#Chase doesn't even rebuke him

[spikes-got-anger-issues]

I can't get over how Adam came to the conclusion that Chase is his wife meanwhile he has "Wife?" and "Mom?" written under Perry's name

[strwberri-milk]

may i request kaeya, zhongli, and alhaitham with a gn!reader who can easily make them super flustered? ty 🫶

Kaeya doesn't expect to have his words turned on him but that's exactly what you end up doing to him. You've seen the effect he has on others and decide to flip the script. Why should he be the only person who gets to have fun? It doesn't seem fair to you.

The first time you do it he laughs it off, ignoring the flush creeping up his neck and the way he feels a desperate urge to avert your gaze. You can hear a slight tremor in his chuckle, knowing that it wasn't as easy going as he was practically begging for you to think it was and smile to yourself.

In no time you've figured out which buttons to push to make him become a blushing mess - he's practically radiating heat and the red undertone of his skin somehow becomes more pronounced when he's in your presence whenever you open your mouth to speak. You definitely abuse your power for evil, loving the way he practically melts whenever you talk to him and fails to rebuke any of your statements. Even if he doesn't tell you you know he likes it as well, judging by the fact that he's constantly seeking out your attention.

Zhongli wasn't expecting someone to be able to evoke these kinds of feelings in him. He knew that you were good with words with the way that you spoke to and around him and that there was something about the quality of them that made him want to hear them more. However, when you first learn you were able to fluster him when you hear his words hitch a little when he responds makes you curious to what extent you can push him.

His responses start to need more time to be formulated, carefully choosing his words. You know he doesn't typically stutter but now you get the sense that he's trying especially hard to make sure that he doesn't mess up in your presence, the mischievous smile on your face making it even harder for him to concentrate.

One day he asks you in private if you find it amusing to fluster him. The question is asked with him refusing to look in your eyes, the mere act of asking also flustering him to no end. You know he doesn't mean any harm with the soft tone in his voice and the fact that he invited you over for this conversation, telling him that you just find it adorable to see him show you a side that he's normally never had brought out by others. He coughs a little, not expecting that to be your reasoning but the fact that he doesn't tell you off tells you all you need to know.

Al Haitham is very composed at any given moment in time. That is, until you. He had no idea that someone could make him feel...embarrassed? Flustered? He's not quite sure what it is that you make him feel but he's even more concerned that for whatever reason, he doesn't feel the need to chase you off or chastise you for doing so.

You realise when he isn't scolding you that it's basically your pass here card, continuing to fluster him. You can barely tell that it's working but with the quirk of his brow and mild huff of "annoyance" signalling your success, you continue to work at him. You're kind enough to do it in private at least, knowing that if you pushed too hard you'd end up losing him and that's not at all what you want to happen.

He confronts you, a little aggressively but you know that's just the way he speaks. He doesn't beat around the bush, asking if you find it amusing to embarrass him in such a manner. You decide to respond to his honesty with your own, telling him that yes, you absolutely adore it and the thought of reducing him to a flustered puddle makes you smile every time you think of it. He rolls his eyes, deciding that's as good an answer he'll get. You take note that he never actually told you to stop, taking that as a permanent get out of jail free card when it comes to bothering him affectionately.

[zoeykallus]

So, how would the boys - you decide who you want to write about <3 - react to getting caught by their brother's during spicy time?

And would it be funny like joking or would they immediately throw their brothers out?

Interesting Request!

Thanks for letting me decide 😁

Fives/Hunter/Crosshair/Tech/Rex/Echo x Reader HCs - Do Not Disturb

Warnings: Mention Of Sexual Activities/ Strong Language/18+ (Just to be safe)

No, none of this leads to a threesome.

_______________

Fives

He is, at first, basically as frightened and ashamed as most others would be if they were caught in the middle of making love. But Fives, unlike most others, knows how to cover up this shock. Cheeky as ever, he has a quip or two at the ready.

" Well, if you stare any longer, I'm going to charge you for it".

Should poor Rex burst into the situation, Fives probably says something like, "Want in?" just to make the captain blush.

Fives takes the matter with humor and instead of getting angry about it and having his brothers tease him about it, he struts around grinning cheekily with his chest swelling with pride. After all, he has a sexy partner for certain hours, which not many of his brothers necessarily have.

Hunter

Is of course first startled and annoyed by the disturbance.

"Get out of here, now!"

He needs a moment to catch himself, he won't be able to continue immediately afterward, the mood is gone for him for the time being with a disturbing interruption like this. Probably best to take a break, make sure the door is locked next time, and get back in the mood.

Hunter doesn't let the matter go either, the disturber is confronted and rebuked at the next opportunity.

"Don't you ever think of coming in again without knocking, and without being asked".

Of course, should you have danced the vertical tango in a publicly accessible area, this statement will not hold water. In that case, Hunter will scowl and swallow his anger at the intrusion.

Crosshair

He's pissed. As cocky as he sometimes talks and as physical as he is, Crosshair is actually very private about his intimate life with you. You probably do the wildest things, but that's just you and no one else. He's pretty sensitive to being disturbed, which is also a little bit due to the fact that he's basically a little insecure.

One or the other threat is made (it doesn't matter who causes the disturbance) and for the time being the mood is ruined.

"Get the fuck out!"

He will get dressed directly, confront the disturbing person, and then go with you to a more secluded place.

It takes a while for him to calm down and get back in the mood, so be patient with him. If his brothers don't want him to get really mad, they will refrain from teasing him about it.

Tech

For him, this is a disaster. He may have thawed out in living with you by now, but he is very private about your intimate life. Even though Tech has found his passionate side with you and is generally often very direct and open about this physical exchange of intimate caresses, he only feels comfortable with you and no one else should see or know that.

The thought that one of his brothers saw him like this will gnaw at him for days, maybe even weeks, or longer. For now, anyway, the mood is at rock bottom. Even though he is very close with his brothers, and there are hardly any secrets or unseen things, this is something he does not want to share with them. He feels exposed and very uncomfortable with it.

You can assume that from this moment on, he will be much more cautious and will plan and secure your meetings of this kind much more precisely.

Rex

He is annoyed, feels shame but also a certain pride. First, the interfering person is chased away, stern and threatening, then he needs a moment to catch himself. Rex is not uptight, but quite private and introverted, at least as far as his sex life is concerned. He doesn't peddle it like some of his other brothers do, ~cough~ Fives.

In fact, it's very easy to embarrass him, so if Rex has the misfortune of Fives or Hardcase catching him with you, for example, you can expect the Captain to be walking around with his head on fire for weeks because they can't help teasing him about it.

Rex, however, doesn't miss the opportunity to put Fives on unpleasant special duty until he gives up the jokes. This could take some time, though, because just like Rex, Fives can be cursedly persistent and stubborn, especially when it comes to nonsense.

Echo

For him, it's very similar to what happens with Rex. Shock, annoyance, shame. After the disturbing factor is chased out of the room, he also needs a moment to catch himself, but surprisingly not as long as most others. He will later complain to the disturbing person that he violated his and your privacy.

You can't tease him about it for long, though; the first time or two he may blush when his brothers make side comments or crack jokes and react in shock, but Echo adjusts fairly quickly and responds surprisingly quick-wittedly.

""Jealous much?"

or,

"At least I have a sex life, unlike other people present"

But perhaps also,

"You can only dream of that. I wouldn't even hold it against you if you did".

His brothers' quips eventually pass quite quickly.

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@allsystemsblue

@palliateclaw

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

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@malicemercy

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@echos-girlfriend

@cpnt616

@dangraccoon

@jediknightjana

@pb-jellybeans

[dangermousie]

W Two Worlds is a rare drama that is even better on rewatch because now you know where it's going, you catch so much additional stuff.

Knowing YJ is the original creator of Kang Chul doesn't just answer the question of how she can be transported into that world but turns the narrative, as I mentioned, into a fight between two creators (YJ and Dad) about the direction of the story.

And in a way, it has a lot to say about fandoms and creators' interactions with it and attitudes in general - it is not insignificant that it's the middle-aged man who wants this story to be all bleak existential despair and end in "there is no meaning" and it's coooool for there to be an unexpected ending even if said ending makes no narrative sense - he wants to go art house!!!! And it's a young woman who wants this to be a story about justice triumphant and love found and hope and happy ending.

It's very much reflecting reality where the latter is often looked down on as inferior (and resented for being more popular) and just "nonsense young women like" (think of the degree of vitriol at worst and contemptuous disdain at best genres and works and things hugely popular with women get.)

And how much do I love that it's the young woman's vision that ultimately triumphs? Heck, one can view YJ as a self-insert/Mary Sue character and the fact that she ends up with the protagonist she created is honestly such a delightful nod to so many fandom things - and also that is perhaps why she triumphs. Because she loves the character she created, not resents him the way Dad does, and an author who loves the character (and by that I mean enjoys that world, that story, the characters - not necessarily like YJ fancies them) will always win over one for whom the act of creation is a resentful chore with no joy. (Side note - by choosing to live on that bridge, KC actually did a good deed for the Dad too - Dad himself admits this gave him hope in a really dark time; maybe that is why W universe rebels when he tries to kill KC - because repaying that with death is unjust.)

Also, as @aysekira and I talked about, it's really a religious parable too - because Kang Chul's mortal sins, sins his creator thinks he should die for are disobedience (ever since that moment on the bridge, he goes his own way more than once) and self-awareness - think of the expulsion from Paradise in the Book of Genesis - the sins worthy of that weren't murder or maiming or anything in modern society viewed as horrible but disobedience and desire to know things. You don't listen to God is n1 sin in that world and so it is in the world of W. The God of Genesis would probably experience some degree of sympathy for the Dad and his decision.

Ultimately, how much do I love this drama? It's a take on creative process, death of the author, and relationships with media we consume. It's a religious parable about free will and a discussion of parental relationships. And it's also a damn good story with chases and make-outs. It's basically a perfect rebuke to Dad's belief that a story cannot be deep unless it's dreary. W has so many interesting things to say but it's also a mad amount of fun!

[fleet-admiral-hiba]

FAMILY

Plot: How would the Whitebeard pirates react to someone making you cry?

.

.

💪WHITEBEARD🌊

Oh boy, that's the last mistake someone will ever do. If it was done intentionally by someone,they won't live to tell the tale. Whitebeard doesn't forgive those who hurt his family.

Alas, he would have his sons deal with them, while he comforts you. His hugs are all encompassing and all loving. Cry on his shoulder, darling. Everything will be all right.

If you simply are feeling a little under the weather, he's always there to be a shoulder to cry on or someone to rant to. He lived a long life, and he can and will help you feel better,either by telling you stories of his life, or by letting you in on some gossip. He heard a whole lot of them.

In the end, you either will be feeling better or your side will be aching from how much he made you laugh.

🔥PORTOGAS D. ACE🔥

He's a sweet sweet boy, and he will try his best to chase out this sad feeling. Hugs, little smooches that make you giggle, or simply being together. He will try his best to let you feel loved.

On the other hand, if someone made you cry, there won't be any ounce of self control. His flames had never burnt brighter and hotter than that moment.

He's not one for many words, his actions speak way louder. He will be your rock, letting you vent out your frustrations, your hurt, your pain.

Darling, he got you. He will be as steady as your relationship. He's your rock when the times require it, and he will be there as you have done for him.

It's a gentle and reassuring feeling,to be engulfed in warm arms that are permeated with genuine love.

❤️‍🔥MARCO "THE PHOENIX"🍍

He's not a stranger to this. He has seen a lot of his brothers need someone to rant without being judged, and he himself sometime has needed a good cry. He knows that sometimes being overwhelmed is tough. But he's your silent companion, letting you set the pace. Whatever you need, be it even as simple as holding hands, he will provide.

As his family will most certainly do, he wouldn't hesitate to smother the first idiot to make you cry. But he's more rational that Ace. It will depend by the severity of the action. Until there are no more than words, he can quickly and efficiently rebuke them. But once someone lays hands on you...oh boy they should have wished to never been even born

Kisses, hugs, caresses, he will erase that fool's print off you. No one has the right to harm someone he holds dear and near, for he's not afraid of shedding blood.

[charmixpower]

I had a dream about Riven, and the Winx, but mostly Riven

I will try to type it out to the best of my memory

It started with Riven in class and I think they were talking about vaccines, and Riven is unvaccinated because his mother is anti-vaccine and he's VERY embarrassed about it

This fact gets brought up in class, and Riven gets singled out, so he leaves class to hide in a back room somewhere

Class ended and Riven decided there's literally no way he was sticking around for next period. It was seventh hour, so he was planning on skipping his last class

He gets to the elevator, because this school is fucking massive, and someone in a hoodie tries to stop him. He tells Riven no one thinks less of him because of his mother's actions, Riven gets angry at this because he believes the person to be lying and trying to trick him into enduring more humiliation, so he drags the kid by his hoodie and pushes him out of the way

The kid is mildly grumpy about the treatment but is completely unharmed, then I think Helia (??) walks up and tells Riven that wasn't cool, and that they care about him

Riven gets into the elevator, and it closes before Helia can reach him

Riven got out of the elevator and walked outside, trying to get away, and was stopped by people

The one I remember was a group of girls chiding him for "being so mean to that girlfriend of yours" and they were very shocked when Riven informed them the reason Riven constantly rejected Musa's affection and rebuked her attempts to flirt with him was because they weren't dating

(yet, come on, I'm a Rivusa shipper though and though. I knew he had feelings for Musa, he just didn't believe her feelings for him were genuine)

All specialists, Fairy, Witches, ECT go to the same school so Flora was there

Anyways Flora sees Riven and began to follow him bc she could see he has having a really bad day, and Stella was with her so she ended up following Flora lol

Instead of trying to force Riven back to school she convinced him to let them drive him back home

Neither Flora or Stella were driving. They were both sitting in the backseat with Riven. I think Helia was driving

Anyways Flora used being in a car with Riven to do some impromptu therapy

Flora asks Riven why he's so determined to push everyone who cares about him away, he says he doesn't trust them

Flora then asks doesn't Riven want to be happy, Riven, quite annoyed with all this questioning, said because he'd rather be dead, then he jumps out of the moving car, and rolled safely on the grass. Unharmed

Flora flew out of the car giving chase, which caused Riven to start sprinting away, with Stella lazily flying behind them. Which was really funny because Stella was Enchantix and Flora was magic winx

Things get fuzzy here, but Riven, Flora and co end up at his parents house but there hidden, and his windrider was there but it was wrecked

Someone was giving the windrider to his parents saying he was dead, and his parents were like "lol, anyways" his mother perticually seemed pleased to have him gone

His parents were also like evil scientists, don't know why

Flora, Helia, and Stella were like "dude what the FUCK is wrong with your parents" and Riven is like "shrug"

Flora and Riven have a very emotional conversation about how he's better than his parents and they don't define him like he thinks they do, and that even though she's seen his family and understands how awful he was raised to be, she doesn't think any less of him and still cares about him deeply

This causes Riven to smile and start crying of joy, because he always believed that everyone who got close to him would eventually hate him and abandon him, and they hug it out!!!

They call Riven's parents assholes and leave the building

Then they all drive back to the school where the Winx where making an appreciation gift for the boys for always helping them out and driving them places, and Flora pushes Riven up to the gift with the rest of the specialists when he tried to wander away from it

I can't remember what it was but it was in a chest with jewels and it was really nice, and Riven started happy crying again (and then makes a very unhappy remark about how much he's crying today)

Riven turned his head to see Musa smiling at him and the dream ended

Anyways my subconscious says Flora Riven bestie rights

[jediknightjameslunagazer23]

@theblueskyphoenix @dreamstormdragon

Hey there, finally got around to doing something to kick off 2023 for me, and this time it's a concept flashback of how one of my Trauma Center OCs Juila first met Nurse Leslie Sears for the first time as teenagers and became friends as a result.

Whilst doing this drawing, I actually began to have a few headcanon ideas forming in my mind about what Leslie might have been like as a Teenager, I'd like to think that unlike the kind, reassuring always smiling demeanor she has now, Leslie was actually a lot more introverted and insecure about herself and her looks, unfortunately this led to her getting bullied by most girls her age.

One severe case was when one day, Leslie helped some kids at a nursery that she used to volunteer at part-time, when some gangsters got extremely vicious due to Leslie hanging with some popular guy they wanted revenge against her for in their eyes, stealing him away, unfortunately in trying to defend herself and the kids, it nearly led to poor Leslie almost being drowned in the nearby beach, and if it hadn't been for a timely arrival of Juila calling the police or diving in herself to save her, Leslie may have very well perished that day.

Juila even faced down the gangsters herself, knocking out several but she ended up getting the scar she has over her right eye when one of them pulled out a knife, thankfully the police arrived right after, and the gangsters were all sent to juvenile prison.Afterwards Juila went over to ensure Leslie was alright, despite her injury Leslie rebuked Juila for being reckless, that she shouldn't have tried to fight the gangsters as it could've gotten her seriously injured or even half-blinded, trust me Juile had a lucky narrow escape on that one.

Julia however was quick to brush those concerns off, and then extended a hand out to Leslie thanking her for her concern and even suggested the idea that she could be a nurse someday, and even told her she was beautiful on both the inside and outside.

Taken aback by such kindness Leslie immediately became friends with Juila and even began to develop the giving a reassuring smile to those who are at their worst personality she has today.Afterwards, I'd like to think Juila's rebelling nature and self-confindence rubbed off on Lesile, so much that when Juila eventually cut her long hair to defy her controlling, overprotective father as a means to show she would not let others decide her path or define her by looks, Leslie ended up following suit, though that doesn't mean that she hated the braided ponytail she used to have, she just probably felt she needed to make an new start for herself.

And I'd like to think maybe the reason Leslie does Amy Chase's hair up into braids is because she maybe sees a bit of herself in Amy and would happily act as the older sister figure, to ensure Amy doesn't feel lonely like she did in her life before meeting Juile, however... that doesn't mean every smile Leslie gives is always genuine, as I'd also like to think that on occassions when things are bad, she perhaps forces a fake smile to hide whatever is hurting her deep down, and when that mask finally breaks it's even more of a shock to those who don't know her well.

Only Juila would know of this, and whenever that happens, she'll be there to growl and scare off any nosy gossiping types in Cadueceus to make sure Lesile's left in peace, after all, that's what friends are for right?

Unless it could be something… rather deeper than just friendship and something more that either Leslie or Juila realise themselves… but that's currently yet to be certain.

This will defintely be something I'll likely cover if I do any stories focused around Lesile Sears later down the line, also maybe because of how she was intially lonely in my heacanon, Leslie also probably see herself in the shy James Lunagazer and would add more of why she considers him to be a younger brother in her view, and just really look out for him.

I'll see you lot later, as I'm determined to have a lot of stories coming in future this year!

[subbyp]

soooo i haven’t posted about our fish in a hot minute….

well, we ended up getting Apistogramma borellii instead of danio for a long list of reasons I won’t go into. we got two—a female we named Carmen, initially after Carmen Sandiego because she was so hard to track down in the fish store tank, and a male we named Goemon, after Yusuke Kitagawa’s Persona (Ann : Carmen :: Yusuke : Goemon, geddit?)

well, the names were just for theme, really, but life imitates art because Goemon fell for Carmen at first sight while she was a bit wary initially. borellii are pretty choosy about their mates because they're very emotionally intelligent creatures and want someone they can connect with personality-wise, not just someone who looks good from a genetic perspective. plus she was in ill health initially, having not gotten enough food at the store. (we got her from a reputable place, but in a store environment there are thousands of fish! it's impossible to keep track of literally every single one.) so she tagged along after him, but rebuked him when he flirted with her.

now normally a borellii male, when turned down, will basically go "no hard feelings, then" and distance himself. (if he doesn't, and instead continues to press his suit, she will eventually attack him and might kill him!) Goemon didn't, but he did stop flirting with her for a while, instead concentrating on caring for her--making sure she got all the food she needed but couldn't reach because of her ill health, playing chase-games with her (and they were games, not bullying--again, apisto females will not hesitate to attack males that are actually distressing them), swimming alongside and around her, patrolling for threats while she rested, and generally being a huge gentleman.

eventually, she started initiating chasing games, which is actually flirtatious behavior for a borellii female because it means that the male will know where her favorite hideout spots are. she still asked him for space now and then, which is normal for borellii couples, and he gave it to her every time without complaint. he started to get his mating coloration, and eventually she did as well, and they started sleeping side by side--

and this morning my fiancee and I woke up to find Carmen in full mating dress, guarding a little nook in the plastic plant she likes (our main tank has real plants. they're still in the quarantine tank bc we haven't even had them for a month yet), and inside there were eggs! their first spawn!! now it might not yield any fry, since it's their first. but god damn are we excited. they make such a great little team!

if it does work out, we're going to keep the kids from this one (we were going to set up a second main tank at some point anyway) and give away or sell any future kids--we can't afford to house dozens of apistogramma!

(also, Goemon is already trying to patrol through the wall of the tank. apistos are emotionally intelligent...)

[father-time-and-baby-new-year]

May I please get frat boy eren HC? if your not to busy. loved the story Haze. I love all your work really it’s amazing how you can make the stuff you right about sexy! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thats real talent!

you ordered some frat boy HC's with uh eren yeager?

coming right up....

Eren's the frat president of Chi Psi (ΧΨ). Best believe it's the biggest frat house on campus. Three stories tall. Built like a colonial mansion.

They throw ragers every night. Don't have a bid? Good luck getting in. Most people wait in lines outside for hours, bodies practically on top of each other.

But hey if you're pretty enough...

He likes virgins. And girls with boyfriends. He doesn't particularly care for freshmen. Thinks of them as desperate. Fond of the chase so if you rebuke him enough...well you've drawn him in.

In all honesty, the alcohol is kind of subpar, beer cans and plastic cups of wine. They run out rather quickly too, and there's a poor freshman boy manning the bar [hey that's what you get if you want to join].

The music is loud. Earth-shatteringly loud. There are strobe lights pinned from the ceiling, visages of red, blue, purple, and green.

Don't challenge him in beer bong. He will win.

It's like fate. Not really. Your eyes meet from across the room. You look away once you notice his intense gaze. You're cute, he observes as he licks his lips. You're dancing next to the wall with a girl. Giggly and flushed. It's clear that you don't really know anyone except her. He maneuvers through the crowd, sauntering right to you. But he's subtle, simply creeping behind you, overhearing how you're complaining about the lack of alcohol.

He steps in, flashing a kilowatt smile. Says he knows a spot in the house, he can get you whatever you want. Your friend is dazed, immediately taken in by his good looks, that dark hair pulled into a bun, his tall and muscular frame that's evident even through the baggy shirt he's wearing. You on the other hand offer a nervous smile, saying you're good. Your friend punches your shoulder.

Eren smiles easily and says your friend can come along, and he's legit. Introduces himself. Your friend shouts over the music, "Wait, aren't you the president?"

Yep. He is. It's a good thing your friend is so eager. He takes you two to the back of the house, and luckily Floch is there. When Eren tilts his head, the ginger already knows what to do. Flatters and flirts your friend, drawing her deep into a conversation as he hands her a bottle of soju.

Now Eren is able to monopolize your attention. He asks enough questions although he's not really hearing what you say as much as he is watching your lips move. Doesn't give a fuck about your major or whatever you're studying.

he has one goal and it's to get into your pants.

[luvvewan]

I'm so excited you are taking prompt again!!! For the hurt/comfort dialogue prompt #12, “You’re normally the tough guy. Today, let me be tough for the both of us.” From Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon. It doesn't have to be exact words, because I am honestly having trouble picturing Obi calling Qui a "tough guy"....

Thank you cass-rw for the prompt! I did change the dialogue up a little, as you suggested: “You have protected me more times than I can count, Master. This time, let me protect you.”

I’m still accepting prompts! This one got me good, wrote the whole thing this morning instead of doing any chores. It was glorious.

—

“No.”

Obi-Wan turned away, gathering a breath. The vastness of the dark forest beyond the small cave stared at him and he stared back, half in fear, half in wild, unearned hope. He knew from his research back on the ship, before all of this happened, before—he blinked and swallowed, shooing away the intrusive thoughts. He needed to be clear-headed. Focused. Alright, he could do that. On the ship, he had read about a small village somewhere in this forest.

People. Medicine, perhaps. Help.

“Padawan.”

The hand on his wrist tightened, though the pressure was still alarmingly weak. Obi-Wan looked down at his Master. “What else would I do? Leave you here to..” the words caught in his throat and he shook his head. “Master, you know I must do this.”

Qui-Gon’s blue eyes were clouded with pain, but they focused on Obi-Wan. Sweat gleamed on his too-pale skin. His long hair had come loose somewhere along the way and hung limply around his face. “You must…do as I say,” he managed to rasp.

Obi-Wan wiped the sweat from Qui-Gon’s brow with the edge of his sleeve. Heat blazed against his fingers where they brushed against his teacher’s forehead. “Let me look at it.”

Qui-Gon tensed where he was slouched against the rough cave wall. His hand crept over the wound. “There’s nothing to be done, young one. We called for help. They’ll…” he paused, trying to wet his dry lips, “Someone will come.”

With a careful touch, Obi-Wan pulled Qui-Gon’s hand away, so he could see the tiny tear in Qui-Gon’s tunic, rust-colored blood blooming around it.

Not very much blood, but then, it wasn’t blood loss Obi-Wan was worried about. It was the poison.

Qui-Gon must have noticed the change in his expression, despite Obi-Wan’s best efforts to appear calm, because he reached for Obi-Wan, patting his knee. “It seems to be slow-acting. I feel…okay, right now. We were lucky to find shelter.” A moan escaped him, and Obi-Wan helped him settle on the ground, quickly shedding his own robe and rolling it up under Qui-Gon’s head.

The cave was decent enough shelter, and the Force shields were added camouflage, well-worth the strain to Obi-Wan. Master Windu had said no skill was mastered until used in the field; certainly Obi-Wan had never maintained a Force shield for so long before. But he knew it would not be enough. The Noxii hunters that chased them were cunning and quick—able to land the poisoned dart in Qui-Gon’s flank before Obi-Wan even understood what was happening. There was no doubt in Obi-Wan’s mind that the Noxxi would catch up to them, despite the advantages the Force afforded them.

Which was why he needed to go for help. The Noxxi were outlaws, with very little support outside of the extreme fringes of society. He doubted the modest village was a haven for criminals, but they might be sympathetic to a young Jedi. The problem was he could not get through the dense forest fast enough with Qui-Gon in tow. If the Noxxi found them on their journey, Obi-Wan wasn’t sure he could defend himself and his Master from them all. Yes, he was sure he needed to make the trip alone. He would be infinitely faster. Once he reached the village, he could borrow a speeder, medical supplies…

“Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon called to him, softly, from the ground.

He had two water skins in his pack. He would leave them both with Qui-Gon, and just take a swig before he set off. If necessary, he knew how to coax water from the forest.

“Obi-Wan.”

He’d need to gently pull Qui-Gon further into the cave, as far into the concealment of the shadows as possible, and cover him with branches and moss, so the Noxxi might not notice him, if they passed through while Obi-Wan was gone. Qui-Gon would have his lightsaber if—

“PADAWAN.”

The harsh whisper cut through everything. Obi-Wan’s stomach flipped at the obvious rebuke in the word. He kneeled beside Qui-Gon, head bowed in acknowledgement. His raggedy braid slipped out from behind his shoulder and dangled between them.

Qui-Gon inhaled, as if gathering the strength merely to speak. “I told you, young one. I forbid this.”

Obi-Wan swallowed hard. “I cannot stay here and wait for you to die, Qui-Gon.”

An unexpected smile briefly brightened Qui-Gon’s eyes. He lifted his hand, and Obi-Wan ducked down to meet it. His mentor cradled Obi-Wan’s cheek in a wide, clammy palm. “I cannot let you leave when it might kill you, Padawan. You will not do this. Not for me.”

Obi-Wan blinked against the sudden prick of warm moisture in his eyes. He squeezed Qui-Gon’s hand and rocked a little, letting the wave of worry and fear crest within him before replacing it with the steadiness of resolve, duty, the Force. “You have protected me more times than I can count, Master. This time, let me protect you.”

Despite his growing fragility, Qui-Gon dragged him in closer, until their foreheads were nearly pressed together.

Obi-Wan could feel the sick-sour breath against his face. He was not an initiate, or even a child anymore, but something inside him wanted to curl into the comfort of his Master, someone older and wiser, and hope the threats around them just vanished into the cool night air.

Qui-Gon stroked the back of his head, smoothing down the nerftail. “It is my duty…” he coughed and moaned, his pain spiking through their Force connection. “My duty to protect you. Don’t take that from me.”

He had very rarely gone against Qui-Gon in their near-decade as master and apprentice. Obi-Wan knew it was the right thing to do in this instance, but it didn’t make it easier. He could be sanctioned by the Council, or worse, damage the bond between himself and the man who had raised him. Yet no conceivable consequence mattered when Qui-Gon’s life was at stake.

He would do what he must.

Obi-Wan shored up the guards around his thoughts while allowing Qui-Gon access to his general presence in the Force. He emanated frustration and dutiful acceptance, emotions of a loyal Padawan’s surrender. “Yes, Master,” he answered at last.

A relieved, shaky sigh. “Thank you.”

—

Qui-Gon came to the independent conclusion that they should settle in the depths of the cave. Obi-Wan was sweating and trembling a bit himself by the time it was done.

His Master apologized for his helplessness and insisted Obi-Wan drink from a water skin.

Obi-Wan helped Qui-Gon take a few slow sips before doing as he was told, just a swallow to soothe the dry burn in his throat. The night ripened outside the cave; he heard the drone of nocturnal insects, the rustle of a slight wind through the trees.

“Come here,” Qui-Gon tugged at his tabards and Obi-Wan turned, crawling over to him. The ceiling of the cave was much lower here, claustrophobic. He wasn’t sure how a man of Qui-Gon’s size had been able to fit, but Obi-Wan was neither tall nor broad, and squeezed in beside his teacher.

Qui-Gon was spread on his side, head still pillowed by Obi-Wan’s robe. Obi-Wan drew closer at Qui-Gon’s urging, until he was snug in the curve of his Master’s body, and a heavy arm rested over top of him.

“Help will come,” Qui-Gon murmured against his hair.

Obi-Wan watched the night-flies twinkle and wink at the mouth of the forest. He wondered how long it would be until someone received their message, way out here. He wasn’t so sure Qui-Gon would be alive when reinforcements finally arrived. “I can help you,” he tried again, this time using a different tactic. “Do you think I’m incapable?”

Obi-Wan felt immediately guilty for pretending to be offended, for questioning his Master at all in a dire time like this. A large hand laid on his chest, over his heart.

“There is nothing of which you are incapable,” Qui-Gon told him, his feeble voice somehow filling up the entire cave. “It is me. Obi-Wan. I..I am…incapable of losing you.”

Obi-Wan felt Qui-Gon’s lips press into his sweaty hair.

“Someone will come. Just stay here with me, Padawan.”

Obi-Wan found he couldn’t speak so he nodded, the forest suddenly blurring. He listened to Qui-Gon’s breathing slow down, though it did not find a healthy rhythm. He sensed the poison seeping through his Master’s aura, like a scum-squid’s fatal ink spreading in clear, clean water.

The dart was wrapped up in a cloth in one of his belt pouches. He wondered if a healer could at least vaguely identify the toxin from inspection of the dart. Qui-Gon’s symptoms were so common—fever, weakness, pain. How difficult would it be to narrow the options down?

He needed time. He couldn’t wait.

As if he could hear the direction of Obi-Wan’s thoughts, Qui-Gon pulled him tighter to his chest, inhaling fitfully in his sleep.

The dirt was surprisingly soft under Obi-Wan’s cheek. His adrenaline waned now that he was lying down and his own, slighter injuries made themselves known. He had some painful bruising on his back from a fall during their desperate, clumsy escape from the Noxxi ambush. Headache raged behind his temples. He wasn’t certain what hour it was, only moderately confident in the date, but it had been a long while since he’d eaten or slept.

Was Qui-Gon right? Would the travail to the village pose too great a risk? Obi-Wan shut his eyes, the headache pulsing harder. He wondered if he might be concussed. Perhaps he was overestimating his abilities. After all, he was not yet a senior Padawan, and his own Master, a devastatingly adept warrior, had been felled by these hunters.

He let the warmth of Qui-Gon’s arms settle in his bones. He knew the man’s plan had been exactly this, to keep Obi-Wan so close there was no way he could leave the cave without Qui-Gon knowing. Right now, Obi-Wan could not even roll over onto his other side and not awaken his Master.

He thought of Qui-Gon’s fear, a slash of silver in the black night. No fear for himself, of course.

I am incapable of losing you.

Obi-Wan understood what Qui-Gon had meant by those words, because Obi-Wan felt the same way. Losing his Master was not something he would survive. And he had not been taught to surrender in the face of mortal danger.

Resolved, his eyes flew open, and Obi-Wan steeled himself for what he needed to do next. He was no match for Qui-Gon, in Force strength or physical might, except the poison was stealing away his vitality with every passing moment. In their current circumstance, Obi-Wan might be able to nudge Qui-Gon deeper into sleep, maybe even a healing trance, and then he could extract himself from the protective embrace.

They had not covered Force suggestions among fellow Jedi before, not even at the Temple. Obi-Wan supposed it was a more advanced technique for a mid-level Padawan. Or Qui-Gon just didn’t want him to know how to do it because…well, because of situations such as the one they were in now.

Luckily, Qui-Gon was unshielded, and his unconscious Force presence floated out in the open. Obi-Wan sent calm sensations along the ties that held them together.

I am alright. I am here with you.

He repeated the messages, dispatching more and more, letting them carry Qui-Gon deeper into the soft, sheltering void of sleep.

Poison cannot touch you. You are of the Force. The Force cannot be poisoned. May the Force be with you, Qui-Gon Jinn.

He was not a healer, any more than he was a Jedi Master, but Obi-Wan wished fervently for a blessing, that his attempts at healing would do something to help Qui-Gon.

Obi-Wan waited a few minutes, until he sensed Qui-Gon sink well below the surface. Then he very carefully pulled back the arm that held him, and inched out, replacing it on the bed of powdery dirt.

His hand drifted to his belt, alighting on his saber, and touching the leather pouch where the deadly dart was stored, just to be sure. He set the water skins close to Qui-Gon and placed leaves, branches and tangled moss on top and around him. He spared a second to study his Master, just in case—

No. There was no just in case.

Only the Force.

Obi-Wan wanted to touch Qui-Gon’s bearded cheek, but worried it would wake him. His throat felt like it was closing. “Forgive me,” he whispered, and sneaked out of the cave, away from his wounded Master and into the night, towards help.