#I had somewhat of a grudge against him after...

[sortagaysortahigh]

Operation Exemies to Lovers | Cregan Stark

A/N: Now yall know i have not written and finished a fic in a hot minute so sorry if this reads a bit wonky. Yk I'm an enemies to lovers and exes to lovers girl, so why not combine them both into a modern!cregan stark fic? Also, this is dialogue heavy as that's kind of my thing, if it's not yours, welpt keep scrolling boo I aint mad!. I also fixed the inc*st family tree so you'll see that in this as well (i'll prob keep it for future modern AUs). Anyways lmk what you think and enjoy! Also, I suck at summaries so I pull quotes from my fics, sorry not sorry pookies

Summary: “So y’know those sappy novels Hel’s always reading, anyways I asked her about them and she had one where the two main characters were like totally at ends with each other but their friends were like ‘nah they should be smashing’ so we think, based on our research and our scholarly source-Helaena, we should force them to be around each other until they finally talk it out! Or well, y’know-f*ck it out”

Warnings: cussing, spelling and grammar errors (sue me!), kissing, mentions of smut/allusions to smut but no smut, arguing, Alyssane Blackwood slander (sorry girl), somewhat mean!reader, this is an AU where Aegon's not a bad guy!!!! just a clown <3, mentions of an ill parent, Baela be hitting Aegon (he earned it!), Aemond is still missing an eye sorry to the Aemond girls

Word Count: 6.4k (period I stuck to keeping it short and sweet)

Modern!Cregan Stark x Fem!Reader

“He’s staring at you again” you scoffed, rolling your eyes, doing your best to focus on highlighting the passages about the few Westerosi Civil Wars that had happened centuries ago. It was already difficult enough to focus in the crowded library, midterms were killing everyone. 

It wasn’t a shock for the once quiet and almost empty library to be packed, especially with student athletes who were desperately catching up on their studies in attempts to pass all of their midterms, write endless essays, and practically beg their professors for extra credit via email. 

You should’ve been able to focus on the task at hand, studying with your best friends Baela and Rhaena for your upcoming history midterm, the exam itself would focus heavily on the several majors wars that shaped westerosi society as a whole, and would even include the transition from government leadership as a monarchy into a democracy. 

Hell you’d even have to describe what was once known as the ‘Iron Throne’ and its historical significance. Truthfully the large metal hunk of junk was now sitting in the King’s Landing Red Keep Memorial Museum.

Usually the library was the easiest place for the three of you to study, it wasn’t as loud as your fourth floor flat in one of the student apartment buildings off campus, it was usually pretty clean and well kept, plus every resource you could possibly need was somewhere within the large building. 

However today, your usually comfortable red leather-lined chair felt stiff and was making you hot, not to mention the lack of air flow and increased temperature due to the amount of body heat on each floor, then the lights were either too bright or too dim, and all you wanted to do was slam the books shut, grab your laptop and leave.

“Let him stare.” you muttered as you tried to keep your gaze on the text in front of you, however it was getting increasingly difficult as a very specific pair of eyes were practically burning a hole into your side. 

Gods, he was so obnoxious.

“I don’t think it’s healthy for you to hold onto the grudge against him, of course he totally earned it! I’m not downplaying your emotions but anytime he’s around you stiffen up like a virgin afraid of dick” your jaw dropped at Baela’s words, now staring at her, brows furrowed in shock.

“Baela! You can’t say things like that” Rhaena almost immediately swatted at her sister’s arm, shaking her head before tucking one of her loose locks behind her ear. “You really take after father sometimes.” 

Baela simply shrugged, glancing back at the two tables that were usually empty, now they were filled with six of the school’s hockey players, all spread apart with a plethora of books, laptops, pens, and notepads covering the tables. That’s also not counting all of their bags laying on the floor besides their chairs. 

“I get that you two broke up on not so good terms, but you should be showing him that you don’t care about him! Not that he makes you so angry you’re about to explode like a bomb in Mario Party”.

With that Baela turned her gaze back to her laptop, however at the sound of several texts chiming in at once to both Baela and Rhaena’s phones, you knew that their cousins had texted them once again. It made sense that they’d all shared a group chat, especially considering how close in age they were, and how large the Targaryen/Hightower/Velaryon family was. 

Of course the first time Baela had broken down their family tree you were incredibly confused. Her mother Laena Velaryon was married to Daemon Targaryen, who happened to be the uncle to her cousins Jace, Luke, and Joffrey’s mother Rhaenyra. 

Now, Rhaenyra was married to Dr. Strong (or just Harwin as he’d asked you to call him once at a family gathering you’d been invited to, to which you quickly declined as he was your Literature professor), but based on the Targaryen’s political status within Westeros, their sons took their mother’s last name, not their father. 

Then comes Aegon and Aemond, now truthfully you’d met Aegon your second week of classes a few years ago when he’d caught you off guard, asked for your number, then got mad when you’d ghosted him after finding out he had a girlfriend! (Shame on him, truly). But you actually ended up being pretty good friends with the goof. 

Anyways, Aegon and Aemond were the children of Rhaenyra’s best friend, and now sister-in-law Alicent Hightower who married Rhaenyra’s only brother Baelon Targaryen. 

It’s also important to remember that throughout this entire family tree, which was in fact drawn out on construction paper for you, Alicent and Baelon also had two other children, Daeron and Halaena, both of them attending Sunspear University together. Then of course Rhaenyra and Dr.Strong (Harwin), have two much smaller sons, Aegon and Viserys, which was even more confusing considering you’d already met an Aegon.

Rhaena and Baela shared a look, and it was a look that worried you, so of course instead of being rational and brushing it off, you clenched your jaw as you slowly turned around, making eye contact with none other than your ex-boyfriend who’d been leaning his head against his hand and staring at you with what could only be described as a mournful lovesick expression.

You rolled your eyes, quickly turning back around before anyone else would look at you and do something that would probably piss you off. 

It also didn’t help that the cousins texting Baela and Rhaena were also seated at the table with your ex boyfriend. 

“Jace said that Cregan wants to talk to you but you blocked him, I don’t think you want to know what Aegon said, but it involved an eggplant emoji and a bed” you rolled your eyes, letting out a deep sigh while sitting up straight and shaking your head.

“He’s apologized a million times and has yet to tell me why he decided to go out of his way to not only break things off with me and tell me he still loved me in the same damn sentence, then go out the same night and end up on Aegon-Aegon of all people’s instagram story sucking face with that Blackwood bitch while she was on his lap.” 

You let out a cynical laugh of sorts, rolling your eyes once again. 

“Tell Cregan Stark that I’d rather fuck Aegon after one of his alley-way vomit sprees than ever talk to him again” however, before you could focus back on your studies, an amused laugh came from behind you before the chair next to you was pulled out, only for you to meet the gaze of Aegon Targaryen himself, a lopsided smile on his face with his brows wiggling in a playful suggestive manner.

“Well if I knew the easiest way to get you into my bed was to go drinking until I’m sick then I would’ve invited you out sooner baby” with that he leaned closer while making kissing noises, only to be met with your hand shoving his face away.

“Aeg, for the last time, she doesn’t want you like that” he feigned hurt at Rhaena, sliding back into the chair with his hand over his heart. 

“You wound me dear cousin! You wound me!” then he sat up straight, now looking back at you “so I was sent over here as a trusted messenger. My boy back there, you know him quite well, if y’know what I mean-” he wiggled his eyebrows up and down again, then you shoved him “-anyways, Cregan has been like all sulky and heartbroken and he really misses you. And he doesn’t want anything to do with Alysanne! She came onto him!, so can you give him another shot?”

With that you simply shook your head, quickly packing your things up while scoffing. 

“Tell your “boy back there”-” you spoke with air quotations “-that if he really gave a fuck about me, he shouldn’t have dumped me after two years for no god damn reason, then fucked that Blackwood bitch-who by the way is a fucking whore!” 

Your outburst was met with the looks of many, Rhaena quickly clearing her throat watching as you packed your things away. “What she means to say is, she doesn’t want to talk to him. I think it’s too fresh still”

Aegon scoffed “it’s been four months people! Four months! The summer ended, it’s a new semester, I think she can talk to him now” he glanced around the table, eyes widening as he watched Baela grasp quite the hefty textbook while glaring at him.

“Baela don’t hit me! I’m just saying! Listen-” but before he could finish you’d already gotten up and mumbled that you’d see them at home while you walked away.

Aegon paused, watching as you walked away, blatantly checking you out for a few moments, then you’d disappeared. He then turned around and motioned for someone to come to the table, this is what led both Jace and Luke to walk across the room and now sit where you were sitting and in the last empty seat of the table.

“Listen, we’re all tired of being caught in the middle of this awkward divorce alright. So we came up with a plan!” Baela shook her head while Rhaena sighed slightly.

“No offense Aeg, but your plans are always horrible, need I remind you of Aemond’s missing eyeball?” Luke winced slightly, remembering the day he’d accidentally hit Aemond in the eye with a firewood poker when swinging it behind him.

Truthfully, Luke had no idea Aemond had entered the room when he and Aegon were ‘dueling’ one another, however he’d felt his poker hit something, and he heard Aemond’s loud scream of pain. 

They’d all been kids when that happened, and to make it worse it occurred on their grandfather’s birthday when everyone had traveled to King’s Landing for a large birthday dinner/family holiday.

“She’s got a point there Aegon, but-guys-we all came up with the idea together!” Luke placed his hands on the shoulder of his cousin and his brother, smiling widely while Baela and Rhaena both shook their heads in disappointment.

“Okay, you win, but if the idea is bad, Baela’s going to smack Aegon with that textbook, so pray it’s not bad” they all nodded, Aegon scooting back slightly.

“So y’know those sappy novels Hel’s always reading, anyways I asked her about them and she had one where the two main characters were like totally at ends with each other but their friends were like ‘nah they should be smashing’ so we think, based on our research and our scholarly source-Helaena, we should force them to be around each other until they finally talk it out! Or well, y’know-fuck it out”

He paused to take a quick breath “But we can’t let them in on the plan, otherwise Cregan’s gonna be all like ‘oh my god no she hates me, the love of my life hates me I can’t torture her, blah blah blah, I’m so nice and honorable, blah blah’ and she’s gonna be like ‘fuck that, I’ll kill him for fucking that Blackwood bitch and dumping me for no god damn reason’. Also I don’t think he ever fucked Alysanne-but I did-niether here nor there though!” 

Jace and Luke looked at Baela and Rhaena as if they were waiting to be yelled at by their mother, meanwhile Aegon smiled and nodded after his long winded explanation.

Rhaena spoke first “y’know honestly, your impression of her is pretty spot on.” Baela nodded her head in agreement before adding in “but if this doesn’t work, and she finds out, she’ll want to kill all of you and Cregan. I’m sure you all have realized being on her shit list isn’t exactly the best”

Jace nodded, glancing back at Cregan who was finally focusing on his statistics work with a stoic expression on his face. “Listen, if it doesn’t work and she kicks our asses that’s fine, but we at least have to try! I mean come on Rhae you told me that she cries over him still! And he’s no better. There might not be tears but he’s so long winded and mopey”

He then sighed, patting Luke on the back “I think this is our best shot. I mean c’mon they’re some of your guys' closest friends, and Winterfell over there’s my best friend that I’m not related to-oddly enough they’re pretty rare these days. They used to be so happy together! Now look at them both”

Baela sighed, nodding her head as she finally set the books in her hands down “she’s definitely not really herself anymore. Maybe if it doesn’t work, then at least they’ll both get closure from their relationship”.

Aegon smiled, nodding rapidly again “see! You guys get it!. Also don’t tell Aemond either, y’know he’s too ‘I’ve got a stick up my ass’ sometimes. We can call it operation-uh what’s the book trope that Helaena called it again-one second everyone!” he paused, grabbing his phone from his pocket before quickly calling his sister.

“Hey Hel, yeah yeah I’m good, what did you call that book again! The one where they were like forced to be around eachother then fuck it out and get married and shit?” 

Several hundred miles away, Helaena was grasping her nose bridge as she let out a deep sigh, her brother truly was a character.

“Oh-okay! Got it-thanks so much Hel, love you too! Give Daeron my love and remind him to wrap it up with those Dornish baddies!” with that he hung up the phone before meeting Baela’s disgusted glare.

“You’re so gross, Aeg. And stop saying the word baddies-you sound so cringey!” he simply shrugged at her.

“Anyways, now that we’re done being rude and judgemental to our baddie eldest cousin who’s super smart, funny, and beautiful, we’ll call it operation enemies to lovers!” 

Rhaena raised a brow “wouldn’t it actually be exes to lovers? Since they’re exes? I guess they might also be enemies based on the way she wants to wring his neck-and not how she used to-” with that her eyes widened as she slapped a hand over her mouth.

Jace sighed “don’t worry Rhae, we already know about the shit he let her do to him. Young love, what can I say” 

Aegon nodded his head, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively once again, then he slightly elbowed Luke, who met his gaze with a laugh before they both spoke in unison “kinky innit”.

“Anyways-are we doing this or not? I’ve got a history midterm to study for and you three are interrupting it, and it’s bad enough that Aegon already made the smartest person we know leave” It was clear that Baela was losing her patience.

“Oh come on Bales! Y’know if you’re still interested I can set you up with ol Benji over there, heard he’s a freak in the she-” there it was, the book smacking him in the face “-ow Baela! Jesus! You’re just like your dad! Mean and ever so beautiful to look at” he winked.

“Gross man, she’s our cousin!” he shrugged “didn’t stop our ancestors, okay fine-fine! I didn’t mean it okay! Shit. you all are so violent. The blood of the dragon I guess”.

-

Three days have passed and the TarVelTower group chat had been in constant communication about ‘operation exemies to lovers’ with the additional confused replies from those that were not present in the library that day.

They were planning a game night, it was something they’d all done in the past, inviting their other friends to come along as well for drinks and a night of utter tomfoolery. Baela and Rhaena had done everything but swear on the Old Gods themselves that Cregan wouldn’t be there, meanwhile Jace, Luke, and Aegon had to practically beg Cregan to come to Jace’s for the game night.

It was also a plus that most of them lived in the same building. Dragonstone University wasn’t that large, not compared to other schools such as Sunspear, Driftmark, or even Harrenhall-although it was rumored that Harrenhal U was in fact haunted, that’s probably what brought so many to the school in the first place.

Baela and Rhaena had to drag you out of your bed after your post-class nap and usher you into the shower, stating that you ‘stunk of outside’, which was rather rude considering your only classes today were virtual. 

They’d mentioned the game night several times, and each time you asked if Cregan would be there, they’d said no, which you found a bit odd considering Jace was literally his best friend and probably closest confidant. Maybe his father had come down from Winterfell again, but you were thankful that he wouldn’t be present to ruin your mood.

All you had to do was take the elevator up two floors, so all you did was shower and throw on a pair of sweats and one of Aegon’s many discarded team sweatshirts. It had his number on it and even after washing it what felt like a million times, it still smelled like his overly strong cologne that he claimed ‘the ladies love’.

He’d also told you that maybe you were an ogre for not loving it, which of course even further solidified your friendship with the moron (lovingly).

You took time to braid your hair, knowing that you’d probably wake up hungover without a want or a need to brush it, so this was just easier. Then you’d foregone makeup, knowing you truly didn’t care how people saw you, especially not your friends. 

Of course the one thing you’d always contemplated wearing sat on your desk, the thin gold chain adorned with a small charm in the shape of a howling wolf. It was as if it sat mocking you because almost everyday you’d stare at it while getting ready.

You’d worn it everyday for a year after Cregan gifted it to you. He randomly showed up at your door one day, slightly out of breath, a wide smile on his face with his disheveled hair pulled back. One hand rubbed against his short beard, while the other held a small black gift bag. He looked as if he’d run here, then was contemplating the decision to run in the first place.

Then he’d kissed you gently, a smile you rarely wore now, adorned your face then.

When you invited him in, he was quick to follow, shutting and locking your door behind him while you made your way to the small kitchen, grabbing him something to drink as he caught his breath.

Then as you spun around to hand him the drink, he held the bag out for you, practically forcing you to open it (it wasn’t forceful at all, rather when you declined opening it immediately, he didn’t hesitate to place the strings of the bag between his teeth before picking you up, then plopping you down onto the couch, soft giggles leaving your lips when he climbed right on top of you.).

You remembered him watching as you opened it, he held himself up overtop you, while you easily pulled the small jewelry box out of the packaging, then when you opened it he looked almost nervous, as if you wouldn’t like it.

But you’d kissed him, pulling him down into your lips, thanking him between rushed kisses. 

You shook your head, snapping yourself out of it before grasping the necklace and shoving it into one of your desk drawers. Out of sight, out of mind, you’d tell yourself-until you’d go looking for a pen and see it again.

Rhaena’s voice knocked you out of your thoughts completely, she stood in your doorframe, her posture a little too straight, which would’ve normally thrown you off, but you couldn’t focus on that, not when you were trying to shake off the feeling of heartbreak.

“You ready? I’ve got the snacks already packed to bring up, you’ve just got to grab our blankets. Baela’s already there helping set up. Aeg said he’d give her twenty bucks if she’d actually arrive earlier than him for once” you laughed at that, shaking your head slightly.

It was no secret that Aegon and Baela were incredibly competitive, and as cousins, they had what could only be described as a sibling rivalry, always trying to one up one another when they could, and making stupid bets over random things.

You actually liked that they were all so close, when you’d befriended Rhaena, you never thought that she and her sister would come with a large family that would welcome you in with open arms.

“Yeah, just, let me-um-get my shoes, yeah my shoes. Sorry” you were mumbling and stuttering as you walked to the shoe rack beside your door, slipping your feet into your fuzzy slippers before following Rhaena to the living room, grasping the small pile of throw blankets before the both of you left your apartment. She was quick to lock the door, then you both headed upstairs.

You were still technically early when you arrived, and as you entered the apartment Aegon was handing Baela a $20 bill, while she smirked. Luke was laying on one of the couches on his phone, Jace was putting drinks in the fridge with the help of Benji who honestly looked happy to be there. Meanwhile Aemond sat reading whatever random philosophical book he’d chosen for the week, and to your surprise, Helaena was pulling what smelled like cookies out of the oven.

“Hel! You’re here!” she smiled when she saw you, placing the tray down before meeting your embrace. “Yea, I actually was visiting my parents and Aegon picked me up earlier.” you smiled at that, you enjoyed her company, even if it was a rare occurrence. 

By the time everyone was settled in, around forty-five minutes had passed, and everything was nice. For the first time in a while you weren’t on edge, which was definitely noticeable, and you’d actually managed to relax into the large bean bag below you. Even if it did remind you of a certain someone.

Then, it was as if you’d summoned the asshole himself.

Jace was quick to shoot up and walk to the door, glancing at his phone nervously. Then he opened the door, nervously laughing for a few moments.

Then you spotted him. Not before Aegon, who was already tipsy, had managed to shoot up from his spot on the ground “Cregan! Glad you could make it man!”.

Baela and Rhaena watched as you let out a deep sigh, it was clear you didn’t want to ruin the night, so you simply turned to face away from the door, burying yourself further into the bean bag, covering yourself in the throw blanket as much as you could.

It’s important to mention that the bean bag happened to be big enough for two people, and for a long time, it’s where you would sit with Cregan, well technically, given his size, you’d be cuddled up together, and now, as his gaze found you ignoring him on that bean bag, the gloomy cloud that followed him around had resurfaced.’

After a few tense moments of silence, everyone commenced what they were doing.

Aegon, still standing, held up a deck of cards.

“For today’s game night we’re gonna need to partner up! Rhaena, you’re with me tonight! I need your smarticle particles!” you blinked slowly, Rhaena was usually your partner. Then you sat in silence as you watched everyone partner up.

Baela was shoved into Benji-literally shoved by Aegon. 

Aemond chose Luke as he stated their team needed “balance”, which actually made a lot of sense considering Aemond was always somewhat brooding, and Luke was a ray of sunshine.

Jace glanced between Helaena and Cregan, but when Baela shot him a pointed look-missed completely by you-he chose Helaena.

Which of course left you with the one person you wanted nothing to do with.

Rhaena tried breaking the ice, watching as Cregan awkwardly sat in the armchair beside the beanbag. “It looks like our old winning team is back together!” you were the first to scoff.

“Hey! They used to cheat!” you couldn’t stop yourself from responding to Aegon “actually he waited until we broke up for that”. As you spoke, everyone’s eyes widened, meanwhile you remained in your spot, staring at your phone, mindlessly scrolling through instagram.

However, as good of a guy that Cregan Stark is, you were the only person that was ever able to bring a different side out of him. You two rarely fought, but when you did, it was almost catastrophic and usually ended in very rough sex, or a heartwarming apology after ignoring one another for a few days. 

But you’d never broken up, you both took time to cool off in whatever way you needed.

Things are different now.

“For the last time, she came onto me! I’ve told you this thousands of times!” As he raised his voice, the frustration in his tone was evident, and his accent sounded thicker than usual-a key indicator that he was upset. So instead of backing down, you scoffed, now looking at him, fury evident on your features. 

“Yeah because a man your fucking size was so easily overpowered by her right! She just waltzed right up to you and beat you into submission or something?! Oh fuck you Cregan!” 

The two of you held eye contact, anger and frustration evident.

Aegon slowly sat down, leaning towards Jace and whispering “I think it’s working”, meanwhile Jace shook his head, having been witness to the few fights that you’d actually had with Cregan in the past.

“What would you have wanted me to do, I was shitfaced! Was I supposed to shove her to the ground and tell her to go fuck herself?!” you nodded your head at that, now sitting up, even closer to him than before. He stared down at you as you stared up at him.

“Yeah actually, that’s the best fucking idea I’d say you’ve ever had!” he scoffed.

“We weren’t even together and you hold that against me! Still!” That's what sent you over the edge.

“You fucking dumped me for no god damn reason, told me you loved me, and then went and fucked that Blackwood Bitch! The same fucking day! As if I meant nothing to you, we were together for two years Cregan! Two fucking years!” 

He heard the crack in your voice, everyone did. As you stared at him, he could see the way your eyes glossed over, he knew you too well. He knew the tears were coming.

“I tried to talk to you-you didn’t wanna hear anything!” you shrugged, gathering your things as fast as you possibly could, now looking anywhere but him.

“You don’t fucking deserve to talk to me you asshole”. Then you stood up and did what you always do in these situations, you ran away and left.

He was left there in shock, staring at the door, jaw clenched while he watched you leave. 

“Well that’s one way to start a game night” 

“Aegon shut up!” cue the smack “Ow! Baela! Stop hitting me! Go hit Benji, he likes that shit!-ow! Seriously?! Jace and Luke, get your cousin!”

Then in unison “she’s your cousin too!”

And finally, Benji piped up “is she talking about my cousin?” 

Instead of watching you waltz away, Cregan stood up, grabbing his things and mumbling his own apologies. Then he left, he knew exactly where you lived, so instead of taking the elevator, he rushed down the stairs, trying to cool off. 

When he stood in front of your door, it felt like a routine, something his body was so used to. As if this was muscle memory for him.

Then he knocked, once. No response. 

Twice. Nothing. 

Three times-maybe third times a charm. Nothing.

He stood there, his forehead leaned against the door. Cregan Stark was not a man of regrets, hell he prided himself on actually being a good guy, he was raised to be respectful, to be kind, to be strong, Stark men were not assholes. They weren’t childish, they weren’t selfish, they were supposed to be honorable in every way.

But here he is, leaning against his ex-girlfriend’s door, still in love with her, full of regret for ever breaking things off. He hadn’t even explained himself. He wanted to-he’d tried that day, but you stormed out, tears that he’d caused flowing down your cheeks. 

Then he felt the door shift, and you stood there, wrapped in the same blanket, eyes red as you stared up at him.

Gods, all he wanted to do was tell you he loved you, that he needed you, that you made him feel whole.

“I don’t have any fight left in me Cregan. It’s been months, why can’t you just leave me alone.” 

“Because I love you.” you sighed, shaking your head “no you don’t. If you loved me you wouldn’t have left me.” 

Sure you might’ve been being dramatic, but truthfully, you’d been heartbroken for months, following your breakup you’d lost ten pounds in two weeks. You’d never felt worse, and now, you were starting to feel alright, but it was no secret that there had been many nights full of tears, hugging a sweatshirt that you’d never washed, hoping to preserve the smell of his cologne.

“Can you just fucking listen to me for five minutes, please, I’ve been trying to talk to you for so long, just please-let me talk to you” you shrugged.

“Why?” he blinked a few times, taking a deep breath, running a hand through his hair-hair that you used to always touch, forcing him to sit between your thighs while you braid his hair, laughing when he’d complain, or when he’d do poses for you after you’d finished.

“I love you, I’ve never stopped loving you, I go to sleep at night and my dreams are filled with you, your smile, your laugh, even your fucking frowns. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything. My heart fucking yearns for you. I can still feel the way you used to hold me, the way your breath felt against my neck, Gods, I think about you 24/7! I think about everything that I did, the way that I screwed up-I screwed us up. I love you! I’ll scream it from the fucking rooftops if that’s what you want!” 

You didn’t bother wiping away your tears, instead you stepped aside, leaving room for him to come in.

“You want to talk then talk.”

Then he walked inside, and shut the door the same way he used to. 

It truly was muscle memory, the way he walked to the couch and sat down in the same spot he was always in, then he waited for you.

He watched as you slowly sat next to him, still wrapped in a blanket like a sad burrito-Gods he spent too much time around Aegon. He didn’t hesitate to wipe the tears from under one of your eyes with his thumb, repeating the action on the other cheek.

“I didn’t want to break up with you. I never wanted to break up with you. My father’s-well he’s sick at home, I was going to leave, go back to Winterfell to take care of him, to take care of everyone. I just-I didn’t want you to be alone here, and I didn’t want to be your long distance boyfriend that you only ever see on fucking facetime. I just-I couldn’t do it.” 

You were silent, watching as he broke slightly, his voice cracking at the mention of his father, then at the mention of you being alone. 

It was no secret that Cregan and his father were close, you’d met Rickon Stark twice, and each time he’d embraced you with open arms and a warm heart. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he shrugged.

“Because, I’m supposed to be strong, I’m supposed to know my duty to my family, I’m supposed to be there for them, and it was hard-hard to say that I had to leave you for an unknown amount of time. I didn’t want to, I didn’t want to go a day without seeing you, you make me crazy in the best way, even now, whenever I see you on campus my heart practically flies out of my chest. Seeing you at my games, you’re like a ghost haunting me.” 

You slowly nodded, listening to him, watching the way he’d blink away his tears, the way his brows would furrow and jaw would clench slightly. 

“My dad’s the one who told me to stay. Told me not to throw my future away, that he’d be alright, y’know he’s a fighter-always has been. Told me to get my girl back-” he let out a small chuckle, the laugh laced in sadness “-but I think she doesn’t want me back. I went back up after we split up, just for a week, and he told me I was an idiot to leave it all behind. A full ride to Uni if I kept playing hockey? The girl of my dreams? Called me a bloke before he told me that he’s okay, he’s not letting go anytime soon” 

Cregan hadn’t been looking at you, he was focused on his hands, fists clenching slightly as he tried to swallow his own emotions. He hadn’t noticed the way that you’d been inching closer, not until your arms were wrapped around him, head leaning against his shoulder.

“You could’ve just told me from the beginning. I would’ve been your facetime girlfriend y’know? Would’ve figured out a way up there”

The familiarity of it all was what made him break, a small sob leaving his lips while you held him. It didn’t take long for you to shove him further into the couch and climb into his lap, the same way you used to when all you wanted to do was be as close to him as possible.

You held him, sat atop one of his thighs, arms wrapped around his shoulders while he cried into your shoulder. His arms gripping your waist, holding you against him. 

This is what should’ve happened all those months ago.

“I’m sorry for being a bitch” he laughed at that, and you felt his small smile. Meanwhile you ran a hand through his hair, fingers dancing through the dark locks before slowly running against his scalp. Your other hand traced small circles against his shoulder blade, you missed this.

You missed him.

“You weren’t a bitch-I probably deserved that.” you scoffed, moving back slightly, now holding eye contact with him as you brushed his tears away. “I was a bitch, I was the biggest bitch ever.”

He smiled, shaking his head “She really did come onto me. I did push her off-” you shushed him “I know. I believe you, I just-I dunno. I was hurt, then I saw that and it just stayed with me. I figured you dumped me for someone else, someone better-” he cut you off with a kiss.

It was so gentle, so soft, so sweet. Then he pulled away “there’s no one better than you for me. I’m sorry I wasn’t honest. I just-I didn’t want to look weak and I didn’t want to leave you and-” you shushed him again, this time holding a hand against his mouth.

“Shut the fuck up Cregan Stark.” Your tone was light hearted as you shook your head “You’re not weak for having emotions, and you aren’t weak for wanting to care for those that you love. Don’t be stupid, we’ve both been stupid enough.” he nodded his head, then you slid her hand down, now caressing his face, your thumb lightly pulling on his bottom lip.

“I missed you” you smiled, a small giggle leaving your lips.

“Based on the way you stare, I could tell” he rolled his eyes “gotta commit your beauty to memory somehow” you slightly shoved his shoulder “you cornball!” 

“I missed you too loverboy”

Then you kissed him again, a slow, passionate kiss full of emotions, smiles, and even a few giggles. He then slid his hands under your sweatshirt, and you quickly pulled apart, letting him take it off, leaving you in just your bralette, then his lips were on yours again.

Before anything else could happen the front door swung open, startling you both, leading to Cregan’s grip against you tightening, meanwhile Aegon and Jace both hit the floor, while Luke stood there awkwardly, Rhaena shook her head, and Baela looked as if she was being held back by Benji. Meanwhile Helaena and Aemond were nowhere to be seen.

At least until they moved closer to the doorway, both of them shaking their heads and muttering “fucking Aegon” in unison.

“I told you guys it would work! Look at them! Kissing and close!” Aegon still spoke, even from the floor while Jace was on top of him. Then Jace slowly rolled off, letting out an ‘oof’. 

“Were you all eavesdropping?” Aegon blinked a few times at your question, glancing back at everyone else. Then you noticed the flush on Luke’s face and Rhaena’s awkward expression. Plus Jace was nodding his head. 

“Why did the Gods make him our brother?” Aemond shook his head “I truly do not know.” 

“So are you two back together now?” 

You sighed, standing up and grasping Cregan’s hand, pulling him towards your bedroom.

Cregan glanced back, still laughing at the scene “yes. Now please, fuck off mate”

With that you pulled him into your room and locked the door.

“They’re all the worst” he nodded his head at you, he’d expected you to pull him into your bed, however you walked towards your desk, rummaging through the different drawers until you found something. 

You glanced at him “can you help me with this”, while holding up the necklace.

“I’d be honored” you rolled your eyes, a bright smile on your face while he walked over, taking the necklace then as gently as possible, clasping it around your neck. Then he left a line of open mouthed kisses from below your right ear, to the edge of your shoulder. 

“I love you” his voice was soft, a whisper, almost as if it was a secret shared between the both of you.

You smiled, spinning around, one hand now on his face, the other on the back of his neck, fingers tracing circles through his hair. “I love you too”

-

Taglist:

Girl it dont exist LMAO

[cobaltperun]

The Catalyst (3) - Monster

WandaNat x Female Reader

Chapter summary: The tensions keep rising and the first actual danger makes you act in a way you didn't think you ever would act again.

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Masterlist / First Part / Previous Part / Next Part

Word Count: 4.5k

-I feel it deep within, it's just beneath the skin I must confess that I feel like a monster-

Seething, you headed for the lab where Banner and Stark were working on finding the Cube, still very much affected by what Loki did to Natasha. And it annoyed you. It proved a fact you’ve been trying to ignore ever since you saw her for the first time in three years. That, as angry as you were, you still cared and you didn’t want anything bad to happen to her.

“L/N,” you saw her and Thor coming from the other hall, heading in the same direction as you were. Bringing Thor with her was smart, Loki wanted to turn Banner against you and if he succeeded you’d need someone as strong as Thor.

Words ‘are you okay’ got stuck in your throat and you just nodded, refusing to meet her eyes. You weren’t even sure she knew you’ve seen what happened. Fury knew, but that never meant everyone else involved knew. But no, she wasn’t okay, she was distraught, no matter how well she was hiding it.

In the end the decision was made for you. Even if you wanted to tell her anything you were already close enough to the lab to hear the guys arguing.

You went in, followed by Natasha and Thor, only to be met with the sight you frankly should have expected. A high-tech weapon, a firearm somewhat resembling a shotgun, right there on the table. You shouldn’t have been surprised, this was S.H.I.E.L.D. after all, the same people who developed mutant depowering serum, then strengthened it, made it last longer and finally turned that into gas and went after the X-Men. Now only a handful of the team remained, and they were scattered, spending their days in hiding. Perhaps you would have been one of the targets if you didn’t already leave the organization. That was a question you refused to entertain, you had enough gripes with S.H.I.E.L.D. as it was, you didn’t need those what ifs.

“Did you know about this?” Banner asked Natasha as you looked at Fury. He was dangerous, willing to do anything if he believed it was necessary.

“You wanna think about removing yourself from this environment, doctor?” Natasha suggested, setting her priorities straight, Banner could not lose control.

Banner laughed in disbelief. “I was in Calcutta, I was pretty well removed,” he reminded her, hints of his anger slipping through the cracks of his composure and putting damn near everyone on edge.

“Loki’s manipulating you,” Natasha warned him, tried to make him see reason and you were reminded of her conversation with Loki, how he got under her skin. Banner, with his fears and insecurities, was an easy target, one Loki didn’t even need to directly speak to.

“And you’ve been doing what exactly?” he challenged her, seeing right through her and Fury’s manipulations.

Against all the logic of self-perseverance you spoke up. “Fair point,” you had to agree, and you saw her hand twitch ever so slightly. Normally you weren’t all that eager to raise the tensions, but you couldn’t help yourself. You just spoke without thinking it through first.

Natasha ignored your quip and instead focused solely on Banner and deescalating the situation. “You didn’t come here because I bat my eyelashes at you.”

“Yes, and I’m not leaving because suddenly you get a little twitchy,” he then turned the screen and pointed at the schematics for missiles. “I’d like to know why S.H.I.E.L.D. is using the Tesseract to build weapons of mass destruction.”

Everything became silent for a few moments, before Fury relented. “Because of him,” he said while pointed at Thor.

“Me?” you could hear confusion in Thor’s voice, hell, there was even a hint of hurt there.

“Last year Earth had a visitor from another planet who had a grudge match that leveled a small town. We learned that not only are we not alone, but we are hopelessly, hilariously, out-gunned,” Fury argued his case, and you’ve read the reports, you’ve seen from a relative distance what Hulk fighting that other monster looked like. As it was, S.H.I.E.L.D. was truly hilariously out-gunned.

“My people want nothing but peace with your planet,” Thor stated confidently.

You laughed at that, catching the man’s attention. “I’m sorry, isn’t one of your people the reason why we’re all here?”

Thor opened his mouth to respond, but Fury spoke up before Thor could utter a single word. “And, you’re not the only threat. The world’s filling up with people who can’t be matched, they can’t be controlled,” the fact that you actually sort of fueled Fury’s argument made you want to take it back.

You turned to glare and pointed your finger at Fury. “Oh, don’t you go playing a saint here, not when you turn on your own people,” you accused him.

“Controlled? You mean like you controlled the cube?” Rogers demanded fiercely, angered by the reckless actions Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. took.

“Yeah, that’s his M.O., he tries to control people and when they don’t let him, he turns on them. How long until you turn on your precious Avengers? Hm?” you asked, getting in Fury’s face, you could see a spark of anger in his eye, which only made you angrier that he even felt like he had the right to get angry.

“You are making this personal, agent L/N, it’s clouding your judgment,” you had to admit he had balls to say that when you could turn him into a pile of ash.

“You leave her to die, and you expect her to fight for you? I’m a narcissist, but you developed a brand new level of entitled,” Stark walked up to you and shoved a bag between you and Fury. “Blueberries?” he offered so casually you almost forgot about how serious this situation was.

It was like Stark’s whole demeanor brought at least a hint of clarity to your mind, reminding you that fighting Fury just wasn’t worth it. But then there was Stark. You observed him for a moment before taking a few. “Thanks,” at the end of the day there was no harm in the slight distraction. And come on, you were offered blueberries.

“I expect all of you to fight for this world!” Fury declared and you could tell he was getting frustrated over all of this. The team he was trying to gather was falling apart right in front of his eyes.

“But only under your terms,” you countered and when Stark offered you more blueberries you went and took them. “You don’t want a team, you want puppets to do your bidding,” at least the blueberries were good.

“This is bigger than all of your individual egos and grudges,” Natasha joined in, recognizing that Fury was losing his patience.

And you suddenly got a foul taste in your mouth that not even the blueberries could fix and what little clarity you regained was once more enveloped in fog of reckless anger. Of all the people to throw that at you it had to be her. “Yeah, you just keep on following orders,” you snapped at her and watched as she opened her mouth and then changed her mind, choosing to instead just look away.

“You brought this on yourselves. Your work with the Tesseract is what drew Loki to it, and his allies. It is the signal to all the realms that the Earth is ready for a higher form of war,” Thor tried to focus the conversation back on what was important.

“A higher form?!” Rogers demanded, alarmed at the idea. And he wasn’t even around to see the worst of what the Second World War brought.

“Sure, that’s exactly how war works. They’ll wait for us to get ready,” Natasha countered sarcastically and took a few steps back, trying to remove herself from the arguments, especially if it meant arguing with you even more.

Fury turned to Thor in disbelief. “You forced our hand! We had to come up with some-“

“Nuclear deterrent! ’Cause that always calms everything right down,” Stark was having none of it and was more than eager to call Fury out on his bullshit excuses.

“Remind me again how you made your fortune, Stark?” somewhere deep down you had to admit you were enjoying watching Fury have a meltdown as he turned his full attention toward Stark. Even if the meltdown wasn’t nearly as dramatic as you hoped it would be.

“At least he was open about it,” you countered. You’ve kept up with the news, you knew Stark shut down weapon manufacturing and turned his attention elsewhere. And you respected that, but more importantly you were really pissed at Fury for making a jab at something Stark once did when Fury himself had plenty of things to own up to.

“I’m sure if he still made weapons, Stark would be neck deep-“ Rogers argued back with a hell of a low blow.

“Wait- Wait! Hold on! How is this now about me?” Stark had no intention of backing down, especially when it was clear Fury was diverting the attention away from his own bullshit.

“I’m sorry, isn’t everything?” and Rogers, like the model soldier that he was, was unknowingly doing exactly what Fury wanted.

“This wasn’t until you brought it up,” you turned away, very tempted to leave. Not just this conversation, but helicarrier in general. Loki was captured, as far as you were concerned the job was completed.

“I thought humans were more evolved than this,” oh, that was rich coming from a guy most humans considered a myth and some still worshiped to this day. The same guy that less than a minute ago talked about the Earth sending a signal that it was ready for higher forms of war.

“Excuse me, did we come to your planet and blow stuff up?” Fury, who had clearly given up on using Stark as a decoy to take the heat, turned to Thor yet again.

Thor seemed disgusted. “You treat your champions with such mistrust,” he nearly spat.

“You’re not my champions!” Fury exclaimed, and though everyone was standing around it felt like even the slightest push might cause a fight.

“For once we agree. I am not his champion,” you actually felt a tiny bit sick for agreeing with Fury in any way.

“Are you going to argue with everyone here?” Rogers asked you and you could see his confusion over all of this. Your reaction, your anger, it confused him, and you weren’t even going to consider explaining yourself to him.

“I’ll do whatever the fuck I want,” you shrugged at this point just going along with the chaos. It was frustrating, but it also kind of felt good to let it all out.

“And you should! Let the woman talk, she has more gripes with the super spies than any of us do,” Stark took your side, and you looked at him, not quite sure how to read him just yet. “Also, hasn’t argued with me or Banner yet,” he pointed out matter-of-factly.

“I’ve still got time,” you were actually joking. So far you had no reason to argue with Stark or Banner.

“Bring it,” Stark offered you more blueberries and well, you just took another handful.

“And lose blueberry privilege? No thanks,” you popped the blueberries into your mouth and honestly considered getting a bag or two, or five, after this was over.

“Knew you were smart,” he tapped you on the shoulder with the back of his hand.

“Can you two focus for once or does everything have to be about you?” Rogers demanded in disbelief.

You swallowed and then let out an exasperated sigh. “Oh no, the world is ending because we ate blueberries instead of losing our minds,” you rolled your eyes and Rogers just stared at you, speechless.

But none of this was a conversation anymore, it was just a group of people yelling at one another over one thing or another. You weren’t getting anywhere like this, and chances were things wouldn’t get better anytime soon.

“You speak of control, yet you court chaos!” Thor accused Fury, and for what it was worth it, you agreed.

“It’s his M.O., isn’t it? I mean, what are we, a team? No, no, no. We’re a chemical mixture that makes chaos. We’re a time bomb,” Banner caught Fury’s attention after a while and it was like Banner’s presence in the conversation shut down any other arguments as all the attention turned to him.

“You need to step away,” Fury warned him, realizing that whatever this argument brought, it could, under no circumstance make Banner angry, or there would be consequences.

“Why shouldn’t the guy let off a little steam?” Stark asked curiously as he placed his hand on Rogers’ shoulder.

“You know damn well why! Back off!” Rogers pushed his hand away and glared at him.

“Oh, I’m starting to want you to make me,” and Stark was back at it again with Rogers. It was the clash of the opposites in every way imaginable. Red against blue, armor against whatever Rogers was wearing, and the clash of their ideals was even more apparent.

Rogers circled around Stark and glared at him. “Yeah, big man in a suit of armor. Take that off, what are you?” there was even some contempt in Rogers’ voice.

And Stark didn’t immediately glare back, he wasn’t even looking at Rogers. “Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist,” he only looked at Rogers by the end of the sentence.

“I know guys with none of that worth ten of you. I’ve seen the footage. The only thing you really fight for is yourself,” scratch contempt, this was disdain, he looked at Stark and reached his conclusion about the man. And it wasn’t a positive one. “You’re not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you,” and Rogers was completely sure of that.

“I think I would just cut the wire.” Stark shrugged, seeing no reason to be so dramatic if there was another way to solve the problem.

“Sacrifice play, how noble,” you scoffed, sick and tired of those ideas. Rogers already sacrificed himself once, nearly losing his life. In a way losing his life, since he woke up in an entirely different world. Yet he haven’t had enough, he was ready to do it all over again. Noble, but stupid ideal, as far as you were concerned.

“Always a way out. You were an agent, you accepted the risks,” Rogers turned to you, disappointed for whatever reason.

“Yeah, is that what I did? You know me so well, Rogers,” you mocked. There was a difference between the two of you. He chose to sacrifice himself; you were left to die an unnecessary death.

“You know, the two of you may not be a threat, but you better stop pretending to be heroes,” he warned you and Stark, which was kind of funny to you because you certainly never even thought of yourself as a hero.

“A hero? Like you? You’re a laboratory experiment, Rogers. Everything special about you came out of a bottle,” yeah, there was definitely something a lot deeper underneath those words, but you had neither the information nor the will to dig into it.

“Put on the suit, let’s go a few rounds,” Rogers challenged, finally saying the words that were probably on his mind since Stark chose to go after Thor and Loki on his own.

“What, super soldier serum didn’t boost your brain?” you smirked a bit, taunting Rogers for pretty much losing the argument.

“You people are so petty, and tiny,” Thor scolded you all like that would do anything.

“Yeah, this is a team,” you looked down to see if the sarcasm dripping from Banner’s voice was causing a flood.

“Agent Romanoff, would you escort Dr. Banner back to his-“ Fury began but Banner cut him off.

“Where? You rented my room!” he reminded him and you all suddenly stopped arguing, focusing entirely on Banner. He was getting angry and that was making some of you nervous.

“The cell was just-“ Fury tried to calm him down but there was no going back now.

“In case you needed to kill me, but you can’t. I know. I tried!” if the arguments didn’t stop before now they were absolutely done for as you all listened to him. “I got low. I didn’t see an end, so I put a bullet in my mouth and the other guy spit it out. So, I moved on, I focused on helping other people. I was good,” he lamented over the stable environment he had. “Until you dragged me back into this freak show and put everyone here at risk,” he turned to Natasha and despite all the anger, despite all the things she did, you still got worried. “You wanna know my secret, Agent Romanoff? You wanna know how I stay calm?” he asked

You moved closer to Banner and reached up for your glaive, ready just in case. Natasha and Fury reached for their guns.

“Doctor Banner, put down the scepter,” Rogers told him, and Banner looked down to his left, confused and surprised to see the scepter in his hand.

Suddenly there was a beeping sound coming from one of the monitors and you looked back, seeing that the Tesseract was found. You let out a sigh of relief, it was finally over. Well, not quite because Thor still argued about where the Tesseract should be taken and Stark and Rogers were once again arguing. But then it happened, an explosion caught you all by surprise and sent you flying to the back of the lab while everyone else scattered. Stark and Rogers ended up near the entrance, Fury and Thor fell behind a table and from what you saw when the explosion happened Natasha and Banner dropped down to the equipment room.

You turned onto your back and stared at the ceiling. You were going to let them handle whatever that was on their own. Rogers was right, you weren’t a hero. You never were, and you weren’t about to start acting like one.

~X~

The explosion took her by surprise and now she was paying the price for her carelessness. A large steel pipe pinned her leg down and if it wasn’t for her super soldier serum her leg probably would have been broken. Natasha still groaned, the pain wasn’t the worst, but it was definitely there. She looked above her, toward the hole her and Banner fell through and wondered what happened to you. It was an explosion, and though it was a strong one it probably wouldn’t affect you much. She was still worried, she just couldn’t help herself, even if it truly seemed like it was too late for those sentiments.

It was kind of ironic. The last time you were on a mission together your positions were reversed, with you falling and getting hurt, only your injury could have been fatal. For her this would be a temporary annoyance some pain killers would handle. But it was dark, and she was hurt, and Banner was close to her, and she thought that you must have felt something like this back then as well. Only much worse because you were dying and she left you there.

“Romanoff!” she heard Fury’s voice over the earpiece and tried to pull her leg free. She still couldn’t do it, but she was getting there. What worried her was Banner; he didn’t seem like he was fine.

“Okay!” she replied to Fury, not even sure if she was telling the truth. Banner probably landed hard and was now in pain, which definitely wasn’t good for her. She watched him closely, noticing his eyes turning green and his face twisting in rage and desperation. “We’re okay, right?” she whispered fearfully.

Banner’s body seemed to be changing bit by bit and that sent panic through Natasha’s body as she struggled harder to pull her leg from underneath the pipe. He was groaning, clenching his fists like he was trying to suppress the Hulk, but it was all too much. Being pulled away from somewhere he felt relatively safe, pulled right back into this crisis, manipulated, and now in pain, it was a miracle he didn’t snap much sooner. But she still hoped she could calm him down. “Doctor? Bruce?” she tried to call out to him, to establish at least some slight connection between them by calling him by his name. “You gotta fight it. This is just what Loki wants. We’re gonna be okay,” she tried to assure him. “Listen to me,” she had to get him to listen.

She heard footsteps and she cursed internally. Regular agents would be torn apart if Banner transformed. “You hurt?” one of them asked her and she quickly waved them away. The further from all of this they were, the better.

“We’re gonna be okay. Right? I swear on my life I will get you out of this, you will walk away, and never ever-“ she tried her best, her voice shook from pain and fear and pure panic, and all she thought about was that she didn’t even get to try and save Clint, and that she never even tried to apologize to you for what she did. And now, with Banner about to transform there was a good chance she’d never get the chance to do either of these two things.

“Your life?” he growls, mocking her oath bitterly and she couldn’t blame him. Not after everything. Understanding him didn’t help her one bit though, not when she saw him transforming. She watched in utter horror as he grew larger, his shirt tearing as he did his best to get as far from her as possible. He did  not want to hurt her, but there was no way to keep her safe here.

The lights went out for a moment and she fearfully called out to him again. “Bruce?” some of the lights flickered back on just enough for her to see her nightmare became a reality. She was no longer looking at Bruce Banner, but rather at the Hulk. The desperation made her pull her leg out from underneath the pipe just as the Hulk looked at her. Their eyes met just for a moment, and she saw exactly what his intentions were. He was going to hurt her.

He was going to make her pay for manipulating him. For bringing him here. For being close to him in this very moment. And she ran as fast as she could, hoping to somehow escape him as he roared.

~X~

You still didn’t get up. You weren’t going to. As far as you were concerned if the helicarrier fell, then let it fall. This was probably Clint’s doing, but you weren’t eager to go after him either. You could do it for Natasha, but that felt like a rather unnecessary thing to do. Suddenly, you heard a roar, and it wasn’t human, it wasn’t even a beastly roar, it was something much, much different from either of those two and a shiver ran down your spine.

“Natasha!” you gasped, realizing that the roar came from the Hulk, and that she was beneath you with him.

It was pure instinct that drove you, caused by the good times you spent together, caused by the idea that, as angry at her as you were you didn’t want her dead. The idea of Natasha being killed by the Hulk terrified you as you burst into flames and the ribbons of fire and lightning attached themselves to your wrists. They were long, nearly ten feet long in fact, and they flowed behind you as you jumped down the hole to where Natasha fell.

You landed easily once you slowed your fall down with some fire bursting from your feet. You looked around, noticing the destruction all around you. The Hulk wrecked the place, that much was clear but there was no Natasha in sight, so hoping she was still alive, you rushed after the Hulk and listened for more roars, which were luckily happening quite often. You jumped onto the pipes and ran, hoping you would spot Natasha easier if you were a bit higher from the ground.

You heard the sound of running and went in that direction just in time to see the Hulk running through everything like it wasn’t even there. He didn’t slow down even after he ran through some steel pipes. And Natasha was right in front of him, running for her life with him coming closer and closer with every second.

You didn’t even consider staying out of this, just fleeing and making sure you were safe. You just moved. You jumped from the pipe, enhancing your speed with lightning and sent a powerful lightning strike right at the back of his head. The Hulk stopped for a moment, roaring in anger at you slowing him down. But that was just enough time to zap right past him and grab Natasha and get her off the narrow walkway and into a wider area where you could both maneuver more easily.

“Why the- Y/N why would you do that?” she gasped and leaned back against the wall. You noticed her legs were shaking.

You ignored her as the Hulk roared at you. You didn’t think, you didn’t panic, you knew if you made one mistake you’d be killed. The only way out was to try and buy enough time for someone else to jump in and help you. “Let’s see if I can actually fry your brain,” you got ready as the Hulk lunged at you.

The time seemed to slow down as you realized just how much you fucked up with this choice. What were you thinking? Putting yourself in the Hulk’s path? The truth was you didn’t think. You just knew Natasha was in danger and that was all you needed to know to act.

“NO!” Natasha cried out, but before the Hulk could reach you, or before you could even do anything, Thor flew right into the Hulk and sent him through multiple walls.

You took a few steps back, knowing full well this would have been your end if it wasn’t for Thor. You were a mutant, with highly destructive powers, but the Hulk was the Hulk, and there was no way for you to come out on top. And most importantly, this wasn’t the place where you could go all out, especially with Natasha this close to you.

“Y/N,” Natasha’s shaky voice brought you out of your thoughts and you turned to look at her, not yet sure of what would come out of this situation.

A/N: And that's the third chapter. I think I'll be done with The Avengers part of the story in the next chapter or two, depending on how much detail I put into the fight scenes. Either way I'm happy with how this story is going and thank you all for the support! Also... I need Wanda to show up already. All the good things I have planned need her to be here as well 🤣🤣🤣

Taglist: @toxicitytiger @wandaromamoff69 @womenarehotsstuff @psychickryptonitebouquet @seventeen-x @maddsdotorg @arualdcg @ilovemybabygirlmoon @redroomgraduate @canyonyodeler

Masterlist / First Part / Previous Part / Next Part

[kiame-sama]

Humans Are Extinct (Yandere!TWST x Fem!Reader) Monster AU pt 15

(Painting done by @Sugar-sprinkles Thank you again for the fan art, I love it!)

Warnings; nightmares, comfort after nightmares, communal grooming, blood for the blood gods attitude, grudges, breakfast, let him cook, new technology, Dragon, Vampire Bat, Raiju, Cervitaur, Hellcat, Shinigami, Gnoll,

~~~~~~~~

The pleasant electric purple sky swirled above you, rolling with fluffy clouds of shadows bathed in pastels. Green fireflies surrounding you as you lay back on a vast blanket in some forgotten field that faced the setting sun at a wonderful angle to view. Delicate glass flowers swayed, the surface of the glass moving organically as if they were fluid.

Around you countless colors gleamed in the gentle light and warm rays of the red sun set. A soft warm breeze skated across your skin despite the fading light and lowering temperature heralding the arrival of night. Stars dotted in the darkening sky and you noticed the various colors they all seemed to have. Beautiful poisonous purples, handsome prideful golds, rosey blood reds, pearly selfish whites, royal electric greens, intelligent underworld blues, cunning clueless maroons. They danced and moved above you the same way the fireflies leaped around and hummed.

You know better than to be alone.

What?

Where's Malleus?

He didn't seem to be lying with you, or any of the hoard for that matter. Actually, where was everyone? You were well and truly alone in a field. This isn't your home. None of this is familiar.

The stars faded away suddenly, one by one flickering out of sight as the light of the sun faded to darkness. The woods on the edge of the field seemed so much closer now, whispering and moving shadows among the trees with glowing eyes that stared.

Only the light of the fireflies remained, eyes glowing a reflective green in the dark. A snarling growl splits the air followed by a howl from behind you. All around there is barks and flashes of teeth in the dark.

They drew closer as the fireflies dimmed. Your heart seizing as the light seemed to keep them at bay.

'Wait!'

Your voice was soundless as you tried to call to the fireflies to stay, trying to scream but unable to.

'Come back!'

The lights dimmed further as the Wolves circled round and gnashed their teeth. The largest and more scar covered one lunged as the fireflies went out.

All you heard was Grim crying out your name.

~•§•~

Eyes snapped open as you startled awake, a familiar pair of green eyes observing as you awoke. Malleus was watching you with a worried gaze in the dark room, his thin brows drawn together in concern as you somewhat struggled upon waking. You had been sharing a blanket with the Dragon when you fell asleep, so naturally it was the Dragon who woke you.

"You're safe, my Child of Man. It was just a dream."

You didn't realize you were crying until he used his thumb to wipe away your tears. In your chest, your heart beat frantically as you tried to understand where you were and what happened. Slowly you realized that you were safe in the nest with Malleus by your side. Lilia sat awake and watched you with a concerned gaze, his eyes fixed on how disoriented you were.

"Just a dream."

As you calmed somewhat from your fear, you were still disoriented from your nightmare and another almost irrational concern overcame you.

"Why do you never call me by my name?"

"What?"

"My name. You never say my name. Why do you hate it?"

"I don't-"

"Then why?"

Malleus seemed caught off guard by your sudden sensitivity to his usual way of addressing you, trying to calm you once more. When you didn't calm down and only teared up again he worriedly pulled you close to him, laying his wing over you and holding you against his chest. His tail curled over your side and held you close to the Dragon.

"I apologize, my- (Y/n). I didn't know it upset you."

His dark lips pressed against your forehead and the Dragon held you in place against his chest, "I won't call you 'Child of Man' again. I will only call you by your name."

"So you don't hate my name?"

"No. I don't hate your name."

Though Malleus was vaguely concerned how upset you were over what- to him- was an irrational worry of yours, he was content to soothe you. Whatever you had been dreaming about clearly upset you to your core and it fueled your almost hazed perception from interrupted rest. The Dragon was a decent enough source of comfort to you and it helped pull you back into the realm of sleep.

As you lay in his arms and slowly calmed, your eyes started to close again as your heart soothed to a soft lull in your chest. Malleus used his own magic to pull you faster into the arms of pleasant dreams, but you still mumbled out your concerns to the bemused Dragon.

"You don't hate me, right?"

"I don't think I could ever hate you, (Y/n)."

"And you won't leave me to those Wolves?"

"What Wolves?"

"The ones in my sleep... The ones that chase me when the fireflies go out."

Malleus paused, vaguely upset that you had clearly been having nightmares. It hurt him to know the Poachers that attacked you stalked you in your sleep. He could remove them from life, but to remove them from your dreams would be harder. Luckily for you, Malleus was adept at manipulating dreams.

"I won't let them get you. I promise."

You hummed, mostly back into that in-between state of awareness, your mind slowly slipping off into slumber. A faint green light met your eyelids as you fully succumbed back into rest, dreams now of a far more peaceful nature. The great Dragon remained by your side, in your dreams and out of them as he marveled at the soft feel of your figure laying in his embrace.

His greatest treasure.

"Malleus."

"Yes, Lilia?"

"You asked why I wasn't displeased you chose a short lived creature as your desired mate. That is because she doesn't have to live such a short life if you are willing to extend it. So long as you protect her, she can live as long as you do, and never succumb to age."

"How?"

"Let me teach you a valuable lesson, as it had been taught to me by your grandmother. Only a dragon can truly perfect it, but it means neither of us have to live in worry of her age taking her away."

~•§•~

You woke again with the usual hoard among you, Malleus still holding his position next to you and your nightmare long forgotten. It seemed to you that he was being more protective than usual and you worried for your own peace. The Dragon's behavior towards you was much more stringent due to your injury and your repeated exacerbation of that injury. He was now ensuring you healed, going as far as insisting on accompanying you, Silver, and Ortho for the day to make certain you didn't stand without help.

Luckily, you weren't going to classes today because it was the day the various representatives and scientists arrived to evaluate your wellbeing. The threat of being taken from your established norm in this world of madness unsettled you. Honestly, you had worked hard to create a sense of normalcy quite quickly given the circumstances and still you had very little time to relax without threat. Maybe today would be a good test of the bonds you had made.

Truth was, you were angry and upset and just trying to survive in a world built against you. Cater was a damned idiot for revealing you were at NRC and you paid the price for his lack of awareness and discretion. Leona threatened you and you knew even then that you didn't stand a genuine chance if you lashed out. You held your anger in well but you wanted to yell and snap at the tactless men around you that invited themselves into your space.

Even with all that rage, the brush with the Poachers taught you something important. As it was right now, you didn't stand a chance on your own in this world of beasts. In the beginning it felt like the Dragon took you in far too quickly, the rest in the Hoard following suit. The more time you spend among them the more you began to realize everyone in this world acted this way. This was normal to them. The strongest chose who they wanted and the others just had to accept it.

If there was a chance you could escape this world, it would be where you fell into it in the first place. You couldn't tell any of the monster men, however. Knowing what could await the Humans back in your world if the monsters ever knew how to get to them, it was better to try and slip away without any of them knowing. You figured your way home was probably linked to the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors was only in Night Raven College, however. If you got taken away, you would never have the chance to return home.

Malleus swore to help you relax before you were to meet the monsters that no doubt wanted to study you like a lab-rat. If Idia was right, one of them wanted to kill you as well. Your only chance in this world was to ensure the monsters that were fond of you stayed fond of you. That didn't seem too difficult a task, but that meant you needed to ensure you kept your temper contained so that safety net did not abandon you. On top of your health and safety, there was the health and safety of Grim. He needed your protection and you needed the protection of the monster men.

At least you made considerably strong allies. Two of the strongest in the world were enamored by you- one seeming more parental in his affections than the other- their associated allies would follow suit. You could bargain for more personal space later, for now you simply needed to cement yourself in place and keep those representatives from trying to take you. By all means, you were fighting for your chance to return to your true home and the simple chance to live where you could mostly trust those around you.

As the sun rose, the warm scent of breakfast foods caught your attention. No doubt the only other one capable of cooking- Papa Hades- was already up and making a meal to feed the many who seemed to now permanently live in your dorm with you. It was a relief to not have to be the one cooking and you were fairly content with allowing the Shinigami to cook for you.

Grim had moved from his usual spot atop Silver's back and had managed to squeeze into your arms, cuddled close to you. Maybe he also had a bad dream and sought out comfort from the one he saw as a parent. It was odd to you to have more information about the Hellcat, yet no actual answers to the questions you still held onto. If anything, at least you knew what Grim was and you were willing to bring him with you if you ever found a way back to your home. There was no way you would leave the kit alone in such a dangerous world.

Lilia was next to rouse as he stretched his wings, limbs extended as he yawned and his pink tongue flashed across his bat-nose. When he saw you were awake as well, he smiled and crawled through the nest to your side. He was quick to flop down next to you and gently lay a wing over your body. There was something comforting about the loose affectionate hold as the Vampire Bat hummed contently.

"Morning, (Y/n)."

The Bat almost purred his greeting, clearly happy to have any interaction with you. You absently reached up a hand, petting the soft hair of the Bat as he smiled and cuddled closer. He leaned into your touch as if your petting was akin to a massage.

"Aww, grooming me back? That's so sweet of you, (Y/n)."

"What?"

"Keeheehee, nothing, (Y/n). Be careful who you pet, some may take it as grooming, some may take it as flirting."

You almost wanted to stop petting the Bat when he said this, wondering which way he took the gentle affection. Given the fact he told you and gave warning, you figured he was in the grooming category. Especially when you recalled that he was always keen to participate in communal grooming with the other Hoard members.

"Is petting a part of grooming to you?"

"Yes, most take petting as grooming, which is a very social behavior. It's a good way you can show others you care about them. Be careful though, Harpies can take preening as a sign of romantic intentions. Both Silver and Sebek are quite fond of it, as is Malleus. I, clearly, like it a lot."

"So, you're saying I should pet the others in the Hoard to show them I'm thankful for them?"

"It certainly wouldn't be amiss. I'm sure Malleus would appreciate it quite a bit, he is fond of you, after all."

You turned from Lilia to Malleus who was still in deep sleep next to you. It seems unwise to startle the Dragon, but a very persistent part of you encouraged and pushed you to reach your hand up to rest atop the Dragon's head. When he didn't immediately wake at your touch you slowly began to pet his silky black hair, a soft almost purring noise slowly coming from Malleus as he began to rouse. One green eye opened to observe you gently petting his hair and the slightest of smiles pulled at the corner of his lips.

"Good morning, my (Y/n). Hopefully your sleep was more pleasant this time around?"

"No more nightmares, at least."

"Good. Were you waiting long for me to wake?"

"No, I woke up a bit ago. I think Silver and Sebek are still asleep though."

Malleus glanced to the other side of the nest, where Silver slept atop a pile of pillows, Sebek leaning his back up against the Cervitaur. Grim woke to your soft voices, yawning and stretching out his little paws and wings with a light purr. Almost as soon as he opened his eyes, you could hear his stomach growling.

"Hooman, is it breakfast time yet?"

"Yes, I think it is. Smells like it is, at least."

This made the little Hellcat stand up quickly, his tail lashing in excitement as he pulled at your fingers to try and get you up as well. Your laugh in response to his behavior woke the other occupants of the nest. Silver seemed somewhat groggy, but got up quickly as did Sebek.

"Do you want to dress first, or eat breakfast first, (Y/n)?"

"I want to get dressed first, maybe I can wear some of those clothes Vil, Rook, and professor Divus made for me."

"Alright."

The Reindeer Cervitaur dismounted from the nest, standing with his back in line with the edge of the nest so you could crawl onto him. Before you could move and potentially stress your injury, a black tail wrapped around you and lifted you from the bed. Lilia had already hopped off and dug through the now full dressers for an outfit for you. You somewhat didn't know if you could trust what the Vampire Bat chose for you, but the simple pants and flowy shirt seemed decent enough.

The solitude of your bathroom was a nice change from the herd of monster men, but once you had taken care of your morning routine and dressed, Silver carried you downstairs. Naturally, the rest of the Hoard followed suit as you all went to the waiting kitchen.

You were somewhat surprised to see the kitchen had been upgraded as well, noticing a few new electronics you had asked Idia to put together for you. Where there had once been a shabby industrial kitchen, you now saw upgraded ovens, stove-tops, fridges and even a self revolving pantry. What interested you the most was what looked like a large deep-fryer that seemed to be able to clean itself and remove the thick unheated oil without needing to be touched. The things you could now make with that fryer called to you and you resolved to spend a day cooking fried comfort food when your leg healed.

Provided you could stay in Night Raven College.

"Good morning, Little One."

The large and old Shinigami greeted you with a gentle smile, setting the- clearly new- table with plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. He had already placed the large bowls of food in the center of the table. At the head was a large chair- suitable to his own large form- and one large chair at the right hand side where Idia already sat. To the left of the large chair was a chair much more suited to you. Attached to it with its own small table, seemed to be a high-chair for Grim.

Ruggie was already present and whooping excitedly, cackling as he hopped in place to see past Ortho who was trying to stop the Gnoll from immediately digging in. You smiled and Silver helped you dismount, pulling the chair out for you to settle down at the taller than normal table before putting Grim in the high-chair next to you. Idia noticed the way you examined the table and smiled almost shyly at you.

"Don't worry, the table can be automatically adjusted for height. Just press the side buttons at the head of the table to make it shorter or taller. Figured you should have an actual place to sit and eat instead of that little scrub table you had before. I got a few of those things you wanted made and all hooked up. They should work properly, but tell me if they don't so I can tweak them."

"Thank you, Idia. Honestly, I'm amazed you got them done so quickly."

"Why? My main spec is technomancy, after all."

"Just impressed, is all."

A faint pink seemed to take over Idia's flame hair as the gems on his cheeks also burned a light magenta. His smile became an almost drunk grin as he showed off those sharp teeth of his, clearly pleased by your light praise.

"Well, if that's impressive, just wait till you see the heated blanket I've been working on for you. That'll really knock your socks off."

"I'm looking forward to it!"

Ortho sighed and let Ruggie rush forward to the food as he took his seat next to Idia at the table, serving his own plate. The Hoard and Papa Hades also sat down at the table, Malleus making a clear show of sitting next to you and Grim. Everyone seemed content to eat and lightly chat together, you switching between eating your food and getting more food for Grim.

"He will likely need a lot of food to grow properly," Papa Hades started, observing you and Grim with a gentle smile, "he is still very young. I am happy to lend aid where it is needed, if you would allow it. Seeing as you have many who eat among you at any time, it would be best to keep the cupboards well stocked."

"Careful," you warned with a happy smile, "I might take you up on that offer and you'll wind up feeding all of Night Raven College. I mean, you'll certainly be feeding me, Grim, and Ruggie, but I know a few others who would happily dig in if offered."

"I wouldn't offer if I didn't expect several more mouths to feed. Worry not, my kin and I hold a good portion of the wealth of Twisted Wonderland. It is not too burdensome to feed the many young that live here."

You smiled at this and Ruggie barked his agreement, still shoveling food into his mouth. Grim was purring and pulled your hand to him so you could continue feeding him, effectively ending the conversation as you let the small beast feast.

When everyone had finished eating, Ortho and Idia started clearing the table, leaving you and the others present to talk about the events that would take place. It was stressful, but you knew the conversation needed to be had, especially if you were going to catch the representative who hired the poachers.

"You will meet them in a panel type setting around lunchtime, your guards, the professors, and Headmage Crowley will be there. I will keep my presence concealed until I am needed should there be any threats from the representatives or scientists. Young Idia suggests you pushback against any representative who attempts to pressure you into speaking to them alone or accepting their judgement. If this traitor is as temperamental as we believe, they will reveal themselves quickly with any aggression or denial from you. Are you comfortable handling this?"

"So I just have to be a petulant brat to anyone who tries to speak for me instead of to me?"

"That is the idea."

"I can do that, I think."

The large Shinigami nodded, but it was Malleus who spoke next. His voice a deep rumble in his chest as he turned to you with an almost worried gaze.

"(Y/n), I know you likely don't want to hear this, but you need to know. The representative in question will likely be killed once others learn what they have done to threaten you. Depending on where they live, they may be in violation of laws previously put in place to protect Humans."

Your frowned at this, but not for the reason they believed. If anything, you wanted something awful to happen to whoever it was that hired the poachers to kill you. The poachers stabbed you, attacked you and Grim, on top of threatening to kill the both of you. There was no love lost in your heart for the orchestrator of this violence against you and your kit.

"You seem to think I'm going to just forgive them after everything they've done?"

"Well, given how you forgave Cater-"

"I haven't forgiven Cater in the slightest. Just because I didn't want him to be thrown into the forest does not mean I forgave his short sighted actions. The circumstances with Cater are different. I fully believe Cater genuinely didn't know and is just stupid, not thinking about lasting consequences despite general logic speaking to the contrary. He is not forgiven, I just didn't want to see him hurt on my behalf. This poacher wannabe, however, is not someone I care to protect. No, I want this fucker's blood to stain the floor."

Malleus seemed surprised at your anger towards this mystery monster, but he didn't really blame you for your anger. If anything, the only two out of your tablemates who did not seem particularly shocked at your aggression and rage were Lilia and Papa Hades.

"This... seems out of character for you, (Y/n), are you sure you're feeling well?"

"I personally feel just fine. What I don't feel fine with is the fact that this butt-hurt waste of space knowingly dared to put Grim- My Boy- in direct danger to line their own pockets. That I can't forgive or forget. I'll even do it myself if you all refuse to. I don't care what their social standing is or how hard I have to try to kill them, target my boy and forfeit your life. I feel the same for any poachers who are looking to kill or otherwise use me for their own gain. Neither Grim nor I are pets, trophies, or playthings. Anyone who thinks we are needs a reality check."

It was then Lilia spoke up, setting down his flute of tomato-juice next to his plate. His voice was almost giddy in comparison to your own less than amused tone.

"Don't be so surprised, Malleus. I've told you and others before how Humans are about their young. Even the nicest Humans would be out for blood if you dare harm their young. Little Grimmy is (Y/n)'s boy, her kit, and I would expect her to hate anyone that threatens him."

The Bat almost seemed to exchange words silently with the Dragon after his statement, Malleus conceeding with a nod.

"Alright. But let one of us handle them, okay? I understand you are angry, but you have no weapons to your name and I am unsure you have any weapon training. If we need to kill them due to violence towards you, I would rather it be done quickly and without harm to you. Is that amenable?"

"Fine, but after this, one of you is teaching me how to wield a sword or a dagger."

[limethefirst]

Spider-Girl

pairings: Damian Wayne (Batfamily) x Reader

warnings: spiders, death, violence (it's gotham), character death, little sad

summary: your class takes a trip to the Wayne science facility, only for you to get bitten by a radioactive spider while you're there, now you must navigate life as Gotham's first Spider-Girl

a/n: I absolutely love DC and the batfam so I wanted to try my writing on a DC fic especially after listening to 'It's On Again' by Alica Keys, it says Damian Wayne x reader but it's more Robin because I want this to be a slow burn, if this does well enough I'll make a series, live laugh love

"Wake up, dweeb," The voice said, a playful hint of teasing behind it. You opened your eyes slightly, seeing the familiar face in front of you, your older brother Alex looked at you, a bright smile on his face as he shook you lightly.

A groan escaped your lips as the covers you were under were pulled from you, "What time is it?" You asked him, unamused at the rough awakening.

"6:30, you do know you have to be at school by 7 today for your field trip to the Wayne Enterprise Science Facility?" Your brother chuckled as your eyes widened in shock at the realization.

Quickly scrambling to your feet you grabbed your clothes and rushed to the bathroom, getting ready as fast as you could.

The only reason your class was going on this trip was due to the fact that Bruce Wayne's son, Damian Wayne was in your class, and he offered this trip as a way of keeping the school happy with Damian's somewhat complicated behavior.

Although you weren't complaining, your father used to work for that facility before his tragic passing, the details were never specified, the only thing you knew was there was an accident, a research project gone wrong, killing him.

Bruce Wayne felt terrible for it, because of this he actually ended up paying for your entire tuition at Gotham Academy, as well as your brother's tuition for Gotham University, along with some other expenses.

You never held it against the Wayne's, it wasn't their fault, you knew that. Your mom on the other hand did hold a bit of a grudge, she obviously was grateful that she had enough money to send her children to their respective schools, considering the fact you guys didn't have much money in the first place, most of it came from your fathers work. So she knew she couldn't complain but she certainly didn't appreciate the first thing that the Wayne's did was throw money at the problem.

As you finished getting ready you walked into the kitchen, your mom making some breakfast as your brother walked in behind you, lightly hitting the back of your head as he walked in front of you, "Hey, watch it!" You jokingly said, rubbing the spot he hit.

"Here, I packed your books for you since I knew you'd forget them anyway," He smiled at you, holding out your backpack and throwing in some leftovers from yesterday's dinner as your lunch for today.

You playfully rolled your eyes at him before grabbing your bag from his hands, a smirk finding its way to his face, "I wasn't going to forget doofus, but thanks anyway"

Your mom turned around, two plates in her hand, "Hey, play nice you two!" Your mom said, a smile gracing her face as she watched her two children playing around as she handed you each your plates, "Hey Alex can you take Y/N to the facility? I have to get to work a late shift today so I won't be back till 11 tonight, maybe you two can go get a pizza, sibling bonding!" Your mom told your brother as she grabbed her jacket, getting ready for another late night nursing shift at Gotham Hospital.

Alex put his arm against his forehead, pretending to salute your mom, "Yes ma'am!" He replied to her, your mom couldn't help but laugh at his antics.

"I'll see you both later tonight, behave" Your mom walked up to each of you, giving you both a kiss on the head as she put her jacket on and left, leaving you alone with Alex.

"Kiss ass..." You grumbled, crossing your arms as Alex chuckled at your little comment towards him.

He took his plate and sat down on the couch, scrolling through his phone as he did so, "Hurry up with your food so we can go, you have 15 minutes before they start attendance at the building,"

With that quick reminder you gobbled down your food, almost choking a few times as all Alex did was laugh at you.

"We're here," Alex's voice snapped you out of your daze, noticing the familiar building in front of you, you grabbed your bag and started to open the car door, "Hey I got a class right now but it'll be finished at 4, when you're done here we can hang out after, how does that sound?" His voice softened, although you guys may bicker he is your brother and he truly does care for you.

You gave him a small smile, a hum of acknowledgement escaping your lips, "Sounds like a plan, but you're paying!"

Alex laughed at your quick response, "Fine fine, I knew I'd have to anyway," You closed the door turning around ready to find your class at the entrance before a sudden honk made you jolt and turn around, "Be safe kiddo! I already miss you sooo much!!"

This action gathered the attention of a few people passing by as well as some classmates who were waiting, you turned around quickly walking to your teacher, hoping the embarrassing scene would just end.

Of course Alex had to ruin the nice moment, but what type of brother would he be if he didn't embarrass his younger sister to some extent?

A sigh escaped your lips as you walked up the stairs to the front of the building, catching a glimpse of blonde hair that you knew belonged to your friend Gwen Stacy.

"Gwen!" You exclaimed, making your presence known to her.

The blondie turned around, her smile growing seeing you, "Y/N!" Gwen stopped whatever she was doing and ran up to you, giving you a big hug, "Are you excited! I know you've been waiting for this trip all month!"

"Ugh yes! I can't wait to see what they're working on!"

"Hey guys!" Turning around you saw none other than your close friend Mary Jane. The extraverted red-head waved at you two, as she came over.

"I'm glad you were both able to make it!" You confessed to your friends as you three made it in line with the rest of the class.

As the clock struck 7 your teacher, Mrs Lee began to take attendance, making sure she had a head count and explained the rules of this trip.

"You are all guests here, so please stay together and do not distract the workers, make sure to stay with your group, we will all meet back at the front at 3:30 for a final role call then you can call your respective rides to pick you up!" Everyone was somewhat silent listening to Mrs Lee, a bit of whispering here and there but that was expected.

You turned your head a bit to the side, noticing a taller figure slowly making their way into the group, Damian Wayne, clearly not wanting to make his presence publicly known hung around the back of the group of teens.

You couldn't help but stare a bit, you'd never really talked to him, having maybe only asked him to borrow a pencil once or twice. You didn't know how long you were staring at him but it seemed like he noticed, the boy turned his head, his green eyes burning holes into your head as you quickly turned around, embarrassment creeping up your face at the awkward interaction.

"Alright class let's head inside!" Mrs Lee spoke, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. MJ grabbed your arm and hooked it with hers as Gwen put her hands in her pocket, walking in first prompting you to follow after.

You listened a bit as the guide explained what was currently going on and how Wayne enterprises was working on radioactive testing.

At some point your class came upon a bunch of insects, each one having a special number on them, indicating which was which.

"One of these are missing," MJ pointed out, interrupting the guide, for a second they seemed somewhat worried but quickly composed themselves.

"I'm sure this one is being tested on right now!" They said, making everyone nod their heads in agreement.

You heard a tsk from behind you, turning around to see Damian seemingly annoyed by the workers response as he quickly passed you up to go and look at the empty case.

You didn't give it much thought, they didn't really explain what the insects were for, so you didn't really care about one being experimented on at the moment.

As you watched the boy look at the case, as Mrs Lee's made a sudden announcement, "Alright everyone, we have a 30 minute break, you can all go on and explore the rest of the facility with your groups and meet back at the front no later then 3:30!" Before she could even finish her sentence everyone had already dispersed, many not listening to her group rule.

"Hey I'm gonna go to the restroom! I'll be back!" You told Gwen and MJ, quickly turning around to find the nearest restroom as they gave you both a thumbs up, turning around to then find a table to wait for you at.

The restroom wasn't hard to find, what was hard was finding a paper towel to dry your hands off, "Ugh cmon this is a Wayne building why don't they have paper towels?" You annoyingly exclaimed, shaking your hands dry instead.

Suddenly you felt a strange pinching sensation near your wrist, looking down you saw a strange red and somewhat blue spider. Without a second thought you slapped the spider, watching as it fell to the ground, it's legs curling up, a sign it was dead.

"Yuck," You said, watching as the spider twitched a bit before it's ultimate demise.

You paid no mind to the bite, watching it get a little red but assuming that it was just irritated since it was technically a bug bite. Finding your way to Gwen and MJ, sitting next to them you pulled out the lunch Alex slipped into your backpack, which was just left over spaghetti from yesterday but you didn't mind it.

Gwen and MJ began to talk amongst each other, Gwen getting lost in talking about the research facility while MJ showed her pictures she took.

Throughout the break you couldn't help but start to feel drowsy, and honestly somewhat sick; this was something that didn't seem to go unnoticed by your friends.

"Hey, uh Y/N you okay there?" MJ asked you, as she stood next to where you were sitting.

Slowly you looked up to her, your face looking drained and your eyes sulking, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because we've been telling you to get up for the past minute, it's the trips already over we need to meet up front," Gwen answered, her hands on her hips as she looked at you worried.

You tried to refocus but the strange feeling of exhaustion overtook you, "Oh sorry, I'm just feeling really tired," You told the girls, MJ's brows furrowing in disbelief as Gwen helped you up.

Walking outside was harsh, the sunlight temporarily blinding you till you got used to the feeling.

Mrs Lee began to praise the class for their listening skills today and their behavior but you could hardly focus, feeling as if you suddenly had a fever.

Thankfully Alex was quick to pick you up, "You look like shit," He lightly chuckled, trying to hide the worry in his voice, "Maybe we should reschedule that pizza dinner."

You slowly buckled yourself into the passenger seat, "No, no I just need to sleep it off, cmon mom will be gone lets enjoy ourselves" You weakly protested, Alex let out a sigh, taking off his jacket and throwing it over you before he drove off.

"Fine but if you get sick mom better not blame me," He said trying to make light of the situation.

He looked to his side, curious why you hadn't responded, only to see you already taking your nap in the car, he smiled at the scene, glad to see you being able to rest, "What am I going to do with you," he lightly sighed, a playful smiling tugging at his features.

It didn't take long for you two to arrive home, Alex lightly nudged you awake, groaning as he helped you out of the car, his jacket still over your shoulders as he dropped you off in your room, leaving to go watch some television in the living room.

You slept at least 3 more hours before waking up to a sudden burst of energy, it was strange, you felt stronger, and more aware. You slowly sat up, realizing you still had Alex's jacket on.

You grabbed your phone to check the time, seeing it was around 7:15 you felt your stomach grumble, telling you that it was time to eat. You got up from your bed, feeling extremely flexible as you did that, which was strange but you paid it no mind.

You opened the door of your room, seeing the bright hue of the television illuminate the living room, Alex's shadow as there.

"Hey ass face I'm hungry," You said, walking behind your brother as he sat unmoving in front of whatever news was on.

He looked back, smiling at you; taking notice of your attire, "I see you got a sense of fashion little sis" Alex mentioned, eyes scanning the jacket of his which you wore.

You rolled your eyes at him, covering the front of your shirt with his jacket, "I'm only wearing it because it's keeping me warm!" You exclaimed, turning away from him and making your way to the door, "Now hurry up, I want that pizza I was promised.

Alex laughed as he got up, "I don't think I said promise," He said making his way to the door, grabbing his keys and wallet "But fine, hurry up, if we get going now we can maybe get ice cream after"

"I'll hold you to it!"

Both of you let out a small laugh, as you started your journey to the pizza parlor.

Alex ordered you both a pizza to share, and maybe take home if any was left, it was an honestly pretty good day.

But all good things must come to an end.

"As your kind and loving older brother, I declare that I shall owe you an ice cream from wherever you desire!" Alex got up, and bowed a little bit to you, a smirk on his lips watching as you played along.

"Well then good sir, I crave ice cream from Jane's Sweet Tooth down the road!" You giggled, letting him get up from his playful bow.

As you both got ready to leave, the bell indicating someone entered the parlor rang, "Put your hands up!" The loud voice said, making both you and Alex turn around to see a mugger holding the cashier at gun point.

Quickly Alex grabbed your arm, pulling you behind him, hoping to shield you.

"Hurry up, I don't have all day man!" The mugger yelled, as the cashier fumbled with the money. Alex slowly tried to back away, making sure he went unnoticed by the man, although it didn't work.

The mugger turned around, his gun now facing both of you, "Hey now man, please just put the gun down, my sister is with me," Alex tried to negotiate with the man, waiting on a miracle, just wanting to make sure the man didn't end up shooting his baby sister.

Just as it looked like the mugger was about to run away, the sudden realization of what he was doing dawning on him, the GCPD sirens rang in the distance, this seemingly made him focus.

"Yeah well we got to do what we got to 'man'," Within a second you felt a sudden recoil, as Alex slowly started to fall down, making you fall to your knees, his weight pushing against you.

The mugger nervously shot at the light, making the parlor shop dim. You shakily called out Alex's name, feeling a sudden warm liquid pooling at your knees, quickly realizing what had happened.

"Alex?.." You said, trying to keep your brother awake, you lightly shook him, keeping him from closing his eyes.

All Alex could do was raise his hands to grab the end of his jacket, putting the hood over your head, as a final sense of comfort, before you felt his body go limp.

You sat there stunned, the mugger slowly pointed his gun to you, his hands shaking, the cashier still collecting the money, unsure what to do.

Suddenly the man was knocked down, his gun sliding across the place, landing in front of you.

You could only sit there stunned, all you saw was red. Swiftly you grabbed the gun, pointing it at the man, your face covered by the hood, the dim light not letting any of your features be seen.

"Don't" A deep voice, snapped you out of your trance. Robin, stood between you and the mugger, noticing the body behind you, he stood firm, "Two wrongs don't make a right,"

You looked between him and the man, you looked outside, cop lights shining in through the window.

Hesitantly you lowered the weapon, Robin slowly relaxed, grabbing the gun your grip as you backed away.

You looked back at your brother as Robin turned around to apprehend the man. Alex was limp, he was killed by that man, and you'd almost killed him too, but you didn't, you were stopped.

You felt so overwhelmed, you saw the GCPD start to make their way to the door, you couldn't be there while they arrested that man, you'd also tried to kill him.

Without thinking, you ran. You opened the back exit door and made a break into the alley.

"Hey wait-" Robin said, as he cuffed the criminal and unloaded the gun.

You didn't listen though, you just ran as far away as you could, you needed to get out of those bloody pants, you needed to call your mom, your brother was dead.

As you ran, you heard voices, "This way!" The police were chasing you, having seen you hold a gun at Robin they wanted to take you in as well, you looked around realizing this was a dead end.

'Shit, shit, shit," You internally thought, trying to grab something on the wall to get away.

As you did this you suddenly felt yourself stick to the wall, your hands not letting go. Confused but also in a rush you tried to climb the wall, and strangely enough you could.

Your hands sticking to each brick until you made it to the top, the police officers running to the now empty alleyway looked around, "Guess we lost them," one said to the other, as they turned around to report back.

You didn't know what was happening and it frankly was all scaring you, maybe this was just some sick dream, and you'd wake up to your mom making breakfast and Alex pulling you out of your bed.

Until then you knew you had to go home and call your mom to let her know what happened to her son.

[gay-dorito-dust]

Can I request platonic Nico fic where reader is pinning over someone but Nico it’s silently judging, seeing if that person is truly good enough for their older sibling reader?

‘You like someone.’

You looked over at your brother, who was standing next to you within the shade casted by the trees that kept you both somewhat cool, before raising a brow at him. ‘And how did you come to that conclusion my little shade.’ You replied as you ruffled his hair, much to Nico’s dismay.

‘You’ve got that look on your face.’ He tells you but you couldn’t help but scoff at the inherent vagueness of that statement.

‘I’ve got many looks on my face throughout the day you’re going to have to be more specific here.’ Nico looked at you with a glare, only to be greeted back by your mischievous eyes and matching smile, gods he hated you sometimes for making things more complex then they actually were just because you felt like teasing him.

‘The sappy ‘oh my gods I wish they were mine’ type of look.’ Nico said and you know the look he was on about, but you decided to feign innocence and put on a thoughtful face as though you were trying your very hardest to remember what he was on about. ‘Sappy look…sappy look…’ you trailed off and Nico had just about enough as he shoved you in the side before pointing across the camp and over to where Luke was and your face immediately drops.

‘Him! You like him!’ Nico exclaims and you were quick to cover his mouth with your hand when you noticed a group of campers walking past you both, greeting them with a forced and cordial smile as they breezed past you both, just to look back at your brother with murderous intent. ‘Shut up little shade, I don’t want all of camp to hear you if they haven’t already.’ You hissed as Nico only looked at you unimpressed as he pushed your hand off of his mouth, and you didn’t need to say anything to know that Nico was now in protective mode.

‘Why him? Why Castellan?’ He asked and you sighed as you remembered how the moment you first came to camp by yourself, having been abandoned by the demi-gods that you were originally with, and how Luke was the only one that actually made you feel welcomed even after you gotten claimed by Hades; You don’t hold that grudge against most of camp who shunned you anymore but you weren’t exactly buddy buddy with them either if they were going to be that superficial.

Then again Hades himself gets villainised by many in modern retelling of Greek myth that are forcing the whole ‘girlboss’ bullshit down your throat, which only leads to those kinds of books being put on half sales shelves because it’s that bad. Not that you were saying hades was innocent but out of the entire Greek pantheon, you figured rather early on that your father was the kind of deity to keep out of things that didn’t concern him.

Sins of the father or whatever. You thought to yourself as you remembered that you had left Nico completely hanging for the past five minutes for an explanation.

‘He was the only one who actually gave a shit if I stayed in camp or not.’ You replied and Nico’s brows went towards his hairline, knowing all too well how isolating being the child of Hades was or even just a child of the big three in general, but people quickly warmed up to Percy and Jason but still had caution when addressing you or him.

‘That’s it? Is the bar truly in hell.’ Nico snides as he looks at Luke from the corner of his eye, wondering what the son of Hermes could possibly provide for you. He couldn’t see the appeal as you did but Nico didn’t exactly think there were many good romantic options for you at camp or anywhere for that matter, this didn’t mean he couldn’t see that Luke was attractive and popular but outside of the obvious Nico wasn’t fully convinced that Luke was worth you.

Greatest swordsman at camp or not it was going to take a lot more for Nico to even consider taking Luke seriously.

You groan as you put your hands on your hips. Seriously Nico? You barely knew me a month ago and all of a sudden you’re boxing your opinions on my love life?’

Nico mimics your stance as his dark eyes flare with protectiveness. ‘Someone has to keep an eye on your supposed love interests and make sure there is no ulterior motive underneath.’ You couldn’t help but smile at your younger brother as you ruffle his hair affectionately before pinching his cheeks.

‘Oh is my brave little brother going to fight off all my suitors for me? How sweet.’ You mocked before laughing when Nico bats your hands away from his cheeks.

‘Shut up.’ He grumbles but before you could mess with him some more, like all good older siblings do, you heard a familiar laugh and immediately stilled in your place as Nico’s eyes darkened with weariness. ‘Castellan, what do you want.’ Nico looks the head counsellor of the Hermes cabin up and down with scrutiny as you only nudged him in the side for his lack of filtering his words.

‘Nothing much, just saw you guys and thought I’d check it out.’ Luke said casually as he looked over at you and smiled, making you smile back almost immediately as you could feel yourself practically melt under his dark gaze and perfect smile. Oh you knew you were a goner the moment you started to comforted his laugh your favourite sound and his eyes your favourite colour.

It should be made illegal with the feelings like made you feel but you’d be lying if feeling as weak as you did in his presence didn’t feel good. You know you should pride yourself more and all, however you couldn’t help but downplay yourself in front of Luke in hopes of seeming more appealing to him, but you’d couldn’t help as some seeds of doubt to creep into your mind regarding whether or not Luke would risk being seen with a child of hades.

Nico huffs. ‘You’ve checked it out, seen nothing out of the ordinary, so does that mean you’re going to leave us alone preferably now?’

‘Nico.’ You nudge your brother in the side once more, giving him your best side eye, hoping that he’d understand that now wasn’t the time for his sharp jabs and hostility towards your crush but you knew you were asking for too much. Luke on the other hand only laughs at Nico’s words, not taking offence to anything being said, which only made Nico frown even more as his confident attitude almost came across as too cocky for his liking.

Seriously Nico wanted to desperately understand what it was that you see in that guy?

‘It’s fine, it’s fine I just thought I’d pay my favourite a visit and hope that they might want to join me down by the lake this afternoon.’ Luke replies as he slings an arm over your shoulder, drawing you into his side as he watches you with a look that made you feel as though you were being truly looked at. You couldn’t help but let out a little giggle as you felt butterflies erupt in your stomach, and a warmth spread throughout your chest from just his touch alone, you’ve had been in this position before and yet it never fails to make you feel wanted with how casual Luke was with his affection with you.

Hell even after his touch disappeared along with him as he’s taken elsewhere you were left with the lingering want to keep his arm on your shoulder forever. You didn’t think yourself as someone who was desperate for touch or to have someone constantly providing you with physical affection, if anything you weren’t particularly keen with it as you were quite cold to the touch, a weird perk of being the child of hades was to seemingly have the body temperature of a dead body; Yet you didn’t mind if it was Luke was the one to touch you.

‘Yes.’

‘No.’

You and Nico looked at one another in matching narrowed glares.

‘Yes.’ You spit.

‘No.’ Nico retorts back.

‘I’m going whether you like it or not little shade.’ You whispered to your little brother as you looked over a Luke with a smile. ‘I’m totally free this afternoon, absolutely for nothing else happening other than hanging with you at the lake.’ You chuckled awkwardly as you gave him finger guns that you immediately regret soon after, especially upon hearing Nico try not to laugh himself at your forced attempts of being cool. ‘Is anyone else going to be there by chance?’ You added.

‘I was kinda hoping it would just be me and you really.’ Luke says as he rubs the back of his head almost sheepishly. ‘Hope that’s okay.’ God you hated Luke and his beautiful brown eyes and how they made you feel.

‘That’s fine!’ You exclaimed. ‘That’s great even.’

‘Great.’ Luke beamed and it looked like he wanted to say something else but he heard his name being called across camp and his shoulders deflated, something only Nico seemed to have noticed, and he looked back at you with a sympathetic expression. ‘See you later ghost flower.’ He says sweetly as he pulls away from you, leaving you to try not to vocalise your hatred of the departure of his warmth.

‘See you.’ You and Nico watched as Luke walked away from you both and a silence lingered between to two of you, at least until Nico felt it appropriate to let his thoughts be known.

‘I still don’t like him.’ He tells you, arms cross over his chest, glaring at Luke’s back.

‘You don’t like anybody.’ You shot back at him, seeing him shrug from the corner of your eyes, unbothered at your jab.

‘Yeah that might be true but I don’t like him for the fact that he likes you.’ Nico said and you could only see this afternoon with Luke go horribly wrong if your brother was lingering in the shadows of your not date with the Hermes boy.

[m00ntunaart]

A “thesis essay” on my thoughts on young Bobadin vs. canon (older) Bobadin

Been thinking about my current favorite ship, Bobadin. Specifically younger Bobadin. Most Boba and Din shipping I see is from The Mandalorian and The Book Of Boba Fett era. Which makes sense, it’s when they meet. Which is Boba at like roughly 41 and Din roughly 39 (in that range at least).

And I like this version of Bobadin the best honestly. Older/middle aged Bobadin makes the most sense. Both of them clearly are stubborn, have tempers and middle aged man grumpiness lol. And I love them both for it. But they both also are mellow in a lot of ways. I think this is most clear in Boba, who as a younger person is VERY angry and hotheaded. He has a lot of reasons to hate the world. He holds grudges (fairly tbh) against the Jedi and Republic. But TBOBF/The Mandalorian Boba we see seems to have cooled his temper somewhat. He seems more comfortable with himself and seems to control/direct his anger in more specific ways. A lot of that ‘ready to pop at anytime’ anger seems to have faded.

In the other side, we don’t ever see a younger/teen Din (I know we see him being saved by the Children of The Watch as a kid, but we don’t ever see what his personality is like). So we can’t canonically know what Din was like as a younger person, but I like to headcanon that he too was a bit more hotheaded. We see Din in canon can be very sweet and willing to help others (his a million side quests and willingness to bargain for stuff instead of outright fighting people). He generally is calm and doesn’t emote a ton. But he still can be grumpy and have moments of temper (shooting at droids he doesn’t like, trying to use the flame thrower on the Jawas). So I headcanon, much like Boba, he used to have a much quicker temper (especially for droids) and probably was even more grumpy (angsty teen Din feels very on brand for him lol).

I explain all this because canon timeline Bobadin has them meeting at a time in their lives where they are older, and have had time to mellow out. They both know who they are (okay Din might be having a crisis over his faith and religion but it’s fine, he gets better), and they both are less quick to start unnecessary violence. I think this is why Boba and Din seem to get along so quickly after their, admittedly, rough first meeting. Boba has Fennec threaten Din’s kid at gun point because he thinks Din has stolen his armor. Din doesn’t help himself either by saying the armor belongs to the Mandalorians (I can easily see how Boba could have taken this as Din rubbing it in his face that Boba isn’t a Mandalorian and doesn’t deserve his armor. And we know this might be an opinion Boba has run into before because Bo-Katan basically say as much when she sees him later in the show.) But despite this, very rough start, Din gives Boba his armor once Boba proves it’s his, despite Boba threatening his kid. And Boba doesn’t take immediate insult to Din’s initial reaction AND goes way above and beyond to help Din get his son back. Both of them could have held grudges or reacted heatedly to the others actions. I could see how from both their perspectives how an aggressive reaction would be reasonable. But they don’t. They both act rationally, and don’t go out of their way to escalate the situation with the other needlessly (okay I know Boba literally started by holding Grogu at gun point but from Boba, that’s pretty tame I think 😂😅)

All this to say, I think the place and time in their lives has shaped them enough that in this meeting, they both end up getting along anyways despite everything. I mean Boba kinda just hops on Din’s Grogu rescue crusade immediately and Din’s willingness to go to lengths to help Boba in TBOBF later show how absent of a grudge they hold. You can probably chalk Din’s willingness to die for Boba’s cause up to him wanting to honor how Boba helped save his son. After all, we know how Mandalorians, especially Din’s type of Mandalorian, appreciate those who save and protect children. But I also just think Din at that point probably respects and likes Boba to some extent. And again, I think the ease of their relationship partially just comes from their age and experiences. They are seasoned enough in life to not jump any guns, and instead take the chance to back the other up. And it pays off, they are allies and get along in canon (and not in canon, m00ntunaart thinks they like-like each other lol).

Which brings me to my a main thought of this post: I don’t think if Boba and Din had met at a younger age (anytime pre Boba falling into the Sarlacc) that they would have as easily fell into a comfortable relationship (allies, friendship, romantic or otherwise). In fact, my biggest thought was ‘I don’t think a younger Boba would even like Din’. (Not at first at least).

Which might sound weird considering I do ship Bobadin and I actually have drawn more ‘younger Bobadin’ than ‘canon age Bobadin’. But the more I think of it, the more sure I am that these boys would have been at each other’s throats at any earlier time than when they canonically met. Which makes younger Bobadin even more interesting to me.

Like previously said, we know younger Boba was a lot angrier of a person. And we can’t know for sure, but I assume (headcanon) Din probably was a lot angrier too (if not just probably more grumpy/quick to temper). So if they had met in a similar way as younger men, they definitely would have not had the same wherewithal to not come to blows. I don’t think either Boba or Din would have held back from immediately getting angry and just resorting to fighting the other. Which makes sense to be honest. This isn’t what makes younger Bobadin fascinating to me though. What makes it fascinating, is that based on what we know of young Boba I think he would have hated Din on sight.

The biggest reason I think this is 1. Boba has clear issues with everything related to his dad. And I’ve seen tons of interpretations on how Boba might view his dad later in life. I lean towards some middle ground of ‘Boba loves his dad and grieves/misses him, but definitely holds some resentment for how his Dad died and left him with basically no support system’. With the added mental fuckedness of Boba probably thinking in the back of his mind “what made me the clone chosen to be Jango Fett’s son? Could he have easily chosen a different clone?” Also just in general probably the mind fuck of being a clone of your dad and a million other clones of your dad existing lol. But long story short, Boba has Daddy Issues, and I could see how this would probably translate to him have issues with everything related to his dad. Including Mandalorians in general. Now forgive me for this if I’m wrong, I couldn’t remember and couldn’t find a clear answer in my research, but I don’t believe Boba is a Mandalorian. By technicality, he could count since a child of a Mandalorian is Mandalorian by nature. But I don’t think Boba ever really claimed the title of Mandalorian or seems to want to be one. And a headcanon on this I’ve seen, that I really enjoy, is that this is because he has issues with his Dad and his Dad’s history. He didn’t get to be raised a Mandalorian because his Dad died. He didn’t get that culture, and seemingly (again based on Bo-Katan’s reaction) some Mandalorians seem to view him as not Mandalorian by virtue of being a clone. This is definitely breeding grounds for a young Boba Fett to have a lot of resentment towards the Mandalorians and their culture. After all, it’s easier to hate a something than to feel the pain of never getting to be a part of it.

ALL OF THAT TO SAY, young Boba would take one look at young Din, and probably hate him. Just by virtue of being a Mandalorian. OH- and once he finds out Din is part of a covert that used to be part of the Death Watch? That’s not gonna earn Din any points. (Even if Boba denies his Mandalorian heritage, I imagine he still hold his familial Haat’ade grudge against Death Watch. They killed his Dad’s dad tbf.)

This is an interesting idea to me, because in opposition to this, I think on sight Din would think favorably of Boba. Based on Din’s reaction to the Night Owls in The Mandalorian, the covert never told him about other Mandalorians. He would see Boba (who we know at a young age didn’t remove his helmet much in front of others) and just assume he’s one of his type of Mandalorian (who in Din’s mind are the only type of Mandalorian). I think Din probably has this view that all Mandalorians are trustworthy and honorable because he comes from a small community of Mandalorians who all live by the same morals and creed. His only experience with other Mandos are with his own people. He wouldn’t think to not like or not trust Boba. He just sees him, thinks he’s Mandalorian, thus he must be a good person. Because ‘all Mandalorians are honorable, right?’ (Oh poor Din, how naive. Dude lived under a rock (sewer I guess) his whole life and doesn’t know there are a lot of shitty Mandalorians throughout history).

So you have a young Boba who sees Din and is like ‘Ugh a fucking Mandalorian 😒😡’, verses a young Din who sees Boba and is like ‘oh a Mandalorian! 😃’. This set up is so fun to me. I wish I saw more young Bobadin because of this. Their world views and personalities are so different at this point in time. It’s such a fun idea and contrast to older, much chiller, Bobadin. Young Bobadin is complicated and probably violent lol. They’re angry young men who don’t have the temperament to talk to each other long enough to realize the other is an okay person. There’s some fun ‘enemies to friends to lovers’ dynamics you can work from this.

But, I’m not quite done with this point. So aside from their differing opinions, temperaments, cultures and views on the world, I also think there’s another reason young Boba probably wouldn’t be impressed with a young Din:

BOBA FETT IS LIKE A LEGENED? Guys, Boba is just a badass. Like come on. Dude, from childhood, half raised himself and half was raised by criminals and bounty hunters. He was in jail with adults AS A CHILD. He was one of the most infamous bounty hunters. So good at his job DARTH VADER hired him. He’s the son of Jango Fett, the like semi-disgraced Mand’alor’s heir. HIS LORE IS INSANE. Dude has had one of the most messed up childhood and life, and came out semi-on top. Boba is an icon for being beat up by the universe, and surviving just to spite everyone.

I say all this because in comparison, DIN IS KINDA GOOFY? Dude lives in a religious cult (I’m kinda joking, the covert is kinda cult-y lol) IN THE SEWERS. HE LIKE A SEWER RAT OF A MANDALORIAN. HIS ORIGINAL ARMOR LITERALLY WAS JUST HALF JUNK HALF ACTUAL ARMOR. HE’S LITERALLY A JUNK RAT OF A MAN. Dude knows only a quarter of any world politics at anytime, and knows NOTHING about Mandalorian history. LESS THAN BOBA WHO DOESN'T EVEN CLAIM TO BE MANDALORIAN. HE WINS MOST HIS FIGHTS BUT NOT BEFORE USUALLY GETTING HIS ASS BEAT AND ALMOST DYING, THEN SOMEHOW WINNING AT THE LAST MINUTE BY DOING SOMETHING INSANE. HE SEEMS TO SURVIVE BY THE SEAT OF HIS PANTS, HALF BY SKILL HALF BY BEING THE UNIVERSE’S UNINTENTIONAL MAIN CHARACTER. (I say all this lovingly, I love Din. I just also love making fun of him)

Basically, I think legend and bad ass of Star Wars, Boba Fett, would take one look at rat-boy Din Djarin and would not be impressed. But that’s more in a funny/ironic way. I’ve already given my serious, thoughtful reasons for why young Bobadin would not get along at first, but yeah it doesn’t help that Boba is like a semi-celebrity in the Bounty Hunting world and Din in comparison is like a podunk hillbilly who can’t seem to die lol.

But hey, just like canon (older) Bobadin, I think they would eventually come to like each other. It just takes longer and they probably try to kill each other a few times. Which is basically a Mandalorian’s way of flirting so it still works.

[poppadom0912]

It’s agony

Warnings: Descriptions of torture, non-con touching (VERY MINIMAL), drugs, kidnapping and overall whump.

Summary: Jay’s used to being kidnapped, he can withstand the torture, but the kidnappers insist they’re going to get him.

A/N: Hello!!!!!! So it's been over two months since I've written everything, you can thank exams and my stupid health for that but now I'm on study leave and my first exam is next week but I'm procrastinating ;) I was reading on ao3 and was inspired by a bunch of fics so please enjoy!!

*****

He came back to with a groan, his body heavy, head pulsating and shoulders aching from where he could feel them restrained behind his back.

“Ah detective, still so stubborn i see. You woke up much earlier than we anticipated, should've used more propofol.” His kidnapper, also known as the leader of one of the cartels spoke, standing over Jay’s slumped body.

Jay rolled his eyes, reminded of the previous beating he took. It was a routine that tired pretty quickly - beating and torturing till he leaked the information they wanted. But Jay had gone through this more than the average man, it was nothing new, his lips were sealed tight.

“You know me so well.” He replied sarcastically, holding back from rolling his eyes because he most likely had a concussion and he didn’t need to be in any extra unnecessary pain.

"You are being very difficult, it is hurting my feelings." The BossTm, as he was calling him, said. His demeanour continued to be calm and collected as he stood so casually over a man who he ordered to be beat around.

Jay stayed silent, simply observing his mangly face that had clearly been through it. His body could probably go another few rounds of torture before things got too serious but he had faith in his team, they'd had way too many close calls and situations just like this.

"You are quite the family man, aren't you detective?"

The question caught him off guard, his eyes widening in shock before settling into a glare. He was clearly trying to get some leverage against him but it wouldn't work.

"Your team are all so close, like a real family full of misfits." He continued, waiting for Jay's reaction. "You think I won't get that information? Oh well."

He shrugged before whistling sharply, causing the basement doors to open, two of his men entering with someone held between-

"What the fuck!" He exclaimed as soon as he recognised the maroon scrubs and the kitten adorned surgical cap he'd gotten you for your birthday.

You were dragged into the room completely bound, hands behind your back and ankles tied together using rope while duct tape was wrapped in multiple layers on your mouth, eyes and ears so that you were completely sensory deprived.

Jay wanted to be sick.

Never once had his job put you at harm's way, only him, which was the way he liked it to be. From the looks of it, you must've just gotten out of surgery before you were taken. God, to think about how scared you must've been and still are, it made him want to snarl.

"When I found out that you had a wife, it was like a sign sent from God." The ugly man said as your body was carelessly dumped across the room, your muffled grunt making his heart clench. "This torture - you will not be able to resist."

Walking away from him and stalking towards you, his heart jumped into his throat. "No, no, no! Leave her alone please, your grudge is with me!"

"Oh look at how pretty she is." He complimented you, gripping your chin harshly and not letting go when you tried jerking out his grasp. "Your bride is quite the looker, wasted her skills."

Without a care for the pain it would cause, the man ripped off the duct tape around your eyes and eyes, your whimpers still muffled.

Your eyes were squeezed shut, most likely from the sudden lights you were unprepared to face after however long you'd been in the dark for but as soon as you were somewhat acquainted with the light, the first thing you caught sight of was your bound and beaten husband.

You choked, his name stuck behind the tape as your eyes watered almost instantly.

This was his worst nightmare.

"Let's see, what should we start with first?" His tone was so casual, like he was simply talking about the weather.

And before either of you could react, he brandished a knife out of thin air and wasted no time in striking it through your bicep.

No amount of tape could reduce your screams. They pierced through the air and his body, it was like he was stabbed too. The blood and your tears causing him more pain than anything else had today.

And then when the thought suddenly hit him, everything just hurt ten times more.

no no no no no

"You dick!" Jay shouted, fighting against his ties to try get free, the rope chafining his skin practically nothing. "What happened to your no kids rule huh!? I thought your son made you change! Pretty sure it applies to pregnancy too."

If it wasn't about the imminent danger in this very die situation, Jay would've burst out laughing at the way The Disgusting Man's face paled. Despite being in charge of the cartel, he prided himself in his son and that had extended to kids being completely untouchable. Apparently he was a man with some morals.

"I swear if our daughter-"

"Hmm, maybe I went about this wrong." He quickly recovered but his face remained paler than usual. "She's quite the trauma surgeon isn't she? She could be of great use to me, our last doctor hasn't been around for a while."

Jay hated this even more.

"You're sick, you're a sick twisted bastard." Jay spat, venom laced in his words as he continued tugging to get the ropes loose. "My daughter better live or just you wait because you'll regret ever getting my family involved."

"It's like you said." Jay continued, his thumb slipping through the smallest crack he finally made. "My team are my family, and they would do anything for my wife, especially for my kid."

Jay tried his best to keep glaring at the man but was still able to see you in his periphery, the way your body was shaking and the amount of tears that ran made it clear you were sobbing.

It was agony to watch you in pain and being unable to do anything. As soon as this was all over, you were never going to leave his arms ever again.

Just as the horrible man was about to reply, gunshots flew through the air and for only a second did Jay allow for relief to flood his body.

"Don't say I didn't tell you so."

[faeryarchives]

loved by the moon (riddle, leona, and azul x f!reader)

requested by @lydiacallas: Can i ask for a Moon Goddess like!Fem!Reader? Like they have magic linked to the moon, they have like- this ethereal, pure and calm vibe of the moon itself and their voice is calm too. Maybe their hair is a bit glow in the dark? With Malleus, Azul, Lilia, Riddle and Leona, please and thank you very much! 🥺✨ warning: minor spoilers to book 6 + somewhat long imagine note: reader uses she / they pronouns + is in the same grade as the boys !! this is very overdue im sorry 😣 and i based some characteristic and abilities to moonlight cookie and princess luna guilty as charged 😔 + malleus and lilia part will be in another post! recent fics: happy birthday (malleus x reader) & when your hopeless streamer gets a girlfriend (ace x reader) & its you, it always had been you

·˚ ༘ riddle rosehearts (2nd year ramshackle dorm leader)

"the decision of all professors and staffs of night raven college falls in favor for miss (name) (last name) to enroll here - exempting them from the all-boys rule. she will be in charge of the ramshackle dorm during her stay here."

riddle does not understand how on earth were you able to stay in the school and always hold yourself with such grace, he couldn't explain why your presence seems to be similar to vil like you were oozing of calm vibes

you were the total opposites - he is more accustomed to fire while you specialize in water magic*. he lose his rationality quickly while he had never see you even falter during the time you two were classmates + he always abides by the rules while you do what ever you want 

"you are not allowed to sleep in class!" "it's not sleeping, i am just resting my eyes..." "you must not pick flowers from the garden on wednesdays." "riddle, i am not under the queen of hearts rules."

and riddle actually holds a one sided grudge against you for that + makes it his mission always to remind you of the rules, going on about mini rants to which you nodded to while reading your books

typically, riddle would've mention something about the rule of the queen of hearts but he was strangely quiet. you see him looking down at his notebook, lost in his world. and that surprised you because never you would've thought you would know this side of him. "no rule trivia for today?" "...huh?" "there is something on your mind, no? why don't we talk about that instead our usual trivias."

as time passed by, you and riddle gradually close friends to the point that heartslabyul treats you like their saving grace whenever riddle goes on a rampage, even more when you became second years

when the first overblot happened, it was the first time he saw your face, usually so calm, crumbled like dust when the blot manifested into a large phantom

"hahaha! the law in this world is me! not even you, (name), can stop me!" "i'm not letting you go so easily, riddle. rules are meant to protect your people, but you don't realize you are using them to suffocate them. you even hurt my dorm mates, enough of this!"

riddle was sure you wouldn't speak to him again because you weren't there the moment he woke up. he tried asking trey and cater if you were avoiding him, but they could not answer him. the next few days, he didn't even get to talk to you.

then he found himself admiring nrc at night time, breaking his own rules, maybe it's okay to let is slide for now. as he needs some time to think

absentmindedly wandering around the school grounds, letting the cool breeze feel his skin, riddle had his hand brushing through the thick bushes until they got pricked by a stray thorn "ah-" he hissed, holding up his pricked finger. it was just a tiny injury that's nothing to worry about. the injury was nothing compared to what he saw next "riddle? what are you doing this here at this hour?"

riddle spotted you sitting under the tree where silver usually takes his naps, surrounded by bunnies as they piled around your lap.

after days of not seeing each other, riddle thought he was going crazy because the last time he saw you, he knew pretty sure that your eyes and hair do not have that silver glow - it was like you were the moon itself

"is it my fault that your eyes and hair changed?" "oh, this is awkward... " you look at the bunnies trying to hide behind you, being scared of riddle's sudden appearance, contemplating about something before sighing in defeat. "i think i owe you an explanation. but first, can you keep a secret?" this confused riddle very much. what do you mean explanation? did something happen while he was out? before he could even think of it, you were already in front of him - your point and middle finger placed on his forehead. 'the moon has come out to play, now bid your worries away.' a comfortable feeling of cold wrapped around riddle's body, feeling the fatigue from his overblotting disappear, the weight on his shoulder being gone and his pricked finger healed. while riddle stared at you in shock, you finally reveal your true appearance and float around him like a curious child. "would you believe me if i told you i am the descendant of the moon goddess?"

... oh. OH !!

prepare for him because this little goldfish right here is most likely a fan of reading books about your kind + cue the sparkling eyes

and oh my god are those butterflies he can feel in his stomach? or maybe he is just hungry but he only feel that way around you though. oh well !!

** okay so i think reader will be compatible with water magic because the moon has this gravitaional pull right which cause the high tides and low tides... and riddle is fire!

·˚ ༘ leona kingscholar (3rd year transfer student)

"kingscholar, think of this as your punishment for the spelldrive incident. i would gladly take miss (name) for a tour but alas, there are countless of papers that needs my attention."

leona knew that there is something like a cloak of mysteriousness around you the moment you appeared in the college mid-year as a transfer student from rsa

just you don't interfere with his plans and he will also stay out of yours but it turns out he was assigned by the crow to take you around

"... wow, do i look like a punishment worthy chore?" you sigh, shaking your head in disappointment before turning to leona and he could swear he could see your eyes glowing for a moment when you stare at him. "i take it that the dorm leader of savannaclaw will be my tour guide?" "just don't lag behind." giving you a shrug before he started walking ahead of you. despite his short descriptions and tour around the school, leona is thankful that you didn't seem to be a nosy type of person, just a little on the calm and reserve type than most people he knew.

doesn't understand how people seems to look starstruck whenever you walk by them i mean you are attractive yes but not being able to move? that's different

it also turns out you share most of your classes! maybe crowley was really punishing him for the incident as he was stuck with you, being your babysitter.

but you almost look like his babysitter + quickly became one of the most tolerable people in the school and he doesn't mind having you around

"leona? let me bother you for a moment, can you help me with this problem?" "oh that?" the lion lifted his head and stared at the paper you were holding before waving his hand in dismissal. "remember the activity we did as partners? that's the one." "..." you squinted your eyes and leona could see them literally glow in purple light causing him to blink several times if he was seeing it right but it disappeared quickly. "oh i get it now, thanks." "do your eyes really glow like that?" "huh? i don't know what you are talking about."

you were not the nagging type - letting him hide and snooze off behind you during class and surprisingly, you were fun to spar with during practical exams + too smart for your own good

he had never seen any kind of fighting similar to yours like your fighting style is only yours to begin with - not only you excel in defending, you never seem to get tired despite being a speedy defender.

you and the savanaclaw dorm leader spent the whole afternoon sparring with each other and by the time you notice it, the sun was already setting. "aren't you tired yet, leona?" "you better tell me how you manage to keep up with me all this time." you did say to keep up with you the first time we met." you twirl your spear around you before stabbing it on the ground, leaning on it and grinned at leona. "i'm just keeping my promise."

now leona was pretty sure you are not a normal transfer student + especially after fighting with you in the island of woe and it was pretty interesting how you unexpectedly exposed yourself in front him and jamil.

the moment you, who was assigned to be in the front of the group due to you having the most capable defensive powers, entered the room on the current sector, leona and jamil look at your back in surprise. "(name)-senpai?" "what's up, jamil?" "... is that a normal thing for you?" the room was oozing with the presence of phantoms everywhere and there was no source of light - aside from your hair locks that are now shining like a billowing night sky of twinkling stardust, borne in a void of black and fading in an indigo moonset "oh that's normal, we can just use it as source of light. save your magic for now." "no wonder your magic feels different from everyone else - you are a moon goddess, right?"

leona is not blind, he just need a solid evidence to confirm his gut feeling. unique magic spells + signature spear + glowing eyes and your hair locks literally looking like that?

while fighting along side each other, leona could literally leave his back open because heknew and trust that you always have his back and vice versa

"leona-senpai, watch out-" before jamil could jump in between the incoming attack and leona, you pulled the second year by his hood deflected the attack with your spear so effortlessly. "it's fine, moon fairy here got our backs." you hear leona said proudly before landing a critical hit on the phantom. "aren't you glad you're stuck with us?"

everyone in school knows how two of you would make an unbeatable duo when it comes to strategies and games

and not going to lie, leona thinks so too! you are strong, smart and everything above + treats you life his closest friend and respects you a lot but you do things sometimes that are not really necessary

"are you done yet?" he couldn't help but ask, his tail thumping on the floor with annoyance while you tried braiding some parts of his hair.

you peek over his should and smiled, trying to show him the small braid that you did on the side. "yeah, it's fun braiding your hair!" after your identity being revealed, you let yourself relax more around him - when you express happiness, your hair starts glowing as it did before and small crescent like moon thingy start appearing around you

... leona find that cute + now he understand why people become starstruck when it comes to you

**you know how moonlight cookie's hair color looks like? yeah that's the one!

·˚ ༘ azul ashengrotto (2nd year ramshackle vice dorm leader)

"did you hear about the rumors? recently, students are saying that when you go to the botanical garden at night and stand under the moonlight - all your questions will be answered!"

the fact that rumors like that exists made azul irritated because it means he got competition. and having competition in the thing he do best is not fun.

so he and the twins went to investigate - how and where the rumors first started and who are most likely to be involved in the case

surprisingly enough, it all leads to a certain ramshackle vice dorm leader aka you + azul already knew you due to being the same year and his 'rival'

he considers you as his rival because you two always seem to fight for the top 2 and 3 spot every exam but for you... i think he would be hurt if you say that you like to aim for the top spot because it's fun 🤩

it was during lunch time and you were planning to eat with yuu, grim and the others when all of a sudden, someone blocked your way out by leaning on the door. "(last name) can i ask a bit of your time? i would like to ask you regarding an important matter." the ever so charismatic azul asked, his usual charming smile on as if he wants to do business with you. "oh, hi azul. what is it about?" "how delightful! do you happen to know the rumor about your unanswered questions will be answered as you stand under the moonlight?" "there is a rumor like that? under the moonlight? why the specifics?" one thing that azul observed about you is that your emotion reflects on your eyes. call it his gut feel but just one look and he already knew you were telling the truth "a pity... it seems like i am back to square one." "... maybe i can go help you out? i am not that busy these upcoming days."

and so azul's little group grew in numbers consisting of him, you, yuu, grim and the twins. oddly enough, it was actually fun to hang out with you

azul never got to interact with you that much before and only knew information about your through papers and from what he heard from people but being with you right now exceeds his expectations

"if headmaster crowley is similar to crow... do you think he likes to hoard shiny things?" you suddenly whispered it to azul one day in class, your mind clearly wandering and not paying attention to what professor trein is writing on the board. "what is with the random thought?" what is we leave a trail of shiny things and create a trap, that would be really funny."

you were an oddball. sometimes you will joke around with him and trying to make him laugh during class. there are also times where he couldn't explain the calming feeling he had whenever you are around + he could never even feel any other intentions from your actions as if you genuinely want to become his friend

it took him a while to notice how you always seem to stand out and become the embodiment of grace and elegance - a confident yet modest person who knows what you want

you always help him out in solving the rumor mystery but there is something that made you look suspicious → you always go back to your dorm before sunset

it's not that he wants to take up all your time but the way you stand firm of not being able to join them during night time and saying how dangerous it is made him suspect you of something

so he went alone wearing his ceremonial robes (the twins are taking over his duties for a while i know very unbelievable but imagine) to investigate the botanical garden and there he saw you run inside - a trail of silver light following you behind

and when azul went inside to stand in the spot, trying to think of what to wish until he hears a familiar voice ringing in the building

"say your wish out loud and the moon will light its way to you." "well, now this is marvelous. can i see one guiding my wish for me?" azul looked up, trying to call out for you, even looking around to see signs of you. there was a moment of silence before he heard you sigh and in an instance, you appeared before him, avoiding his look. "i thought i told you to let it go?"

after finding out you were his competitor - he didn't really feel annoyed at all! rather he was intrigued on how you were able to do it ...? you help the students find the answers on their own in their dreams?!

seeing your hair glow in silver light in the dark reminds him of himself as some octopus also glow in the dark just like him!

"azul, do you know that i really admire you?" "me? what is there to admire about me? i do nknow i have a remarkable potential but compared to y-" "no, seriously. you don't need to compare yourself to me. having to do all these business related work AND studying at the same time? you should appreciate yourself more."

... do you want to make him cry on the spot? hearing such words makes him happy but hearing it from you aka one of the people he really admire and yes he admits he admire you as a rival - his emotions are going haywire.

even if he is smart, it will take time for azul to realize that his admiration is just growing stronger and stronger each day and bloom into something else

[mayonnaise2004]

Meeting & Dating Patrick Hockstetter Headcannons

(This is one of my darker works, so I apologize in advance for letting my creative mind go.)

(TW for mentions of suicide, Patrick just being fucked up, masochism, intentions of a dog dying :((, slut shaming, manipulation, carving of the skin and let me know if I missed any.)

- The two of you met when you were Henry’s s/o. He wasn’t at all a fan of that.

- the mere thought of someone like you with someone like Henry made him want to rip his hair out. So he took it upon himself to save you.

- It took a lot of paying people, rumours being spread and innocent acts to get Henry to break up with you on the note you had ‘cheated on him with a freshman.’

- He’d be lying if he said it didn’t make him a little bit aroused when you came sobbing to him, tears running down your face as you tried to understand who would do something like this.

- Rubbed your back as you cried into his chest, his innocent facade was.. somewhat comforting, you couldn’t go to any other kids. They’d just call you a ‘slut/whore’ and walk away.

- He knew you would be easy to manipulate like this. He could be your goddamn knight in shining armour! :)

- Came to your house every day after school to make sure ‘you were okay’ (and eyed up your dog.)

- He was there for you when Henry bullied you when you replaced poor Beverly Marsh on the so-called ‘practice girl’ list, when your dog went missing.

- So of course you said yes to a date! How bad could he be? He seems to have calmed down! (Stupid you.)

- Don’t expect to ever be in another relationship in Derry. That person will go through hell on earth and back. This goes for him too. He would rather take his own life than be without you.

- Life goes back to normal in the Bowers gang. Patrick freaks Victor and Belch out a bit, and Henry doesn’t care that you're dating his best friend. He still holds a grudge against you of course. So don’t expect to leave hangouts without a few bruises.

- Fear is a big factor in your relationship, the hairspray & lighter come out sometimes. But he would never use it on you. Burns are such a waste of time.

- Watching horror movies at his place while his parents are at the bar. He always keeps a hand on your jaw to keep your head to the screen (and caresses your jawline with his thumb.)

- Swimming in the lake at night

- Sometimes he can be somewhat normal when he puts the switchblade and diy flamethrower away and lays in bed with you.

- He probably carved something to do with himself into your flesh where everyone can see. Whether that be ‘P.H’ with a heart, or just ‘P’; “What’s with the tears? Hm? Look at your wrist, my love. Now you can’t run away.”

- Birthdays are overnighters at your place. You’ll either receive a switchblade or a piece of his jewelry everyone has seen that you complimented.

- quite a fan of PDA, loves to hold you close and whisper things into your ear knowing you can’t run away.

- ‘I would just break up with him’ you’ve tried. So many times. He always threatens you in some way, and being on Officer Bower's good terms he can get away with it.

- “You want to end up like all those people? Missing and forgotten by the world? I keep you safe baby. Remember that.”

- Being with someone like that takes a toll on your mental health. Your parents want you to break up with him but you just can’t.

- Mumbles praise into your skin while you cuddle

- Summer break is terrible for you, being forced to drive around with the Bowers gang feels like a punishment from god.

- But despite your attempts to run away, he loves you. Even if you're a bit difficult sometimes!

- The summer of 1989 was like a boulder being lifted off your shoulders. You didn’t know how to feel about Patrick going missing. Should you look for him? Or let him rot where he belongs after everything he did to you.

- his missing posters were eventually covered up with another, and you tried to heal. But those scars don’t heal. And they won’t go away.

[mademoiselle-red]

People have been very focused on analyzing Lu Guang’s involvement in Vein’s “death” but there is one detail that I haven’t seen much discussion on.

Wang Qing hates Vein.

Lu Guang looks at Vein with coldly murderous eyes. Mrs. Shao is alarmed by Vein’s attempt to take the notebook but she doesn’t know who he is, and she doesn’t seem to have a personal grudge against him. But once Wang Qing is back in her own body and sees Vein taking the notebook, she recognizes him and is furious. Her facial expression and eyes go batshit and she screams his name with such anger and hatred.

But! When Vein entered the room and saw Wang Qing, he didn’t seem to know her. She is just the target he was supposed to find in order to retrieve an object for his client (presumably Liu Xiao). He didn’t even have a name or photo for her, just a burnt student ID, and had to rely on CXS and Lu Guang to give him her name when asking him to help them find her.

So why does Wang Qing know Vein but he doesn’t know her?

Why does she hate him so much?

(Sure, any person would be mad if they woke up battered and beaten by some random stranger, but she seems to really hate his guts)

So I have a theory:

What if the notebook was supposed to be a trap?

Here is Wang Qing’s (possible) POV: She survives the fire with her teacher’s notebook in her possession. Her teacher is presumed dead. She is visited in the hospital by her teacher’s widow, Ms. Shao . She tells Wang Qing to take a photo of CXS if he ever visits her. Wang Qing does what she is told and at some point in the future, gives Mrs. Shao the photo so she can dive back to possess her.

Mrs. Shao knows exactly where Cheng Weimin’s notebook is kept in Wang Qing’s office. So they must have both agreed at an earlier time for Wang Qing to hide it there in her office in Yingdu instead of letting Mrs Shao keep it with her, wherever she is.

So why is Mrs. Shao taking out the notebook now, right after Vein shows up asking for it?

Two possible reasons:

1) Mrs. Shao doesn’t know Vein, but knows he wants the notebook and has found his way to Wang Qing, so she wants to take it with her now and transfer it to a safer location

2) Mrs. Shao is trying to save her husband and Wang Qing is trying to find the culprit behind the fire. They team up because their goals are somewhat aligned. They suspect the culprit was after Cheng Weimin’s secrets and will try to track down Cheng Weimin’s notebook via the only survivor of the fire. So Wang Qing decides to use herself as bait.

I like possibility #2 because this partially explains why Vein does not appear to know Wang Qing, but Wang Qing knows him and looks at him with even more intense hatred than Lu Guang. Because if the notebook is a bait for the culprit, then Wang Qing has reason to believe whoever comes for the notebook is the culprit, and when she sees someone she knows come for the notebook, she thinks she has her answer now and is ready for revenge.

And this also aligns with what she says to CXS before she gets possessed by Mrs. Shao: “You are the detective, CXS.” Because he is the one who is supposed to find the culprit for her. And what happens as soon as she opens her eyes in her own body again? The “culprit” caught red handed with the notebook.

(But this is very probably a big misunderstanding because Vein was hired by his client —presumably Liu Xiao —to find the notebook. So far, there are no indications that he was involved in the fire. And my theory still doesn’t explain how Wang Qing knows and recognizes him but he doesn’t know her)

[prentissluvr]

literary parallels — sam winchester

pairing : sam winchester x gn!reader ➖⟢ genre : light angst, fluff ➖⟢ cw : small injuries, few seconds of physical fighting (self-defense), no use of y/n, you have a dad and i gave him a name (rick lol), mentions of death of loved ones, sort of case fic, kinda ignores canon timeline in terms of a few minor things but canon doesn't matter much in this fic lol, poorly edited most likely ➖⟢ wc : 3.6K summary : sam is someone from your past at stanford university, and the last place you expect to see him again is on a case. that's exactly where you find him. i plan on doing a part two for this one in the future! :))

MOVED BLOGS TO @sammyluvr !! no longer active on this blog! all fics can be found there!

today is one of those days where the reality of your life feels strange, unwelcome, and somewhat foreign. it’s not as if you’re new to the hunting life; it’s just the opposite, and yet, you often feel removed from it, especially after having lived normally at college for a few years. but you were ripped back into hunting without being able to finish your degree by your father after the death of your closest cousin. 

so now you’re cooped up in a crappy motel room searching endlessly through detailed lore websites and the few books you have on you, trying to make sense of the odd patterns of killings in the small california town. that’s part of the pit in your stomach for today; the beach town, cayucos, is only three hours from stanford. 

being so close to your former university after almost a whole year brings back a whole lot of mixed feelings. mostly longing for the normalcy that you loved and lost, but also a renewed urgency to find what killed your cousin. she had been studying at a different college just an hour inland from you. when she died, you had wanted to salt and burn her body and move on. but when your father showed up with proof of odd circumstances, he pursuaded you to rejoin him in the hunting life.

the deaths in cayucos are certainly odd, but they lack the defining features that would allow you to identify the creature at fault. so, you’re searching for anything with a grudge against hot men and a killing cycle of seven years since those are about the only patterns so far. your dad is at the coroner’s office, meeting with an old hunter friend to check out the body of the latest victim.

that’s been another reminder of your brief time at a normal school with normal friends and normal hobbies. when your dad first told you he called in a friend to help, he’d asked you, “d’you remember john winchester? you met him once when you were a kid, he’s an old buddy of mine.” you shook your head and he shrugged, saying something about how it makes sense; you were young and only met him once. but the name stuck in your mind as he left, and it had nothing to do with hunting or when you were a kid on the road, stuck in motels, school if you were there long enough, or the town library if you were lucky.

that name, or the last name anyway, comes from the stanford part of your life, the one you keep cherished in the most protected corners of your heart. sam winchester was one of your few friends during your time there, and after hearing his family name spoken aloud, he’s floating through your mind all day.

he disappeared after jess, his girlfriend and one of your other few friends, died, mere weeks before your own cousin died and you left standford as well. you’ve always wondered what happened to him, the best conclusion you could come to being that he couldn’t bear her death. they were absolutely in love with each other, but you know jess would have wanted him to finish at stanford, then head to that law school he was bound to get that full-ride to. sam always had an air of strength about him, so it surprised you when you never saw him again. he wasn’t even at her funeral, and to this day, that’s your singular bone to pick with him. 

but, you can’t afford to think about him too much as you search for answers about the case. abandoning the lore websites for the meantime, you look over the police records of all the deaths that you can find, hoping to draw together any more patterns that you can use to narrow down your research. you’re jotting down a few notes, thinking you may have found something regarding accounts of a few of the men being last seen with a woman, when your train of thought is interrupted by an unexpected knock on the door.

on instinct, you draw your gun as you cross the room, looking through the peephole and silently cursing when you realize the light out front has gone out. all you can make out is the tall, broad silluete of a man thanks to the dimness of the twighlight sky.

you wait for a moment at the door, hoping he’ll just walk away after he doesn’t get an answer. but you’re unlucky, and he knocks again before calling out, “hello? rick sent me here to … help with the case, he said his kid was here. i’m john winchester’s son, sam.”

if you were in an old-timey cartoon, your jaw would’ve dropped to the floor. sam … sam winchester. it sounds just like him. trying to keep your head, you swap your gun for a nearby canteen of holy water and slip a silver knife into your pocket for accessibility. it’s too much of a coincidence for you to believe it.

you crack the door, just enough for him to hear you a bit better. “sam winchester? like stanford full-ride, lawyboy sam winchester?”

“i– how do you–” there’s a moment of silence, and you know that he’s piecing together the few clues he has; your voice and the last name you must share with your dad, the man he knows as rick. his voice is just as cautious as yours as he says your name like he can’t really believe it.

for a moment, you stop thinking when you hear his voice saying your name after so long, and you throw open the door and let him in. the light from the motel room finally illuminates his face, and it’s him, it’s really him. and the moment you think that is the moment you realize that could absolutely not be the case.

the second he turns to you from closing the door, you’re splashing holy water in his face so fast you barely catch the look he was about to give you; eyes so full of surprise and wonder and confusion and something akin to joy. you react quickly to his lack of reaction besides the normal surprise at getting splashed in the face, slashing at his arm with your silver knife to finish testing him. but he reacts just as fast as you, grabbing both of your wrists, spinning you around and pinning you to the flat surface of the door.

his hold is quite strong, but he doesn’t have the time to bear his full weight into holding you down before you react, so you’re able to manuever out of his hold with practiced ease. you lift one arm up as you yank the other down to make it so you’re able to slip down and to the side, out of his hold. then you’ve got a strong hand to his back, shoving him face-first against the door and your other arm bringing your knife to his throat.

the thought that his profile view with his pulled-taut eyebrows and the grimace on his mouth looks pretty has the audacity to float up to the forefront of your mind before you can squash it down. the whole struggle had taken mere seconds, and he resigns the minute you’ve got him pinned down.

“it’s me,” he pants, “i swear. ‘m not a shapeshifter or ghoul or anything, it was just instinct. sorry,” he explains quickly, “go ahead, test me.”

you debate saying “don’t mind if i do,” but decide that you don’t have to be teasing or snarky about it. instead, you tamp down your hesitance to hurt him, even a little bit because he still sort of feels like innocent, regular, lawboy sam to you, and you draw a thin line of blood at the spot where his neck slopes into his broad shoulder. there’s no burning, just a normal wince from his mouth, so you loosen your hold on him and step back, internally cringing at the small bit of blood beginning to slip down towards his collarbone.

“sorry,” you say, far more sincere than you would be if it’d been anybody else. this is the norm for hunters, but you haven’t quite wrapped your mind around the fact that sam is a hunter. you’d never once would have guessed, though you suppose that was the point. you had done everything you could to hide that part of your life during your time at stanford.

“it’s fine,” he gives you an awkward half-smile, just as sincere as you. “just, y’know, your turn.” you’d been so busy taking in the sight of him standing there, looking almost exactly the same, but not quite, as he had in college, that you forgot about the courtesy of testing yourself too.

“right,” you clear your throat, “of course.” without the hesitance any normal person would have, you take the knife to your forearm and splash a bit of holy water on your skin. “there we go. no demons or shapeshifters or the like. that’s good.” you feel incredibly awkward all of the sudden, still so bewildered and thrown off balance by the collision of your two words. it feels like too much of a coincidence for you to be this close to your old school, be thinking about sam winchester, a symbol of that old life, then for him to show up and flip your whole entire understanding of him. there’s just about a million things running through your mind at just about a million miles per hour and it’s starting to make your head hurt.

the movement of his hand, reaching up to hold the small cut you gave him is what brings you out of your short lived reverie.

“god, i’m sorry. let me get you something for that.” you don’t give him the time to politely tell you, “no, it’s okay,” like you know he would before you’ve turned your back and crossed the room to grab a first aid kit from your bag and some rubbing alcohol from the bathroom. “sit down,” you urge him when you turn back to him, motioning towards the table you’d been seated at when he arrived.

he complies and once again, you’re thinking about the strangeness of sharing this sort of space with him. you’re used to seeing him in libraries so big that they’re almost grand for quiet study sessions or in the dining hall with his nose buried in a book or in the lecture hall where you first met him in a gen-ed class. you’re used to seeing him on one of the grassy quads with jess by his side or him in the big, open, and fancy old university buildings. now he looks right at home in the dingy motel room, so small it feels like his tall, broad frame shouldn’t fit in here, so dim that his sometimes blue or green eyes look sort of muddy. they’re pretty, nonetheless.

you set the first aid kit on the table and pull out a large bandaid and a bit of gauze. you reasses the cut to be sure he doesn’t need any other sort of bandaging and almost sigh in relief when you see how shallow it is. sam doesn’t speak or protest that he’s fine to do it himself as you pull the collar of his t-shirt aside just a bit. you’re sure his mind’s busy with a whole load of questions for you, just like you for him. the brush of your knuckles against his skin suddenly makes his presence feel more real. whatever contact you’d had during the short-lived fight you’d had was completely surreal; you weren’t sure he was really even sam, and if he was, it would feel like a lie anyways, for his hands to be rough or so quick in a fight.

he doesn’t so much as wince when you press alcohol soaked gauze to the cut, and though the wound is small and shallow enough that you’re sure it barely stings, it still feels like a sign of his being a hunter, being used to pain. you don’t like that thought; sweet, sincere, and ever so smart sam being used to pain. as you take care of the cut, he lets his eyes wander around the room, probably taking in how familiar it is, and how weird that it’s your motel room and all of your belongings packed into a single bag and your computer screen displaying hacked into police reports and the very same lore websites he frequents to solve a tricky case.

when you’re done he thanks you with a small smile and you take the seat across from him. as your fingers had brushed over his bare skin and felt a whisper of his strong shoulders, you’d gotten the strong urge to hug him. you missed him even more than you thought. that urge doesn’t leave when you move away from him.

you make a confused face at sam when he reaches for the first aid kit and pulls out another set of bandaids and gauze. he just hands you a gauze now soaked with alcohol and nods at you.

“for your arm,” he explains, because you’ve already forgotten about that as you accept it with a questioning brow.

“right,” you chuckle softly, swiping over the cut with the gauze, then taking and applying the bandaid that sam opened for you. when you’re done you have to drag your eyes up to meet sam’s gaze. there’s tension in the room, and though it’s not bad per se, it’s begging to be addressed and you’re not sure how to even start. it seems like sam’s not sure either.

so, you choose to jump right into the fire.

“it’s so good to see you, sam,” you confess, pushing all your sincerity into your voice, “i mean, this is absolutely insane and i can’t quite wrap my mind around it, but i guess i don’t really care because it’s so good to see you. i worried about you so much after … after jess died, i mean, you just dissappeared and … and i can imagine that has something to do with the fact that you’re a hunter, which is sort of incomprehensible to me, but–,” suddenly you’re hit with a new realization. if sam’s disappearance had to do with the supernatural, you wonder if jess’s death did too. but you don’t want to ask, not right now. “oh, god, and i never got to tell you how sorry i am. i– i mean. i can’t imagine.” there’s where your voice trails off and you look to sam to be the one to say something now.

“thanks,” he answers simply, voice gentle but a little pained, rightfully so. “she was your friend, too. i mean, we were all friends. and i’m sorry i disappeared like that. i, um, well, you’re right. hunting dragged me away. it’s complicated and i’ll explain it to you later. you deserve to know what happened to jess, but– but it’s a lot.” a moment of silence allows that to sink in; so something did happen to her, something more than just faulty electrical wiring in her apartment. sam’s genuine as he goes on, “and it’s great to see you too, really. it’s so strange, i mean all of this, obviously, but it’s even stranger how close we are to stanford. i was already thinking about it, about you all on the way over, and the next thing i know, you’re the suspicious hunter throwing holy water in my face.” 

you cringe a little at that, but sam smiles a little wider than he has all night. “that’s a good thing,” he half-laughs, “i don’t care how weird this coincidence is, i’m glad for it.” his hand twitches, almost as if he’d wanted to reach over and grab your hand, but thought better of it before it could happen. “i gotta ask, did you finish your degree?” the way he asks is so hopeful, and you immediately know how much he wants the answer to be yes. he’s thinking, if i couldn’t finish, please tell me at least one of us could. that one of us poor and foolish hunter kids who thought we could escape managed to long enough to finish a degree, prove that we could make something of ourselves in the normal world. it would be so nice to see that, if it couldn’t be me, it could be somebody, it could be you.

his face falls a little when he registers the sad smile on your face. your expression is more than enough of an answer, and the fact that he wanted so badly for you to have made it makes your heart break a little, for both him and you. we deserved better, you think.

“just about the same thing happened to me,” you begin to explain, “you remember my cousin, bex?” sam nods, recalling the way the two of you acted like siblings the few times he met her, how much you liked alike when you smiled, already sad for what he suspects he might hear. “she died a few weeks after jess. she and i both grew up hunting, and we both thought we got out of it, at least for a little while. we almost lasted all four years … i didn’t think there was anything weird with her death, but … my dad showed me proof of just that at her funeral, convinced me to come back to hunting with him. she was– she was hiding something, and, honestly i’m still not sure what happened. progress on her case has been slow. real slow, so we’ve been working on others in the meantime. keeping busy, you know.”

“oh, i know,” sam sighs, and you completely believe him. you wonder for a moment what bigger things he’s digging into before deciding it’s best if the two of you stick to what’s in front of you. if you go too deep, having each other, a new kind of steady presence from better times, might start feeling too unreal again. 

you want to preserve this delicate balance, where sam is still stanford sam and you’re still stanford you, but now there’s just a deeper understanding of each other. a knowing of what it’s like to grow up with a hunter for a father, to want to get away from it all, to want a sense of normalcy, and to want to learn and become something more and say “screw you!” to all of the expections. and on top of that, knowing how it feels to get so close to the finish line, only to have it ripped out of your hands like you’re a child who’s parents think they’ve had too much candy. only it’s far worse than a half eaten lollipop in the trash because people that you love died, and it was all so much more than just chasing after a momentary sugar high. 

“i’m sorry about bex,” sam says, this time actually reaching out and placing his hand on yours for a moment. his voice is as full of empathy and sincerity as ever. “she was amazing the few times i met her. i could see how close you two were.”

“thanks, sam.” you give him a small smile because those words feel so much better coming from him than just about anyone else. with that, the air seems to settle a little, and it’s far more bearable. you’ve still got a hundred and one questions to ask and a hundred and one more things to say to each other, but to find out you have this near-exact shared experience is like having so much of the weight of loneliness lifted from your chest. and it all feels even better because you know sam. you know him already. 

sure, there’s a whole lot you missed before, but you don’t doubt for a second that the sam sitting in front of you is as kind, funny, smart, witty, sincere, adorably awkward, and good as the sam you met and came to know at stanford. in fact, knowing he grew up the way he did just reaffirms his goodness to you. it’s not easy to live like that and continue choosing to be kind and well-meaning and true to yourself. then there’s this feeling of admiration for sam, just blooming in your chest and you hold back a wide grin because the timing’s not quite right. you still can’t shake the urge to hug him.

“well,” you smile casually, if not a little rueful as you say your next words, “i think our dads will go all hunter-dad-crazy on us if we keep playing catch up. i’ll give you a run down of everything i’ve got, then we can do what dropouts from the west coast’s most prestigious school’s do best; research.”

sam’s smile matches your own, and it’s achingly familiar. “well, we can’t have those asses ruin our not-quite-stanford-alumni reuinion. let’s get to work. we can pretend it’s like the good old days, spring freshman year, all of us cramming for the way-er exam at the back of the library and getting shushed by the librarians. we can pretend john and rick are the librarians.”

for the first time in a long time, you let out a loud laugh, surprised and pulled right out of you without warning. he smiles wide at the sound and finally, without restraint, you grin back. god, you missed him.

[luna---lovegood]

I just finished Snape's Worst Memory.

Here are my thoughts:

James Potter was an asshole.

You cannot cover this up by making him a person of color, he was an arrogant jerk and couldn't take no for an answer. He tried to get Lily to go out with him with the promise to stop bullying Snape. This is not blackmail, as most people call it, because James did not threaten Lily with private and damaging information. He was constantly trying to get the attention of people, by ruffling his hair, all sorts of things. He had a comfortable and extremely privileged life, and he bullied someone that didn't. Because Sirius said he was bored. Face it: he was a spoiled and arrogant person.

Severus Snape was also an asshole.

While I don't agree with James's actions, I don't agree with Severus's either. Severus called Lily a slur. That is not excusable behavior. But at least he changed a bit. Yes, he bullied students, such as Harry or Neville, but do you really expect someone who's trauma has been suppressed because his attackers were people with "bright, promising futures" to be a perfectly normal, sane, and functional adult? I know that I wouldn't be, in fact, I would be plotting ways to absolutely ruin their lives, along with their children's. It's not fair that Severus held a grudge against the entirety of Gryffindor, but most of his abusers were from there. He had a bad home life, and he had a bad school life. That's a pretty fucked up childhood. Personally, if I had to deal with seeing someone that was basically the carbon copy of my bully, I wouldn't be able to control myself much, but this may be because of my poor self-control and urge to act on my impulses. I have bangs, so my hair gets greasy easily, and I hated when Sirius mentioned that the parchment was going to have grease stains on it because of how close Severus's hair was to it. Some people get greasy hair easily, they can't control it. Of course it was bad that Severus insulted a man that Harry's never met, the man that was his father, but Harry was the one that ruined his view of his father. He was the one that put his head in the Pensieve, it's not entirely Harry's fault, but it's partially his fault. And, blaming him for creating Levicorpus and Sectumsempra is like blaming someone for carrying an object of self-defense around after being repeatedly assaulted and harassed. Severus was a victim of bullying trying to get through school, but that does not make him a better person than James.

Remus Lupin should have done something.

When James and Sirius noticed Severus, it's said that Remus immediately and allegedly became immersed in his book. He was a prefect. Remus should have done something. I don't care that the Marauders were his friends, good friends wouldn't leave him just for telling on them and giving them detention for bullying a kid. Good friends wouldn't expose him for being a werewolf just for telling them off if it was for a good cause.

Severus Snape could have reacted better.

Yes, I was just saying that it's partially Harry's fault because he looked in the Pensieve, but Severus shouldn't have thrown Harry across the room. He could have acted at least a bit more rationally. I know that I literally said that I didn't expect Severus to be a normal and functional adult, but throwing a fifteen year old across a room that has a hard stone floor. I would have cried if that were me.

While I am pro Snape, I am also pro Marauders. I like Severus, Remus, and Sirius. James is the only one that I truly hate. I understand that they somewhat changed, and I don't mind if you disagree with any of my points or opinions, but please don't be rude about it. I don't like James because of what he said to Lily in this chapter, he was correct for yelling at Severus after Severus called Lily a mudblood, but I still don't like him.

[samsblades]

literary parallels — sam winchester

cw : gn!reader, light angst, fluff, small injuries, few seconds of physical fighting (self-defense), no use of y/n, you have a dad and i gave him a name (rick lol), mentions of death of loved ones, sort of case fic, kinda ignores canon timeline in terms of a few minor things but canon doesn’t matter much in this fic lol, poorly edited most likely, 3.6K words. requested !

summary : sam is someone from your past at stanford university, and the last place you expect to see him again is on a case. that’s exactly where you find him.

today is one of those days where the reality of your life feels strange, unwelcome, and somewhat foreign. it’s not as if you’re new to the hunting life; it’s just the opposite, and yet, you often feel removed from it, especially after having lived normally at college for a few years. but you were ripped back into hunting without being able to finish your degree by your father after the death of your closest cousin. 

so now you’re cooped up in a crappy motel room searching endlessly through detailed lore websites and the few books you have on you, trying to make sense of the odd patterns of killings in the small california town. that’s part of the pit in your stomach for today; the beach town, cayucos, is only three hours from stanford. 

being so close to your former university after almost a whole year brings back a whole lot of mixed feelings. mostly longing for the normalcy that you loved and lost, but also a renewed urgency to find what killed your cousin. she had been studying at a different college just an hour inland from you. when she died, you had wanted to salt and burn her body and move on. but when your father showed up with proof of odd circumstances, he pursuaded you to rejoin him in the hunting life.

the deaths in cayucos are certainly odd, but they lack the defining features that would allow you to identify the creature at fault. so, you’re searching for anything with a grudge against hot men and a killing cycle of seven years since those are about the only patterns so far. your dad is at the coroner’s office, meeting with an old hunter friend to check out the body of the latest victim.

that’s been another reminder of your brief time at a normal school with normal friends and normal hobbies. when your dad first told you he called in a friend to help, he’d asked you, “d’you remember john winchester? you met him once when you were a kid, he’s an old buddy of mine.” you shook your head and he shrugged, saying something about how it makes sense; you were young and only met him once. but the name stuck in your mind as he left, and it had nothing to do with hunting or when you were a kid on the road, stuck in motels, school if you were there long enough, or the town library if you were lucky.

that name, or the last name anyway, comes from the stanford part of your life, the one you keep cherished in the most protected corners of your heart. sam winchester was one of your few friends during your time there, and after hearing his family name spoken aloud, he’s floating through your mind all day.

he disappeared after jess, his girlfriend and one of your other few friends, died, mere weeks before your own cousin died and you left standford as well. you’ve always wondered what happened to him, the best conclusion you could come to being that he couldn’t bear her death. they were absolutely in love with each other, but you know jess would have wanted him to finish at stanford, then head to that law school he was bound to get that full-ride to. sam always had an air of strength about him, so it surprised you when you never saw him again. he wasn’t even at her funeral, and to this day, that’s your singular bone to pick with him. 

but, you can’t afford to think about him too much as you search for answers about the case. abandoning the lore websites for the meantime, you look over the police records of all the deaths that you can find, hoping to draw together any more patterns that you can use to narrow down your research. you’re jotting down a few notes, thinking you may have found something regarding accounts of a few of the men being last seen with a woman, when your train of thought is interrupted by an unexpected knock on the door.

on instinct, you draw your gun as you cross the room, looking through the peephole and silently cursing when you realize the light out front has gone out. all you can make out is the tall, broad silluete of a man thanks to the dimness of the twighlight sky.

you wait for a moment at the door, hoping he’ll just walk away after he doesn’t get an answer. but you’re unlucky, and he knocks again before calling out, “hello? rick sent me here to … help with the case, he said his kid was here. i’m john winchester’s son, sam.”

if you were in an old-timey cartoon, your jaw would’ve dropped to the floor. sam … sam winchester. it sounds just like him. trying to keep your head, you swap your gun for a nearby canteen of holy water and slip a silver knife into your pocket for accessibility. it’s too much of a coincidence for you to believe it.

you crack the door, just enough for him to hear you a bit better. “sam winchester? like stanford full-ride, lawyboy sam winchester?”

“i– how do you–” there’s a moment of silence, and you know that he’s piecing together the few clues he has; your voice and the last name you must share with your dad, the man he knows as rick. his voice is just as cautious as yours as he says your name like he can’t really believe it.

for a moment, you stop thinking when you hear his voice saying your name after so long, and you throw open the door and let him in. the light from the motel room finally illuminates his face, and it’s him, it’s really him. and the moment you think that is the moment you realize that could absolutely not be the case.

the second he turns to you from closing the door, you’re splashing holy water in his face so fast you barely catch the look he was about to give you; eyes so full of surprise and wonder and confusion and something akin to joy. you react quickly to his lack of reaction besides the normal surprise at getting splashed in the face, slashing at his arm with your silver knife to finish testing him. but he reacts just as fast as you, grabbing both of your wrists, spinning you around and pinning you to the flat surface of the door.

his hold is quite strong, but he doesn’t have the time to bear his full weight into holding you down before you react, so you’re able to manuever out of his hold with practiced ease. you lift one arm up as you yank the other down to make it so you’re able to slip down and to the side, out of his hold. then you’ve got a strong hand to his back, shoving him face-first against the door and your other arm bringing your knife to his throat.

the thought that his profile view with his pulled-taut eyebrows and the grimace on his mouth looks pretty has the audacity to float up to the forefront of your mind before you can squash it down. the whole struggle had taken mere seconds, and he resigns the minute you’ve got him pinned down.

“it’s me,” he pants, “i swear. ‘m not a shapeshifter or ghoul or anything, it was just instinct. sorry,” he explains quickly, “go ahead, test me.”

you debate saying “don’t mind if i do,” but decide that you don’t have to be teasing or snarky about it. instead, you tamp down your hesitance to hurt him, even a little bit because he still sort of feels like innocent, regular, lawboy sam to you, and you draw a thin line of blood at the spot where his neck slopes into his broad shoulder. there’s no burning, just a normal wince from his mouth, so you loosen your hold on him and step back, internally cringing at the small bit of blood beginning to slip down towards his collarbone.

“sorry,” you say, far more sincere than you would be if it’d been anybody else. this is the norm for hunters, but you haven’t quite wrapped your mind around the fact that sam is a hunter. you’d never once would have guessed, though you suppose that was the point. you had done everything you could to hide that part of your life during your time at stanford.

“it’s fine,” he gives you an awkward half-smile, just as sincere as you. “just, y’know, your turn.” you’d been so busy taking in the sight of him standing there, looking almost exactly the same, but not quite, as he had in college, that you forgot about the courtesy of testing yourself too.

“right,” you clear your throat, “of course.” without the hesitance any normal person would have, you take the knife to your forearm and splash a bit of holy water on your skin. “there we go. no demons or shapeshifters or the like. that’s good.” you feel incredibly awkward all of the sudden, still so bewildered and thrown off balance by the collision of your two words. it feels like too much of a coincidence for you to be this close to your old school, be thinking about sam winchester, a symbol of that old life, then for him to show up and flip your whole entire understanding of him. there’s just about a million things running through your mind at just about a million miles per hour and it’s starting to make your head hurt.

the movement of his hand, reaching up to hold the small cut you gave him is what brings you out of your short lived reverie.

“god, i’m sorry. let me get you something for that.” you don’t give him the time to politely tell you, “no, it’s okay,” like you know he would before you’ve turned your back and crossed the room to grab a first aid kit from your bag and some rubbing alcohol from the bathroom. “sit down,” you urge him when you turn back to him, motioning towards the table you’d been seated at when he arrived.

he complies and once again, you’re thinking about the strangeness of sharing this sort of space with him. you’re used to seeing him in libraries so big that they’re almost grand for quiet study sessions or in the dining hall with his nose buried in a book or in the lecture hall where you first met him in a gen-ed class. you’re used to seeing him on one of the grassy quads with jess by his side or him in the big, open, and fancy old university buildings. now he looks right at home in the dingy motel room, so small it feels like his tall, broad frame shouldn’t fit in here, so dim that his sometimes blue or green eyes look sort of muddy. they’re pretty, nonetheless.

you set the first aid kit on the table and pull out a large bandaid and a bit of gauze. you reasses the cut to be sure he doesn’t need any other sort of bandaging and almost sigh in relief when you see how shallow it is. sam doesn’t speak or protest that he’s fine to do it himself as you pull the collar of his t-shirt aside just a bit. you’re sure his mind’s busy with a whole load of questions for you, just like you for him. the brush of your knuckles against his skin suddenly makes his presence feel more real. whatever contact you’d had during the short-lived fight you’d had was completely surreal; you weren’t sure he was really even sam, and if he was, it would feel like a lie anyways, for his hands to be rough or so quick in a fight.

he doesn’t so much as wince when you press alcohol soaked gauze to the cut, and though the wound is small and shallow enough that you’re sure it barely stings, it still feels like a sign of his being a hunter, being used to pain. you don’t like that thought; sweet, sincere, and ever so smart sam being used to pain. as you take care of the cut, he lets his eyes wander around the room, probably taking in how familiar it is, and how weird that it’s your motel room and all of your belongings packed into a single bag and your computer screen displaying hacked into police reports and the very same lore websites he frequents to solve a tricky case.

when you’re done he thanks you with a small smile and you take the seat across from him. as your fingers had brushed over his bare skin and felt a whisper of his strong shoulders, you’d gotten the strong urge to hug him. you missed him even more than you thought. that urge doesn’t leave when you move away from him.

you make a confused face at sam when he reaches for the first aid kit and pulls out another set of bandaids and gauze. he just hands you a gauze now soaked with alcohol and nods at you.

“for your arm,” he explains, because you’ve already forgotten about that as you accept it with a questioning brow.

“right,” you chuckle softly, swiping over the cut with the gauze, then taking and applying the bandaid that sam opened for you. when you’re done you have to drag your eyes up to meet sam’s gaze. there’s tension in the room, and though it’s not bad per se, it’s begging to be addressed and you’re not sure how to even start. it seems like sam’s not sure either.

so, you choose to jump right into the fire.

“it’s so good to see you, sam,” you confess, pushing all your sincerity into your voice, “i mean, this is absolutely insane and i can’t quite wrap my mind around it, but i guess i don’t really care because it’s so good to see you. i worried about you so much after … after jess died, i mean, you just dissappeared and … and i can imagine that has something to do with the fact that you’re a hunter, which is sort of incomprehensible to me, but–,” suddenly you’re hit with a new realization. if sam’s disappearance had to do with the supernatural, you wonder if jess’s death did too. but you don’t want to ask, not right now. “oh, god, and i never got to tell you how sorry i am. i– i mean. i can’t imagine.” there’s where your voice trails off and you look to sam to be the one to say something now.

“thanks,” he answers simply, voice gentle but a little pained, rightfully so. “she was your friend, too. i mean, we were all friends. and i’m sorry i disappeared like that. i, um, well, you’re right. hunting dragged me away. it’s complicated and i’ll explain it to you later. you deserve to know what happened to jess, but– but it’s a lot.” a moment of silence allows that to sink in; so something did happen to her, something more than just faulty electrical wiring in her apartment. sam’s genuine as he goes on, “and it’s great to see you too, really. it’s so strange, i mean all of this, obviously, but it’s even stranger how close we are to stanford. i was already thinking about it, about you all on the way over, and the next thing i know, you’re the suspicious hunter throwing holy water in my face.” 

you cringe a little at that, but sam smiles a little wider than he has all night. “that’s a good thing,” he half-laughs, “i don’t care how weird this coincidence is, i’m glad for it.” his hand twitches, almost as if he’d wanted to reach over and grab your hand, but thought better of it before it could happen. “i gotta ask, did you finish your degree?” the way he asks is so hopeful, and you immediately know how much he wants the answer to be yes. he’s thinking, if i couldn’t finish, please tell me at least one of us could. that one of us poor and foolish hunter kids who thought we could escape managed to long enough to finish a degree, prove that we could make something of ourselves in the normal world. it would be so nice to see that, if it couldn’t be me, it could be somebody, it could be you.

his face falls a little when he registers the sad smile on your face. your expression is more than enough of an answer, and the fact that he wanted so badly for you to have made it makes your heart break a little, for both him and you. we deserved better, you think.

“just about the same thing happened to me,” you begin to explain, “you remember my cousin, bex?” sam nods, recalling the way the two of you acted like siblings the few times he met her, how much you liked alike when you smiled, already sad for what he suspects he might hear. “she died a few weeks after jess. she and i both grew up hunting, and we both thought we got out of it, at least for a little while. we almost lasted all four years … i didn’t think there was anything weird with her death, but … my dad showed me proof of just that at her funeral, convinced me to come back to hunting with him. she was– she was hiding something, and, honestly i’m still not sure what happened. progress on her case has been slow. real slow, so we’ve been working on others in the meantime. keeping busy, you know.”

“oh, i know,” sam sighs, and you completely believe him. you wonder for a moment what bigger things he’s digging into before deciding it’s best if the two of you stick to what’s in front of you. if you go too deep, having each other, a new kind of steady presence from better times, might start feeling too unreal again. 

you want to preserve this delicate balance, where sam is still stanford sam and you’re still stanford you, but now there’s just a deeper understanding of each other. a knowing of what it’s like to grow up with a hunter for a father, to want to get away from it all, to want a sense of normalcy, and to want to learn and become something more and say “screw you!” to all of the expections. and on top of that, knowing how it feels to get so close to the finish line, only to have it ripped out of your hands like you’re a child who’s parents think they’ve had too much candy. only it’s far worse than a half eaten lollipop in the trash because people that you love died, and it was all so much more than just chasing after a momentary sugar high. 

“i’m sorry about bex,” sam says, this time actually reaching out and placing his hand on yours for a moment. his voice is as full of empathy and sincerity as ever. “she was amazing the few times i met her. i could see how close you two were.”

“thanks, sam.” you give him a small smile because those words feel so much better coming from him than just about anyone else. with that, the air seems to settle a little, and it’s far more bearable. you’ve still got a hundred and one questions to ask and a hundred and one more things to say to each other, but to find out you have this near-exact shared experience is like having so much of the weight of loneliness lifted from your chest. and it all feels even better because you know sam. you know him already. 

sure, there’s a whole lot you missed before, but you don’t doubt for a second that the sam sitting in front of you is as kind, funny, smart, witty, sincere, adorably awkward, and good as the sam you met and came to know at stanford. in fact, knowing he grew up the way he did just reaffirms his goodness to you. it’s not easy to live like that and continue choosing to be kind and well-meaning and true to yourself. then there’s this feeling of admiration for sam, just blooming in your chest and you hold back a wide grin because the timing’s not quite right. you still can’t shake the urge to hug him.

“well,” you smile casually, if not a little rueful as you say your next words, “i think our dads will go all hunter-dad-crazy on us if we keep playing catch up. i’ll give you a run down of everything i’ve got, then we can do what dropouts from the west coast’s most prestigious school’s do best; research.”

sam’s smile matches your own, and it’s achingly familiar. “well, we can’t have those asses ruin our not-quite-stanford-alumni reuinion. let’s get to work. we can pretend it’s like the good old days, spring freshman year, all of us cramming for the way-er exam at the back of the library and getting shushed by the librarians. we can pretend john and rick are the librarians.”

for the first time in a long time, you let out a loud laugh, surprised and pulled right out of you without warning. he smiles wide at the sound and finally, without restraint, you grin back. god, you missed him.

[mr-celestial-writings]

Comfort For A Hurt Heart

Pairing: Jason Todd x Male! Reader Summary: Your boyfriend is a grouch with a grudge, and much like the rest of his family, He has problems with self are. That's where you come in. Cuddles and Romcoms For The Win.

Trigger Warnings: Jason is emotionally distressed as he deserves to be. Tooth Rotting Fluff. ================================================

As you were setting up movie night, Jason was in his own mind. You could tell that he was somewhere else, even if he was physically sitting on your couch. He was constantly taking apart, cleaning, and putting his guns back together.

If you had to wager what was on his mind, you guess it was a certain fatherly bat in Jason's life. You knew you were correct.

Jason and Bruce's relationship was... rough. Everybody knew that. You also knew that they were trying to work through it. But some scars are way too deep, and some resentments love to rear their ugly heads. Dick had given you a rundown, Joker had broken out... again. Jason had decided to go after the Clown Prince of Crime himself, Bruce had advised against it. It lead to a massive argument, and now you're on Jason Duty.

You finished sitting out the snacks and went to turn on a movie. It was some B-Tier Horror Movie. Cheesy, jut what you needed.

"I know it's not what we usually watch, but I figured it was needed after the night you had." You said gently, not wanting to upset Jason in any shape or form.

Your words got Jason to snap out of his trance, he managed a weak, tired smile.

"Oh, uh, thanks babe." He said, clearly somewhat stunned somebody was going through the effort to care for him.

You nodded, sitting down next to him. You kept your space, but you were close enough that Jason could pull you into a cuddle if he needed it.

You returned his smile, "I'm your boyfriend, Jaybird, It's my job to take care of you. Now put the guns away before I ban you from patrol."

That got a laugh out of the vigilante, and it was a relief to hear such a sound.

"Yeah Yeah, give me a second, Dork." Jason replied, standing up and grabbing his gear.

You grinned, turning your attention to the T.V. Thankfully, it wasn't long before Jason returned.

He resumed his place next to you, pulling you close.

Jason decided that just for tonight, he could be off. He could just enjoy spending time with his boyfriend.

Nights like this were rare, why put them to waste?

================================================

a/n: Hnnnnnnn I've been wanting to write for my boy Jason for so long. He holds a Special place in my heart. He may be an edgelord, but he deserves some soft love too.

I'll also try and get some Halloween themed writing out soon! It is my favorite season after all.

[austenpoppy]

Dick and Bette Kane - part 1

I started writing this as an answer to the people who claim they love Dick's "petty" side/him not being welcoming to specific people he supposedly has a grudge against. The problem is, those same people tend to mention Helena Bertinelli or Jean-Paul Valley as examples of that happening, when it doesn't reflect at all the relationship he had with either of them in the New Earth continuity (which is generally the one being referred to).

I will do a breakdown of Dick's relationship with those two in separate posts, but it got me thinking about a "heroic" character Dick's been consistently uncomfortable around in that same continuity, and one he openly doesn't appreciate much : Bette Kane, a.k.a Flamebird. Yet people do not seem to ever list her among the characters Dick's not very fond (for very good reasons).

Bette Kane's an interesting concept as a character, because she's not a very good super-heroin, but she's extremely competent in other areas of her life. As a teenager, she began playing tennis in competitions, and she was so good at it she quickly became "a pro", and was considered something of a celebrity.

Yet Bette dreamed of something very different. She openly admired Robin (Dick) and wanted to imitate him by becoming a super-heroin of her own. She even designed her costume as a tribute to him, and chose the code name Flamebird. That's somewhat ironic considering Flamebird was originally Nightwing's partner back when Nightwing was an identity Superman had used.

Bette as Flamebird's New Earth origins are recounted in Secret Origins, vol. 2 annual 3, which is focused on a mental attack Dick suffers at the hands of the Gargoyle. Here Gargoyle narrates one of the first acts Bette did as Flamebird, which was saving Navy men hanging to lifelines attached to an air-craft carrier that was being lifted into the air. Other super-heroes helped resolve the situation, and that teamwork is what prompted the creation of Titans West.

Secret Origins, Vol. 2 Annual 3

Interestingly, you can see that Dick wasn't really aware of how much he'd inspired Bette, and this mental fight with the Gargoyle happened several years after his first meeting with Bette as leader of the Titans, and years after his first meeting with Bette at all.

At first glance, this may seem surprising, given that Bette was obsessed with Robin and wasn't remotely subtle about it. After becoming Flamebird and rescuing the Navy men, she was part of the unofficial first meeting of Titans West along with Gar, Hank, Dove, Charley, and Lilith. And her first reaction was to be delighted at the idea of seeing "Robin" again, calling him "a cute hunk". When Lilith asked her to tone it down and be serious, she instead went further by commenting on Dick's legs.

Secret Origins, Vol. 2 Annual 3

Then when it became clear the newly formed Titans West would have to seek help and go see the official Titans in New York, all Bette cared about was that she was going to work with Robin.

Secret Origins, Vol. 2 Annual 3

When the two teams finally met, it wasn't love at first sight. Once they finally started discussing the case they were working on, Dick suggested a plan of action that involved the two teams splitting up. Bette cut him off as soon as he said it to contradict him and affirm that she was going with him, which she ended up doing.

Her behaviour was honestly creepy. She cut off Dick just because she'd decided that she was going with him. She didn't refer to him by his code name, but only by the part of his body she'd commented on before, calling him "legs". She took his face between her fingers. And the sentence "I've waited too long for this", coupled with the nickname, would've made my skin crawl. It sounds like she'd fantasized about Dick for a while, was going to have what she wanted no matter what, and had no problem announcing it out loud.

Secret Origins, Vol. 2 Annual 3

After the case was over, the two teams had a fight over what team had done more to solve it, and over the legitimacy of Titans West. Wally criticized the way they'd come into the headquarters like they belonged, Bette said they did because they were Titans too, and appealed to Dick to validate her opinion - calling him "legs" again, which implies that this was the nickname she gave him the entire time they worked together.

Dick said he wasn't sure whether it was a good idea for the others to be Titans, because he wasn't sure he would be able to lead two teams, one of them long-distance. Members of Titans West were affronted by Dick's speech, including Bette. She went with the others, talking to Dick again to tell him that "[he'd] never know what [he'd] missed", making her departure partly about a romantic/sexual golden opportunity Dick didn't take. Appreciate the fact that she called him "Robin" again now that she was irritated by him.

Secret Origins, Vol. 2 Annual 3

Titans and Titans West had a couple other team-ups before Titans West disbanded, during which Bette learned Dick's secret identity. From the way Bette acted during the one team-up recounted in details in New Titans #56, we can deduce that every time she met Dick she kept trying to seduce him, persistently, relentlessly, in obnoxious ways that sometimes border on sexual harassment.

It was well-known that Bette was obsessed with Dick - not like Bette was trying to be subtle about it, she had no problem making her intentions clear and that publicly. There's a panel I couldn't include in which Hank scoffs at the idea that Lilith "trusts" Dick and tells Charley that "she's got the hots for him. Just like Bette."

I'm sad I couldn't include it because there's this hilarious exchange after in which Hank bemoans "Man. That burns me. What's he got that I haven't ?" and Charley answers "Look in the mirror and weep" (lmao).

But as I was saying, Bette kept trying to hit on Dick. In the panel below she asked him whether he needed help (the "sure" implying it's not the first time she asked the question), only to say that it was "[his] loss" when he said no. Dick was very polite in his answer, thanking her for her offer, but was turning her down all the same.

New Titans #56

Not long after, Dick told off Hank and Charley who'd gone in an argument over leadership and about their association with the Titans, before having the conversation about Dick I mentioned above. Bette immediately cheered him on, calling him "handsome" as she got close to him. Dick ignored her.

New Titans #56

During a fight she called out to Dick to warn him about an assailant, and had to sneak in a comment about his butt (whoever said this kind of things was recent was lying). Dick was clearly uncomfortable, answering with an embarrassed "Uhh, thanks, Flamebird" - the "uhh" plus the two commas in a three-word sentence indicate he didn't know what to make of her comment. He also corrected her to make sure she knew he'd seen the assailant she was talking about. It was a way for him to reaffirm his skills as a crimefighter (she's not the first one he said those things to), but also a way for him to reject her attention.

New Titans #56

She was also very physical around Dick. I can't include all panels of her, but she seemed to be near Dick most of the time, would touch his shoulder for no reason when they came in a lab, or, like in the panel below, latch onto his arm. Dick wasn't shown shaking her off, but he wasn't seen reciprocating either.

New Titans #56

So in the end, it's not a surprise Dick had no idea Bette'd wanted to become a super-heroin because she'd been inspired by him. Not when most of their interactions revolved around her attraction for him, not when she kept making comments about his looks.

As an aside, this is one of the reasons I can't take seriously anyone who says it's Devin Grayson's fault if Dick's been sexualized. Hard to do that when you have an entire character who could've been one of the best tennis players in the world but decided to become a crimefighter because she was obsessed with Dick, and kept gushing over his legs and butt. Dick's been dealing with that kind of things since the 80's, guys.

Part 2

Part 3

[kzele]

On the "Decepticon Who Can Reform" list of characters, Breakdown's one of my favorites, so I've got a little question:

How do you think he would have been with Smokescreen if he'd defected? Or, alternatively, if he'd remained with the 'Cons and faced off with Smokey?

Take care, and no rushing needed for a response!

I think he might've actually been somewhat chill with Smokescreen had he defected. Overwhelmed at his personality, maybe a little annoyed at his eagerness at worst. I can't imagine him being overly harsh with the rookie. If you think about it, Breakdown has had to deal with ACTUAL high maintenance personalities like Starscream, Knockout, and Megatron. Plus, he has a good reputation/relationship among the Vehicons since he actually talks with them positively. Smokescreen being a quick learner and improvising with plans that actually work would be the least to get on his nerves. He might compare him to a nicer combo of KO/Starscream's traits. Plus, assuming that his long-standing grudge with Bulkhead never completely went away, he might help the kid to spite his former(?) rival.

If he never defected, then Smokey would be a bad match-up for Breakdown battle-wise. Smokescreen is good in a fight but even better at outsmarting opponents, more so if he's underestimated. If Breakdown and Knockout are teamed up, his chances would be much better. If he loses enough times against him, facing the "rookie" in combat multiple times could start to be considered bad luck and this rumor could spread among the Vehicons. He might carry a grudge after enough fights and Smokey sticking KO in a wall probably wouldn't help feelings of goodwill. Might be considering whether the kid is insane with all the stunts he pulls, especially the ones concerning Megatron.