.
A smile graced your lips as you sipped your beverage. Seeing your creations featured in those promotional photos felt surreal - a tangible realization of your dreams.
The waiter briefly stopped at your table, setting down a glass of what appeared to be a Black Russian Cocktail that you hadn't ordered. You watched in silence, giving the young man a questioning glance, only for him to promptly turn on his heels and walk away.
"Excuse me," you called out. "This drink isn't mine.”
The waiter grinned amusedly. "Oh, it's not a mistake. That gentleman over there ordered it for you.”
For a moment, you remained still in thought as the waiter moved on to another table, your gaze fixed on the dark liquid in your glass, mirroring the overhead lights. When you raised your head and glanced at the counter, you noticed a man in a light grey jacket with blond hair comfortably seated on one of the stools. But the moment he turned around to face you, wearing a sly smile and raising his own glass in a mock toast, a rush of sheer terror gripped you.
There, just a few strides away, was the same man you had encountered in London - none other than the Corinthian himself, Morpheus' wayward nightmare.
And it took every ounce of your resilience not to flee, to put as much distance as possible between you and that creature, before he could even consider approaching you.
But when he rose, downed the remainder of his drink, adjusted the collar of his jacket and started heading in your direction, you realized it was too late to take any appropriate action, or even contemplate one.
And as he took a seat in front of you, assuming the guise of a man who enjoyed socializing, you were acutely aware that beneath the facade, he was simply a beast eyeing its quarry.
Regardless of his true intentions, all you could do was hope that, with the safeguard of your necklace and perhaps a generous measure of luck, you could hold out long enough to make it to your scheduled appointment with Andrew.
Preferably alive and whole.
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Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 (currently reading) Go to Chapter 18 (coming soon) ->
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vacantgodling · 2 years ago
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15 character questions!!
thankuuuu @kudzucataclysm ily. ig i'll do this for chidorky cuz why not :D
tagging @henrike-does-writing-sometimes @magic-is-something-we-create @sarahlizziewrites & anyone else who'd like to do this :D
1 - Are you named after anyone?
No, I don't think so. I think my parents just liked the way it sounded? I never asked either of them about it, to be honest. I was always just Chidori haha!
2 - When was the last time you cried?
HmMMmm. When the mechanic shop charged me like 200 sturges(1) for their last repair part for my boots. I cried so much holy shit, that was my entire paycheck for the past three weeks. If the Bianchi's(2) weren't so good to me I would probably be homeless again, but gooood those mechanics are mean.
sturges are the currency of the world, named after the now extinct sturgeon fish :)
the Bianchi's are amehana's family, they run the medium restaurant chain BIG TOPZ CHIKIN N' SHRIMP. as they've known and cared for chidori since he was young, they look after him like family since he has none of his own :)
3 - Do you have kids?
Nah, but I don't think I'd want kids. That's more Ame's kind of thing, honestly. I can't imagine changing my life to work around someone else’s. To be there and then... potentially be gone. And then make them have to suffer alone. I mean--I've already been through something like that, so I wouldn't want to do something like that to someone who would depend on me. I like kids though! I consider myself a kid sometimes to be honest www
4 - Do you use sarcasm?
Sometimes yeah! I’d like to think I’m pretty good at it :’D
5 - What’s the first thing you notice about people?
A lot of their physical um… form? Usually I don’t pay attention to people unless i’m TMing and that’s usually so like, if something happens I know if I can get them out of harms way or not, y’know?
6 - What’s your eye color?
Ahhhhh *checks mirror* Yellow… Brown? If that’s a color? Like it’s a really light brown but there’s no green so it can’t be hazel… I dunno honestly ww
7 - Scary movies or happy endings?
BOTH! I hate movies that end with everyone being dead and sad cuz that sucks and if I want to live in a fantasy world like at least let the death mean something. I’d say the same thing about real life but sometimes death is so… meaningless. Y’know? It’s really bleak to think about. So, I don’t wanna deal with that in a movie BUT it has to be cool and action packed and a lil scary to be interesting!
8 - Any special talents?
I can break dance pretty well! I have a photographic memory of the city and all of its routes :3c
9 - Where were you born?
I dunno, to be honest. It’s something I never asked my parents about before and I don’t know if I care that much to be honest. I’m here! That’s what matters.
10 - What are your hobbies?
Break dancing, spending time with friends, ummm… Hoverboarding? I guess. I like to do stuff! So I’m willing to try anything :3
11 - Have you any pets?
Nah. I’m not home enough to take care of one, and the permit process to even Get a pet is too tedious y’know? There aren’t really many pets left around, so you have to be registered to have one and like, they can come and take your pet away from you if you’re an unfit owner and shit so like, I’d rather not deal with that.
12 - What sports do you/have you played?
I used to play air hockey(1)! It was a lot of fun but I was never like super good at it. I got cut from the team a lot, but they’d always bring me back on when they needed an extra player! I mostly enjoyed just doing it, I never really got people who cried if we won or lost? I just wanted to enjoy doing it so I did!
air hockey referring to actually using hover boots to play something akin to hockey as we know it in the air. there’s a puck that has its own magnetic field and the sticks are basically just giant magnets that keep the puck aloft.
13 - How tall are you?
5’8”? I think? I haven’t measured recently! :3
14 - Favorite subject in school?
Mm, school wasn’t really for me—like high school. But, the train academy (authors note: that i will properly name eventually…) was everything to me! I got to learn more about the history of our city, trains, combat, how to be a train master and stuff so. That I enjoyed.
15 - Dream job?
Already living it! Train master supreme baby!! :DD
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fadedstarsfms · 1 year ago
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Nakia Saber Intro
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if you're hearing EMILY by SAN FERMIN playing, you have to know NAKIA SABER (HE/HIM; CISMAN) is nearby! the 32 year old GRADUATE ART HISTORY STUDENT/GALLERY ATTENDANT has been in denver for, like 32 YEARS. they're known to be quite STUBBORN, but being HONEST seems to balance that out. or maybe it's the fact that they resemble ZEEKO ZAKI. personally, i'd love to know more about them seeing as how they've got those NEVER EXPECTING TO MAKE IT THIS FAR, UNKNOWN FUTURE, ALWAYS HIDING WHAT YOU'RE FEELING vibes. and maybe i'll get my chance if i hang around the CHERRY CREEK DISTRICT long enough!
Death tw, Car Accident tw, Cancer tw
★𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣★
Birth Date: January 7, 1991 Zodiac: Capricorn Gender: Cis Man Pronouns: He/Him Sexual & Romantic Orientation: Bisexual
★𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚★
Height: 6'5" Faceclaim: Zeeko Zaki Hair color/style: Short, Black, Curly, Beard Eye color: Dark Brown Tattoos: A snake around his forearm
★𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮★
Positive Traits: Honest, Independent, Easygoing Neutral Traits: Independent, Sensible, Realist Negative Traits: Stubborn, Impatient, Lost Fears: Spiders, Public Speaking, Death, Failure Goals: To become a museum curator, Actually get his degree, Live life Hobbies: Painting, Reading, Knitting, Cooking
★𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩★
Hometown: Denver, Colorado Education: Bachelor's Degree in Art, Working on his Master's in Art History Mother: Dina Saber Father: Aton Saber (deceased) Siblings: 2 younger siblings
★𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩★
Residence: Cherry Creek District Job: Gallery Attendant at L'Arte District Art Gallery Significant Others: None Currently How Long She’s Been Here: His Whole Life
★𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮★
Nakia was the oldest of three kids to two loving parents. After immigrating from Egypt, Dina and Aton decided to start a family and have the perfect American Dream. And honestly they did have the perfect, loving, family that kids could only dream of having. Sure Nakia thought that his family could be embarrassing at times but he loved them and knew that he was loved.
DEATH TW/CAR ACCIDENT TW
When Naika was just fourteen years old his father called one night saying he was going to be home late from work. During dinner the doorbell rang and they were greeted by a policeman with some very terrible news. Aton had died in a car accident.
TW END
The family was obviously heart broken and their life had changed forever. Nakia had tried to step up and help out as much as he could and never tried to make life hard for his mother.
CANCER TW
Which was why he never complained about how he was getting tired all the time and in pain. He didn't think there was much to be concerned about and there was no reason to worry his mother. It wasn't until other people started noticing did Nakia agree to get checked out by his doctor. Again the family was completely changed when it was revealed that Nakia had Leukemia.
He tried to be upbeat during the whole process but overall it left him pretty jaded. But hey at least he got an arch nemesis out of it!
TW END
Since getting his life back he's been trying to live life to the fullest. Finding his art passion in the hospital he knew that was the only thing he wanted to do from now on. He keeps putting off his Master's degree because he genuinely is afraid of what is going to happen when he's done since he has worked for so long for this.
★𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨★
Roommates - I'm sure Nakia can't afford a place alone and genuinely would be a great person to be roommates with
Friends - Listen Nakia is a bit grumpy, please love him anyway
Frequent Fliers - He can talk for hours about art and maybe you go to the gallery a lot and every time he wants to infodump about all the different paintings
Ex's/Flings/FWB - Genuinely he is so soft when it comes to romance that it would be fun for him to show it in different ways
This is late and idk what else to put I'll rewrite this later
★𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩★
Emily by San Fermin
Bullet With Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins
Strange Mercy by St. Vincent
I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers
The Good That Won't Come Out by Rilo Kiley
The Night We Met by Lord Huron
Avant Gardener by Courtney Barnett
Somebody That I Used To Know by Elliott Smith
Nancy From Now On by Father John Misty
Pride and Joy by Brandi Carlile
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darkcrowprincess · 2 years ago
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Twilight au: Amity x Boscha part 1
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Amity did not want to move to Gravesfield Connecticut. However she really didn't have much of a choice. If she knew the events leading to her death would start with moving there, would she have fought harder not to go? Most logical people would be screaming 'yes you idiot!' Unfortunately, even though Amity likes to pretend she is the most logical, studious person there is in all of Bonesborough Arizona. She isn't. Amity at heart is a romantic. Despite her attitude, she believes greatly in the power of love. Knowing the type of love she would soon find in Gravesfield, she'd probably make the same choices she did before. Amity thinks this as she stares at the monster across from her. 'Isn't better,' she thinks, 'to die knowing you were loved so much? And that you dying is protecting someone too?' Amity truly believes it. And as the monster across the dance studio prepares to pounce, Amity holds onto that thought and closes her eyes. She backs away untill her spine hits the cold mirror, giving her more chills to add with her fear. Her heart beating fast, her life flashes before her eyes. She goes back to the moment that started it all.
Again Amity did not want to move to some boring small town in Connecticut. However with Emira and Edric in college, and this being her Sophomore year of high school. Amity could not deal with staying with her overbearing mother all by herself till graduation. So she was going to stay with her dad Alador. Her and dad weren't close, but he was a lot like her. Quiet, didn't have many close friends, sticked to what he was good at. And what Alador Blight was good at was being his small town's mechanic. When he wasn't busy being a part time forest ranger (the town was small but the forest attracted a lot of tourists. And people got lost a lot in a forest like Gravesfield Woods).
After the flight Gravesfield greeted her like she knew it would. Thick grey clouds, though oddly it didn't rain too much here. It was like someone was constantly putting a spell on the clouds here to make it grey. But what would Amity know about normal weather patterns? In the car with her dad she saw grey clouds and thick Gravesfield forests. With the occasional very old Connecticut houses. She was fully in another world now.
At least here with the grey clouds her pale skin would fit in. Unlike everyone else in Arizona, Amity was not blonde or tan. She was pasty pale, mousey brown hair(same as her dad's), and had creepy(at least thats what everyone said back home) wide gold eyes like a cat. She didn't have dark hair and freckles like her siblings. She wasn't graceful or confident like them. She was uptight, manic at times when things didn't go her way. As it seems things didn't go her way a lot.
"So," Alador awkwardly starts as he keeps his eyes on the road. "You cut your hair?" 'Really dad that's what your going with?' thinks Amity. But she decided to throw him a bone with a small white lie. "Yep, cut it recently." (Her hair was always this length, she rarely needed to cut it)Amity finishes with a smile. But she can feel how fake it is. Alador tries to smile back. Its more fake than hers. Sighing, Amity turns on the radio to break the tension. A band she's never heard before sings a cover of a song:
How can I decide what's right?
When you're clouding up my mind
I can't win your losing fight
All the time
Nor could I ever own what's mine
When you're always taking sides
But you won't take away my pride
Alador smiles at the band singing. Amity looks at him surprised. "Town does this thing where they let teens in popular bands at the high school sing songs on the towns radio. This ones been really popular." Amity looks at him with a rased eyebrow, "For a small town." Alador nods, "Yeah for a small town, but Boscha and her sisters, thats the group singing. Have gotten really good. They've been on the town radio multiple times. The song continues as the talk and this Boscha keeps singing a dark yet beautiful voice.
No, not this time
Not this time
How did we get here
When I used to know you so well?
How did we get here?
Well, I think I know
In the middle of the song a voice sings backup of the first. Its soft and harmonizes beautifully with this Boscha's. Amity listens mesmerized by this band of teenagers that play so well.
The truth is hiding in your eyes
And it's hanging on your tongue
Just boiling in my blood
But you think that I can't see
What kind of man that you are
If you're a man at all
Well, I will figure this one out
On my own(I'm screaming, I love you so)
On my own(But my thoughts you can't decode)
How did we get here?
When I used to know you so well?
Yeah, how did we get here?
Well, I think I know
Amity without meaning to, is getting lost in the music, so is her dad. And in that moment, everything just feels nice. Calm between them. Part of Amity is falling a little in love with the pretty main singers voice. This Boscha. Whoever she is, she's amazing. She starts bobing her head gently as soon as the guitars and drums really start going hard into the song.
Do you see what we've done?
We're gonna make such fools of ourselves
Do you see what we've done?
We're gonna make such fools of ourselves
Yeah, yeah
How did we get here
When I used to know you so well?
Yeah
How did we get here
When I used to know you so well?
I think I know
I think I know
There is something I see in you
It might kill me,
I want it to be true
The song soon fades out and finishes. The radio host speaks, "and that was a cover song done by a local band called 'Noceda Girls' song by lead singers Boscha Noceda and Luz Noceda." Amity stops listening after that. All she can think about is the lead singers name, Boscha. It sounds different and unique. Fits the dark voice she heard on the radio. Amity and hwr father sit in comfortable silence all the way to the house. While Amity keeps repeating the words of the song anf the name Boscha in her head. Over and over again, like a comfortably lullaby.
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mellosshoes · 2 years ago
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One less strawberry on our cake
⚠️ Deathnote spoilers ⚠️
putting that there so continue if you please ♡
Genre : Angst
Warnings : Death, unhealthy grieving, swearing,
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It was a normal day, the quietness of the headquarters L was working on the Kira case like normal. you were always nervous something would happen to L and you'd voice your concerns with him however it always fell on deaf ears and he'd always tell you "well this is a dangerous case [your name]." It was crushing to know that there was a chance he could lose his life at the hands of Kira. So many times you wanted to scream at the raven haired male to just put the Kira case down but you knew better he wouldn't do it he was going to take Kira down even if it killed him. You were confident that he would make it out alive little to your confidents all of that would be whisked away within seconds.
It was like any other day November 5 2004 to be exact you had come down to the level everyone was on, excited to see your boyfriend. Walking over to L you said a cheery good morning like normal. L responded with his normal monotoned good morning and gave you a quick kiss to the cheek. And the rest of the morning went according to plan.
Heavy rain had really started to pour down, L was standing out in the pouring rain. Light followed walking over to him "What are you doing, out here Ryuzaki?" light said in his normal tone, "Well i'm not doing anything in particular, but.. the sound of the bells." The raven haired detective said in a monotoned unfazed. "Bells.?" Light questioned, "Yes. The bells have been really noisy today." the detective replied once again. "I don't hear anything" The brown haired male said calmly. "Really.?, they've been ringing all day, and i can't help but feel curious. Do you suppose its a Church, A wedding? or perhaps.." As L went to continue he was interrupted by light "what are you talking about Ryuzaki?, Don't say such silly things. Lets go back." light said. L's head shifted down and mumbled "I'm sorry.. Everything I say is nonsense, so.. Please don't believe any of it." their conversation continued further, after the whole ordeal they went inside while drying of. L gave Light a foot massage. {Soz i had to add it in gremlins </3} Until the young detectives phone rang, upon answering it was told to come back immediately. "Lets go Light" He said plainly, walking off.
A conversation broke out about the notebook, You were standing next to L while everyone spoke. Worried something bad was about to happen you could feel it bubbling in your stomach like butterflies but worse. "if we clear this. The case will be solved." The detective said. every word that was being spoken was making you feel worse, The raging storm outside was a unnerving feeling to add onto all of this.
Then it happened
All the screens went red in front of everyone. Watari was reaching for the button, "Watari?" L questioned, The button was pressed in Watari's last moments. All data deletion popped up on the screens "WATARI!" L yelled, Panic hit your entire body "L.. whats going on..!" you yelled. Then the older man collapsed on the floor, "Data Deletion what is the meaning of this?" one of the members asked. "I told Watari to erase all information in the event something happened to him" L stated. You felt worse, the over baring feeling like you needed to vomit but you couldn't. The Task force panicked "The Shinigami where is it?!?" He yelled, No one could see it "Everyone, The Shiniga-" L stopped mid sentence, Your heart sunk to your stomach when L stopped. His eyes widened before you knew it he collapsed to the floor, Running over to the young detective catching him holding him gently in your arms. Sobs wrecked your body. "L..! No, No.. don't do this.. DON'T DO THIS..!" screaming his name, he mouthed what looked like "i love you." before his eyes started fluttering shut. "L. KEEP THEM OPEN GOD DAMN IT.!" It was happening he was leaving you for good this time.
He was gone. you had lost the light of your life it felt like the world had fallen beneath your feet as you cradled his body. This world was to Rotten and Full one had to go. "{Your name..}, i.." matsuda went to speak, but he couldn't get anything out.
And this time
Neither could you.
That wraps this up my little adorable Gremlins, I felt like writing some heavy Angst so here it is, love you all ^^
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the-stories-from-the-shadow · 2 months ago
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You like them better dead.
All light disappeared, nothing of him is left. Pieces of his corpse everywhere in the empty streets of this phantom town, rotting. What an horrifying way to go out for such a young man. No. Even if he claimed himself as such, he was no man. Just a teen forced to grow up too fast.
"stupid kid."
"He died, you bastard. Give the dead some respect." A typical scene for Farah and Johao, they're the senior of this division after all, yet something felt off. The strongest Shadows had been killed by their own hands, the only remaining creatures in these streets were weak Ground Scrapers. Ayman was a tough kid, but what was done is done.
"He's better off dead anyways, life had nothing to offer him." commented the long haired man, throwing his cigarette onto the ground before stomping on it.
Farah took Ayman's head  -at least what was left of it- in her arms. "It's your job to collect the corpses normally." the short haired woman complained.
"Do you realize how hard it is to get rid of blood? You're wearing black clothes so it's fine, plus I'm busy calling for back-ups." he answered dryly, cellular next to his ear.
"I could do it myself." answered his long time comrade.
"For the love of God, Farah. You don't know how to use a phone to save your life."
She stayed in silence. Staring at the lifeless face of the young boy. "I'm going to miss him."
"Farah."
"What? You've grown attached to him too, don't start lying." While saying this, Farah caught Johao's eyes lost, staring in the empty holes in Ayman's face that once held dark brown eyes.
"... The backups are on their way, same for the other juniors. They're bringing the rest of Ayman's corpse, at least what they've found."
"... Don't tell me..."
"Dehya found his right arm and Francis his left leg."
"Fuck. Poor kids."
"Farah."
"I don't like that heartless monster act you're pulling, old man. Do you want me to remind you how you cried after Tony died?"
"I was young, Farah."
"And so are they, Johao. They're still grieving Mat's death and now their closest friend is dead too, asshole."
"Don't talk about Mat."
"Why? He deserves to be remembered. He was like an older brother to them, and he was like a son to you, why do you want to act as he never existed?"
"For once in your life, Farah, will you SHUT UP?!"
The climate became somehow colder, alongside a freezing silence between the two grown ups.
"... Let's go to the bar after the mission's resumé..." Resistance formed in Joah's eyes as he heard Farah's words, he didn't have any kind of money left since Mat's funeral. "I'll pay." The end Farah's sentence was enough to shut down any bit of hesitance the man had left.
"For everyone?"
Farah closed what was left of the former junior's eyes, "For everyone. In Ayman's honor."
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bsdthings · 3 years ago
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I did say I'm also writing ships, didn't I, my darlings? 👀
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(Sometimes I will indeed put songs if I feel like it)
Soukoku | Osamu Dazai x Chuuya Nakahara
Dazai centric
Genres: ☢️Angst☢️, 😭Sad😭
Warnings: 🤷Ambiguous ending🤷, violence, heartbreak, cursing, Dazai suicide attempt, drinking, smoking, mentions of 🔞 (vague), blood, self harming
Why does it burn like this? They've both been soaked in black blood and tears, in death and sorrow, and yet, the most hurtful one seems to remain the matter of heart.
Dazai has left. It's been 2 years, just as much as since he decided to leave for just as long, blew up Chuuya's car, and with it, his heart too.
For Dazai, it's been 2 years since those years of despair and replacing blood with alcohol in his veins, after the death of Odasaku, a death wish he cannot refuse and a life he didn't and still doesn't find much value to, yet with the surprise of hurt for what he's lost.
You gain some, you lose some, it's the saying, and Dazai can't decide wether it was worth or not, wether he gained or not.
He's stuck between light and dark, between the craving of blood and his muted promise.
And above it all, he can't decide wether leaving Chuuya behind without a word nor trace was the biggest mistake of his life or the smartest thing he's ever done.
Because Chuuya acts as usual, they bicker and the redhead tries to knock him down and curses his ass. Yet, there is this type of darkness in his blue eyes, this type of harsh realizations that sat in, that tremble in his powerful grip.
Because as much as Chuuya says he opened that '89 bottle in celebration, they both know he drowned his sorrow in alcohol just as much. Because the scent of smoke still lingers harshly onto him, subdued by his usual perfume, rich and agonizing with the way it always makes Dazai's mind fog, yet ever so present.
Now, everyday, he looks at himself in the mirror as he wraps the bandages around himself, more than less finding himself pulling too hard, chasing the ache, chasing the brush of pain, of feeling, of physical rather than emotional, of distracting himself.
Because he misses the way things were. Because he misses the times when he'd feel so alive while bickering with the redhead on a daily basis. Because he misses that never ceasing flame he always felt by his side, contagious as he looked into his once light blue eyes, eyes that still had some sparkles in them, eyes that burnt with such intensity that he found himself…feeling alive. Eyes that now carry more darkness than any brown someone could have ever seen.
So he wonders. He finds himself spending the late hours of night or early hours of morning when he can't sleep with his mind invaded with thoughts of the redhead, of his annoying grin, of his ugly hat, of his powerful hand wrapped around his neck, ready to choke him—
And he shakes. Dazai Osamu, the demon prodigy, shakes while alone to too many thoughts, some of self loath, some of questioning— what would have happened if I gone to him? If I asked him to come to me? If I tolf him I'm leaving for good?— and some with that tingle down his spine, that left his mind a mere fog, his breath taken away and his pupils dilated, his whole being on fire.
What if he would have decided to give all of him and keep the people he loves the most for damn once—
No. He can't. He can't, because that would have meant Mori going after him, because that would have meant taking care of someone else, someone imprevizibile like Chuuya above it all, someone to depend on him, to risk again the death of someone he clutches on so tightly—
It's easier to let go than to keep on holding.
And just like that, Dazai found himself in the exact same situation he tried to run so bad from. With him and Chuuya somehow ending up as a pair again, with Chuuya full of blood Dazai can't distinguish if it's his partner's or the enemie's, found himself again in the situation of this stupid organ called heart weakly breaking with the sound of glass and questioning himself if feeling alive is worth the death after.
He's died a thousand times already, didn't he?
To run away. It was such a powerful instinct. One he's negated himself for so long and yet, look where it took him. Right back to the start.
Maybe this is how things are supposed to be. As if Universe laughed mockingly in his face and said never saw one without the other, did you?
The way Dazai's first thought when he sees the redhead is I really do miss what we almost had.
The way they seem to have become not even enemies, but strangers with memories.
Because Chuuya isn't the same. And how could he be in such a world?
I choose the mafia thinking I will find the meaning of life, soaked in blood and death and violence, so close to the very core of human nature.
And with that same ache in his heart, with a mind who wants to kill itself, with a heart too attached and with a body who fights for living, Dazai looks at Chuuya, sleeping on his sofa, on an apartment that used to be theirs, with a self he thought he's killed a long time ago, with wavy curls the color of fire, messy and soft and warm—
And he lets himself soak in water cold enough to stop any function of his body, to freeze him to death, and yet it feels like the nicest of numbness, like escape, like a tender caress—
He lets himself slowly fall down the tub, slowly lets the water envelop him like mud would when he will be buried, when his last breath will leave his lungs and it will still have the scent of Chuuya clinging to him, the nights of a mindless teenager with tears clinging to his eyelashes and firm hands pulling him right back—
He's pulled right back, the splash harsh to the ear, his body hurting as it collides with the cold, hard floor and—
"Stop stabbing me in the fucking back, you waste of bandages"
And in such moments, Dazai is haunted yet again by the same thoughts, by the same hands who always seem to pull him right back, never letting him go and die, find some peace, by the tears clinging to long eyelashes, by love and hurt and heartburn—
"You aren't dying tonight, you hear me?! You won't die!"
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47crayons · 3 years ago
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THE WICKED WITHIN—A COMIC SANS WIP REINTRO
!!!!! it's here :D the wip that started to consume me and has been continuing to do so since, now with a much better sense of what exactly is Happening
current tww taglist let me know to be +/- !! @a-completely-normal-writer @writing-is-a-martial-art @wannabeauthorzofija @magic-is-something-we-create @croctears @writeblrfantasy @opes-magnas @author-a-holmes @zoya-writes@fuyugomori @ink-fireplace-coffee
transcript is under the cut!!!
[transcript: a powerpoint presentation of black text on white background, written entirely in comic sans.
start slide one the top left corner reads in red, "warnings (most relevant) war, death, drugs (& addiction), poison". in the center, "the wicked within", and underneath it in smaller font, "a comic sans reintro by @47crayons". the comments around the entire slide read "a family that is so found!!!", "gang rivalry :D and gang content in general", "crime found family basically", "childhood friends to STILL FRIENDS", "all queer cast :p", "eat the rich (not quite, but it’s the right sentiment aldskjfls)", "kickass women, yeah bay bee", "nuanced relationships between different groups :D", "morally grey characters!!!", "so many different governments!!!", "a (mostly alsjflksdj) stable relationship!!!" end slide one
start slide two in the beginning of time… there were four gods: eltenjer, he/him, earth; skari, he/him, fire; aenged, they/them, air; thilda, she/her, water. i didn’t /mean/ for them to have genders, but a quiet breeze whispered “psst. i use they/them.” in the beginning? so you mean… they’re not there anymore? kind of! the gods need followers to survive, and after several unfortunate events, they lost the majority of their followers. the aforementioned unfortunate events: the great ruination, in which natural disasters caused several years of famine and other hardship. the restoration era, in which renovation led people to believe they can live without the gods. if the gods are dead, what’s the point? the gods aren’t /really/ dead, closer to dormant. they can’t actively interact with the mortal realm, but IF they had followers, they would come back to life. oh. did i mention that they control the magic. end slide two
start slide three the dormant gods who can't do... anything control the magic??? hey, no one said magic always has to work. foreshadowing alert huge foreshadowing alert. let’s talk about how magic works, shall we :D people use the Spirit to do magic. people have a Vessel (representation of stamina or how much Sprit can be used at once, can be trained!). people also have a Strength (a type of magic that works well with the user, these have varying frequencies which also depends on location). there’s too much i could say here, but the important thing is the main characters’ Strengths. the right depicts an image of a flowchart showing that gods need followers and produce sprit. people need spirit to do magic. end slide three
start slide four okay but where are we??? where could the magic be so fucked? well, here, of course! the left side shows a line art map, split into five parts going clockwise: portingdale, worchester, the hooks, elderwood, unlabeled. the legend shows that there are mountains in portingdale, forests in elderwood, and rivers that run from portingdale to everywhere else. the place where the four labeled regions meet is called the Inner City. the text on the right reads. welcome to Kjer! there are 3 districts. but wait! there are five? sections? and one isn’t even labelled. worchester used to be a district,,, but it left after the war began. the unlabeled section is the disputed region (re: war). let’s talk more about this war. elderwood wanted easier access to water (see: the rivers in the Wetlands) elderwood & portingdale have been fighting there on and off for over half a century. the hooks has three wards: west (hella rich), south (lower income), north (somewhere in between). end slide four
start slide five whomst. skip to the next slide if you want the actual characters. character basics: the unnecessarily-winded-and-cram-a-lot-of-lore-in version. in the North Ward of The Hooks, there are three main gangs. Kaer Styen, meaning “wicked ones”, Ghetfaer Skarnen, meaning “trickster lords”, Ad Knesten, meaning “the grumbles”. that was so many capital letters i don’t like capital letters alskjdflksjd. they have rivalries and conflicts from time to time, but it’s pretty rare. the tww cast is kaer styen !!! their main means of profit is a drug called jezdin. relieves physical and mental pain. lethal in high. quantities/ when tampered with. can also be addictive. they operate out of a dingy tavern-like building, and they live upstairs!!! okay so this is purely for vibes. how did u know. end slide five
start slide six the Gang. literally :3 Kaer Styen, my beloved. the first thing in each of their bios is their Strength (re: the magic slide). artbreeders!!! i fixed quite a few of them, but my artbreeder skills are questionable at best. this slide is split into three columns. the first column shows a white person with short, brown, curly hair and a firm, but not angry, facial expression. len, he/him, pan. Shifter (can manipulate physical properties). cynical, very cynical (because he has killer instincts). “oh people are dying? am i dying? are you dying? why should i care?” in a relationship with cal. the second column shows a person who appears east asian with long, black, wavy hair and fair skin. chloe, she/her, aroace. Chemist (chemistry but magical). literal archery god. also she’s so quiet it’s SCARY. seems welcoming, emphasis on /seems/ she’ll destroy your ass. knows what you’re feeling. she just. knows. the third column shows a white person with dirty blonde hair. they are smiling. cal, they/them, bi. Whisperer (can persuade others through speech/music). so casually funny all your burdens disappear for a hot minute. gets very attached very deeply. grew up in Portingdale which becomes Important later. end slide six
start slide seven cont. also they have piercings!!!! maybe i will make some picrews later (listen, i KNOW i’ve said this before but. maybe i’m for realsies this time, okay?) this slide is also split into three columns. the first a smiling white female with light blonde hair. eden, she/her?, demi lesbian. Healer (healing magic <3). seen hell and doesn’t want others to suffer. still believes in the gods’ existence. we Don’t talk about her awful parents. raised by a lovely woman in the South Ward, known as Nana. this eye (left) is almost PURPLE which i didn’t do on purpose but is honestly such a cool idea. the second column shows a partially smiling black man with short curly hair. jereth, he/him, gay. powerful life magic thing (will be spoilers if i talk any more). joins them at the beginning. honestly kind of scared of them (who wouldn’t be), but wants to live up to expectations. throws himself into stuff to avoid Thoughts. the third column shows a woman with brown skin, black wavy hair, and a small smile. she is NOT a member of Kaer Styen, but i’m talking about her here all the same. adalaide, she/her, bi (i didn’t like the e in adelaide alskdfjlsj). Melder (metals and the like). heir to the Portingdale throne (assuming her dad doesn’t disown her). Cal’s ex from a few~ years ago she’s still a lil’ hung up on them. technically an antagonist but i love her. so all my characters are queer sue me </3 end slide seven
start slide eight some semblance of plot? coming right up!! the four (jereth isn’t there yet!) are attacked in the Inner City. turns out it’s portingdale soldiers. and then they discover that portingdale has been poisoning the southern rivers (affects worchester and the south ward) because worchester doesn’t really contribute to Kjer as a whole. word gets out, and elderwood, naturally, is even angrier at portingdale (remember, they've been at war). so, they try to stop portingdale from being power hungry enough to poison the entirety of a country while learning about why worchester is so isolated while ALSO trying not to get killed by everyone who hates them. end slide eight
start slide nine memes :> the first is the meme of spongebob reading a sheet of paper and burning it. the paper reads, "going into worchester by yourself is going to get you KILLED", and spongebob is labelled "chloe". the second is the levels of brain template labelled "jereth". from the weakest to most powerful: "trying to figure out his magic", "doing it by accident", "saving everyone's lives". the third is the sleeping person and brain meme. brain: "you're going to portingdale". cal: yeah, i know. brain: you'll see adalaide. cal's eyes are wide open in fear. the fourth says "corporate needs you to find the difference between this image and this image". the first image says, "family", and the second one says, "len, chloe, cal, jereth." eden says, "they're the same picture". the fifth is the spiderman copycat meme where jereth is copying len. end slide nine
/end transcript]
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shatteredminds · 2 years ago
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Vampiric dragon's are incredibly durable though that doesn't mean that they done have a certain amount of lives. Yes they are immortal, but they can permanently die. And no I don't mean what happen with Ragnar and nine of his ten Vamp drakes.
Like I said, each has a certain amount of lives they can lose before their souls are... relocated to a mortal body when they've lost one of their last two lives. The look of the mortals hair and eyes would be what the Vampiric dragons hair and eyes would be if their magic wasn't so strong that it changed their colors.
The amount of lives is affected by what they do and of their born with disabilities/ailments.
Ragnar- this man's been around a lot longer then 32,522 years, and I mean waaaay longer. Add like 2 million 5 hundred thousand years and that's about right. And despite what one may think, he's only lost 10 of the 20 lives given to him before he became a God.
If not for his cerberus being around in his youth and her being the voice of reason for this promiscuous, headstrong, and hot tempered Vampiric dragon he would have been down to about 4 of it wasn't for her death shortly after Arachne and Icarus's birth that sobered him by showing how fragile the lives of those he loves even if they are immortal like him.
Though if he were to be reborn his hair would be a unruly fiery red and his eyes silver.
Hina- the blind queen has always been careful do to her disability. Not to mention her older brothers (particularly Mammon) are very protective of her and and her cerberus was always with her as well.
She was gifted with 25 lives and only lost 5 of them older the corse of her 1 961 670 years of life before becoming a Goddess.
Of she were to be reborn her hair would still be blond but it would be wavy and her eyes would be baby blue in color. She would still be blind as well.
Zente- the former warrior class was gifted with 17 lives, only loosing 9 of them before becoming a God. But that was not due to him being quite hot headed despite what one would think. That anger only increased when his scoliosis robed him of the ability to fight for as long as his father and brothers could. Ultimately benching him unless it was absolutely necessary for him to fight.
His cerberus, not even they could put out the flame of anger in their vampiric dragon and when they tried it was more like adding kindling to a forest fire. He remained that rage fueled drake until he met Scarlett whom had wandered over to where he was having one of his rage fits in a clearing. It was then the raging fire inside him started becoming smoldering embers due to her understanding of what he was going through. After all, her family was high up in the rankes of the Hypëřbøřiän royal guards for generations, and due to her poor eyesight she was able to. But she didn't let it get the better of her. Slowly he fell for her and they were mated.
If he were to be reborn his hair would be light brown, short, and his eyes green.
Kirsi- she was gifted with 13 lives and only lost 3 of them over her many thousands of years of life before becoming a Goddess. This due to the fact that if her Kingdom was under attack she wouldn't have to do much because of how cold her Kingdom is would either freeze the enemy's due time or they would get covered in snow.
If she were to be reborn her hair would be a chocolate brown, very curly, and her eyes would be a soft hazel color.
Castor- gifted 18 lives and only losing 5 of the before becoming a God. He has always been level headed man, always throughly ploting his attacks before acting on them. His ability to shift into many preditorial animal and also being able to communicate with them made his fights swift and often led to few casualty and injures.
If he were to be reborn his hair would be unkept auburn and his eyes brown.
Yōko- she was gifted with 12 lives and only lost two over her life before becoming a Goddess. This was due to the fact that only 1/6 of her Kingdom was on land whilst the rest resided under water. This also ment ghat she could easily sink ships from afar.
If she were reborn her hair would be black and her eyes brown.
Javid- he was gifted with 16 lives and lost 10 of them before becoming a God. This was due to his aggressive nature and being stubborn af, never planing his attacks before acting. Though he never has and never will think much if it. Though one of his lives were lost due to the corruption that Sibyl instilled into him as a hatchling and another from the spell that was used to by his siblings to purify him in a sense.
If he were to be reborn his hair would be long and brown and his eyes would be amber.
Vipin- he was gifted 22 lives due to his weakness to fire since he's 1/4 fauna. He only lost 12 of them but that was mostly due to catching fire during attacks. Ome of them was because of the corruption that Sibyl instilled in him as a newling while another was due to the spell his older vampiric dragon siblings had to preform to draw out all the corruption and purify him in a sense. Though that never stopped him.
If he were to be reborn his hair would be strawberry blond, curly, and his eyes green.
Kinscő- she was gifted 15 lives and lost 10 of the due to greedy enemies wanting the hoard of treasure she was protecting. Though she could fend them off, she wasn't very fast or good with anything but a bow.
If she were to be reborn her hair would be super curly, black, and here eyes would be blue.
Vulcan- he was gifted 18 loves and only lost 13 of them before becoming a God. Quite a few were due to his fight first plan attack later mentality before becoming head of the royal guard. One was lost due to Sibyl instilling corruption into him as a hatchling and the another due to the spell his older vampiric dragon siblings had to use to purify him in a sense.
If he were to be reborn his hair would be wild, auburn and his eyes blue.
Azura- she was only born with 9 lives due to being a premature baby. She has lost all but two of the over ther 1002 years of life. The first one was from Odysseus squashing her with a bolder as a kitten. The second from falling of a cliff and landing on a sharp rock which severed her spinal cord, she was running from monsters creatures Sibyl had commanded to chase her. Her third life was lost a year before the fall of the empire, Javid dismembered her since the corruption was starting to take over and the Insanity curse was taking hold.
Her forth life was lost during Kira's birth amd her fifth was shortly after the birth of Fura, Akatosh, Potema, and Zenithar. Her sixth life lost when Torbjörn dunked her in lava in an attempt to kill her in the early 18th century. Finally her seventh life was lost via her spine getting ripped out so that a shard of her soul that the Slavics found could be corrupted with Slavic magic and she could be used as a Russian sleeper agent.
Her eighth life if by far the most fragile and if it wasn't for Uriel performing that c-section during the birth of Sora, Fannar, Mirek, Blažena, Ursa, Sabrina, and Viggo. Promptly tying her fallopian tubes so she couldn't conceive any more newlings. She would be dead if he didn't do that.
When she dies and is reborn her hair will be wild, unruly, and firey red, her right eye would be silver and her left cobalt blue.
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mtab2260 · 3 years ago
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Okay, I desperately need to rant about Apocalyptic Natasha Romanoff in this episode of What-If and I've decided to do it here over Reddit. Screw me.
First off...
Holy Fucking Shit! That was bloody AMAZING!
Second, I'm basically going to be explaining my excitement and jumping on the ceiling about each scene she was in, but also pointing out a few things as well.
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(This feels like a Guardians of the Galaxy reference. No?)
I absolutely love this line because it says so much. In the main timeline, Steve had no clue about her Russian Vodka Family (as I've seen someone call it). In that timeline, I don't think she told anyone, not even Clint. But in Peggy's timeline, that Natasha clearly had to have opened up to Peggy which just shows how close those two had become during the year following the Battle of New York. Natasha Romanoff isn't an open person with anyone, in any timeline— even with Clint, the person she literally sacrificed herself for so he could live.
That says a million words I can't explain.
I also love the fact that the filter on Apocolypse Ultron World is dreary and it dulled out all the colour, and the sun's missing too. But in this shot, you can see hints of the sun shining through. It represents the hope Natasha saw when she saw them. The colour on Peggy's face and hair pop out. It automatically feels less dark and hopeless.
Also, I don't care what anyone might say this line is what sold Natasha that Peggy was an ally and that something was going on that she didn't yet understand. At the mention of Alexei, she just knew.
However... I must point out there are a few inaccuracies with this line. Actually, this entire line doesn't work.
Not really.
As because, up until ghosty Red-Skull said it on Vormir, Natasha had no clue what her birth father's name was and Peggy getting the serum instead of Steve wouldn't change that. So if she didn't know, there's no way she could tell Peggy.
And for the second part of that line... up until the events of Black Widow (the movie), Natasha was still lying to herself that their family in Ohio wasn't real— that it was just a mission and they were all just roles, nothing more.
But, I will say, maybe in that universe she and Peggy had a talk about it and Peggy make it clear she was a bloody numpty for thinking that and it was real regardless of the reason they were brought together. That could've happened in that universe. It's been made clear that those two traded stories with each other as her Nat knew about Steve, yet, main-timeline Nat didn't know about Peggy until she saw him staring at her photo. So who really knows.
But regardless, I still let out a jump of joy at this line because the What If series is letting the Russian Vodka Family be real!
Not that it wasn't real, but you get what I mean— anyways, onward!
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This scene... oh my gawd... bloody-hell it's fucking terrific!
I cannot say how fucking overjoyed I am that when it came down to it, fucking Natasha Romanoff and bloody Clint Barton saved the entire bloody-fucking multiverse!
The (and I quote some random asshole) "Useless Avengers", saved everything ever known while also being the only survivors in an entire universe.
Let that sink in.
IT'S FUCKING AWESOME!
Like...
Holy Shit That's Awesome!
(I need more adjectives)
That's Bloody Insane.
I don't care how tacky they may be, I fricken loved these slow-mo arrow shots. And with the mirroring of Clint's (albeit fucking stupid) sacrifice coming full circle and to a close is outstanding.
Which brings me to my next point, that's kinda also this point too.
This point is part II we'll call it.
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I
Am
So
Fucking
Happy
They
Didn't
Forget
About
What
Clint
Meant
To
Nat
And
Also
Just
Plainly
Forget
About
Clint
'Cause that would've sucked. I would've sued Marvel if that happened.
This scene. These two shots.
For someone who hides behind fake smiles and witty remarks, these shots show exactly what she's thinking at that moment and it's amazing. You can literally see the absolute peace on Nat's face that they did it, they ended Ultron, she avenged Clint's death, she avenged everyone's death, it was over. And hey look, Yelena, they didn't even need one of the big ones to do it!
But also look, see what I said about the filter— Natasha's hair actually looks fiery red instead of vibrant brown. Also, SUN!
Moving on...
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I don't really have much to say about this line, but I fucking loved it, and serves the dude right.
She Has A Very Valid Point.
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The pure amazement and life in Natasha's eyes and face is everything.
She saw everything she ever knew nuked and murdered because a robot spent five seconds on the internet and yet here she was now in a clusterfuck war full of life. Life that was at war with each other. But an alive war nonetheless and that's all she cares about at that moment.
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Natasha and Clint being best buds part threeeeeeee........
On come on we all know what was going through Natasha's mind at this moment.
PAYBACK BIATCH!
Seriously I just love this short little bit. And the fact that Loki took over the world in a week, yet, this Natasha took him out with a kick and a small poke says things.
It's awesome.
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As heartwarming as this scene was, I was hoping for more and truthfully it's a load of bullshit.
I don't care whatever the fuck Nick Fury has seen in his days, he did not know about the multiverse and if he wasn't happy as hell to see her on that Helicarrier then he was suspicious as hell as to who was this Natasha Romanoff imposter was. I'm sorry, I refuse to believe otherwise. No one's first thought after they've seen an alive version of someone they buried in the ground is—
"Oh, you must be Natasha just not my Natasha. Yeah, that makes sense."
Yeah, no.
Also... might I again remind you EVERYONE ON HER PLANET WAS FUCKING NUKED TO DEATH?! Did everyone seem to forget about this?
The first time we've seen Natasha Romanoff cry (almost cry) was Fury's death in The Winter Soldier. That's proof enough for how much Fury meant to her.
So the first person in like over a year (probably) she sees that she recognizes (besides Thor) who she also knew for a fact was dead— her reaction should've been more than a smirk. Especially if it was someone she cried over when they died. The line the two Natasha's share after Peggy's "I've got the shield. You've got the sword." line proves that different universes don't change a person's personality. So her seeing Fury again should've been a helluva lot more emotional for her, hell, for the both of them.
It probably should've gone something more like...
"Natasha...?" A very familiar voice behind her breathed. It wasn't one she's heard for over a year but she recognized it immediately. She froze— which was not a thing she did, ever, but it was only truly hitting her now that not everyone she knew was dead anymore. That the Steve Rogers over there was, in fact, alive. That the Nick Fury behind her was alive. That hundreds, millions, billions of other people were alive.
Natasha turned around slowly like her limbs were stuck in the gallons of maple syrup Cooper put on his pancakes.
"Fury—" She choked, honestly too overwhelmed to say anything else coherent. The tears in her eyes stung as she didn't let them fall.
Nick's one eye narrowed, he was pissed. "Who the hell are you?" He questioned, voice threatening. "I know you ain't Natasha Romanoff 'cause she's dead. So who are you?"
She was sure she just stared at his face probably for a full minute but she didn't really care. It was really nice to see and hear another face and voice.
Nat took a much-needed breath. "I know your Natasha is gone, the giant baby-man cape dude said so. I'm not her. I'm from somewhere else. But I am Natasha Romanoff... and it is really good to see you, Nick..."
Ah, shit the tears fell.
But maybe it was worth it as his eye widened and some form of recognition or some sliver of understanding set in. It was honestly hard to tell through her blurry eyes.
"You're aware none of that makes any sense, right?" He asked, voice much gentler now. Fury looked over her outfit and very dirty/beat-up appearance. "And I take it wherever you're from didn't have showers either? Because I can smell you from here." His nose wrinkled as he smirked.
She knew he was trying not to gag.
Natasha choked out a wet laugh. "Not for like a year, they kinda got all nuked from a psychopathic robot."
She was pretty sure that was the first time she'd ever seen Nick Fury actually shocked.
Okay, yeah so basically something like that.
And the reason I kept saying over a year is because Clint lost an arm and was honestly ready to die. He did die. After a year of being almost the only person on an entire planet and losing Laura and the kids, he hit his breaking point. In the five years of the blip he definitely became close to his breaking point, probably was about to hit it before Nat showed up, and that was with half the universe gone and he was alone without Nat. It could honestly be longer than a year, it probably was much longer, but then I started thinking about food and how much food would actually be safe to eat— or actually there. It was a matter of time really until both starved to death honestly.
And the shower thing, it's honestly impressive anyone could stand near here and not pass out. Like seriously if everyone is dead, I doubt any showers still worked— let alone be standing.
Anyways, I do have a couple problems with this episode despite how much I loved it.
Going back to the "EVERYONE ON HER PLANET WAS FUCKING NUKED TO DEATH?! Did everyone seem to forget about this?" part I mentioned earlier.
It seems no one outside of Nat actually seemed to acknowledge that everyone was dead. That Natasha, previous to their arrival, was the only living thing in that universe and that was it. You would think even Peggy would show some care or sympathy or some consoling words to her so-called BFF. If not that at least recognize the truly apocalyptic scene around her and look at it with disbelieving eyes. For someone who has so much compassion, she seems to have none in this case. Or at least she didn't outwardly show it. Which is completely fine. But it just bothered me no one seemed to really think about it all.
Another thing:
This isn't really towards the episode per-say but I'm just really fucking pissed about it.
It's great— no sorry— it's absolutely amazing that Apocalyptic Natasha is now in a universe that was thriving with life. It's awesome and she deserves it.
HOWEVER....
Are you fucking serious that out of all the universes that Natasha died in, you put her in a one that ALSO has a STILL DEAD Clint Barton???
SERIOUSLY?!??!?
I've said this what, three, four times now— Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton are more cursed than FitzSimmons. Because at least FitzSimmons always find their way back to each other in the end, Nat and Clint always just find the other fucking dead.
I swear, how the other doesn't have PTSD from heights now is a bloody miracle.
Anywho:
That's my entire rant on this week's episode. If you actually read this all, one, I'm so sorry for wasting your time, two, wow— congrats.
Also, I really need to see someone make a fic about Apocalyptic Nat seeing Laura and the kids for the first time again, and also for Coulson too.
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siimjaeyun · 3 years ago
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01: Immortality
Synopsis: it is part of human nature to be flawed and imperfect, maybe even vengeful when things don't go their way, and when seven boys find themselves in power to show those who are wrong that actions come with consequences, will they choose to keep their immortality?
masterlist
tw: mentions of blood, stabbing, murder, death and slight choking
-------
"Wait let me get this straight. Your solution to the problem is for us to get killed over and over again instead of reporting them to the police?" Sunoo stood at the edge of the room, completely baffled by the older boy's plan. 
"You don't get it Sunoo. This is part of the plan, it's always been. Why did you think we saved you?" Sunghoon took the glass of water from counter and gulped it down slowly before staring at Jungwon and Riki. 
"Your immortality is precious and it's a form of power. This is your new job." 
"What job? I don't want this job." Jay let a hefty sight escape from his lips before pulling the three minors closer to him. 
"I get you don't want to be immortal. None of us chose to be here. Come." Jay went to the nearest drawer and pulled out a scrapbook. 
"This is before we were eighteen." Jungwon furrowed his brows and didn't see a difference between them. 
"But you look the same?" 
"Immortality keeps you at this age. But we were normal teens too, we had dreams." Heeseung and Jake looked down, remembering the days from their own past as well. 
"Then what happened?" Riki asked. 
"We don't remember much of what happened. Memories fade eventually. It's been fifteen years since we entered this new world." Jake waited for a response but instead handed the three boys their belongings. 
"Go on or you'll be late. We'll keep an eye on you from afar, but just go with your mind got it?" The three youngest didn't have much to stay and reluctantly accepted the very non-existent plan. 
"Are we sure about this? What if this is a prank?" Jungwon and Sunoo stopped in their tracks and looked at Riki. 
"I clearly remember being dead so might as well suck it up. Team?" Jungwon put forward his hand and the others followed shouting a cheer before entering the room. 
"Sorry we're late, we got lost since we're not used to the campus grounds." Three heads instantly popped up at the sound of their voice. Impossible: it was impossible for them to be alive. 
"You said they were dead!" One of them whispered, close to entering into a panic. 
"They were! You saw they had no heartbeat." The other responded. Their legs began to shake left and right as well as up and down due to fear, nibbling on their nails and surrounding skin. 
"No worries, just take a seat." As if a feeling inside his heart was about to over take him, Sunoo felt a need to take a seat next to one of the three boys. He plopped his backpack onto the desk and gave a smile wave to the tall boy. 
This was the first trial.
----- 
"Hey! You three come here." The basketball players waved their hands at them in a snapping manner and if on que, Heeseung smirks when he looks down at the time on his watch. 
"Humans really are predictable aren't they?" Jake agrees and continues to listen into the conversation. 
"We're having a party tonight, you should come." Again, right on time. 
"Uhh, I'm not sure…" Jungwon elbowed Riki in the stomach before accepting the kind invitation. 
"We'll be there!" Sunoo quickly answered before looking at Jungwon with confusion. 
"What are you thinking! This is a trap to clearly kill us!" Riki states in a distressed manner. 
"Something is telling me to do so, plus isn't that the plan?" Jay and Sunghoon were amused at Sunoo and Jungwon's quick adaptation to their life. 
"Seems like they've got this, but remember to get the car anyway." Sunghoon slung his backpack lazily over his shoulder and led the way as they waited for the second trial. 
------- 
The night had fallen and almost as if the stars had aligned, Heeseung glanced at his watch once more as Sunoo, Jungwon and Riki stepped into the home where the so-called party was being held. It took half an hour for the three school boys dressed in jerseys to drag out three black bags, body shaped to be exact. 
"Hurry the fuck up man, before we get caught!" The other two obeyed the orders and carried the bags into the trunk of the car with much speed. A small drive later and an empty lot awaited them. 
"Throw them there." The sound of shovels digging surrounded the nearby area, and with the rhythm of the sand and dirt hitting the floor, the three bodies were finally covered. 
"We take this until our death beds. This better get the job done." The car drove off; it allowed for Heeseung and Jay to approach the bodies underneath the ground. 
"5..4..3..2..1" The supposed to be dead boys came from behind the trees dusting themselves off from the sand. 
"That was even more terrible the second time. Drugging us and then stabbing us isn't exactly fun." 
"You did great. You're almost there." Jake complimented only for anger to resound in Jungwon. 
"Look no offense, but I don't know if we can continue this. I don't want to relive the trauma of being murdered over and over again." He loosened his tie and threw it onto the pavement. 
"I'm with Jungwon. Is this really the only way to get the job done?" 
"Yes, now let's go get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day." Sunghoon patted their backs and led them back. 
Second trial was complete. 
------- 
"How are you boys holding up? Today's sort of the final trial." Jake walked into their room first thing in the morning, bearing food and other trinkets. 
"To be honest, I cried myself to sleep. I'd rather be dead than be doing this. Why were we saved?" Riki asked with slight hesitancy.
"Heeseung and I asked ourselves that every single day since our murder. We were the new kids and well, these two boys weren't exactly fond of us so their plan was to kill us and they were successful. We woke up to this new life and even though I've never been able to come with a clear answer, you'll find out in time. This is a lot. I get it, but you've got each other. This job isn't fun, but you get used to it. The pain isn't even that bad." He left the room almost immediately and went with the others. 
The same scenario repeated once more. Bewildered eyes met the three boys upon their entrance, and paranoia engulfed the three murderers. Heeseung went ahead and peered into the classroom. Shaky legs, check. Nail biting check. Sweat, check. 
"This can't be happening. This isn't real. What if this is a prank?" Sunoo once more waved at them slightly before leaning in towards them. 
"I had fun at the party last night, maybe we can do it again. Or maybe you'd like to rest since I'm sure digging and dragging must be hard work." With innocent eyes, he smiled slyly and gave a head nod to Jungwon and Riki. 
"What's next? I doubt that they'd be willing to get caught up again." It was lunch time, which gave them time to decide on their next move. 
"You go to them. After all, where else would you find your phone?" Riki began to feel into his pockets but found nothing. 
"Damn it." Satisfied, the four left the three kids on their own. 
The clock struck eight when Jungwon knocked on the familiar wooden door which was opened by the oldest school boy. 
"Y-you guys. Why are you here?" 
"We wanted to party like last night but I left my phone here." Jungwon went straight to the nearest bedroom and found his phone comfortably tucked away under a pillow with a recording. 
"Well what do have here? A memory from last night." Sunoo pressed the small play button and let the audio run though. 
"Hurry the hell up will you!" 
"Did you bring your dad's car like I told you? Get on with it." 
"I'm sad it had to come to this." 
"Get them!" Their hands became tightly wrapped around their necks and before they knew it, they had experienced their third death. 
They went back to the familiar lot, repeating the motions and excavating through the hard ground to create a burrow for the bodies. 
"Dump the brown haired one first." When they managed to pat the dirt neatly and move on to the rest of the bodies, they were gone. 
"Huh? Is this the end of the party? But I wanted to have more fun." Sunoo walked out first and showed a small pout while watching terror and horror overtake the players in their presence. Without a thought, the shovel was swung and he came down, falling unconscious. 
"Boooo, all we wanted was to become friends. Is this really it?" Now Riki emerged from the trees, crossing his arms while glancing at Sunoo's body. 
Another swing over took him, but it was time for the final show. 
"Hi! I'm Jungwon and these are my friends Sunoo and Riki. Please treat us well." Jungwon tried to approach them but they instead fled towards the car, struggling to understand what was occurring. 
"Get away you-you ahh!" Jungwon and Sunoo crept from behind while Riki dangled the car keys in front of them. 
"Have a safe ride! Stay safe!" With the final shouts, Heeseung, Jake, Sunghoon and Jay finally left the shadows. 
Jay let out a maniacal laughter, which caused confusion with the three youngest. 
"Good job boys. Good job." Those were the final words he told them before going home. 
As sleep entered their systems, they began to wonder about their actions and Sunghoon's words from two nights before.
Humans themselves were responsible for the consequences. They were complex creatures, sure, but driven by power and greed can betray the good of anyone. They never created the killer. 
Like a cycle, they went at a similar time to the school in the morning only to cause the three boys to break down in tears.
------- 
taglist: @the-moon-lost-in-joy @twntycm  
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timebuzzer · 4 years ago
Text
Ever After Chapter 15.4
Disclaimer: MATURE CONTENT AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. SKIP IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS KIND OF CONTENT.
This is Sage and Alex again, okay? They are married and on HONEYMOON. Don't forget that. AND this is just a product of our imagination. Play the music to add feels? Hahahaha! Enjoy?
This will be the last 🙈
_________________
3rd Person POV
"And anywhere." He utters against the skin on her neck as he tightens his arms around her waist.
"Your smell was so inviting." He whispered, soothing the area with his tongue and a kiss. Unconsciously, she began to shift closer to him, angling herself to give him more access to continue.
Sage's eyes glistened mischievously. She was too lost in the moment with her eyes wistfully closed as he trailed light, soft, and open-mouthed kisses onto her neck, beginning from the back of her ears, down the sides of her throat, and to her shoulder blades.
"You smell so intoxicating as always, Love." He whispered into her ear, his warm breath tickling it, which made her shiver and clutch his arm.
She gasped when he bit the area where her neck met her shoulders, feeling him suckle that sweet spot he's so accustomed to now. She let out a small whimper when he kissed the spot and nipped it again, creating a mark. "Sage, the mosquito is at it again", she thought.
His lips brushed against the sensitive area, "You really do..." His feather-soft lips were teasing her. She was growing dizzy and could barely hold up her own body. Her legs wobbled, but his firm arms held her in place. His torturous seduction was doing things to her that she did not know was possible.
She gasped when his hands left her waist and cupped her bosom without warning, squeezing. Her body melted and her knees gave out even if she was still wearing her satin robe but he held her up. He moved his lips higher up and settled on the side of her neck, lavishing the area with his attention. She let out a quiet, pleased moan, his fingers digging against her robe.
He turned her around and she automatically pressed her body against his chest. His pupils dilated when he felt every curve of her body beneath her clothes. He was supposed to be seducing her, but he felt it was the other way around, and she was doing it effortlessly. "More." She whispered, standing on her tippy-toes, wanting a kiss.
He bent his head as if he was about to kiss her lips. But he didn't. His lips landed on her forehead, her eyes, her nose, and on her cheek, trailing a path to the edge of her soft lips. She was going insane, her hands traveling up his chest and clutching his shoulders.
"No." She sharply breathed in when he squeezed her behind, drawing her closer. He was not playing fair and he knew it too. A devilish smirk was on his face when she attempted to move her face for a kiss, but he moved his mouth first. She groaned in a protest.
After seeing how much she wanted him, he crashed his lips onto hers, one hand traveling behind her neck to angle it better. Their lips feverishly met in a passionate, lustful kiss. She moaned against his mouth, opening her lips for his tongue to dive in and explore every nook and cranny. He pulled back to let her breathe and continued to kiss her closed eyelids, starting from the left to the right. He then peppered her face with gentle kisses as her hands tugged at the ends of his hair. She was driving him equally crazy. He wanted her, every part of him did, but this time he is going to take his time.
Sage remained still for a while but the next second he moved, he untangled the satin robe slowly, letting his fingers trail on her slightly exposed milky skin, sending shivers down Alex’s spine, as the robe was now partly revealing her body, As if she wasn't already aware of his touch, he followed it with warm kisses, starting from her neck moving towards her back and straight down to her waist. As he kissed the base of her spine, he undid the silky cloth off while staring deeply into her eyes and a second later, her robe fell with a soft swoosh, revealing a pair of black lacy lingerie.
The moment he saw her almost naked skin, he sucked in a breath, trying to control his raging little friend. Alex was more comfortable with her pajamas. She had a few pairs of satin lingeries but she rarely wears those and Sage knows that. But when she does, Sage would always lose his mind. However, tonight is an exception because it is a sheer black lace paired with lacy underwear for Pete's sake. Sage could clearly see what's underneath, her white as snow skin and her pink rose ready for him.
This is actually one of Paris' belated bridal shower gift. Alex never knew that the time would come and she would wear these kinds of revealing clothes. But there would never be another night like this again so she would take this opportunity to show her husband just how much she would be willing to offer herself to him and only him.
Sage slightly moved away from her to fully ogle at his wife. He gave her a lingering gaze from top to toe, which made Alex feel slightly embarrassed at being half-naked in front of him but this paled in comparison to her desire to be one with her him.
Alex stared at him seductively, as if noticing his burning desire, and looked at him with her pure, clear eyes. But she decided to break the staring contest and look away as she could not rival his intense burning gaze.
Sage moved closer and touched the tiny bow design in the middle of her chest. His fingertips then moved to slowly trace from the bow of her lingerie to the skin between her bosom, up to her chin, tilting it that made her meet his brown eyes burning with desire.
She felt her heart skip a beat when he gently smiled, "I believe I haven't complimented you enough." He murmured, "They're beautiful." She thought he was referring to her breasts or the lingerie itself, but he was staring at something else, he was staring at her. "I used to own a telescope when I was younger," He leaned in and kissed each of her eyelids, "Yet, none of the stars I've seen in my life could ever rival you. I love every bit of you. I can't seem to fathom how vast these feelings are but I know that losing you will be the death of me, both literally and figuratively, Alex Lee."
Alex's heart pounded against her chest, warming up at his words. His hands then trailed up to her face, his fingers touching every inch of her features until they brushed against her lips. "You never fail to leave me breathless, as always. Thank you..."
As she could no longer contain his words, she then leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck before she planted a soft kiss on his lips. Then her hands went down to the hem of his shirt, underneath it, touching his well-sculpted abs.
After that tease his wife just did, Sage burnt from the contact of her delicate fingers on his skin. He then slowly removed his shirt, revealing his perfectly sculpted torso while his eyes were glued to her as she also moved her gaze to his grandeur. Alex would never get tired of admiring his physique. She has seen a lot of men'ss bodies on magazines, TV, or movies, but none could rival his. He was just so well-built, lean, and muscular... It screams perfection that she felt the fire of desire ignite within her.
He gazed at Alex as if asking her for permission to continue what they've started earlier and she answered him by pulling his head down to her so she could devour his lips. It wasn't long before a moan escaped from her as Sage’s hand roamed all over her body. His movements were gentle, almost too slow to caress her like he had all the time in the world.
His hand then wandered down below, to confirm if she was ready for him. His finger graced over her lacy underwear and he was delighted to know that she was excited and he loved it.
However, knowing how long their day had been, Sage didn't want to lose control this time. He wanted to savor this night and he planned to take her slow, gentle.
Sage then led her to the pool in all his grandeur. “Let's try the pool, Love. Want to join me?” He then removed his shorts revealing his gray underwear concealing his on high alert ‘friend’ as he looked at his half-naked wife, teasing her as he dipped into the pool.
As he enjoyed the water, he looked back, expecting to see her follow his suit but found her still standing in the same position he left her beside the pool, looking hesitant and problematic. Alex was contemplating. She was wearing lingerie, as she thought they would go inside after their wine night. If she only knew that he has plans of swimming, she could have just worn a swimsuit underneath.
"But I'm not wearing a swimsuit...You could have said that you have plans of night swimming beforehand." She scoffed at him while crossing her arms on her chest.
“So am I. Come here now, Love. It’s just us here. We set our own rules." He called out. His voice, his gaze, everything about him was hypnotic. He was bewitching her again.
Alex swallowed. The lights around the pool glowed yellow and the atmosphere here felt different at night. It was like it was more romantic than during the day but Alex could tell it was mainly because of the presence of that alluring perfect creature right there.
"I believe you, okay? I know I am beautiful because you are head over heels with me," she told him and when Sage smiled, she immediately stuck her tongue out then let go. She turned and was about to go back to her spot when Sage’s hands wrapped around her tiny waist and pulled her into his embrace, trapping her between his legs.
The first thing Alex felt was his hardness onto her stomach and her face burned. "I'm glad you know that I am head over heels with you. I thought I need to show it to you again." Sage whispered in her ear.
His hands slipped gently teasing her smooth skin, brushing against the edges of her exposed hips before it slowly inched upwards. Her body tensed up in anticipation, waiting for him to do something, but he didn't. Just as she had tortured him before, he was going to do the same.
She let out a soft, contented sigh when his lips inched along her jaw, then dipped down to the spot where her shoulder met her neck, his favorite spot as always. Her fingers entwined into his silky locks, her hips subconsciously moving closer to him, wanting more of him again.
"Are you going to torture me all night?" She asked him, watching as his hands trail down her sides. She shivered at his touch, her body wanting and waiting. He just chuckled upon hearing that his little wife is growing impatient already.
Alex yelped when Sage suddenly scooped her to level with him. She wrapped her arms onto his neck, and her legs onto his waist, instinctively. The water in the pool seemed to become warmer.
He teasingly nipped the most sensitive part of her neck as he squeezes her behind, causing her back to arch, holding onto him. "You're such a tease…" She whispered when he didn't kiss the spot she desperately wanted his lips on.
"Now you know how I feel." He hummed against her skin, his hands exploring over her body. Everywhere he touched ignited her skin. He was taking his own sweet time with her and she knew it too. She trailed off, eyes closing when he began to show her collarbone attention.
They continued the teasing game as Sage moved towards the stairs of the pool and sat there, half of their bodies were still submerged in the water. Alex is now straddling on him. His rough hands on her behind slowly moved upwards to catch her twin peaches softly. Alex bit her lips, suppressing her moan, as she felt the heat from his palms on top of the lace material. He played with her peaches, the lace material against her peaks added sensation that hardened his member, even more, wanting its release. His skillful tongue and hands did wonder to her heating body, including his "friend" that is greeting hers, making her lower region aching a bit.
However, her eyes opened when his hands left her body. "I believe we should take this off." He told her while resting his fingers at the edges of her lacy brassiere. Then he trailed kisses on the blades of her left shoulder, making the strap of her lingerie fell off the sides. He did the same to her right shoulder making the "covering" on her bosom loose, his eyes burning with desire. When he can't take it anymore, he pulled the lingerie up then threw it to the side while his onyx eyes were dripping with lust. He kissed her lips as he continued playing with her peaches directly.
"Can we do it here, Love? Under the starry night," he whispered against her lips with his now husky voice, his hands not stopping from doing their delicious magic, which is now going south.
"B-but… we're outside, ah… not here, Sage…" Alex's tiny bit of reason returned and suddenly felt shy. Not because of her husband, but with the thought that they would do it here, under the moon, the stars. They never tried this before, outdoor.
Sage’s hands, one on her behind squeezed it while the other one busy teasing her sensitive lips making her let out a cute moan. "I'll dim the lights if you want. No one is around here to see us. I wouldn't even dare to let anyone else see your sexy body, this is for myself alone..." He negotiated while his hands continued doing magic on her body. "Consider it logged in our little book of adventures, shall we?"
Alex's mind is getting hazy with his touches that with just one plea, Alex gave in and nodded at him.
Sage smiled. His “friend” began rubbing her down there, on that sensitive spot. The friction from their underwear played havoc on both of them.
He began sucking her lips and she responded, wilder than ever. His wife was beginning to make a move on her own and he loved it, so damn much. Her fingers were tugging his hair as she pulled him closer. Sage wanted it slow but he can't seem to get enough of her that he started increasing his pace as he leaned his forehead with hers with eyes closed.
She pressed a hand to her mouth to suppress her moans. He didn't like that. "Don't bite your lips, Love, moan for me. Don't restrain it. Besides, the butler said the next occupied villa is 5 villas away from us. So we are alone in this villa, no one can hear any sound we make." he uttered and Alex obeyed. She stopped biting her lips and let out soft, yet cute and seductive moans he would never get tired of hearing.
Alex was feeling overwhelmed. She hardly recognized herself. His touch and everything he did to her body felt too good. Every time they got lost in each other's arms, everything in the world just disappeared. No thoughts, no worries, just them, feeling each other and becoming one whole soul.
But he was not going to enter her just yet.
"Sage…" Alex started calling out his name. She felt him become hard against her and the pleasure that she had felt a while ago was starting to resume again.
"Do you want us to continue?" Sage asked her.
Alex’s eyes wandered and in the end, she meekly nodded. She was embarrassed but her body and heart wanted him too. And she thought there was no reason for her not to want it or to hide her want for it.
She saw Sage’s eyes glimmer the moment she nodded and she blushed again. Then his lips went back onto her mouth, capturing it in a gentle kiss. He was slow and sensual, lazily kissing her, allowing her to drown in his seduction. Before realizing it, Sage scooped her into his arms again while their lips never parted.
"I've changed my mind. Let's just continue exploring the outside world during day time. It's getting cold now." He explained. But before she could say anything, "Don't celebrate yet, wife. We are not yet done. Not even starting to collect my dues." He said mischievously as he led her to the en-suite bathroom.
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For visual purposes
Alex's lingerie:
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mikkachu8888 · 4 years ago
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A/N I do not own any of the main plot line or characters of Marvel. Those rights are reserved for the creators. Thank you.
Peter x adult!reader
You were nervous to say the least. You looked at the clock on your wall again. It was probably only 15 minutes until they would arrive. You sighed. Mae and Peter are coming over for dinner. It's only been a few months since Tony's funeral and you can't say you were coping well. Natasha...Tony... Steve... all gone. Steve wasn't dead, but he seemed on the verge of it due to his old age now, but either way you weren't ready to let him go either. It felt like you were robbed of so much time you could have spent with him. He always was my most understanding fake uncle/dad/brother...or whatever you wanted to consider him. It didn't matter how you felt though, it's what makes him happy and you have to respect that... even if internally you weren't ready to bury another one of your family members. These people helped raise you and it broke your heart to see how your family got so much smaller.
Clint made more of an appearance in your life after the events, however. After Nat died you both found great comfort and grieving her death together. He became your new outlet to vent, which had previously belonged to Steve. Actually, this whole dinner was Clint's idea. It was something that was meant to clear the air between Peter and I.
"Are you okay?"
I turned to the voice and saw my fiancé of 8 months standing in the kitchen door with his hands in his pockets and looking at me with a concerned, but supportive smile.
"No..." I admit. "I've faced mass genocide, the largest war to human kind, and losing most of my family all at once... and yet... I've never been more nervous than I am right now."
"What do you think is going to happen?" (f/n) says.
"I don't know... I know it's really not that big of a deal compared to what we've all gone through before, but for some reason I can't bear to see Peter so upset with me. It...Just...It hurts my heart. I can't explain it." you say putting your face into your hands.
"I understand... and to be honest I think it is... a big deal." (f/n) says walking over and placing his hands on my arms gently. "So many families have been disrupted by the blip. Parents seeing their children all grown up all of a sudden, couples having larger age gaps and who have grieved and moved on, people who have blipped and realized that their loved ones that have remained here passed away in that what seemed to be moments they've been gone...in which it was actually years."
You looked up at him. He gave a small smile. "You are not the only one struggling to adjust in these weird times and grieving the lost time. I'm sure Peter is just as confused and nervous as you are. He was your boyfriend, your lover. You guys were very close and I'm sure when he came back from the blip he still thought you were the same as ever... only to realize that it wasn't the case."
"He saw me for the first time at Tony's funeral...and he wouldn't even talk to me. He just stared at me... almost like he was afraid of me." The sentence came out like it was a soft whisper, but ended with just pain and hurt in it.
"Is that a bad thing?" (f/n) asked. "Wouldn't you be? I know I would, especially if I was just a 16 year old kid."
"No no...No... You're right. I honestly should be thinking about him too. He's probably shell shocked and I'm just worried about myself." You take a deep breath and gave a slight bitter chuckle. "I'm the adult here. I've matured and learned to cope. I shouldn't be the one who's scared here."
"I think it's okay for you both to be scared. Don't worry, though. I'll be there and Mae will be there to help. Clint says he'll be standing by if you need help." It was at that moment, the doorbell rang making you jump. "You got this. I promise."
He gave you a kiss on the cheek before leaving to answer the door. You mulled over his words for a moment before sucking in a breath and following him. As you walked through your living room you reached up and began fixing your hair as you walked. You wanted to make sure you at least looked like you weren't a complete mess, but you were on the inside. A horrible, grieving, pitiful, shawarma and ice cream eating mess.
I wore black. It was my go to color. Not because I was sad or grieving, but because it is the most convenient color and showed so much class while also hiding your shame. There was very little the color black couldn't hide. You were grateful that when you joined SHIELD and the main uniform color was black. You cut your hair shorter and mostly wore it up in a tight seamless bun for work, but tonight it is in its full glory. Your fiancé wore basic white button up and black pants. He had on a tie before, but you supposed it was bothering him so he took it off. At least he put on the black blazer as well. You never liked the tie anyway. It was just something Steve had said one time that was necessary for important events. He taught (f/n) how to tie it and everything.
You stood beside (f/n) a little ways back as you were bit afraid. He opened the door and there stood Mae, Peter, and shockingly Happy smiling back. Peter actually wasn't smiling. He wasn't even looking at neither you nor (y/n). His gaze was to the side towards the floor. It was clear that he wasn't ready to face reality either. Your eyes moved back to the group as a whole. "Happy, what are you doing here?" You- asked stretching out a smile that may have seemed a little forced.
"Well, I was just popping over to the Parker residence from visiting Pepper and Morgan, and Mae invited me to come along, so I thought I haven't seen you in a while and there was no harm in dropping by as well. I wanted to see what you've been up to and what not." Happy nodded with a big smile. He leaned close and half whispered "Mae thought that you all could use as much help as you could get with this weird situation anyway."
"O-oh... okay... well um. Thanks for coming. I'm sure it's appreciated." You internally cursed. More people to witness the horror that will be this dinner. You turned your attention to Mae. "Hi, Mae." You smiled a bit and you could tell she already had tears pricking her eyes and she held out her arms for a big hug. She gave you tight motherly squeeze and rubbed your back. "Hi, Honey. Gosh, you've gotten so big. You just look absolutely beautiful."
"Yes. Thank you. It's been so long since I've seen you... Well I suppose not to you." You attempted a joke to lighten the mood. She and Happy laughed though that joke didn't seem to land well with Peter as he didn't laugh and only seemed to be made more uncomfortable.
Your eyes did fixate on Peter now and the silence of the group became thick and very tense. He wasn't saying anything and you bit your lip. "Hey...Peter." Your voice was softer and sounded week. He looked exactly the same. Young baby face with wispy brown hair that seemed to like to hang in his face depending how it fell. He did a pretty good job at keeping it combed back, however. His brown eyes finally looked back at you and widened just slightly. You looked so much different, yet, exactly the same. For starters, the makeup. That was so much more new. You never wore makeup. You were perfectly happy with the nude appearance of your face. Although you weren't wearing much makeup it was still prevalent that you had some on, but just enough to look clean and classy. Your hair wasn't as super long as you had it when you were younger. It was always down and long and it was a daily struggle for you to keep it maintained and out of paint or your food at lunch. You were always getting it caught in your mouth or finding random strands of it on your clothing or in your stuff. He remembered how sometimes when he kissed you your hair would get caught between their lips. It was embarrassing then, but now he missed it. Now it was cut much shorter and seemed more tamed. He wasn't sure if he liked that or not. It didn't matter, however, for some reason in Peter's mind it made you look all the much more mature and older. Everything about you seemed older and mature. Your body was different. Slightly wider hips and a bit larger breasts. He probably wouldn't have noticed either difference if it wasn't for the dress you were wearing... or for the matter that you were wearing a dress at all. Dresses and skirts weren't your forte last time he saw you. You said they restricted you from doing the things you wanted to do. No, leggings and jeans covered in paint, pen marks, sharpies was what you wore on a daily basis along with an oversized hoody of some sort. Peter looked down at the ground. He noticed you weren't wearing any shoes. He cracked a slight side smile. At least that was one thing that didn't changed about you. You always hated wearing shoes. It didn't matter where you were or the temperature outside. Shoes were never the priority for you. You always carried a pair and wore them when you had to, but if they bothered you too much or you just found them unnecessary you'd kick them off and immediately toss them in your backpack. So many times you'd walk down the school halls bare foot with some type of drawing that you drew on them from being bored in class. Peter always thought that little quirk was cute. He could actually see a little tattoo on the side of your foot, but couldn't make it out in that moment. In fact when he looked closer, he saw that both your feet looked slightly different from each other. He wasn't quite sure, but it seemed the foot with the tattoo seemed somewhat off. He just wasn't sure what was different.
His voice finally decided to make an appearance. "Hey... again..." It didn't come out as strong as he wanted it to, but it came out enough for her to hear.
"How are you?" You asked him.
"Uh..." He didn't have anything to say. He just gave an awkward nod and a generic 'ok'. He wasn't ready to talk. You backed off and looked at the group as a whole once more.
"Oh um... everyone. This is my fiancé, (f/n)" you said stepping back and introducing your now future husband. Peter's face immediately dropped. His eyes widened and he looked back and forth between you and your fiancé in an almost panicked state. He couldn't believe it. You had found someone else. You had left him.
"Hi, everyone." (f/n) smiled and waved and shook everyone's hand, except Peter who didn't even attempt to raise his hand. His face now stared wide eyed at your fiancé who waited patiently for his hand in return. Mae nudged Peter's arm and he blinked a couple of times in realization and took (f/n)'s hand to shake. "Oh yeah um sorry... it's nice to meet you." He says politely trying to cover up how frazzled he was for a moment.
"Well, everyone. Why don't you come inside?" You say and step to the side allowing everyone to filter into your home.
"Wow... fancy." Happy says looking around at stuff.
"Happy, you knew I lived here." You say unamused.
"I've never seen the inside, though." He commented back.
"So how long have you lived here?" Mae asks looking at the light fixtures.
"3 years or so now." You say watching them. "I know it's much different than that dingy apartment I was at before."
"Yeah um.... How did you get a place like this?" Peter asks quietly.
"Uh well... with my new job and the housing being cheaper from the blip and-"
"Tony bought it." Happy commented bluntly cutting you off.
You sighed. "Yes. Tony bought and designed it for me. My job at SHIELD lets me be able to pay for it."
"You work at SHIELD?" peter asks glancing back at you.
"Yes. Head of the entire global security and protection program. Also, I'm a public advocate for the international super powered and mutated community." You say with a bit of pride.
"Wow that sounds like a very high position." Mae says.
"It can be, I suppose." You shrug your shoulders.
"You've certainly come a long way since you were young." Mae says a little sad.
"I think everyone who was left here during the blip has. It just depends on if they came a long way for the better or worse. That depends on the person." You state glancing at Happy. "Right, Happy?"
"Yeah. There's been a lot of people who dropped over the edge since that, but also a lot of people who've thrived since then. We've seen it all." Happy says skeptically looking at one of the vases you had on your counter. You walked over and took the vase from Happy's hands. "Why don't we all sit down before you break something." You says putting the vase back down where it was.
"Where did you get that? It's hideous." Happy says moving towards the sofa.
"It came with the house." You stated.
"Why'd you keep it?" Happy says scrunching up his nose.
"Don't worry about it." You say ushering him to the couch.
"I happen to like it. I think it's... unique." Mae says admiring it from afar as she sat next to Happy and Peter on one of the sofas. You and (f/n) sat across from them on the other. He gave them each glasses of water in case they got thirsty. You hadn't seen him even go into the kitchen to get them.
"Oh yeah... I mean... if you look at it that way then I guess it's pretty nice." Happy says backtracking and taking a pert sip of the water he was just given. Your eyes furrow as you look between Happy and Mae. You glance at Peter who also seems confused at the interaction.
"Okay...so Happy. What were you doing at the Parker residence?" you ask Happy with a smirk.
"Oh you know. Just checking in. See how Peter is doing." Happy says not so casually.
"I see." You say as your eyes look back at Peter. "So, Peter."
"Huh?" he asks a little startled by my turn of attention to him. The water in his cup sloshing at the sudden movement. "How are you doing?"
"Oh um... okay, I guess." He responds nodding. That was it. The entire highlight of the conversation between us for the rest of the time. The rest of the time he and you both remained quiet and only spoke when spoken too. You were hurt. He was hurt. You could tell. Not only because you know him, but because teenagers tend to have less of a poker face when they're upset. No matter how hard they try to hide it, it usually slips through that they are emotional in that moment. You have learned to control that side of you a lot better. You are no longer that emotional and even if you were, you've learned to hide it a lot better. Your face remains impassive, but you sit there thinking that perhaps he doesn't need impassive. He needs something to know that you are feeling much of the same feelings he is feeling. You just don't know what to say.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you two meet?" Mae asks setting her glass on the coffee table in front of us. Peter's attention becomes more alert at the question. It was obvious he was wondering the same thing. Just when did this happen?
"Oh no. I don't mind. I suppose that is one of the big elephant questions in the room." You say a little nervously.
"We met in physical therapy. We had the same Therapist and she brought all her patients together for group stretching once a week. It was something that was set up through a volunteer group for people with superpowers and mutations. I can't exactly remember the name, but it was group that helped with the devastation after the snap. They helped clean up and got people out of crisis and arranged for a lot of the people with powers who were injured to receive medical attention and physical therapy from medical professionals that had mutations of some sort as to not expose us or risk exploitation. Do you remember the volunteer organization's name?" (f/n) asked looking at me.
"It wasn't an organization. It was a school, I believe. Dr. Xavier ran the school. He's quite the man. I talk to him every now and again, but I haven't heard from him quite a while. He's part of the reason I got my foot in the door for advocating for those with superpowers or mutants as they call them." You state.
"Interesting. What were you going to physical therapy for?" Mae asked. "Or what I mean is, what happened?"
"Well I was on a train in New York with my sister and mother when people starting dusting away. I suppose the conductor was one of those people because our train never stopped and crashed full force into one of the buildings and derailed us from the tracks over a bridge, it sent us crashing into the streets. My mother died on impact, but I was able to protect my sister with my body. I can turn my body into different materials, so I was able to keep most of the things away from her and she just had a couple of broken bones, but I didn't move fast enough because I got a metal rod straight through the chest. It broke right near my sternum. I had no clue why or how I was still alive. I thought I was going to die in there for sure until some of the students from that school showed up." (f/n) unbuttoned his shirt half way to show the large star like shaped scar right in the center of his chest.
"That's awesome..." Happy muttered looking in awe at his scar before getting nudged in the shoulder by Mae. "I mean terrible. Truly terrible. I'm sorry for your loss."
"Yes, that's awful. I'm sorry that happened to you." Mae says sympathetically.
(f/n) chuckled and buttoned his shirt back up. "No, don't worry about it. These types of things make us stronger right? And I do agree with Happy. I think my scar is pretty awesome." He patted his chest proudly. You smiled in amusement and gave slight chuckle.
"...and you?" Peter's soft voice piped up after a moment. Everyone looked at him. He was looking at you. You weren't really sure what he was trying to ask you. He glanced at everyone before licking his lips and trying again to clarify. "Uh um. What I mean is what happened to you... as well? Why were you in, you know, physical therapy?"
"Oh. I was actually in Africa fighting in battle." You sated simply.
"You were a part of the Battle of Wakanda?" Peter asks sitting up straighter now.
You smiled a bit and let out a breathy laugh. "Yeah. It was like pulling teeth to convince Steve to let me, but yeah. I was. It was a savage alien that bit and clawed into my leg and that started the problems, but it was a female servant of Thanos that actually took my leg. Cut it clean off with swords she had."
"Oh my god. That's horrible." Mae exclaimed and Peter's eyes traveled to your foot once more. That's why your foot looked so off. It was a prosthetic. Peter thought it looked too real to be a prosthetic, but too fake to be real. You were able to walk so seamlessly though. Like you never lost your leg at all.
"Not as horrible as for her. When Natasha found out she was absolutely pissed. She and one of the Wakanda guards kicked her ass." You laughed outwardly. Peter saw the old you come out all of a sudden and all at once. He smiled brightly. "And then what happened?" he asked.
"They sent her ass through her own giant alien sawblade that they tried to kill us with!" You were full blown laughing now. The memory had you almost in tears because of how convenient and karmic the whole thing was. If you remembered correctly you remember yourself laughing in that moment as well. Despite nearly being dead in a ditch and bleeding out uncontrollably, you were still verbally shouting out cheers of praise to Nat as she fought and when she came to quickly bandage you up to stop the bleeding. You remembered Nat replying to you "Shut up, kid or I'll leave you here instead. All that shouting is going to make you pass out anyway." Funny enough she wasn't too far off the target because it wasn't long after she told you that did you fall unconscious from blood loss and woke up with a sweet new robotic vibranium prosthetic leg in Wakanda's medical ward.
"So, if she cut your leg off what happened next." Peter asked now interested in the story.
"Nat bandaged me up, I passed out, and I woke up with a sweet new robotic leg in Wakanda's medical ward. After I was healed enough I was transferred to Xavier's school where I sharpened my powers and did physical therapy along with the others. Once I was healed, Tony came back from outer space. Once he was recovered he told us everything and eventually upgraded my leg. Now it looks almost like I never lost a leg. Well, sort of. It still looks a bit off and it glitches every now and again, but I'm not complaining. I can still walk so." You shrugged now crossing your leg over the other and folding your arms over your chest.
"Wow. That's really cool." Peter said breathlessly. He seemed to admire you so much more. You knew you were now Tony Stark, but it was nice to have those admiring eyes directed towards you for once. The type of eyes that didn't hold romantic feelings, but still held the belief that everything you did was cool and amazing.
"Thank you, Peter." You smiled.
"So when are you two getting married?" Happy asks randomly and taking a gulp of water.
*smash*
The glass in Peter's hand immediately smashes in his palm. Everyone makes a noise in surprise at the sudden sound and turn to Peter. "Oh! Uh... I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! I'll... I'll clean it up." Peter says getting down on the floor to clean it up.
"Peter, your hand." You gasp setting your cup down. His hand started bleeding from all the glass shards that decided to embed themselves into his skin.
"Oh um..." Peter's face flushed a bright red. He couldn't help but feel intense embarrassment about the situation.
"Don't worry about the glass. I got it. You go with (y/n) and get your hand all patched up, okay?" (f/n) says already standing to go and get the broom.
"Yeah, come on, Peter. I have a first aid kit in the kitchen." You say standing up and helping him to his feet. You held his arm as he kept his hand underneath his injured one, hoping to catch the blood so it wouldn't get onto your carpet. You walked him to the kitchen. "Just put your hand over the sink and I'll be there in a moment."
"Okay." Peter says doing what you asked as you began to rummage around the medicine cabinet. Peter began to run his hand under a bit of water as you came back with the first aid kit. You first got some tweezers and a dish towel and dragged 2 chairs over so we could sit. You first sat down and put the dish towel across your lap. Peter then sat down and you gently grabbed his hand and set it in your lap while looking closely at it. "Nothing bad it looks like. Obviously nothing the Amazing Spiderman can't handle." You joke looking at him with a smile and he smiles back with an awkward laugh.
A silence falls over you both as you begin to focus on plucking the tiny shards from his hand. You didn't notice how the air got thicker and you certainly didn't notice how things got increasingly more difficult for Peter to stomach. He stared at you the entire time and the longer he did the more his heart broke. You didn't notice how his straight face slowly broke until you saw a few tear drops fall onto the surface of the hand you were working on and you heard a choked back sob. You looked up and saw his face as he turned away. You set the towel with glass pieces aside and held his hand. You knew he wasn't crying because of his hand or if there was a possibility you hurt him. He was much tougher than that. You also knew you couldn't physically hurt him even if you wanted to. His powers made it easier for him to handle a lot more than a regular human. No, his pain was internal. His kind soft heart was bursting with pain. "Peter..." you said softly with a frown.
"I... I miss you." He said finally with his head down and his chest heaved. "I miss you so much."
This is where your heart broke and you couldn't even keep your composure anymore. You hugged Peter and you hugged him tight. You hugged him like how you wanted to hug him the day you found out that he was one of the victims of the Snap. You hugged him like he would dust away again. You hugged him like he would leave you again, but this time not come back. And you cried. Oh, you cried like you should have when you first saw him again. You cried as you were finally getting the closure you wanted. It was five years, but you had him in your arms again and you couldn't be more grateful. "I miss you, too."
"First I lost Mr. Stark and now you..." he began crying harder now. He drops to his knees on the floor and his face goes to your lap.
"That's not true. I'm right here." I told him holding him tighter.
"But you're not mine anymore. You're his... and it only seems like just a few months ago you were at my house and we were playing video games and listening to music." Peter said getting his voice more.
"But it wasn't a few months ago. It's been years, Peter." You tell him stroking his hair.
"I know... but... it's just not fair!" he says gripping the fabric of your dress around your thighs tight in his balled fists.
"I know, I know it's not fair." You tell him as more tears fell from your eyes.
"If... if he wasn't there... If you weren't getting married, would you wait for me?" he asked quietly. You pressed your lips together. This was a very heavy question. It wouldn't change the outcome of how things were now no matter how you answered, but it could change the way Peter thought about things and how your relationship would be from here on out. You had to answer carefully. Either he could be angry with you and refuse to have contact with you, or he could have a false sense of hope and closure all depending on how you answered his question. You just hated to see him so upset and you wanted to give in, but you also could not lie to him either. If you ever loved him then you would not lie to him, even now.
"No, Peter." I told him gently petting his hair. His body tensed at the words. "Look at me."
He didn't move, so you shifted your body away slightly and lifted his chin up, so he would look at you. "Peter, I want you to listen to me. I want you to really hear what I am trying to tell you."
He looks at you with his tear stained face, but he does what you ask. "What happened to us is cruel and unfair, but it did happen. This whole situation is hard to swallow and seeing you like this kills me. Seeing your face for the first time when you came back and realizing you didn't grow up with me was one of the hardest things I had to come to terms with because I immediately realized that we couldn't work. I think it was even harder for me when I realized that when you came back, you had no idea what had happened and you thought we were still together like always. I found it difficult when I saw the reality hit you when you looked at me for the first time at Tony's funeral. I still care deeply for you, but you are still a child, Peter. You blipped. I didn't. I mourned and moved on. I know that when you become in your twenties it won't really be a big deal anymore with the age gap, but that's nearly 10 years of my life waiting for you. That's 10 years of my life halted and stagnant. That's also nearly 5 years of your life wasted waiting on me when you also need to move on. I'm sorry, but it won't be healthy if you wait for me."
He doesn't say anything for a long while. He just sets his head back down in your lap as he thinks over what you just told him. I don't mind, however. You said what you had to. You couldn't lie to him. It wasn't the adult or right thing to do. You had to just rip the band aid off. It seemed we sat there for a while. I knew the others were giving us our privacy. We all knew this dinner was really just to break the news to Peter that our relationship wouldn't work and hoping we could still be okay afterwards.
"Do you love him?" he asked quietly, his voice breaking a bit.
"Yes." You answered back.
"Did you love me?"
"Yes."
"Do you still love me?"
"Yes."
"But... not the same way..." he sighed.
"...No... not in the same way." You tell him gently.
"I... I suppose that's okay." He muttered, even if he didn't like his own answer.
"Thank you, Peter." You say with a smile looking down at him.
"For what?" he asks looking up at you.
"For understanding, for not being angry, for being a good person, for doing the right thing for yourself and I, ... and for just giving me some of the best moments of my life being with you." You tell him happily.
"O-oh. No problem." He says now getting back up off the floor and going to his feet.
You follow suit. His face was still tear stained, but he didn't have complete dread in his eyes anymore.
"It's going to take a while for me to get over you." He says looking at the ground.
"I know it will because it took me awhile. (f/n) was very patient with me." You tell him before thought came into her head. "Peter, I know this is too soon, but may I point you in a direction of people to consider giving a chance?"
"Um... okay?" He didn't seem too comfortable, but he was open to hear what she suggested.
"You know Michelle Jones that was in our class, right? I believe she just went by MJ."
"MJ?" Peter thought taking it into consideration.
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ty-talks-comics · 5 years ago
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Best of DC: Week of October 23rd, 2019
Best of this Week: Batman: Curse of the White Knight #4 - Sean Murphy, Matt Hollingsworth and AndWorld Design
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A Darkness has fallen over Gotham. 
Jim Gordon has always been one of the most trustworthy police officers in the cesspool known as Gotham City. Under his tenure as Commissioner, he cleaned up Gotham PD as much as he possibly could, brought up great officers like Harvey Bullock and Renee Montoya and even formed a long lasting partnership with Gotham's protector, Batman. His role gained him allies and enemies alike and he put his life on the line every day he out a badge on.
Unfortunately for him, his number came in the last issue when Azrael impaled him with his sword, leaving him for dead in an alley for Batman and the Gotham PD to see. This issue follows what happens immediately after.
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Gordon is rushed to the hospital and the doctors do their very best to keep him alive. The shots are tense and heartbreaking as we get no dialogue except for the words of the flashback that occurs simultaneously. Barbara is frantic, pushing through Renee and Harvey Bullock. We don't hear what she's saying, but her pain is palpable. She doesn't have the cool calmness she maintained as Batgirl, she's just a girl terrified of losing her father.
As the doctors use their defibrillators, Gordon flat lines and Barbara doesn't even acknowledge Batman as she runs into the night, tears in her eyes. Interspersed between the operation are panels showing a flashback between Barbara and Jim. It acts a bit of foreshadowing as Jim tells Barbara to fight back and hit harder after she tells him that a boy bullied her at school. These two scenes play out in perfect opposition to each other.
Murphy is really good at Panel to Panel storytelling and conveys the happiness and absolute destruction with little dialogue, body language and facial expressions. He wants you to feel the despair that Barbara feels. Pulling in close to Gordon's short breaths as she bangs on the window in the background as he kisses her little forehead in the next panel, it's almost too much.
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Hollingsworth colors the operation scenes with cool colors, making everything seem sterile aside from the blood on Gordon's chest. It's bleak and lacks the warmness of the muted pink/purple hue of the flashback. Murphy also does his best to depict how much Jim meant to Barbara by showing her childhood innocence and happiness opposite the fear that she faces as an adult. Barbara is absolutely devastated by what happens to her father and later on, it will drive to her make a reckless decision that will change her life forever.
Tensions are high when the Gotham Terrorism Oppression (GTO) unit meets in the aftermath of Gordon's death. Barbara blames Batman and calls him a coward for operating in the shadows while her father stood at the forefront. Dick Grayson wants to console her, but Renee tells him to stay focused and when he tries to question her authority, she snaps that Jim put her in charge before his death.
Bruce leaves in the middle of the GTO's planning, frustrating Renee as she gets a taste of what Gordon dealt with for years. He goes to visit Leslie Thompkins who's taking care of Harleen Quinzel after she's given birth to twins. They converse and Leslie reveals to Bruce that she and Alfred had known about the journal of Edmond Wayne.
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What's interesting about this section is the manner in which they retrieved it. Shortly after Bruce had put on the cowl, Alfred and Leslie found a letter addressed to Bruce and Batman, telling them to go to the oldest part of Gotham. The scene is drawn and colored in a style reminiscent of what I think of when I hear Victorian Era England. There's a lot of smoke, greys, muted colors and vibrant yellows from lamps and fire. The building they enter is very old timey and they meet someone surprising upon their arrival.
While his name is never stated, I believe the Librarian of the New Order of St. Dumas to be Jason Blood. He maintains Blood's red hair with a white streak and his brazenness when speaking to Alfred and Leslie and his lack of care when Alfred  levels a rapier to his throat is characteristic of a man that has lived for centuries and the knowledge he has attained up that point. He tells Alfred to give the journal to Bruce when he thinks the boy is read and then he just suddenly disappears. Alfred and Leslie have been guarding the secret ever since.
While all of this is going on, Barbara tries to find anything she can about the man who killed her father. Dick tries to talk to her, flipping their roles from the first White Knight series. Dick was angry the entirety of that series, blaming Bruce for the destruction of Gotham City, but now Barbara sees what he was talking about back then. Murphy makes the decision to not have Barbara don her mask, but still wear the ears, signaling that she can no longer hide behind her mask while Dick still wears his.
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(From Batman: White Knight #6)
She's rapidly removing herself from the world of capes and cowls, saying it's not working, while Dick reminds her that she chose this life, same as him. She gets a hit on the vehicle Azrael used and sets off after him. She removes the bat ears, heads to the armory, grabs a gun and almost takes a tumbler before Harvey Bullock meets her there. Their relationship doesn't need too many words as both of them want revenge, not justice. 
It's wonderful to see because there's no pretense between them. Harvey wasn't exactly the best policeman before he was under Gordon, but he eventually learned to respect his higher up. He became a better officer and person because of Jim, he'd obviously be in the same mindset as Barbara, knowing that there's only one way for this to end. As they race off in the Tumbler, the background is colored in a beautiful shade of light brown, insisting that the fight is on and blood is boiling.
Dick informs Batman that Barbara and a tumbler are missing, so Batman tracks it and catches up to her and Harvey just as they've ambushed Azrael and his crew. Barbara levels a gun to Azrael's head and cries tears of anger as she goes to pull the trigger. Batman wraps a grapple around the muzzle of the gun and rips it away before Azrael's brain is scattered all over the street. The distraction of Batman's arrival allows the rest of Azrael's crew to get their bearings as they begin to shoot at the Bat and Harvey. Azrael lunges at Barbara. 
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With fire spreading all around them, the next few pages are coated with an intense orange and the action is impactful. Harvey screams at Batman to shoot Azrael as he overpowers Barbara. Bruce stands there, not knowing what to do and drops the gun, going for his grapple again. His inaction, however, allows Azrael to knee Barbara in the spine, breaking it with an unsettling "CRACK" sound effect.
Batman retaliates in anger, pleading with Azrael to leave the rest of them out of the fight. Azrael responds by saying that God must have spared Bruce for this moment, for this fight and begins to turn the tables on Batman. He manages to cut the cowl off of Batman before one of his crew pulls him away from the fight, saying that they need to leave as one of their men is lost and they escape. In the aftermath, Batman walks out of the fire with Barbara, his facial expression giving it away that he knows he has utterly failed.
One of the best characteristics of this version of Batman is his inability to recognize or change his ways following his failures. He failed to see how his increasingly dangerous battles with the Joker were destroying Gotham City, he failed to see that his protegés were slowly losing their trust and faith in him and only got worse over time. He tries his best to change throughout this series, but he's always stopped by his own mind. 
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It was heavily implied that his aversion to firearms is what caused this timeline's original Robin, Jason Todd, to be killed and now it's cost Barbara her mobility. Batman doesn't often face adversity this much, so it's great to see him continually broken down by the circumstances that absolutely could have been prevented. On the flip side, maybe this is exactly what he needed to actually solve the problem of Azrael. Not by killing him, but by using his motivation and willingness to change as a driving force to defeating the Knight and the remainder of his order.
He can't flinch in the face of danger, not anymore.
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