#I cried writing this real

[avidya-musings]

Struck Too Far

Scaramouche (pre-3.3 Archon Quest) x reader

In which you, a lower-ranking Fatui, sacrifice yourself to save your lover, Scaramouche.

WORD COUNT: 1.2k

cw - angst . character death (reader) . Scaramouche is still Fatui and goes by his Fatui aliases . no comfort . TW; mentions of being shot

Banner art is by Sirwicca on TikTok!

A/N: please note there may be mixed lines between 3rd and 1st person since I had to do a lot of edits (because this was originally a story with an OC in the place of the reader), so forgive me for that, I don’t think I was able to fix it all 😭

It wasn’t supposed to have come to this. That much, Scaramouche was painfully aware of.

You shouldn’t be on the floor, bleeding to death in front of him — and he shouldn’t have even been attacked. You shouldn’t have jumped in the way of the arrow meant to hit him. And yet, with a smile; innocent expression, you had gladly taken the attack in his place.

“You idiot..!” Why did he feel something wet on his face? He wasn’t crying. He never cried. “Why.. why did you..” but he can’t bear to finish his sentence. If he did, then that would mean this was real. 

He would never let it be real.  He couldn’t.

Not for his sake, but for the sake of the bloodstained person laying in front of him.. you, his lover. His light. A hand on his cheek snaps him out of his thoughts. He meets your soft eyes with his own cold, anguished expression. “Better me than you,” you tell him, “the others need you, Scara. But they don’t need me.” “You’re wrong!” His voice was strained, on the edge of a hurt scream mixed with a sob. “You’re wrong, y/n, they- I-“

“‘Kuzushi.” 

Scaramouche froze. 

You never use that name with him, not unless you absolutely have to.  And it was then that it dawned on him, all too late, that there wouldn’t be any possible way to save you - why else were you calling him by his true name now?

“Kuzushi. You always told me that I should prove myself.. earn respect in a way that only I can. And for me.. it’s showing my loyalty. That’s how I’ve reached the point I’m at. By proving my loyalty.” You smile weakly, squeezing Scaramouche’s hand. “But.. I’m nothing more than a pawn in the Tsaritsa’s plan - while you are a vital asset.”

Scaramouche wanted to argue against that statement, so badly. But he also knew you were right. His life played a huge role in the Tsaritsa’s plans.  And the plain, ugly truth was that while his life was valuable to the Cryo Archon, your own life meant next to nothing to the Tsaritsa.

So instead of arguing, or yelling, he let himself sit there, numb, as he holds you in his arms while you speak - praying that there would be more time.. that he could have more time with you. It was selfish, but it was all he wanted, now, in this moment. Oh, how he regretted all the times he had pushed you away when he was in his moods. 

Time was cruel, and death was, too. 

You take in a breath, struggling now, “So, if me giving up my life means you.. you can continue to carve your legacy, then.. I don’t think I mind.” “You’re a fool, y/n.. you’re such a fool!” Scaramouche wants to yell at you so badly, call you an idiot for taking the attack meant for him, but he knows it won’t matter. 

You had always been stubborn since the day the both of you met.

“That makes you a bigger fool, then, my Balladeer..” you chuckle weakly, your life ebbing away from you, “you knew it would be this way. I always told you.. that I would give my own life to see yours through, if it came to that..” “Stop it-“ “You know I can’t..” even now, you have that soft, innocent look in your gaze. How could you act like everything would be fine when you were dying? 

He breathes in sharply, “just stop, y/n, please- just STOP!” He hates feeling that he is showing weakness, and he hates feeling vulnerable, but knowing that he is losing his partner is something he hates even more. “Please.. we have time-“

You only shake your head, “no, Kuzushi.. it hurts..”

Scaramouche lowers his head, his breath hitching in his throat. Why you? Why not some useless agent or a dispensable mage - not his lover. Not you. Not now, not when he had so much more he’d left unsaid. Again, he feels your hand on his cheek, and he looks down, his eyes softening. Something they only did for you, and you alone. “I.. I love you so much, Kuzushi-“ you cough, smiling again. That smile that Scaramouche knows he won’t see again once you’re gone. The thought makes his stomach turn. Again, he wishes his denial could be the truth, and at the same time he knows it never will be. 

The painful thing about denial is that it seldom ever becomes truth. Shaking his mind clear for the moment, he touches his forehead to yours, exhaling slowly, “I love you too, amaimono.. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel otherwise.. and I’m sorry I can’t save you-“ 

You silence him with a gentle hand gripping his - your strength is fading, and he knows it’s only a matter of moments before you, his partner, will leave his side in the mortal realm. 

Scaramouche wants to tell you everything he never could bring himself to before. That your smile always made him feel safe and wanted; that your touch always brightened even his darkest days. But there wasn’t time left.

“You never did. I knew you well enough to k-know you never meant anything harsh you m-may have said..” you smile again.

And Archons, how Scaramouche hates himself, for never finding the time to apologize properly for the times he’d lashed out; to thank you for staying by his side, even when he’d take his anger out on you or hurt you with his words. He finally breaks down; the wetness on his face could only be tears and nothing else. And he lets them fall. He could care less if an agent saw him, or if another Harbinger were to berate him; fuck it all, he doesn’t care anymore. 

You are the only thing that matters now, and he continues to tell himself this - to keep talking to you before he can’t anymore, lest he regret it if he doesn’t.

“Y/n, please, I-“ he sighs, a ragged, shuddering breath as his tears still fall, even now, “I can’t do this without you.” “You did it once, my love, even when I wasn’t there..” you whisper, pulling Scaramouche’s head closer to your own with your quickly fading strength.

Your lips then ghost against Scaramouche’s, faint, desperate, but unsure.

“I’ve always had faith in you, my storm, b-because I know you’ll do amazing.. even w-without me..” your words are barely a whisper, chest heaving - you’re tired, and you’re too far gone.  Your body falls limp before you can even take another breath, and Scaramouche turns away, his eyes screwed shut. You’re gone. Y/n, his y/n, isn’t with him anymore. 

It stings, an eerie feeling; though loss was something Scaramouche knew well, now he is sure he wouldn’t forget how it felt. First had come the three betrayals, and though he knows that it was beyond your control, that you were only mortal, he still feels as though your death was yet another one. Death truly is the cruelest master, Scaramouche thinks to himself as he finally lets down his guard, sobbing over your still body. 

If only it could’ve taken him instead.

[plagalkey]

my lovely talented friend wrote an F1 AU fic focused on oikage's time at red bull racing!!!

[purplebehittindifferent]

I have added a quirky comment here for the last year and a half, however now… I have no words.

jk I have all these words 👇

I know it is very bitter sweet, but this is the end of Reconnecting. Thank you all for coming along on this journey with me. I plan on making a behind the scenes video on my YT sometime soon. Feel free to send any asks you have I want to answer them all!

Please know I am not going to dissapear! I still plan on making content consistently, and my original comic RULE 5 is already underway, and if you’d like I’m certainly not against writing some exposition fics for Reconnecting 💜

masterpost

Prev (3::8) / This is the End 💜

[fluideli123]

Sonadow Fic Rec

Okay, before you jump down to the masterpieces listed below, I just wanted to state this:

These authors have given this phenomenal content for free, baked with time and effort. I have never once ignored this, hence why I try and comment on each and every one of these fics. However, my energy and ability to be verbose differs day to day. Some of these fics I have not given proper comments for, despite this, I will be on it the moment I can be. In the time being, (once I am able to find my comments on each of these fics) I will be sharing my adoration for them further in other posts (and most likely link back to this one).

With that being said, please, PLEASE take your time to check each of these fics out. If they're not your cup of tea? Valid! But hands down I have never dedicated myself to making a fic rec like this until now. But I MUST share and spread these works, they are much too dear to me not to, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

(All fics are listed by order saved in my bookmarks, not in the order read)

tangled threads and bite-marked shoulders by @rubyiiiusions

Words: 32,287 | Series | Complete

Shadow hissed in pain. The laser had just grazed him, but it still stung, and he instinctively gripped the wound it left on his arm. “You dare-” He stopped. The laser hadn’t hit him. In fact, it had struck Sonic, right on his lower left arm. So why did his forearm feel like it just got shot? He whipped around, fear climbing up his throat, and he suddenly became hyper-aware of something new. It was like a sixth sense, feeling the confusion that emitted from Sonic’s fur in waves as if it was his own. “What did you do?!” Shadow snarled. or, eggman accidentally soulbinds shadow and sonic, and no one has any idea how to undo it.

Sleepwalking by Tirainy

Words: 22,117 | Complete

'There is a strong arm curled around his torso, the appendage keeping him close to its owner, whose warm breath is ghosting over the back of his neck. Sonic is sure he went to bed alone the previous night, but he isn't worried about the intruder. After all, this isn't the first time this has happened…'

Secret Admirer by @trenchcoat-gecko

Words: 24,313 | Complete

Sonic understood well what it meant to be loved. He was a world-famous hero, after all; his presence never went unnoticed. For the most part, he lavished in that attention, he soaked it in and encouraged it. But not romantic attention. So, when the blue blur found himself falling in love? Well, the prospect was rather daunting, no matter how easy Amy had made it out to be. So maybe, just maybe, he should just take the easy way out...

Rose Drops Series by @magicstormfrostfire

Words: 122,489 | Series | Complete

Love, Intuition, and a little bit of magic ensues as Amy sends Sonic and Shadow on an unforgettable adventure.

Wolfboy by @trenchcoat-gecko

Words: 73,856 | Complete

World-famous monster hunter Shadow the Hedgehog has a job to do. It doesn't take long for the one-shot wonder to realize that this job won't be as simple as he'd expected: a small town, rumors of a lone werewolf, and a handsome, green-eyed, chronically-injured casanova who manages to worm his way into Shadow's heart... What starts off as a simple job turns out to be something much more life-changing.

Blizzard Bedfellows by @magicstormfrostfire

Words: 21,294 | Complete

When a rare blizzard takes over the island, Sonic is on the run to make sure a certain angry loner is safe and sound. Y-you know, because...uh that's what heroes do.

We never met but can we have a cup of coffee or something? by @whitejungle

Words: 3,630 | Complete

It's been almost two months since Sonic lost someone he didn't even know, but he can't stop thinking about it.

Clean Slate by nottheweirdest

Words: 155,880 | Complete | Note: Squeal pending and I am cheering you on author!! Whatever you decide I am excited to support you!!

Shadow has lost himself before. He knows what it's like to straddle the line between reality and false memories, but this time, it’s Sonic whose memory has vanished. A premeditated set of circumstances and an accidental injury leave Sonic with no memory of who he is, his life, or more importantly, his painful history with Shadow. It’s up to Shadow to remind the hero who he is in the midst of a global outbreak. It’s a chance for redemption. It’s a chance to right the wrongs of the past. It’s a clean slate.

say i reckon (i love you, for a millisecond) by @redamancering

Words: 30,205 | Complete

There’s a hand on his shoulder, barely making contact. A red gauntlet glows around the wrist. Sonic blinks, the pain having evaporated so fast he feels almost weightless. “Shadow?” Shadow’s breathing heavily. “Problem.” The retrieval of the ancient tech Shadow (and Sonic, in tow) has been sent to uncover takes a turn for the worst. In this case, the “worst” means… becoming physically and inextricably linked to each other. For the foreseeable future. OR: Metaphysical handcuffs, and general gay buffoonery.

Judge my sins, not my feelings by yellothebeeloved

Words: 228,479 | Complete | Note: Possible one-shots pending from the author for the series, I am here to support you author!! What ever you decide I'm here for it!

Maybe he's not meant to touch. It's the newest excuse he thought of in hopes that he could prolong the game a little more; a careful ruse to enjoy the bittersweet torture of seeing the days pass them by, while he pretends he doesn't seek azure blue whenever he's restless. At first, all he wanted to do was watch: but now the desire to touch, to have, to affect is at a point where he's not sure whether reaching for Sonic would truly be fruitless. He wonders that especially when Sonic's eyes light up upon seeing him. When he corners Shadow, when he invades his space and he touches and takes and then excuses it by calling it a fight. Shadow truly wonders then: if only he was brave enough to reach out, what would his grip find? Loose stars or a battle-worn body? Standing up, he glances at Sonic again, whose eyes have now met his own. There's something heavy in the eye contact, something Shadow doesn't dare name. Neither of them say anything, and yet Sonic's eyes move away from him again, like they did. Shadow warps away, hiding from the stars once more.

Child of Prophecy by @trenchcoat-gecko

Words: 139,321 | Completed

On the night the Mobius Castle was ransacked, the Queen received a prophecy. “One of three will not cry; send him down the river, for you can only save your kingdom if he does not grow up royal.”

Coming Home by nottheweirdest

Words: 55,740 | Completed

Shadow's life has been full of mistakes, some worse than others, but admitting his unrequited feelings to Sonic tops the list. He's spent the better part of a decade ruminating on his regret and hiding from feelings he couldn't bear to face. He never thought he'd see Sonic again, and he told himself that was for the best. Until now. At the bequest of his former rival, and in an attempt to finally get closure, Shadow has returned to Central City. The reason? Sonic the Hedgehog is marrying Amy Rose. And Shadow is invited.

[sumiipie]

ok. hear me out.

i'm obsessed with the idea of akechi often having nightmares about his mother, and struggling with it for years after her death. i'm picturing him waking up crying and not being able to sleep for the rest of the night, even if he was exhausted.

but then, the first time he sleeps next to akira he stops having those nightares. he starts to get the best sleep being next to the person who taught him that love still exists.

and if he ever did have a nightmare, akira would be there to hug him and remind him how loved he is until he feels ok again. akira wouldn't go back to sleep until akechi was in a deep sleep next to him, only then feeling satisfied.

[swearyshera]

[puppyeared]

i think the reason why im so drawn to spirit tracks and pkmn scarvi is that having the legendary/princess as a companion rather than a goal that marks the games completion makes me feel satisfied the way i would after helping a friend

my brother always teases me about how I still havent finished botw after almost 7 years bc "id rather be out picking flowers" which i wont say is untrue. and yes i know Zeldas been holding off ganon for 100 years, yes i can get some sort of idea what her relationship with link was like by recalling memories and going through her diary. ive always loved botw for its unique storytelling and setting which makes it stand out, because it lets you get to know who you're saving.

but because theyre memories, it only works if theres something for the player to investigate that already happened. its retroactive (but effective nonetheless)

on the other hand, spirit tracks does something similar but instead of having the player try to piece together memories and interpret them as a spectator, you actually have an opportunity to get to know zelda yourself by talking to her and working together. besides making it a gameplay mechanic, giving the player control over how they interact with zelda makes it so much more personable.

and I find that making the goal feel personal instead of an obligation gives me more of a reason to work towards it. I know what kind of person botw zelda was but as the player, shes still very much a stranger to me. but spirit tracks zelda? thats my friend!!!! she invited me to go to the beach after we get her body back!!! i dont want to whip her to make her move faster thats mean :(

you know how hostage negotiators are trained to introduce themselves and get to know the person theyre negotiating with because its harder to hurt someone when you know what their favorite food is? its kinda like that, because it feels like im helping a friend than being told or led to do smth

and although i havent played scarvi myself, i feel an attachment to koraidon and miraidon even just watching playthrough clips because its like!! thats my weird scaly dog!! it loves sandwiches and we're friends!!! you know!!!!!!

[dogsosoy]

idol aki x obsessed fan reader?

-> idea from @meownotgood & their anons !

you don’t know what it is about him, he’s not the most interesting member of his group, or necessarily the most talented, but he was one thing: incredibly attractive and effortlessly charming. it was really no wonder why he was scouted.

your obsession starts small. listening to the music, liking some edits on tiktok, maybe buying a little bit of merch. not much, just a keychain, if that. but you don’t have a lot going on really. and you’ve never really been “normal” about your interests—thank you neurodivergence—so when you see tickets go on sale in your area, you hit purchase.

it’s downhill from there. any second when you aren’t doing schoolwork, or at your job, you’re online. watching interviews, shopping for more photo cards, checking updates on when the next show will be, what tour is after that. your room is full of posters of the group, and pictures of aki. you go to meet and greets and nearly cry, usually choking on your words, and not getting much out besides an “i love your work. please sign this.”

you know you really have a problem when he starts recognizing you. you know that problem is only getting worse when he starts replying to your dumb thirst tweets about him.

“AKI LOOKED SO GOOD DURING THIS INTERVIEW!!!! I AM LOSING MY MIND PLEASE GIVE ME ONE CHANCE SIR [four attached images]”

“Thank you.”

you now feel a little worried that he’s seen your posts one upping other so called “aki stans” and don’t worry, he definitely has. there’s something about you that he finds interesting. in all honesty, he thinks you’re cute. the “flustered fan” persona of yours is attractive to him, or amusing at the very least.

he likes how your hands shake when you hand him a photo of himself to sign, he’s signed at least ten pieces of his own merchandise for you. the way you stutter over your words when you talk to him, it’s just charming in a way. after shows, when he spots you in the crowd watching him and the other members load their bus, he feels a slightly sick sense of pride.

he likes how much he has you wrapped around his finger. not that he would ever act on it….

his favorite is bumping into you in person. the first time you approached him on the street and shyly asked for a photo, he agreed, “but make it quick. i have rehearsal in ten minutes.” he held your phone for you—longer arms—and took the selfie. you looked like you were about to cry in the photo, but you posted it anyway, so filled with joy over the interaction (even if he had come off as a little rude. you’re just so glad he acknowledged your existence).

later that night, he opened his social media and searched for your account, and read the paragraphs you wrote just talking about the thirty second interaction.

a week or so later, his group members ask him who the person he’s with on his home screen is.

[parkercore-69]

thank you J.R.R. Tolkien for writing the most devastating romantic subplot in your lotr books without even realising it

[stevebabey]

Congrats on your milestone!!!

❤️ I would love numbers 30 and 34 from list 3 if possible- please and thank you 😊

hey hey!! thank u for being here! this was a toothrotting set of prompts for which i applaud u for dear GOD <3 i hope u enjoy it as much as i enjoyed writing it hehe - FYI: fem!reader

It’s a snot-fest, honestly.

Like anyone can blame for crying on your wedding day. Well, you call it crying but Robin had called it blubbering which might be more of an appropriate word for it. Some silly part of your soul sings when she tells you that Steve is doing no better, two doors down the hall from you, and apparently on his 2nd box of tissues already.

How the pair of you are going to survive the ceremony is beyond anyone.

You do, though. It helps that it’s not really a proper ceremony. There’s no priest, no officiant that isn’t just one of your friends. Along with a series of other undisclosed skills, Murray surprisingly has the legal power to wed you. Strange man, you think to yourself, but you’re thankful for it. Keeps the wedding among friends.

It’s small numbers, just enough of you to fill the backyard. You get married amongst the flowers, in the evening sunlight, just enough of a breeze to swish your dress. It's a perfect first event to hold in the glorious backyard of your new home.

Will had painted the bunting that’s strung above your heads, pastel and dreamy, fluttering in the wind. The bouquet in your hands was gathered by Erica and Lucas, who had taken the job very seriously, and found beautiful purple and yellow flowers from the nearby meadow. Eddie pleads Steve to let him set off fireworks after the ceremony, sneaking you a wink that tells you he probably will anyways. It's hard not to feel utterly surrounded by love.

Steve’s eyes are already red rimmed by the time you meet him at the altar.

His vows are short but bursting with love. He promises all the important things, like to always split the last pancake with you, to only use his puppy dog eyes when he really wants something, and to never let his girl go a day without a proper good kiss.

After your teenage adventures with alternate dimensions, the til death do us part comes as easy as air. And you mean it.

Despite all your practice, the kiss is a bit fumbled — too much excitement between the both of you. It‘s a bit alike to the first time you kissed Steve, way back when. This time, however, the clumsy kiss means something different all together. Steve has no shyness around kissing you; it’s his own excitement for the future trickling through. For your future together.

His warm hands hold you tightly. You don't even mind that Steve hasn't waited for Murray to tell him he can kiss the bride.

As Murray announces your official union, Eddie and Dustin yell like they’re attending a concert and not a wedding, hooting and swinging their ties above their head. Robin attempts to join them but can’t get hers undone for the life of her and instead, helicopters it around in her hand while it's still attached to her neck. Steve laughs as he steals a glance at the small crowd, the garden filled with love, and swallows, his throat thick with emotion.

He turns back to you, eyes shining, and presses his forehead down against yours. You feel full, breaking at the seams with how affection runs wild in your veins. You think you could live in this moment forever — could bottle it and drink it and get stupidly drunk with how in love you feel.

“Thanks for marrying me,” Steve murmurs, words wobbly. Words meant just for you. His eyes scan your face, the brown a bit lighter through his tears. You wonder if he’s committing this moment to memory as you are. “Wasn’t sure I’d have any takers for a minute there.”

You startle a laugh that comes out doused in emotion. A poke at the time he’d floundered for dates for more than a year after the break up with Nancy; at least, he had until you came into the picture. There’s irony in it, considering how you’d seemed to be enamored with each other from the very beginning.

You think you’ve always known you’d end up here, with him, one way or another.

“That’s okay,” It comes out awfully sentimental, even as you aim for a jest. “Any time, really.” You say, with an insistent nod and another wet-sounding laugh.

Steve’s chest tightens impossibly — he feels like he’s got no heart at all, just a cavity that you fill with burning hot love. The flowers dance in the wind behind you, your friends clap and cheer, but it all feels worlds away. There’s no room for any other emotion, just love.

“I have never loved you as much as I do right now.” He says, voice sappy beyond words. It’s genuine, the words as tender as they are softly spoken. It’s a whisper on the wind but not a secret.

You don’t need to tell him the same, he already knows. You remind him with another kiss and finally remember your friends, feet inching towards the makeshift aisle. There’s bouquets of wildflowers tied to the seats with twine. You’re in love.

“C’mon, husband.” You say, grin like starlight. Steve thinks he could hear those words forever.

join the celebration!

[tellmegoodbye]

In honor of me returning from my social media grave and finally finishing this fic, here is one final snippet!!!

Yes I know I literally just got back but I'm excited, okay. Push coda is officially no longer elusive. She is ALIVE.

"I love you, TK,” Carlos gasps. “I love you so much." The thought of TK not knowing that is still a pain weighing on his heart. He wants to ask him so many questions about the past few months, if they had been as hard for him as they had been for Carlos. He'll eventually want TK to tell him everything so that he can hug him and kiss him and swear that he'll never allow them to fall apart like that ever again. They both spent so long feeling alone and broken beyond repair, but they'll never have to be alone again. It’s a promise spoken through presses of their lips, gentle kisses that say I love you and I’m never letting you go. TK echoes him with tears in his eyes. Quiet words whispered against his lips because neither of them can force themselves to part again. "I love you too."

I've been gone for too long to be comfortable tagging loads of people since I don't know who still does these, but I still wanted to jump right back in and say hi since I still feel a little guilty for taking so long.

Tagging: @strandnreyes @welcometololaland @thisbuildinghasfeelings @carlos-tk

[malarkgirlypop]

MEDIC! Part 19 (Donald Malarkey x Fem!OC)

Ok guys just read this one really quick so I can upload Chapter 20, ok, cool, you got it. Great, alright read fast!

Based on the HBO show and the actors who portray the characters, no hate to anyone involved.Keep reading

Tag list: @next-autopsy, @panzershrike-pretz, @xxluckystrike, @bucky32557038ww2 (let me know if you want to be tagged.)

I hurried along the streets, saying hello to the men I passed. I finally made it to the house. Hearing familiar voices from the upper room I made my way up the staircase. 

“Ah there she is. We were wondering where you disappeared too.” Babe said as I reached the top. 

“I’m a busy bee Babe, you should know that.” I sat next to the man, who perched on the edge of the bunk. 

“Oh, bunk beds.” I said bouncing up and down on the mattress, it squeaked under me.

“Saved you the lower bunk under me.” Babe told me. I smiled at him, giving his hair a tousle. 

“Ah you’re a sweetheart.” He grinned at me. I glanced across the room to see Don standing on the far side looking out the window smoking. A solemn expression visible on his features. I watched him just smoking. 

“He’s been like that since we started coming from Rachamps.” Babe whispered to me, I nodded agreeing with him. I don’t know what happened. Was it because he knew I was ok, he finally let himself process. If that was the case I feel awful, they were his friends before I was close with them. I let it cloud my thoughts so much I couldn’t even ensure that he was fine. Now he’s stepping back from me, is that what he wants? I need to talk to him, but I can’t get him alone at the moment, now that he’s a ranking officer it seems like everyone needs to talk to him. I have barely been able to have a moment with him without someone else requesting him. They obviously take priority over me. Babe’s hand landed on my knee giving it a reassuring squeeze. 

“You’ll find some time.” He says as if he can read my thoughts. I nod, turning my attention back onto the conversation the men are having as they all lie on the bunks. I’m so excited to be able to sleep on a bed with a pillow and sheets. Even if it is some crappy thin mattress, better than the cold hard floor. 

“Oh My God! I forgot to say, you’ll never guess what Webster said to me.” I announced to the group. They all waited for me to tell them. “Well firstly he was like, ‘when did nurses work on the front?’ So I corrected him. But then he said, ‘oh yeah I remember you, wow I’m surprised you’re still alive’.” I waited for their response, my mouth open to show my shocked face.

“What?!” Babe said from beside me. 

“You’re joking?” Grant asked, I shook my head. 

“That cheeky fucker.” Lieb growled. 

“I know! I was like excuse me! Rude!” I scoffed while laughing. “I think he’s being put with us.” I also told them, a collective groan echoed around the room. I laughed at their enthusiasm.  

“Oh speak of the devil.” I motioned with my head to the door, as Webster and Jones wandered in looking dazed. 

“Hey, guys. This taken?” He asked about the top bunk no one had claimed yet.

“Go ahead.” Rameriz told him, lying down on his own bunk. Webster threw his bag onto the bed claiming it for his own.        

“Sergeant, this is Lieutenant Jones, just assigned to 2nd platoon.” Webster informed Malarkey. All eyes were on the pair. The men in the corner who were helping themselves to hot drinks and standing around the heater, eyed up the young Lieutenant. 

“Malarkey, platoon Sergeant.” Don said. 

“Congratulations on the battlefield commission.” Jones said, reaching out his hand to shake Don’s. I watched as Malarkey glanced at the outstretched hand looking confused. 

“The what?” Malarkey asked, shaking his hand.   

“They’re making you an officer, no?” Jones inquired. Lieb sniggerd into his cup, as Webster turned around to glare at him. Realising too late that Lieb was just fucking with him. 

“Me? No.” Malarkey chuckled, looking back to see Grant and Lieb trying to hide their grins. “You must be thinking of First Sergeant Lipton.” Jones and Webster share a glance, clearly Webster had passed on the information that Lieb had given him this morning to the officer, only to be very wrong. Webster gave a defeated shrug and shake of his head. 

“My mistake.” Jones apologised to Don. “So you’re without a platoon leader?”

“No, not anymore, Lieutenant.” Don said to the officer. 

“Right.” Jones nodded as if he seemingly forgot his rank. “So do you want to introduce me to the men?” He asked. Don gave him a tight smile, he was busy and so were the men. 

“Well, some of them are sleeping downstairs. The rest are right here.” Jones glanced around the room looking at the men, who gave him small nods as they made eye-contact. His eyes landed on me, I gave a small smile. 

“A female.” He said, looking at me. Don turned around to look at him. “Our medic, Emily.”

“Odd for a female to be on the front.” Jones said without thinking. The chatter ceased in the room, waiting for him to say something else. 

“She’s a good medic, we’re lucky to have her.” Don said, sending me a smile. I grinned back appreciative of his defence. 

“What? Is it be mean to Emily day?” I whispered to Babe, who just chuckled, shaking his head continuing to read the comic he had picked up. Jones cleared his throat moving on from the awkward conversation he’d started. 

“Sergeant, a patrol’s being planned for tonight 0100 hours across the river. Regiment wants POWs for interrogation. What’s the situation?” Jones asked, the men moving their conversation somewhere more private, away from listening ears. The men all looked pissed, they again were being chosen to go on an attack. 

“Hey Web. Come here. I just want to talk to you for a sec” Lieb pulled the man from over by the window. Webster seemed rightly suspicious of Lieb’s motives. “Why?” He asked, resisting Lieb’s arm that snaked around his neck trying to drag him elsewhere. 

“Come here, You want some coffee.” Lieb offered as he ushered him to the bunks Babe and I sat on.

“No.” Web said, stepping out of the man’s arm. 

“Is this kid out of highschool yet?” Lieb asked Webster. They both looked over to the young officer who was speaking with Malarkey.   

“He’s out of West Point.” Webster informed the men. 

“West Point?” Lieb asked. I have no idea what West Point is. 

“Isn’t that where Ike went?” Jackson said from above me, spread out on the top bunk. 

Babe, now more invested in the conversation, put down the comic I was reading over his shoulder. Lieb stood right in front of me as he spoke to Webster, I couldn’t see anything past his butt. I leaned more into Babe so that I didn’t feel like I was being suffocated by Joe’s ass. 

“Yeah he actually graduated with his son.” Webster confirmed Jackson’s question. 

“Shit, so ah… what do you know about this patrol thing?” Lieb’s true motive revealed themselves, his cunning ability to coerce information out of you. 

“Uh, nothing.” Webster lied. I laughed, shaking my head. Oh poor sweet Webster you can’t get out of it this easily, not with Lieb you can’t. 

“Oh, come on, Web. You gotta know something.” Ramirez adds to the peer pressure. 

“I don’t.” Webster turns away fiddling with his bag. 

Lieb spits on the ground, I nudge him with my foot, mouthing gross. He just smirks at me. 

“Bullshit.” Lieb says. “You were there right? At the CP?” Chuck moves past us heading for the exit. 

“Hey, Chuck, Listen to this.” Babe calls to him, he stops to listen. McClung sits beside Babe as we scooch down the bunk to make room. 

“Come on, Webster, spill it.” Lieb is persistent with his interrogation. And now with everyone gathered around eager to hear, I’m sure he feels even more pressured. I can see his eyes finally give into it. 

“Captain Speirs is to pick 15 men. Lt. Jones wants to be one of them.” Webster casted his gaze to the man who still spoke with Don. 

“I say let the kid go. He could use the experience.” Lieb said. 

“Probably could find 14 replacements to help him out.” Ramirez grinned. 

“Why are you holding out on me? I know you know.” Lieb grilled Webster. 

“Just give us the names, Web.” Ramirez and Lieb had him backed into a metaphorical corner. 

“Who?” Lieb asked. 

Webster glanced around all of us, our eyes trained on him, he had the answers. We waited patiently knowing that Lieb and Ramirez would break him at some point.    

“There are three men here in this room that they think should be on the patrol.” Webster started. 

“Who?” Ramirez asked, was there a bunch of owls somewhere? I laughed at my own joke. Babe gave me a weird look, wondering why I was chuckling. I’m funny ok! I cleared my throat paying attention again to the conversation. 

“Well, if I tell you, you can’t let on that you know.” Webster stalled. 

“Your secret’s safe, Web. Who is it?” Lieb promised. I almost laughed again, as if he would keep his mouth shut for Webster. But Webster was gullible enough to believe that Lieb would have his best interests at heart. Webster glanced at Babe sitting next to me. Babe shook his head, he didn’t want to be chosen, he was waiting for his name not to be called. I tensed, I wasn’t particularly keen on any of the men being sent but especially not Babe. 

“Yeah, Heffron.” Webster confirmed our fears. 

“Aw, shit.” Babe groaned, dragging his hand across his face. I sighed along with Babe who looked disappointed. This time I was the one to give him a pat of reassurance on his leg. McClung, who sat on his other side, threw an arm around his shoulders.  

“McClung…” Webster continued, Earl also groaned in annoyance. Babe slapped his leg, in a well-were-in-this-together-now way. 

“And you.” Webster said to Ramirez, looking equally as disappointed as the other two. 

“He want any other guys from any other platoon?” Lieb asked, looking down into his cup of coffee.    

“No, no. I don’t know. Not that I know of. Look, that’s all I know, I’m sorry.” Webster rambled on, trying to prove to Lieb he didn’t have any more information for him to draw out.

I almost leaped off the bed when Don yelled, “Listen up!” I grabbed onto Babe's arm out of instinct. Covering my heart with my other hand, to stop it jumping out of my chest. 

“Got some bad news. There is a patrol set for tonight. And so far, Speirs wants McClung–” Don told the room. But was interrupted. 

“We know.” McClung told Don. 

“Yeah, we just fucking heard. Webster here told us.” Babe blabbed, so much for keeping it a secret. But Babe and Earl never made any promises to the man, only Lieb. 

Don answers the ringing phone, mumbling into it. He hangs up quickly, having more information to give us. “The PX rations just came in, including winter shoe packs.” Don informs us. 

“Beautiful.” Ramirez says sarcastically. 

“Yeah, finally right?” Don agrees. 

“Good of ‘em, now we’re in a nice warm house.” Lieb adds. 

“Also we get showers.” Don tells us. I gasp so loudly everyone stares at me. Pure delightment on my face. 

“We get showers!” I say excitedly. I feel like I can bounce off the walls. A shower sounds amazing. I make quiet screaming noises. I feel like a kid on christmas. Everyone watches me have my mini celebration. I stop mid party, “Sorry, I’m just really excited to have a shower.” 

“Yeah, no we can tell.” Lieb laughs at me, patting me on the head. 

“You’re so cute!” Babe teases trying to pinch my cheeks, I fend him off. Before he can reach me the distant sounds of explosions boom through the room. The sounds of whistling are closer, the sound of a bomb being dropped in close proximity. 

“All right, let's move! Clear it out! Move, move!” Don yells over the noise. We get to our feet, rushing out of the top room into the lower floors. Babe is behind me pushing me down the stairs faster than my feet can take me. We barge into the basement taking cover. Everyone yelling at everyone to get down, take cover, incoming. The bombs stop right as we reach the room. I laugh in disbelief of course it would stop right as we are safe. Everyone else had the same reaction, well except for Jones and Webster. They both looked like they were about to faint from shock.  

“Showers lets go!” Don ushered us out. I was quickly on my feet, yes showers, omg I want to wash my hair, and body. Omg maybe shave my legs with running water.  

-----------------------------------

Chapter 20

[omelette-sandwich]

So I’m obsessing over this and I just had to share it

ok so recently I came up with this idea so let me ramble

so what if Infinity affected how Gojo ages? like, slowing down the rate at which he ages to be infinitely small, so he basically stays the same age forever? and if I use that for like, fix purposes it would start happening at like 17 because that’s when he really started getting super OP and became “the strongest”

so like, he just stays at 17 forever because it would basically take the amount of numbers between 0 and 1 in years for him to age one year, which is infinite because maths and stuff

this also has great potential for ANGST because like, all his friends are getting older and he’s still staying the same. and as a TEACHER his students are all about the same physical age as him but they’re eventually gonna be older (if they live long enough) than him (the sad bit applies ESPECIALLY to Megumi because Gojo basically raised the kid and now he’s getting older and aaaaaaaaaaa)

also, the way some people (cough cough Geto) would react when they see that he hasn’t aged in the past decade would be absolutely hilarious I think, cause like “hey bro how come you haven’t aged?” “oh yeah it’s because infinity or whatnot but anyways hi old man”

like it has so much potential as so much like it could be hella angsty but also kinda nice because BECAUSE he could keep teaching and helping to fix the system for basically forever but also THAT would be hella angsty too because he has to see all of his students die either from old age or because of curses so literally everyone he cares about will die while he just. stays alive. like, there’s so much potential for ANGST here and I love it

so yeah that’s all but if there are suggestions please comment them because I might actually make this into a fic and don’t you DARE steal this idea even though I don’t know if this has actually been thought about before but oh welp. but yeah I’m absolutely obsessed with this idea and I needed to share so hope the people like it.

[catofthebarricades]

like. the episode was kind of whack at parts ngl but how can I be mad when I have the doctor and Donna being silly again

[grand-theft-carbohydrates]

first day as a early-third-century general and my lame loser of a liege lord has just suffered an overwhelming defeat at the hands of his rival warlord because he refused to abandon the refugees who were slowing him down.

this is our darkest hour. the coalition has been utterly crushed, my sworn-brother is presumed dead and our best general was last seen defecting to the enemy. it's up to me to cover our retreat. i scrape together twenty men and prepare to take a final stand. i am going to save the man i love--this stupid, loyal, big-hearted loser--or die trying.

i hide my men in the nearby woods and order them to tie branches to their horses tails to stir up dust to make it look like there's a lot of us, and then I ride out alone to face the Rival Warlord's army, screaming and raving like a lunatic.

my deranged, suicidal improvisation ends up being an OVERWHELMING SUCESS because the Rival Warlord is a neurotic over-thinker and he believes there's a huge force in the woods, waiting to ambush him. Rival Warlord calls for a retreat and i use this moment to change my pants.

suddenly, a man comes riding towards us with a baby strapped to his back. IT'S OUR BEST GENERAL!!! He hadn't betrayed us after all! he was behind enemy lines, rescuing the Loser Leige Lord's son and wife! we hug, kiss and shed manly tears. the wife gets a fist-bump. don't ask what happens to the baby later, it's not important.

my actions today have single-handedly changed the course of history. we have earned the undying love and support of the people and my Loser Liege Lord will live to fight another day. by the time Rival Warlord has figured out the ruse and orders a second attack, my sworn-brother has arrived with reinforcements and this time we ambush him for real.

as we make sail for the southern lands, i can't help but feel hopeful in spite of the lingering pain in my heart. although we have suffered unimaginable losses, i still have my sworn-brothers by my side. as long as the three of us are togather, there is nothing in the world i cannot endure. if anyone cares to remember my story after i am dead and gone, let it be known that i am but a coarse, common man with more flaws than strengths. if i have become a hero, then it was in spite of myself and all for the people that i loved.

[thebirdandhersong]

but you know! bullet dodged! it's almost enough to put a girl off romance for the rest of the year but heck if I care enough at this point! I've literally run out of emotional energy. the past five months have been such a rollercoaster that I just don't have the energy to keep being upset :-)