#Like I said I was at my lowest and could not make sense of anything that was happening and was too overwhelming

[hifugoro]

thinking sooooo hard about the removed akechi mementos request. not only because we got to see him Ace Detective-ing (peak!) but because the moral of it all is so. Akechi. very long rant incoming

one of the major things that I think sets him apart from the rest of the thieves is that he doesn’t believe that circumstances lessen the effects of actions. like at all. there are multiple examples of this but the cutscene during marukis fight where he’s the only one to keep attacking (and him being the only one to show outright disdain towards maruki in general) + the thieves den conversation with yusuke about shido / madarame (Y: “Perhaps there was a certain misstep in his life that eventually led him so astray.” A: “So you’re saying he may not have been truly evil? Your drivel’s as outlandish as always…”) are ones that stand out to me most. he doesn’t care about what causes bad people to be the way they are, and he doesn’t care what otherwise good people’s intentions are when they do bad things. the act itself is what matters

it goes without saying that this extends to himself, I mean he outright states that he cant comprehend the phantom thieves not just killing him after the engine room fight. he didn’t mean that as a “wow... I can’t believe you’re being so nice to little old me….” moment. it was him being genuinely confused as to why they’re still trying to get him on their side. because he didn’t say anything he said to gain pity points with them, nor does he think the things he said deserve enough pity points to spare his life

and then you have this mementos request. in which a corrupt diet member has a son with his mistress, who subsequently commits suicide, and then falsely accuses the son of a crime many years down the line. “you all want to help that poor victim, don’t you?” akechi says. the poor victim, who was enacting a revenge plot on his criminal father that made him into a criminal as well. huh.

again, this is all coming from the guy who like a month ago, got a heartfelt speech about how he can still come back from what he’s done because the thieves can understand where he’s coming from. this happens at (arguably) his emotional lowest, where it probably hits harder than it could at any other time. and this is his direct response to that. this is him saying, in essence, that their kind words at the end were nonsensical, because his circumstances Don’t Matter

after he sends these texts, morgana goes “But akechi is just like him…” because it’s true, but that’s the Point. It makes no difference that akechi can empathize, and place himself directly in toji’s shoes. he had a hunch about the truth the entire time, and he still aided in making toji’s act of extortion exposed. understanding the viewpoint of someone who does bad things Does Not Matter to him

and that, to me, is what his sense of justice is at it’s core. which is why in the end, he doesn’t have that same sympathy for himself that everyone else does. he killed people. end of story. no other notes

and my god! I really wish they kept this in, because it really hammers in that extra layer he has to him. atlus do you hate me

[goldfades]

38. "stay with me, please? i need you tonight. maybe for the rest of my life, if you're generous."

with jamie!

𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 | jd⁹

♡ ─ word count | 1.6k

♡ ─ warnings | hurt/comfort, ANGST!! jamie being an asshole (but it was lowkey justified), mention of his injury/trade :((, thats all!

♡ ─ ev's notes | okay listen i forgot the prompt but the last few paragraphs basically describe what the prompt conveys if that makes sense, i still hope u enjoy it nonnie 😭🩷

Jamie had a pretty hard season, with him moving to Philadelphia unexpectedly and him being injured had really gotten to him. He's spent the last two weeks at home recovering and trying to get better as soon as he could, he wanted to be back on the ice as soon as possible. His injury added another layer of frustration. The pain, both physical and emotional, weighed heavily on him. Hockey had always been his sanctuary, and the forced break on top of the trade felt like the whole universe was against him.

You entered the condo, sighing with exhaustion. The last couple months had been frustrating for you as well, but it didn't even come close to how Jamie was feeling. As you entered the small condo, you heard the shower running and assumed it was Jamie.

You put down everything and began starting on dinner, Jamie probably hadn't eaten anything except breakfast. You were worried for him, more than you could ever express. You'd always had faith in him even in the lowest of the lows but he had never been this low in his entire career. He'd always been a determined person but right now, it really did feel like the odds were stacked up against him.

You wanted to do everything in your power to make him happy again, even if it was for a fleeting moment before the world closing on him again. The smell of a home-cooked meal began to fill the air as you moved around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and preparing a comforting dish.

As you worked, your thoughts lingered on Jamie's struggles - the trade, the injury, and the emotional toll it all took on him. You understood the importance of hockey in his life, how it served as a source of purpose. Tonight, you wanted to provide not just a meal but a reminder that he wasn't alone in this struggle, no matter what happens.

As your timer beeped, indicating that dinner was ready, you set the table, adorned with comforting dishes. The shower turned off, and soon Jamie emerged, his weariness evident in his movements. You gave him a warm smile, opening up your arms for a hug.

"I made your favorite,"

He slumped down to your height and embraced you tightly, sighing. You let him hug you before he slipped away from the embrace, and you could feel the tension in his shoulders as he did. The weariness in his pretty eyes spoke volumes, but so did the gratitude for the effort you put into making the evening a little brighter.

"Thank you," Jamie murmured, his voice a mixture of fatigue and appreciation. He walked over to the table and sat down as you brought waters from the fridge before sitting with him.

"How was your day?" You asked gently as you settled into the seat, glancing up to watch him.

"It was fine." He responded shortly as he began eating the food, avoiding your gaze. You knew he didn't want to come off bitter but it stung, you tried your best to not to take it personal. "You?"

"Oh, you know, the usual," you replied with a light chuckle, trying to maintain a casual tone. "Work had its moments, but nothing too exciting. I did manage to catch up with Maya over the phone today, she said she missed us back in California."

You knew you had messed up as you heard Jamie's fork hit the plate, the sound echoing throughout the apartment. Shit, I shouldn't have mentioned California. You looked up and caught his tired gaze as he sighed.

"I'm sorry," you offered softly, regret lacing your words. "I didn't mean to bring up anything that might upset you. It's just habit to share little updates about people we know, you know?"

Jamie took a deep breath, and you could see the effort it took for him to compose himself. "It's okay," he finally replied, though the strain in his voice betrayed the words. "I just... miss the way things used to be."

His vulnerability hung in the air, and you felt a pang of empathy. The unexpected move to Philadelphia had disrupted not only his career but also the familiar life you both had in California. You reached across the table, gently placing your hand over his. "I miss it too, Jamie. But we'll make new memories here. It just takes time."

He sighed and pulled his hand away from yours, your chest squeezing in hurt. He took the fork and continued to eat, choosing to stay silent. You didn't know why he was being so distant, so cold. You hated it but you couldn't resent him for it, you knew it wasn't his fault. That still didn't mean it didn't hurt, though.

The room seemed to shrink with the silence, the only sound was the clinking of cutlery against the plate. The unspoken tension between you and Jamie hung heavy in the air and despite your attempt to offer comfort, he withdrew further into his thoughts. As he continued to eat in silence, you couldn't shake the ache in your chest. The distance, both physical and emotional, left you feeling like a spectator in Jamie's struggle, unable to bridge the gap that seemed to widen with each passing moment.

You had never had this problem with Jamie before, he communicated everything he felt so that it was easier for the both of you so this was new territory. What had changed? Why was he retreating into this new, silent version of himself? The questions lingered, unanswered, amplifying the sense of helplessness.

With a heavy sigh, you set your fork down, the clatter against the plate echoing the unease in the room. "Jamie," you began tentatively, your voice soft but carrying the weight of your concern. "I hate seeing you like this, I just want to help."

Jamie had finally slammed the fork down, looking up at you with agitated playing on his face. "You can't fucking help me, Y/N. Do you get that, is that simple enough for you? I can't breathe around you without you looking at me and trying to analyze it and help me. You look at me like I'm some kind of burden you need to carry, and I'm sick of it."

His words hit you like a punch to the gut, the raw emotion behind them stinging more than any physical blow. It was a side of Jamie you hadn't encountered before, and the harshness in his tone took you aback. There was silence as you both stared at each other and you saw the regret slowly seep into Jamie's expression.

You took a moment to collect yourself, swallowing the lump in your throat before finally speaking. "I never meant to make you feel like a burden. I just care about you, and seeing you struggle hurts. I thought we could face it together, like we always have."

He lowered his gaze, a visible conflict playing out in his eyes. The regret painted across his face was palpable, and for a moment, it seemed like he was grappling with the weight of his words. "I know I messed up," Jamie finally admitted, his voice softer now, remorse evident. "It's just... everything feels like too much right now, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry, baby."

The pet name rolled off his tongue like honey as he spoke and you could see the old Jamie come back slowly as you gazed at him. You nodded, acknowledging the complexity of the emotions that had fueled his outburst.

"Everything will be easier if you just talk to me, Jamie." You paused, choosing your words carefully. "I want to understand, Jamie. I want to be there for you," you continued, your voice gentle but firm. "We can face whatever it is together. Just talk to me. Please."

He sighed, the conflict in his eyes softening. "I know, Y/N. I just... I'm not used to all of this. The move, the injury, it's like my whole world got turned upside down, and I don't know how to understand it."

You reached across the table, your hand finding his. "We'll figure it out together. You don't have to carry it all on your own. I hate seeing you hurt like this, baby."

He squeezed your hand, the warmth of the gesture was filled with gratitude. "I don't want to push you away, Y/N. I just... I've always been the one who had it all figured out, you know? But this, it's different. It's overwhelming."

"You don't have to have it all figured out, Jamie. We'll navigate through this together. It's okay not to be okay, you don't have to play the part because at the end of the day, you're just human."

He nodded, a mixture of emotions flickering in his eyes. "I'm just scared of losing everything, of losing myself in all of this mess."

The weight of his fears hung in the air, and you leaned in, your thumb gently caressing his hand. "You won't lose yourself, Jamie. I'm here to help you find your way back. We'll take it one step at a time."

For a moment, he hesitated, the weight of vulnerability hanging in the air. Then, slowly, he began to open up. The words spilled out, frustration, fear, and the overwhelming pressure he felt. As he spoke, you listened, offering support.

After the conversation, you laid next to him in the bed, his head laying on your chest. The silence was comfortable as you both began to seep into sleep, enveloped in one another. Your fingers gently traced soothing patterns on his back as you held him close, your presence a reassurance that he wasn't alone ever.

The soft rhythm of his breathing matched the steady beat of your heart, as Jamie shifted slightly, his fingers finding yours in the darkness.

-> make sure to check out my navigation or masterlist if you enjoyed! any interaction is greatly appreciated! <-

thank you for reading all the way through, as always ♡

[anzulvr]

ʚɞ On Purpose Karma x (fem) Reader || Chapter: 1 ୨୧

001 Game Time || Next

[Name] was standing behind the chain-link fence, wide-eyed and immersed in the E-class VS A-class baseball game exhibition.

"You can't seriously be interested in this— since when are you a sports fan?" Kaho scoffed.

"Since today?" Truthfully, [Name] wasn't all that interested in the game, her eyes were set on Karma.

"Oh I get it, you've got a thing for one of the players!"

"What? No! Where'd you get that from?!"

"Shindo right? Don't worry, I won't tell!" Kaho noted with a breathy laugh.

[Name] nodded fervently. It was better for Kaho to believe [Name] liked Shindo rather than word get out that she was dating Karma.

It was Karma's idea to keep everything on the down low, that way people wouldn't give her a hard time for being with him.

"Batter number eight, left fielder, Akabane." The commentator on the speaker brought her attention back to the field.

Karma stayed in place, all eyes were on him.

"Hang on, never pegged you as the type to play dirty, sir. If the rules haven't changed this little gambit ain't legal, they're bogarting the infield umpire should have called 'em on it by now."

His voice grew in confidence by the second, "Oh come on, anyone else smell a rat or is it just me?"

Karma turned to face the fence where most of the main campus was spectating from.

"Oh never mind, you guys are morons! Baseballs like a foreign language to ya!"

[Names] peers collectively grew angry, yelling insults back at him. Karma took it all in stride, turning back with a smile, happy to have elicited a response.

No one expected E class to play this well, even Shindo looked defeated, Kunugigaokas star player was struggling to get a hit against the lowest ranked class.

"Preed, do you mind getting us something to drink?" Kaho half-heartedly requested.

"Yeah I've got you, I'll be back!" He scurried off instantly, anything Kaho asked from him went.

"Kaho… don't you think this is a little much?" [Name] asked.

"It's not like they'll find out. Guys are such idiots."

Kaho dated a lot but not out of love, she got a kick out of toying with people, or maybe she wanted to feel loved, [Name] couldn't know for sure, she was only able to make assumptions based on what she saw on the exterior since Kaho wasn't the type to speak vulnerably.

"You're with three guys this time, and Preed is nice, I feel bad." [Name] said disapprovingly, she kept her tone hushed and careful no one was listening in.

"He'll live… Are you with me or against me?"

"Okay, Okay sorry."

If Kaho wasn't with Preed, she was with Seo or Yozo. [Name] couldn't go a day without third wheeling, ever since Karma was moved down to end class she hadn't had anyone else to hang out with.

Who knew baseball could be so intense? At some point Karma dodged a bat to the face by the millisecond, eventually, the game ended, the speakers blasted for the final announcement.

"The game is over, I can't even— this is insane… the winner is, I never thought I'd say this but the winner is E-class…!"

The students from the main campus complained about the loss as they left, the only people cheering were in end class themselves.

"Preed still isn't back, I'll go look for him, see you around [Name]." Kaho sighed on her way out.

[Name] pulled her phone out and sent Karma a message.

message start

[Name] Meet me at the small building to my left?

Karma looked around the field until his eyes caught yours, his focus went back to your contact as he typed out a reply.

[Karma] Yeah just a second Ill have to make an excuse

message end

"What are you smiling about Karma?" Rio grinned while trying to get a peek at his phone from behind his shoulder, unfortunately for her, he could sense her creeping up on him before she got the chance.

"I'm getting a call, I'll meet back with everyone in a few!"

Once he was out of earshot Rio turned to Hinano "What's he lying for? I wasn't able to read his screen but I know he wasn't getting a call."

"That's suspicious… What if he's hiding a girl!" Says Hinano "Or a body!" Fuwa chimes in

"Out of those two outcomes the body seems more plausible…" Rio laughs, she tilts her head as if she's got a brilliant idea, "Hey Ritsu, you should listen in on what he's doing through his phone!"

"I shouldn't eavesdrop… I told everyone I wouldn't do anything without full consent."

Unfortunately for Ritsu, Rio's knack for sweet-talking has always been unmatched, "Exactly! As his friends we have to look out for him, we can't do that if he's sneaking around all the time, doing this would make you such a caring friend!"

"I'd be caring…? I guess that makes sense, okay I'll do it for friendship!" Ritsu, who’s new to all sorts of human emotions and expressions, naively gathers up her resolve. Now she’s just as involved as the rest of the group.

ᝰ ♡

Karma put his batting helmet on [Name's] head "Sorry you had to watch us destroy your class on the field." He bragged, not anything new.

"I was rooting for you, keeping my poker face was hard!"

"Your eyes were shaped like hearts and you were practically foaming at the mouth, your poker face could use some work."

"I was not! Anyway, how are things in E class? You look pretty close with everyone." [Name] turned the topic around.

"Is that jealousy I hear? Cute, but don't worry [Name] I still like you best."

"I'm not jealous! Just a little worried, the way Mr. Ono decided to send you to end class was harsh."

"I'm good I promise, I like it better in 3E, The only thing I miss about the main campus is you." He flicked her forehead. [Name] handed the helmet back to him, playfully shoving it into his chest.

"I know I complain about how annoying you are every day but, I wish Mr. Ono sent me to End class with you."

Karma smiled and shook his head no, "Don't go getting crazy ideas, tell you what, i'll take you out to eat as a consolation prize!"

"It's not a consolation prize if I wanted you to win!"

"Right, so what I'm hearing is, you're paying?"

"I take it back! I'm so upset you won…please pay for us!"

"Fineee…" He feigns disappointment "We'll go to [Café], right after school tomorrow, don't be late!"

[genericpuff]

So Webtoons is getting sued by a bunch of law firms in class action lawsuit. Saw it on reddit. Apparently they lied to shareholders about revenue which is like one of the worst things I could imagine doing to your shareholders. Then their stock dropped again. Wow....wonder how this is gonna effect readers going forward or how they're gonna be more exploitative in the future. Not saying the down of Webtoons has begun but I wonder if it's gonna be the start of it.

Yep, I've been following this since the initial investigations began.

All that said, we likely won't see anything of this for a while, if anything even comes of it. The reality is that Webtoons... really didn't actually lie about being bad at making money. It's literally outlined in their IPO documentation:

So these lawsuits, at least in my opinion (*I AM NOT A LAWYER NOR AM I ANYONE WHO HAS ANY EXPERIENCE PLACING WALL STREET BETS, TAKE WHAT I HAVE TO SAY WITH MOUNTAINS OF SALT) is less about Webtoons 'lying' to shareholders and more so about them kicking the debt down the road which these lawyers want to try and hold them accountable for. It's not uncommon for startups to seek out private and/or public funding to help them stay out of bankruptcy, but such practice is incredibly shitty because if a company was already near the point of bankruptcy to begin with, what exactly is going to change to ensure that they actually make that money back with an additional net gain for those investors?

So in that sense, either something will come of this, or it won't, nothing's really a guarantee as of now. It's just as common for startups seeking public investments to get sued within their first 1-2 years because a company not returning on their initial investments within 3-6 months is a prime cut for lawyers to drool over. Despite their attempts to be honest about their earnings, the vast majority of Wall Street investors are paranoid little fuckers who invest in whatever's new and exciting with the hopes that it'll turn them a profit quickly and without headache. Unfortunately, Webtoons isn't a company that's known for having huge profit margins, which these investors would have realized if they knew anything about this industry or at the very least, bothered to read the fine print that Webtoons was obligated to lay out for them in their documentation. At best the majority of them saw Webtoons' offering that covered buzzwords like "content generation" and "AI" and went "yes please, I love money!" without realizing that webtoons, as a medium, have some of the highest production expenses to lowest-paying demographics out there and therefore companies like Webtoons aren't going to be a short-term gratification. It's more like waiting it out for the "next big thing" that will make that stock valuable again, a massive gamble that isn't guaranteed to payoff. And that's just the game of Wall Street in general.

That said, it's because of how difficult it is to directly monetize digital comics that Webtoons often has to rely on selling merchandise and IP rights in the hopes they'll land a whale - but even their pre-existing whales like Lore Olympus and Let's Play have either nothing to show for themselves, or have left the platform entirely. Of course, they'll vaguely claim that two of Netflix's highest-performing projects came from their platform, but any peek at an aggregated Top 10 list will prove that that is simply not true, and at best, they're referring to True Beauty's live action adaption, which is simply not even close to breaching that list of all-time top-performers (except probably in Korea but this is Goldman Sachs and their American investors they're trying to convince), All of Us are Dead (see above, same situation as True Beauty), and Heartstopper which is... not even an Originals series. Of course, that didn't stop Webtoons and Tapas from boasting about Heartstopper's Netflix adaption and its success on the platform, but literally none of its success is exclusively owed to either of those platforms, Alice Oseman flies solo and if anything, Heartstopper never would have gotten to the point it's at if it were tied down to a Webtoon Originals contract.

So in a sense, until anything comes of these lawsuits, they're more so just lawyers jumping on their own investment opportunity - the opportunity to get settlements from Webtoons for both their clients and themselves by extension. At best what they feasibly have against Webtoons is the company getting way too high on their own supply without anything to feasibly show in terms of profit for their IP's. Considering how many IP's they sold to television and film production studios back in 2019-2022 when they were at their peak over the lockdowns - a peak that is long in the rearview mirror - they are incredibly behind in actually paying off those promises. Even in a recent meeting they held just the other day with Goldman Sachs, they're quoted as saying: "When Rachel Smythe was a graphic designer in New Zealand, 4 or 5 years ago, and she had a story to tell, we enabled her to not just tell it in one part of the world, but globally. She became a NYT Bestselling author, she is rumored to be releasing soon as a major animated release."

When even the company that hosts Lore Olympus as its prize pig can only say that its long-anticipated TV production that both Rachel and Webtoons have been assuring people on repeat that the show is "still happening" and that what they've seen so far "looks amazing" is simply 'rumored to be releasing soon'... I don't even have the words to describe how embarrassing that is for them. Never mind the fact that Lore Olympus has been over for months and both it and its creator, Rachel, have been falling into the pits of irrelevancy. They don't have any other home-runners to bet on, they're just continuing to bank on Rachel as their own example of someone who "got big" even though it was years ago and that fame is now shrinking with the passage of time, you can even see the performance of the series dipping in its own front-end metrics over time. They are trying so hard to convince people that they're worth investing in when the one thing that actually DID have that kind of allure has now come and gone.

Never mind the fact that again, most Wall Street investors probably don't even participate in webtoon culture so the name "Rachel Smythe" isn't some golden ticket to fortune. Lore Olympus might get a bit more of a reaction, but it's going to be a lot more mixed due to how divisive the series became in the end, and general audiences who are new to Webtoons as a public company (and the medium as a whole) are still not so likely to know what the fuck that means or why it's significant. The best time to pull the "we have Rachel Smythe!" card in the public investing pool was, like many other things Webtoons has fallen behind in, years ago. Now it's clear Webtoons thinks that Rachel is their own personal J.K. Rowling, but they forgot the part where Rachel is creating for an incredibly niche and historically unprofitable medium that is nowhere near as big as what Harry Potter was back in its prime, and - personally speaking - that Rowling and Rachel are both, well... terrible at what they do.

Webtoons also has the added burden of not being a startup company. They're not some grassroots Silicon Valley tech startup run by a bunch of friends "with a dream", they're an extension of an industry that thrives overseas but barely has any infrastructure to support it here. They've been bankrolled for years by an overseeing tech company - Naver - but have consistently failed to get out of the red and so of course, now they're turning to public investments to help them out and subsequently, are passing that debt off to the next highest bidder, which is Wall Street. They had nearly a decade to figure their shit out here in the West and while they had their opportunities to thrive, those opportunities have come and gone, a lot of doors have closed and now this all feels like their own attempts to rip those doors back open again.

There is a LOT to insinuate already that Webtoons - a Korean-hosted platform - wasn't ready to enter the Western market and this fumbling of their public stock image is yet another great example of that. Even outside of Webtoons, other Korean-run platforms like Tapas have relied on private investments to keep them afloat (and still do, Tapas is still operating privately) and have routinely struggled to get a real foothold in the greater Western industry despite how much they hyped themselves up as the "next big thing". They're all playing the same game over and over again expecting better scores even though the playing fields are entirely different than what they've come to expect in Korea, where much of the entertainment industry is built around webtoons, much like how our entertainment industry in the West is built around comic giants like Marvel and DC (and even those giants are faltering as we've been seeing over the past several years).

Anyways. I don't know if this lawsuit is gonna go anywhere, there's a lot to the legal process that could lead to a variety of different outcomes, but at the very least, their plummeting stock value and the lawyers circling them from above is yet another notch on their belt of fuck-ups over the past few years. I know it's easy to say this in hindsight and I'm not the kind of guy to say "I told you so", but considering I've been following along with the bullshit of these major platforms for years and knew as soon as Webtoons was rumored to be going forward with an IPO that it would lead to disaster, I'm pretty confident in saying, "No really, I told you so." And I don't entirely blame the investors for that (except for the ones that clearly didn't read the fine print) - I also blame Webtoons for that, because they are a chronically unprofitable company run by a bunch of clowns who manufactured their own demise by getting in WAY over their heads and clearly don't even have a concept of a plan let alone an actionable one.

And that sucks, because the people who stand to get hurt the most are the ones who were made those empty promises years ago, long before the platform entered Wall Street - and that's the creators who were promised that their livelihoods would be secured and their work would be protected.

I will forever bully and make fun of Webtoons for everything they've done in and to this industry. I hope at the very least those investors learned an expensive lesson, and that the damage these lawsuits have already caused to Webtoons' public image - regardless of whether or not these lawsuits win - empowers others who have been screwed over by them to speak up and make their moves. They are not a monolith. They are a brittle business operating from the trunk of a clown car on their way to becoming a penny-stocks sham.

Fuck Webtoons <3

[your-local-hollow-lover]

Hi!! Could you do a scenario where Grimmjow has to handle/comfort his overworked S/O? I’m curious as to how he would react

Certified, he's the worst at these types of things.

Grimmjow finds it exceptionally irksome when he's around and you lack the energy to keep up with him. Why does he even bother visiting you anyway?

"Hey, stop being pathetic, get up," he says, poking your head.

This deep into your relationship with him, you understand there's no malice in his words. He's not intentionally mean; it's just his way of talking. Yet, you're too fatigued to pay him any mind.

"Go away. I'm exhausted," you say, snuggling further into the pillows of your bed.

A brief silence ensues.

"Why?"

This makes you peek at him. He wears that silly expression with furrowed brows, a mid-annoyance look reflecting his own struggle to comprehend something. It's cute enough to draw a tiny smile to your face.

"One of my coworkers quit last week, and all of her work has fallen on me, which wouldn't be a problem if my paycheck increased accordingly, but no! Haha, God forbid we get paid fairly for what we do," you blurt.

Your head throbs, announcing a migraine. You know Grimmjow doesn't grasp these human matters, and that somehow makes it worse.

"Withdrawing's for cowards," he states.

Or maybe he does understand?

"Do I kill them?"

Never mind. At least he asked. You sigh.

"No. Look, I like spending time with you, but right now isn't the best moment for me. I'm so overworked I could cry, and it would mean a lot if you didn’t kill or destroy anything for the night.”

You don’t have the heart to kick him out. Hueco Mundo is, after all, much worse than unpaid extra hours. You just hope he doesn’t take your tiredness in a bad way.

On his part, Grimmjow just looks at you like there’s no remedy in this world to cure your feebleness. However, whenever he sees you in a similar state of mind, he can’t help but feel an uneasiness twisting inside his guts, as if his stomach was making a knot.

When you catch him at his lowest moments, when he’s willing to allow you a glimpse of them, you always provide soft things that bring a close sensation of existing free from distress. It would be fair if he reciprocated it now.

A tiny gap leaves your mouth upon sensing his weight over the bed, and then his body over your own, not in a looming, predatory form for once. He just lies on top of you, close enough to feel the tip of his nose brushing your nape, far enough not to crush you under him.

Oh, lord, you want to kick him, but just then, you hear it: a soft vibrating sound that comes and goes steadily, like a purr. The same sound he made a couple of months ago while you played with his hair. You said it was relaxing, that you liked it.

A warm feeling washes over you. You scoot closer to him, and he lets you, his arm now keeping you tucked at his side. The purr intensifies. It lulls you to sleep. When the alarm clock rings the next morning, Grimmjow is no longer there, but the warm feeling remains.

[geekforhorror]

catharsis

pairing: rots!anakin x fem!reader

warning(s): body image issues, fluff, praise, pet names (sweetheart, darling, etc), make out session

Anakin didn’t know what was going on with his girlfriend and it was starting to worry him profusely. They had been dating for 6 months now and they shared everything together. Both of them had seen the other at their lowest, comforted each other, and most importantly; loved each other. That’s why Anakin was concerned about her wellbeing.

It started off with the littlest things, just enough for him to notice. At times, she insisted on changing in the bathroom after finishing her shower, which made sense because it was an occurrence in the beginning of their relationship and he thought that maybe she wasn’t ready to change in front of him, which he totally understood. However, even six months in, she still had this habit and he noticed she had picked up several more. If her shirt rode up just the tiniest bit, she would immediately pull it down and pray that Anakin wouldn’t notice. Or the times when he placed his hands on her hips, her face was in a panicked sort of state and told him she wasn’t comfortable with it. It wasn’t a total lie, but just not for the reasons Anakin was expecting. They never even had sex because every time he lovingly slipped his hands beneath her shirt, she would always grab it and pull it away from her flesh, which he also understood. She hated keeping this a secret from the love of her life because she knew he would never keep a secret from her.

It’s not like she enjoyed constantly lying to him and his pretty face. She wanted to tell him what was bothering her more than anything, but she was ashamed of letting the words slip out, but she was mostly afraid of what he would think of her if she told him the truth.

But right now, she was sitting on his bed with him and watching a holodrama. She loved being in his quarters because it made her feel safe and cared for. She loved the personality of his room as well. While the flick was playing, Anakin placed his head on her shoulder and wrapped his right arm around her waist. Suddenly, her breath became hitched and her diaphragm tightened because of the contact. He noticed the signs all too well and he had to say something. Anything. Anything to help her. He paused the film and finally decided to speak.

“Baby what’s wrong?” he asks sounding concerned.

“It’s nothing,” she responded skeptically, but inside she was terrified. Terrified of the thought that he may have finally caught on.

“I love you sweetheart and you know you can tell me anything, right?” he assured her in a soothing voice. Tears were threatening to spill from her glossy eyes and she didn’t want Anakin seeing her like this. Like she was weak, fragile.

“Please don’t cry sweetheart. Tell me what’s bothering you. I won’t judge you,” he says softly as he runs his fingers through her hair.

“You’re going to think it’s stupid… that I’m stupid.” she sputtered.

“Nonsense. I would never and I mean, never think that about you because you’re anything but stupid,” he assures her. And he meant every word he said.

“How do you know that?!” she exclaimed.

“Because I love you more than anything. Do you honestly think I’d be here right now if I didn’t love you?”

The room suddenly became quiet yet the silence was so loud to the point where one of you want to break the silence, but didn’t know how to.

“I wanna help you baby. I really do,” Anakin said to his girlfriend.

She let out a rather shallow breath and Anakin noticed this too. It was time to tell him everything. To tell him what was making her so self conscious all the time. Maybe it would set her free.

“Alright Ani, but promise me you won’t think of me differently when I tell you,”

“I promise baby,” he said in the most soothing voice in order to calm her down.

“The reason why I’m distant sometimes has nothing to do with you. it has something to do with one of my biggest insecurities,“ she said. She could already feel her voice start to croak. Maybe she couldn’t go through with telling him this. It was too much for her alone, so how could she be sure Anakin would be fine with finding this out? She already began talking about it, so there was no going back now.

“I have a really ugly birthmark on my back and it’s affected my self-esteem for as long as I could remember,“ she lets out, tears spilling from her beautiful eyes.

“A birthmark sweetheart?” he asks.

“Yes, but it’s not a normal birthmark Ani. It’s so disgusting and it makes me feel disgusting,” she sobs.

He wrapped his arms around her in an attempt to comfort her, but she continues to cry into his shoulder. He didn’t know a birthmark was the root of all of her self-esteem issues, but it hurt him to see her so hurt over this.

“It’s ok baby. I’ve got you.”

“That’s why I never let you see what I look like underneath all of my clothes. Because I’m afraid you won’t love me anymore,” she rambled in a shaky voice. He had never seen her like this and he never wanted to.

“I would never stop loving you, especially over something like that,” Anakin reassured her. “Show me the birthmark,” he said, in non-demanding way, more of a suggestion.

“I wish I could Anakin,” she says in a gloomy voice.

“I can’t imagine a pretty girl like you hating yourself over something like that,” he admitted truthfully.

“That’s because you haven’t seen it yet.”

“I’m sorry sweetheart. I shouldn’t have said that to you.” he says in an attempt to apologize to his girlfriend.

“You don’t have to apologize. You were just telling me what you thought.

“You are the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen sweetheart." he says before kissing her multiple times on the lips.

Despite his words of encouragement, she had this feeling in her stomach and it made her feel uneasy. She let out a shallow breath before speaking next.

“Do you want to see it?” she asked him.

“Only if you feel comfortable enough with it. I won’t force you if you don’t want to,” he says.

“Ok I will,” she says.

Here goes nothing.

She lifted just enough of her shirt to expose the birthmark that was indented on her right side of her back and takes a deep breath once more. She was scared to be so exposed and now thought that he might think of her differently.

“It’s on this side,” she said, pointing her fingers in the right direction so that he could find it easily. He takes a long look at the birthmark in awe and is speechless. Many seconds pass by with dead silence, which makes her even more anxious.

“Say something. Anything,” she begs of him.

“You look so pretty. It’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of,” he coos.

“You really mean it Ani?” she asked.

“Do you even have to ask? Look at yourself, sweetheart,” he says out of genuine love. She knew he wasn’t trying to just make her feel better but how did she? His eyes. His eyes were filled with the utmost love and adoration. For her. “You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen and no birthmark will ever change that,”

“I love you baby,” she lets out.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” he says before kissing the mark on her skin.

She needed that.

“Come here,” he says, motioning his hands in an attempt to get her to come closer.

She happily obliges and scoots closer to him on the bed. Anakin wraps his arm around her and rubs her back with his calloused fingers as she rests her head on his shoulder. It felt like the world had stopped and it was only the two of them together, side by side.

[electricbathsalt]

To follow-up my last Hardcore Delusional take, I will be discussing the possibility that Chisaki being taken in by the Shie Hassaikai was actually planned. I’m not saying I necessarily believe this to be canon, just how I think it’d play into canon if it was. This post is long as hell, so simmer down and buckle up, if you so please.

Okay so, as was confirmed in chapter 419, Chisaki was in one of AFO’s facilities as a kid. Now the question to be begged is how he got out of said facility, when his quirk obviously holds a lot of power and potential, which makes it feel like AFO would’ve put at least some effort to keep Chisaki within his grasp.

So here’s the thought: He did. Chisaki didn’t truly escape the facility, he was just put into another one. Chisaki being taken in by the Shie Hassaikai was just to put Chisaki somewhere AFO knew about, so that his lesser project could be monitored and molded while he worked on his primary project, Tenko. Also maybe Chisaki proved a bit too rebellious/resistant? So AFO thought the best course of action would be to give him the false security of a new start so that he would be more pliable.

So, AFO got into touch with one of his contacts to take care of Chisaki in the meantime. And considering both the theory that Chisaki accidentally killed someone with his quirk when it manifested (maybe his mother) and also the likely dynamics of the facility he was in, it’d be relatively simple to introduce him to a parental/mentor figure who’d he then attach to and feel like he has to prove his worth to. Which, on top of this, said parental/mentor figure being some flavor of authority figure as well would probably deepen Chisaki’s feelings of admiration and respect towards them. And it needed to be someone who’d be able to easily blend someone new into their home without much suspicion, someone who has a life of secrecy, someone whose lifestyle would be a gradual immersion into crime, and who, behind the curtains, knows how to get people to look up to them and also subtly mold them to their desires. So basically, Pops (a Yakuza leader) was the perfect candidate.

AFO contacts Pops. They make a deal of some sort. Chisaki escaping and being taken in by the Shie Hassaikai is staged.

Now the actual process of Chisaki being in the Shie Hassaikai. Here’s where things get tricky.

They want Chisaki to feel indebted and loyal to the Shie Hassaikai and Pops so that he’ll listen to Pops and have the independent want to help the Shie Hassaikai however he can. They want to make it feel like the Shie Hassaikai are the only people that’ll accept him and care for him. That’ll make it easier for them to project their goals onto him, as they’re already pretty sure this mindset will start by itself in Chisaki’s head, and all they have to do is water it/not stunt it. Which leads into…

“I get that you’re trying to repay me for getting you off the streets, but ya always take things a little too far.”—Pops to Chisaki. One might say this is an argument against Pops negatively influencing Chisaki, but! I present: That’s simultaneously stoking the flames that it’s okay for Chisaki to feel indebted to him, BUT that it’s not okay for Chisaki to be too ambitious with it. If the Shie Hassaikai isn’t declining, there’s no motive for Chisaki to eventually agree to work under the League. Instead of harboring similar feelings of respect and indebtedness towards the LOV because they helped the Shie Hassaikai at their lowest, he’d most likely begin resenting them for “siphoning their spotlight”, or something along those lines, in the case that Pops would sign an alliance with the LOV, if that makes sense.

So yes, the idea was to get Chisaki to be devoted and hardworking, but to also keep him from doing anything too bold. The plan was that hopefully, he wouldn’t branch out too much, and when he did, Pops would simply smack his hand away.

Then Eri came into the picture. Something I think about but don’t really see anyone mention is how easily Pops remanded Eri into Chisaki’s care, despite her being dangerous in ways they didn’t yet know how to handle. Was he not at all worried Eri might accidentally kill Chisaki, too?

Anyway. Chisaki is appointed Eri’s caretaker. He’s assigned to figuring out what exactly is going on with her, and when he does, it doesn’t bode well for his begging-to-overflow ambitions that’ve been getting stamped down for years. He thinks up the quirk-destroying bullets + antidotes to make a monopoly on the market plan. He presents it to Pops.

Pops is decidedly not happy about this. That’s a plan that could completely ruin AFO’s (or so he thinks) and Chisaki is becoming way too enterprising and persistent with it. He finally decides to shut down the whole concept by using a fear tactic he knows will strike directly to Chisaki’s heart—threatening that Chisaki will have to leave the Shie Hassaikai if he considers anything like this anymore. (There’s also the idea that getting him to leave the Shie Hassaikai would make that yearning to be approved of/accepted have to get redirected somewhere else, since Chisaki currently seems the type to thirst for validation, which would turn him to the LOV/AFO more “naturally”. As a potential thought process behind Pops saying that)

This backfires,, to say the least. Pops had underestimated just how devoted (obsessed) and one-tracked (insane) Chisaki already was.

Now here’s the thing. It doesn’t seem very plausible that AFO wouldn’t have found out about Chisaki taking over the Shie Hassaikai—and he almost definitely did. Now here’s the other thing—that doesn’t necessarily mean he knew about the bullets. Especially since his inside source was taken out instantly after learning the specifics of it. Think about it: How did the initial meeting between the LOV and Overhaul go? I think if AFO knew about the bullets, he would’ve at least told Shigaraki, and Shigaraki would’ve told the LOV.

But backtracking, here’s some more quotes of Pops: “That again? You’re obsessed. Straying from humanity means the end of gangster chivalry, Chisaki. And people won’t follow such soulless heresy.” (Ironic on that last one), and another: “I can’t have you straying so far from our way of things.”

And finally, “If you don’t want to follow our way… then you should just leave.”

The language Pops uses can feel a bit strange or off sometimes, in the way that it feels a bit domineering/demeaning. Him ingraining it into Chisaki that he needs to “follow their way” could easily be written off as he just wants him to follow the Yakuza code of ethics, of course. But that’s the thing with pretty much everything Pops says. All of it could be seen as innocent, just as much as it could be seen as ulteriorly motivated. All of these could be genuine, but they could also be a means to try to keep Chisaki in place until AFO needs/wants him again. That’s the thing, ain’t it? It’s all ambiguous.

[pensat-i-fet]

A special spooky visit (Dominik Szoboszlai x Reader) / Halloween '23

Masterlist

Wattpad

Several Liverpool players were gathered near the entrance of the training centre, waiting to be told why they were even there.

“Hey guys! Sorry this is very last minute but we’ll need you to do a little event for the club after training”.

“What is it?”, asked Trent.

“A hospital visit. For Halloween”.

“Halloween?”, asked Dominik, confused. He was used to visiting children for Christmas but not Halloween. “What gifts are we supposed to bring them? There are no gifts exchanged on Halloween, right?”

Some of his teammates were amused by his confusion, even if they shared it. But they were all told it wasn’t about gifts, just about being there for the children on a special day.

So, after training, those ten players made their way to a few hospitals, ready to make some kids very happy. Unless they were actually Everton fans or, even worse, United fans. They wouldn’t enjoy the visit much then.

“Hello everyone”, said a doctor when they got to the floor where the kids were. And then she looked at Robertson. “Hello Andrew”.

Dominik saw the interaction and was confused again. There was a lot of familiarity in that greeting. And wasn’t his teammate married to someone else?

“If you follow me, I’ll take you where the children are. We have some activities prepared for the day. Just games for children, nothing too fancy really. And so it’d be great if you could just play with them. It’ll make their day”.

They followed her and were introduced to the children. Dominik saw a game he recognized and thought it could be fun to start with that one. But when he did, he walked past the doctor and Robertson chatting.

“I brought the one you like”, he told her.

“I don’t like anyone, stop it”.

“You sure?”

“Yes, you know my rules too”.

“Nonsense. It’s all just nonsense”, he said and laughed.

And then the doctor turned and her eyes fell on Dominik, who didn’t realise was staring at her. She cleared her throat and introduced herself to the Hungarian player.

“Nice meeting you too”, he said. “What do you know Andy from?”

“Hell”, she said, rolling her eyes. “Sorry, inside jokes. He’s married to one of my best friends. So I must put up with him a lot”.

Well, that made sense. “Cool. Um…I’ll go play with the kids”.

“Of course. Let me know if you need anything. They can get a bit restless and will be a bit overexcited because of the visit too”.

Dominik nodded and moved to join a group of kids to start playing the game they had on the table. It was really nice, actually. One of the things he loved the most about being a footballer was how easy it was for him to make children happy. It felt like a superpower.

The doctor, however, felt her superpowers were at their lowest levels that day. One of the kids started to cry and there seemed to be nothing she could do, so she took him out of the room to try and calm him down. Dominik followed them with his eyes the whole time. He was so intrigued by her.

“She’s pretty, right?”

“What?”

“The doctor”, said Andy. “She’s a friend of mine”.

“She said she was a friend of your wife’s”.

“Of course she did”, laughed the Scotsman. “She likes me too, sometimes. Do you like her?”

“What? I just met her. I spoke two words to her”.

“She likes you”.

“What are you talking about?”, laughed Dominik. He knew his teammate’s sense of humour was odd sometimes but this was another level of strange.

“We were chatting one day, right? And we had a couple of drinks. The poor doctor is a bit of a lightweight and so we asked her some questions while she was tipsy. Silly stuff. But one of the things she said was that the new Liverpool player was cute. And when we tried to get her to say which one, she said you. So I asked for you to come to this visit so she could meet you”.

Dominik didn’t know whether to laugh or clap at the story. But it was Halloween, not April Fools so…

“Do you really mean it? That she likes me and you organised this?”

“Yeah. Clever, right?”

“But what if I didn’t like her?”

“Then you and your stupidity could deal with that problem yourselves”, said Andy, getting up from the chair so he could go hang out with more kids. “Don’t miss this chance. And you’ll thank me later”.

A couple of minutes later, the doctor entered the room again with the little child who had been crying before. He seemed to be fine then but Dominik approached them anyway.

“All good?”

“Yes”, she said, surprised to see him chatting with her. “It’s been a long day for some of them. But we’re good, right Alfie?”

The little boy, Alfie, nodded. And Dominik looked up from him to look at the doctor again. Robertson was right. He would be stupid if he wasted that opportunity. She was really pretty, obviously really smart and seemed incredibly kind to the children.

“I can play with you, Alfie. If you want to”.

“I was going to be alone with him for a bit…”, she started to say.

“Can I join your party of two?”

“Yes!”, said Alfie, smiling at last.

And so the three of them picked up some pieces of paper to do Halloween drawings. The doctor was the best at it and, well, Dominik was the worst. He was never an artistic kid.

Alfie was highly amused too by trying to pronounce Dominik’s last name and the doctor tried too. Dominik found his name sounded especially nice when she said it. How interesting.

“I’m going to play with Mindy”, said Alfie all of a sudden, leaving them alone.

“Bye then!”, laughed the doctor, smiling widely at the little boy.

“You’re really good at this”, said Dominik.

“Thank you. I try my best but some days are harder than others. Today is easier. You should come visit more often”, she joked.

“Do you mean you as in the players or you as in me?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”, but then she realised. “You talked to Andy, right? It was just a silly comment”.

“I’m wounded. I liked thinking you liked me”.

She blushed slightly and laughed. “I mean, I don’t dislike you despite the obvious flaw”.

“You lost me”.

Now she really laughed. “Andy didn’t tell you one of my main rules then”.

“No. What is it?”

“I don’t date Liverpool players”.

“Why?”

“Because I’m an Everton fan”.

“Can I do something to change your mind?”, he asked.

“Maybe come visit again”.

It turned out after all that an Everton fan did enjoy the Liverpool players visiting. Must have been a spooky season miracle. 

[drainslo]

Brains & Brawn- Chapter 8: Karts

You were walking somewhere, anywhere that your feet would carry you. You fought the small amount of tears that started to roll down your face which threatened to become more.

You couldn't believe that Chishiya was willing to kiss you, but not mean anything by it. Your face was flushed with the humiliation of rejection.

Your vision was slightly blurry, which resulted in you almost stumbling into Tatta.

“Ah! I was looking for you,” he said awkwardly, looking relieved. “Hatter’s called an executive meeting right now.”

You thanked Tatta and made your way through the hotel to the upper floor where Hatter held his meetings. You felt a sense of deja-vu from the last time you had been there. The last time where this had all started, and you became entangled with Chishiya.

Hatter and the rest of the executives were already there. There were a couple of newcomers who were standing next to Hatter. It didn't escape your notice that they both had their hands tied behind their backs. Likely because they weren't immediately compliant with the Beach.

You took your place near the militants next to Niragi, who flashed a smile at you when you came in.

“You think Hatter got rid of that bastard?” Niragi whispered when you were close enough. You furrowed your brow in confusion, but it immediately became clear who he was talking about.

“Guess not,” he said when he saw Chishiya walk in casually. “Shit, hope he doesn’t take away your position.”

You smiled nervously back at Niragi but didn’t say anything as Hatter began the meeting.

“Executives! Glad you’re here! Now, I’ve called you all here because I’ve realized a solution to our pressing problem, and I also have a couple of new people here.” Hatter looked towards you and Chishiya expressively as you realized that one of the main points of this meeting was about both of you.

“So, from what I understand, you’ve been getting along swimmingly,” Hatter started with initially. You wanted to laugh at the irony of what had just transpired. If only Hatter knew that Chishiya didn't care.

You looked towards Chishiya to see his reaction, but he just blankly stared ahead of him.

“But, I think I’ve come up with a reasonable proposition. (Name) is one of the best executive group leaders at the Beach with the lowest casualty rate out of all of you, but Chishiya has never done so. Tonight, both of them will play and lead groups during the games. I’d also like to see Chishiya lead more groups.”

You flushed at the mention of your success rate in leading groups. Of course Hatter would consider this as a tiebreaker. But you had 5 days left on your visa, and you really didn’t feel like playing tonight.

“Hatter, I just played a game recently,” you said cautiously, not caring to mention that Chishiya was also in your group.

“Are you questioning my methods?” Hatter’s voice lowered dangerously, and you immediately regretted speaking out. Across the circle, An looked at you with pity in her eyes.

“Of course not Hatter. I look forward to playing,” you lowered your head submissively so he wouldn’t have reason to label you a traitor.

“Great! Now,” Hatter paused to turn his gaze meaningfully to the couple that were besides him. “I’d like to introduce you to some newcomers we have here. You said your names were Arisu and Usagi?”

The boy, Arisu, nodded fervently as he looked around the circle, his eyes settling on Chishiya. “You’re the one from the spades game!” he beamed in recognizing Chishiya like he could save them from their situation.

Chishiya didn’t respond but coolly watched Arisu. You thought that he looked as if he were making conclusions about something; he studied Arisu in the same way that he had watched people on the Beach from your balcony.

You knew that Chishiya was as likely to help Arisu as he was to be open with his emotions.

“Arisu also shows promise to be an executive, and he has brought the seven of hearts with him. I’ll have him go in a group with one of the executives today,” Hatter continued, ignoring the short exchange that just transpired.

A seven? You questioned how Arisu had even made it out alive of such a high ranked hearts game. But then again, Mira had cleared the nine of hearts somehow which earned her a highly ranked executive position.

Mira’s eyes gleamed, and she looked as if she were going to say something until a voice spoke up.

“He can come with me. I’m playing tonight,” An stepped forward without even glancing towards Arisu.

“Then that’s all settled? Executives are dismissed. I’ve already welcomed Arisu and Usagi to the Beach, but we have to go over some rules,” Hatter relayed to the rest of you, and you rolled your eyes at the mention of the Beach’s extensive rules.

You walked out silently, and didn’t feel like talking to Niragi. You hoped that Chishiya wouldn’t try to talk to you either. Or did you?

“(Name),” you heard someone behind you say. You swiveled around to find that it was Aguni addressing you.

“Yes?” you asked nervously. You couldn’t think of a reason Aguni had to look for you.

“Follow me,” Aguni said, and led you to an area where nobody could overhear you. You cocked your head to the side questioningly as you waited for him to speak.

“I think you should be careful around Niragi,” he said slowly.

“What?” You blurted before you could stop yourself. This was the second warning about Niragi you had received in a relatively short timeframe.

“Only regarding Chishiya. Try to keep the two separate at all costs, and don’t bring Chishiya up to him without warning.”

“Why? Did something happen?” you questioned, trying to figure out what had made Aguni get involved.

“I believe Niragi has taken a special interest in Hatter’s project with you two, and the relationship you’ve developed,” Aguni replied carefully. You felt that he wasn’t telling you everything based on his precarious tone.

“Alright,” you said finally. All these exchanges made you wonder how Niragi behaved when he wasn’t around you. It sounded like he became an entirely different person from whom you had once known him to be.

This was what the Borderlands was: it takes from you and warps the person you once were.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The evening came before you knew it, and you waited in a hallway nearby for Hatter to start and finish his evening rousing speech. You had been avoiding everyone by hiding out in the shooting range. You felt Chishiya wouldn’t dare come, and he didn’t.

You didn’t know if you were more disappointed or frustrated by him.

You paced in the hallway anxiously, until you saw Kuina approaching you. “(Name)! Are you alright? I saw Chishiya earlier today and-”

The feeling of evil jealousy reared its head in your ugly chest, and before you could stop yourself you spoke almost automatically.

“Chishiya this, Chishiya that. I guess it’s good he talks to you,” you laughed sardonically and immediately regretted doing so. Kuina didn't deserve your frustrations about Chishiya.

“I’m so sorry about him. You didn’t even come spar with me. Listen, (Name), I don’t know exactly what happened between you two,” Kuina pulled out a cigarette that you didn’t see she was carrying and lit it.

You waited for her to begin speaking again as she inhaled the smoke. She leaned against the wall and sighed before continuing speaking.

“I also don’t know exactly how Chishiya feels, but from what I’ve seen I definitely think there’s something. Whenever you’re playing games, he watches you until you leave. He lurks around or sends me to find out if you’ve made it safely back."

You stopped pacing in shock, and took a shuddery breath in disbelief. You wanted to start crying again from the ill feeling that arose when you thought of your dysfunctional relationship with Chishiya.

He does care.

There was an unusual silence, which made you register that Hatter's speech had ended. “I have to go,” you told Kuina and she wished you luck in your game.

You found a place to stand and waved for people who were in group 9 to come towards you. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Chishiya was leading group 10. He was talking with Arisu for some reason, even though you thought Arisu was supposed to be playing with An.

You didn’t realize you were staring at Chishiya until Niragi came up to you and tapped your head with the sniper gun he carried playfully, awakening you from your reverie. 

“Hey bitch! Daydreaming about someone?” Niragi greeted you.

“Niragi? Aren’t you supposed to be in another group?” You asked in confusion upon seeing Niragi. Occasionally the militants played together, but more frequently didn’t due to the power imbalance.

Hatter wasn’t very fond of a spades dominated player group, especially when you all had guns.

“Since Chishiya’s got to be in charge of one group, I don’t have to do so tonight. So I’ll stick with you, I’m sure to live,” Niragi smiled in amusement but you felt more panicked than anything. You would now see with your own eyes what the others said about Niragi.

Counting Niragi and yourself, there would be 7 people in your group playing that night. It was more than you usually had, and you felt the weight of the responsibility for keeping everyone alive drop on your shoulders.

Motioning for everyone to leave, you began to walk out towards the parking lot with Niragi chattering loudly about how many people there were to watch over. Before you left the Beach’s lobby, you turned back to see if what Kuina said was true. 

And you felt a chill run down you after you locked eyes with Chishiya, who was indeed watching you leave. 

You wanted to run over to him, and ask him why he kissed you. You wanted to ask him what you were to him. But most of all, you just wanted to talk to him again.

You tore your eyes away from him and focused back on the group you were with. You could now practically feel the burning gaze of Chishiya on your back as you walked out.

“Hey- don’t you agree that Hatter’s asking for a lot?” Niragi poked you in the side when he realized that you weren’t responding.

You sighed and clambered into the driver’s seat of one of the larger cars the Beach had to offer. 

“Hatter always asks for a lot,” you duly responded, watching Niragi take the seat next to yours. You turned on the music of the car as the other players crawled into the back, so that Niragi would get the message that you would rather be alone in your thoughts.

The poor quality of the music faintly played as you arrived at the game venue. It appeared to be either an arcade, or a go-karting site. It was hard to tell when the moss and rampant plants grew over the sign of the building.

You entered the building with the others, and as everyone grabbed a phone for registration you saw the go-karts lined up, ready for a race. You drew your gaze to the go-karting course that lay before you, and felt a sense of dread build up. There were around 20 of them lined up, which already was a difficult enough number to race.

The course also was redesigned to be abnormally more difficult than anytime you’ve ever raced. There were tighter turns, and the course appeared to be much longer. You hadn’t been go-karting frequently, and you hoped that the game’s rules weren’t impossible to clear.

“Racing! Sounds fun,” Niragi grinned at you while all you could think was how awful and not fun this game was going to be. “I bet I can beat you,” he continued and pulled out a pair of driving gloves from his pocket.

“How the fuck do you have those?” There wasn’t any way Niragi could’ve known that this game was centered around driving.

“Ah, don’t you think they make me look sexier? I was actually planning on driving us here, but you took the seat so I didn’t say anything,” Niragi flashed the gloves at you, and you shook your head in disbelief at his stupidity. Before you could say more, the chime of the game began.

GAME START

DIFFICULTY: FOUR OF HEARTS 

[KARTS]

NO WEAPON USE

TIME: 20 MINUTES

RULES:

PLAYERS MUST PICK A KART TO RACE IN. THERE WILL BE A 5 MINUTE PERIOD FOR PLAYERS TO GET INTO A KART.

AFTER THE PERIOD ENDS, THERE WILL BE A COUNTDOWN FOR PLAYERS TO BEGIN RACING. GAME CLEAR WILL BE FOR ALL PLAYERS WHO MAKE 3 LAPS IN THE GIVEN TIME PERIOD. 

WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO PICK ONE OF THE FIRST KARTS TO GET A HEAD START. HELMETS ARE PROVIDED ON A TABLE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROOM.

You watched as everyone in the venue either ran towards the first karts that were lined up on the course or went to grab a helmet. You gestured at everyone from the Beach to grab a helmet, but a couple went for the go-karts instead.

“Isn’t the helmet more important than the position? I’ve never been racing without one,” you said to Niragi as you both pulled one over your head. The helmets were running out quickly, and it soon became clear that there wasn’t enough for everyone.

“Doesn’t matter to protect your head, when you’re dead,” Niragi quipped and you both jogged back to the go-karts. You brought back a couple of helmets and handed them to the pair of Beach players who defied your instructions.

There were 3 minutes left until the race began. You strapped yourself into the go-kart and prepared yourself for the race. Why was the game hearts? You thought to yourself, bewildered by the suit of the game, but before you knew it, the game’s announcer spoke.

GAME START

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out, I was so busy this week!! Hope you guys like it :) (also peep Chishiya will be more present in the next chap haha)

[lowkeyrobin]

can i pls have brenda(tmr) x fem reader pls🙏🙏 it could be anything i just want some brenda content😭😭

YES YWS YES YES YES OH MY FYCKING GOD YES PLEASE TELL ME J REACHED THE MAZE RUNNER FANDOM OMG ; also I only do gn readers but I don't think I mentioned any pronouns and kept it all relatively up to interpretation so 🙏 ; thank you so much for requesting, hope you enjoy!!!

BRENDA ; the last city

summary ; a little snippet of taking down WCKD with your friends

warnings ; language, stupid dad-milk joke, blood, knives, guns, & police brutality

word count ; 1.2k

masterlist

Storming WCKD was a tricky battle, consisting of hours of planning and waiting for the right time. If anything went wrong and you didn't act fast enough, you could've all been killed. Hell, even getting into the city was a trouble in itself, considering the Cranks in the tunnel nearly killed you all haven't Brenda and Jorge have followed you, Newt, Thomas, and Fry all the way there.

The mission was to save Minho, and all the kids they were torturing and killing in their hands for a cure that didn't exist. The sub-mission was also to destroy WCKD for good, kill Janson and Paige, and probably Teresa, too, considering she'd betrayed you all at the Right Arm and helped imprison your friends. You still felt bad for her. She just wanted to help, but she went the wrong way with doing so, she didn't really deserve to die like her peers.

You only had one sense of reassurance if you didn't get to return home and go to the Safe Haven, that Aris, Harriet, Sonya, and many other kids used and abused by WCKD, were currently safe. Thomas would make sure he and the others and the kids you retrieved would be okay as well. You just weren't sure about yourself being okay.

You stand down at the bus that you and Brenda had broken into, waiting for the guys to bring down a class sized amount of children to the lowest level of the parking garage. The plan was simple, get out into the city, get Fry's attention with a flare when in position, use the crane, and get back over the wall with the kids in one piece, the bus, however, that wasn't exactly known yet. No one was trying to test run dropping a bus from a hundred or so feet in the air with a crane, but Jorge reassured you'd be fine and to just hang on tight.

You finally see the mass of children headed your way, led by Gally, which Brenda directs into the bus while you get it started. Once Brenda sits down in the driver's seat, you standing next to her, she yells for everyone to duck, seeing two WCKD guards armed with guns headed your way, probably looking for you. You crouch down onto the floor as she slides down in the seat, hiding behind the wheel and dash.

She turns down to you, whispering. "Hang on"

You quickly grab onto the handle bar next to the stairs, and look back at the kids as she nods.

You whisper shout to them, sternness in your voice. "Hold on!"

Brenda slams on the gas, powering the bus towards the two armed men as she sits up. You hear two thumps against the metal vehicle and cringe a bit, feeling slightly bad for the guys she probably just killed.

She speeds out of the parking garage and onto the street, a few police cars now chasing the bus. You stand on your knees, looking up past the dash in front of you, acting as her eyes behind as she drives recklessly through the city. Tires screech and the kids yelp and gasp as Brenda drives like a psycho, like she was still driving a side by side back in the scorch.

You're eventually stopped and cornered, luckily in position. The two of you are ordered to step out with your hands up, and you comply, making sure to tell the kids, no older than twelve or thirteen, to stay put.

"Hands in the air! Drop your weapons"

You comply, dropping whatever knives and guns you had, except the flare gun, in Brenda's possession.

"I said drop your weapons!" One of the officers points their bulky gun at you, making you jump out of your skin. You had your fair share of being threatened with weapons, but you actually dropped your shit, there was no reason for this.

"I did?" You furrow your brows and look to Brenda, confused.

The next few moments are a blur, but you end up on the ground, pinned down by one of the men, a gun jammed into your back. You felt your skull bounce off the concrete beneath you, and your hands roughly being pulled behind your back. You try to fight back, maybe not the best of ideas, but this man was on top of you for no reason, and you felt dizzy and weak, unknowing to how hard you possibly hit your head.

Brenda yells before quickly kicking the officer in the face, serving him an uppercut with her boot. She pulls the flare gun out of the inside pocket in her jacket, and shoots the red light up into the dark sky, alerting Frypan.

You, in an act of panic, shoot back at the officers as Brenda hooks the grapple hook to the back bumper of the bus. She pulls you in with her, closing the doors, instructing the kids to duck down in case they shot at the windows. Then, the flight to Heaven began.

A very chaotic and painful ride to Heaven, and back down, that is.

Your head was bleeding a bit from the impact with the concrete, and your hands were clammy and you saw black dots all around. But, you'd endured worse, you'd live, it wasn't a major problem.

"Hold on tight!' Brenda shouts as the bus begins to soar through the air, sitting at a zero degree angle.

You sit in the front seat behind Brenda, feet tightly pushing against the seat, two kids around the age of ten hiding in your arms.

"Brenda, if we die, I'm going after Thomas. You take Jorge because he's your dad, not mine!" You shout, breathing heavily as you look out the window, the height off the ground scaring you worse than it was scaring the kids.

You hear a little chuckle escape her lips, though she comes in touch with Fry over the walkies, talking frantically considering the whole plan situation. This couldn't go any quicker, could it? It felt like you were sitting midair for tens of thousands of years, the milliseconds dragged on like hours.

You hear the bumper begin to creak and snap, signifying the weight couldn't be held up much longer.

"Brenda!" You yelp, feeling the slight push of the bus falling out of grip of the hook.

"Just hang on tight!" She shouts back, bracing for impact as the bus reaches outside the city's walls.

You pull the two kids under your arms a little closer, squeezing your eyes shut.

You feel the back bumper snap one last time, releasing the bus from the air, gravity pulling the 20-ton automobile back to the ground. The kids scream and yell out of fear as the bus plummets to the hard ground below, nose first.

You hear the front windshield crack and break, the engine crushing as well. The bus completely shuts down, then falls back with a bounce, standing on four wheels again. You feel yourself shaking a bit, eyes still shut tight as Brenda stands up.

You open your eyes carefully, releasing the two kids from your death-grip. You felt like you could puke at any moment, either between the stress of the bus flying through air or the concussion you probably just got two minutes ago.

Brenda leads the kids out of the bus, waiting for you as you hold the back of your head, feeling your brain pulse in your ears as blood smears onto your fingertips.

You look up at her as she looks down at you, still seated, with concern.

"I'm gonna be totally honest, that was pretty cool" You speak with a crooked smile.

She rolls her eyes with a light smile, stretching out a hand for you to grab. "Come on, dork, don't act like I didn't hear you screaming behind me"

You take her hand with a sly smile, following her out the bus.

"We're going to confront Dad about the milk, kiddos, let's go!"

[royalrogue]

I’m a sucker for happy endings and a Zoraal Ja “happy ending” AU has been on my mind a lot recently so here’s an idea dump. This is probably a bit OOC but we’re here to have fun so bare with it.

I’m using my WoL for this as I think in a perfect world she would do this but feel free to think about your WoL instead!

Ahri has been keeping an eye on Zoraal Ja and his behaviour/vibe throughout the tournament. There’s alarm bells there, and when he makes his declaration about waging war on the star, she knows she’s going to have to nip it in the bud before it inevitably escalates.  War mongers are like that.

But she’s also been picking up on context clues the more she finds out. He’s been put in a pedestal since his birth as a literal miracle, which has both stroked his ego and placed a huge burden on his shoulders. Not only that, but he is the blood child of royalty, to the most powerful person on the continent who did the impossible and united everyone under a banner of peace.

He wants to surpass his father, that much is obvious, and it makes sense that he would go to an extreme option to try and make a “Superior Peace”. He’s also been surrounded by yes men and subordinates his whole life, which has made him think everyone around him is lesser. Ahri thinks she can push him to start down a different path, but she’ll have to wait for the right moment where she can break through his stone walls, especially when the sly Sareel Ja isn’t around.

She gets her opportunity following the Mamook trial, where he is defeated by the very man he is looking to surpass. Shade or no, no one worse could have bested him, and she knows he will mentally be at his lowest right now. Perfect!

When everyone splits up to get more information on the Mamook people, Ahri sees this as her chance. Locating Zoraal Ja, he seems to be resting/brooding while Sareel Ja is away doing Twelve knows what. You’d think the plants around him would die with the aura he’s giving off, but Ahri casually approaches, earning a glare that probably could kill someone.

She calls him out how she sees it: he’s been under the monumental pressure of being both the miracle son of a two head and the blood first born of the most important person on the continent his whole life. He wants to surpass his father using extreme means that will not work and will only lead him down a path of self-destruction not just for him, but for everyone around him. And, she knows for a fact that even if, by some actual miracle, he managed to get all the key stones and find the Golden City, his father wouldn’t allow him to rule as he is now.

But things don’t have to be like this. He doesn’t have to follow the expectations of other people. Has he ever thought about what he wants to do? Not as the Resilient Son, not as The Miracle, but as Zoraal Ja?

Zoraal Ja wouldn’t say anything in response, brooding as he is, so she continues by giving a proposition. There’s a whole world out there that doesn’t know him and his lofty titles and, with how things are going, she imagines he won’t want to stick around. So, why not leave Tural and travel? She can even be his guide, as travelled as she is, and show him all the places he wishes to invade. After all, he stands a better change of claiming the star if he knows his enemies weaknesses!

She tells him to think on it and leaves him be, having said her piece. She hopes the seed she’s planed sprouts the way she wants it.

Then the story continues as normal, with the gang finding out the village secret and then fighting the trial. But in the meantime, Sareel Ja returns to the waiting Zoraal Ja with information: Ketenramm has his own set of keystones that should allow them to access the city! All they need to do is take him out and steal them.

But to his surprise, Zoraal Ja refuses! He says he’s done, and he gets up to leave. Sareel Ja tries to reason with him but it falls on deaf ears, and Zoraal Ja departs for Tuliyollal. Sareel Ja can only stand there in disbelief, though he will not be deterred. He has waited too long to turn back now.

The rest of the story runs very similarly, Wuk Lamat goes on to win the competition and find the Golden City. They return to Tuliyollal triumphant, and the preparations begin for the ceremony. Ahri sees neither hide nor tail of Zoraal Ja during this time, which she expected, but she can’t help but worry her plan hasn’t worked. Her fears are put to rest though when she sees him at the ceremony, lurking in a dark corner at the very back.

He comes to her after the ceremony, knocking on her inn room door, to her surprise. It’s a bit awkward, but he tells her he accepts her offer for her to be his guide. Discovering the weaknesses of his future enemies in person would be a good strategic move. Ahri nods along, humouring him, and tells him he will need to wait until she has explored Xak Tural, which is her next stop. He agrees, he had preparations to make.

Things continue as normal once more, until the invasion. Instead if Zoraal Ja, it’s Sareel Ja leading the charge and confronting Gulool Ja Ja. While not versed in the way of the Viper, he is still an incredibly skilled magic user as the Palace seer. The duel still goes ahead, but due to the enhancements Sareel Ja has, he eventually deals the finishing blow on Galool Ja Ja.

Maybe through a combination of an inflated ego and still being sore over Zoraal Ja quitting, he challenges them to confront him in his kingdom, to lay witness to the empire he has built, that he rightfully deserves. If they don’t come, however, he will burn the city to the ground. Then, he departs.

Zoraal Ja is convinced to stay behind and help with the defence as the Commander of the Landsguard. Despite Sareel Ja’s threats and motivations being somewhat targeted, he is the best person to use the Landsgard to the fullest, and his battle knowledge will be crucial in the defence. The rest of the story plays out more or less the same, but with Sareel Ja ruling instead, and a (possible) exclusion of Galool Ja. (Could always be some cloning shenanigans!).

At the end of it, when everything is done and the battle is won, Ahri meets a less flashily dressed Zoraal Ja at the pier, ready to board a ship and start on the first leg of their journey.

[joelslegalwhre]

Her Sweet Kiss

oh i would love to request one where the reader is the dragon queen (a bit like daenerys from game of thrones) and geralt is sent to kill her which he refuses in the end

(Requested on Wattpad)

pairing⁀➷ geralt of rivia x fem!dragon!reader

word count ⁀➷ 3.2k

summary ⁀➷ You're a golden dragon and the king sent Geralt to kill you… (I’m shit at summaries i’m sorry-)

warnings ⁀➷ spoilers for s1 ep6, violence, (short) mention of blood/wound, mention of killing someone, fighting, kissing, angst (not much)

a/n ⁀➷ As always pls tell me if I missed a warning! And if anyone knows why my “read more” messes with my text (it doubles the first paragraph) i’d be thrilled to know how to fix that🫢

Jaskiers song

🥤my kofi if you’d like to leave a tip🩷

Geralt came out of the cave, throwing some monster head right in front of the man's feet. You felt the fear the old man had of the white haired Witcher.

Geralt looked at him with a stern look, a little confused but still as if he'd rip the man's head off if he'd do anything stupid.

„I believe those are mine." He said in a low voice.

When the Witcher came down the small hill to his horse, the man hurriedly let the bag fall to the ground and ran away.

„This woman just killed a man with her bare hands for trying to steal your horse!" Jaskier shouted to Geralt.

You couldn't just walk past the men on your way to the village, already sensing the fight.

It really wasn't as dramatic as the bard told though, the man chose his fate when he chose to be ignorant and thought of himself as something better. Stealing a man's belongings, was the lowest another could do. And you didn't really want to have a bloody scene, so a snapped neck was the… well, best option.

The bard behind you was still in shock as he propped his hands to his sides and looked at the Witcher. Said one turned around and studied you with an intense look.

You just looked him straight in the eyes, a small smile spreading across your lips at his next words.

„Maybe she'll make a better travel companion, then." he dryly answered the bard, tilting his head to the side.

He put the bags back on his horse and turned around to you and the bard, Jaskier.

„Who are you?" he asked. You felt the curiosity he tried to hide as he asked.

„That is something you don't have to know." you answered sounding polite yet your answer clearly wasn't. But something about it made the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia as you knew, want to know more about you.

Normally he would just turn around and continue whatever he was onto. Not this time, though.

You smiled at Geralt. „I guess you'd like that back.” You threw one of his viles at him that had fallen out of the bag earlier. He caught it with ease, looking you up and down in surprise. Maybe there was even more to you than he could guess.

„Good luck with whatever you're doing!" you shouted, already continuing your way to the village. Jaskier's gaze followed you, his eyebrow raised, shaking his head.

„What the..." he mumbled to himself. Geralt on the other hand was completely thrown off by the way you behaved.

„Wait!" he shouted after you, his deep voice echoing through the air. Jaskier turned his head to Geralt. What had got into him? He never did anything like that, ever.

The strong white wolf, feared Witcher and butcher of Blaviken, shouting after a girl? Out of desperation? You clearly left Geralt completely and utterly confused.

The large door of the tavern opened, and Geralt entered, followed by Jaskier. "I'd like a fresh ale, thank you." Jaskier smiled at Geralt.

The tavern was packed, and the waiters ran back and forth in hurry. Neither of them wanted to wait that long. "Hmm." Gerald grumbled, but made his way to the bar anyway to order two mugs of ale.

"What.." the Witcher muttered to himself as he saw you. He had barely managed to banish you from his mind since you had left. As if in a trance, he walked away from the bar. "Witcher!" the barman called after him, who had already put down the two jugs. But Geralt no longer heard him, no longer wanted to hear him.

He followed after you without paying attention to anything around him. If the fabric of your orange dress hadn't had all his attention, it would have been easy to follow your irresistible scent.

You had already noticed Geralt when he entered the tavern with Jaskier. You led him to the back of the tavern, and opened a door that led into a corridor. Which contained several rooms to store food and drink or other supplies. With a light smile, you noticed that Geralt was still following you. Good.

Geralt didn't even look around as he pushed the door open, and it closed behind him. The voices became quieter, and he concentrated on the sounds of your footsteps. It smelled like old wood... and you.

You opened one of the doors. Not a moment later, you felt his presence close behind you. His breath on your neck and the strong smell he carried.

"I don't know why I can't resist you." he whispered in your ear, and his hair brushed your shoulder. "But I'm done trying to fight it."

You leaned your neck to the side and felt his lips, spreading feather-light kisses. No one needed to know about this encounter, you both agreed on that. He didn't need to leave any evidence behind to remember it. His hands grabbed your hips and urged you further into the chamber.

"Show me." you whispered challengingly. If he no longer wanted to suppress it, you wouldn't stop him.

Not a moment later, his lips met yours. Although there was so much desire in both of you, the kiss was anything but. It was breathtaking. It was gentle, quite in contrast to your desire. It was a sweet kiss. And it was so much more fitting than a wild or hard kiss. It was full of feelings neither of you would admit to.

His hands pulled you to him and your hands intertwined behind his neck. Never before had a kiss felt like this. But even in this kiss, you had to gasp for air at some point.

Neither of you moved. Geralt's hands still held you pressed against him as he looked down at you.

Something on your neck shone gold that he hadn't noticed before. It reached to your shoulder and disappeared under the fabric of your dress. It almost reminded him of dragon skin.

You knew what his gaze lingered on. "It's a birthmark," you whispered. He looked into your eyes.

"It's almost the same colour as your eyes." you added with a smile. His lips parted and closed again. Your hands wandered along his hair, and you twirled a small strand between your fingers. Geralt's gaze followed your every move before he looked you in the eyes again.

"I have to go now.” You whispered, standing on your toes and pressing one last kiss to his lips.

Geralt didn't open his eyes as you released yourself from his grip. Only when he heard the sound of jugs scraping over wood did he look up. With three empty jugs, you left the chamber and your footsteps echoed.

But what he only noticed now, how he could have missed it he didn’t know himself, was the wound on your arm. It looked like it had already been treated, but you still had a cloth covering it.

Geralt had his back to the door. But he couldn't help himself and took a step out of the door to look after you. With light steps, almost as if given wings, you walked along the corridor. But before you left, you looked over your shoulder at Geralt. You looked into his eyes and smiled.

Then you turned around and disappeared through the wooden door.

Geralt looked down at the floor and exhaled heavily. "Fuck." he growled.

When he returned to the table, Jaskier wasn't alone anymore. An old man and two worrier-looking women sat with him. Geralt's gaze went back and forth between the three and Jaskier. The table was set with pies, beer and wine.

"Ah Geralt, we were wondering where you've been." Jaskier announced cheerfully.

Geralt gave him a glance and sat down.

"What do you want?" Geralt grumbled.

„A short while ago, a dragon landed across the border in King Niedamir's mountains." the old men started, „I know what you're thinking. Impossible, dragons are so rare. But it's true. Locals spotted it and went after it in search of treasure. Of course, they succeeded only in wounding the creature. And angering it so righteously that it swooped down from its lair and set half a hillside ablaze.

„Hm."

„Dead sheep everywhere." he continued his story.

„Now, the King is in a blind. He's set to marry the princess of his rival kingdom, Malleore, which means it's bad timing to have a murderous pest lurking about in the mountains."

„What does this have to do with me?" Geralt knew exactly what this had to do with him, but the old man mustn't know that just yet.

„The king sent me to ask you to kill the dragon, dear Witcher.”

„You've wasted your breath." Geralt said. „I'll tell you what l've already told the king myself. he looked up, directly into the old man's eyes. „I don't kill dragons.”

What Geralt didn't tell him was that the king didn't order any dragon to be killed, he wanted the dragon queen dead. Shaking his head in disapproval, the old man sighed. „It's nothing I could do myself.” he chuckled. Geralt did not even seem to grin.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Jaskier interjected into the conversation. „Did you say dragon?" Geralt looked at him from the side,

„What people call green dragons', like the one we have here I suppose, they're the most common. Red dragons, less so. Black dragons are the rarest.” he explained.

„Gold dragons are the rarest." the old men stated.

„Gold dragons are a myth. For a gold dragon to exist, it would... have to be the result of... an accidental, unique mutation. And in my experience, mutations, they're intentional." Geralt said with a wry nod, "But it doesn't matter. Mutant or myth, gold dragons met the same fate as anything too different to endure. They died out." His gaze had turned to the table.

„Hello, Grandfather." you lean on the old man's shoulders from behind with a small smile. At the sound of your voice, Geralt's head shot up. Your eyes met, once again, and it felt like a storm was set free inside of you.

„Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Thank you so much. It's been very nice. Thank you for the wine and the pies, but as the man said, we really can't get involved.” Jaskier said with panic in his voice.

„Geralt, shall we?" he tried to ask the Witcher next to him. But when Geralt answered, his gaze lingered on you.

„l'm in.”

„Mother of. Jaskier sighed.

„What happened here?" Jaskier asked in shock as the two passed a mountain, completely burned down on one side. It was once, full of green grass and most likely many sheep.

„Dragons avoid people." Geralt murmured. „It should have left when they attacked.”

When they had reached the cave the dragon was supposed to be in, Jaskier stopped. „Uhm Geralt…" he breathed heavily. The Witcher turned to the bard and tilted his head slightly. „Wait here." he just said.

Ready to draw his sword at any time, Geralt slowly walked to the entrance of the cave. It was quiet, almost too quiet.

When he saw the dragons, even the Witcher stared for a moment.

He had expected one of the black dragons, or at least a red one. Not a green one.

The dragon laid there, one wing protectively in front of an egg. Behind the green dragon stood a black one protectively, but this one was male.

So he could hardly be the dragon queen the king wanted to get rid of. He came closer, still cautious, listening for any sounds. But when Geralt heard footsteps that could not belong to Jaskier, he drew his sword.

"Get. Away. From. Her." Geralt took a step back. He looked almost startled, surprise visible on his face.

"Hello again, Witcher." you said coldly.

"What are you doing here." It was no question, more likely a request to leave and not put yourself in danger. "Touch her, and I'll kill you." you threatened the Witcher.

The black dragon growled dangerously as you approached Geralt.

Cassius, your guard. He grew up with you in the Royal Court, back when everything was still there, nothing destroyed. He was not much older than you, and acted more like a brother than a guard most of the time.

When you heard his snort, you did not turn to him. "You can go." you said, still looking Geralt in the eyes.

Another growl. "I can handle this. Go now." He understood, this was an order. The green dragon was still lying in the same place when Cassius swept his wings and flew out of the cave through an opening in the ceiling.

"You should go., Witcher." Geralt didn't respond, instead he asked quietly in a raspy voice, "What are you?"

"Don't act like you don't know." You replied, almost a little hurt at the thought of what he would think of you.

Geralt took a step towards the dragon. And no matter what he wanted, no matter if he wanted to harm her or not, you could only see black and white at that moment. In seconds, you had a knife to his throat and were standing in front of him again. "Touch her and Jaskier will have to follow suit."

At that moment, as if you had summoned him, the bard came to the entrance of the cave. "Geralt, what is happening here? I have just seen a dra-" but he fell silent the moment he saw the Witcher with you.

Neither of you paid any attention to the bard.

Geralt turned so neatly that he had his arm around your neck and his hand took the knife from your hand.

"What on earth are you two doing here?" Jaskier stood there as if he no longer understood the world.

"Please." Geralt said softly, but that exactly was his weak spot. You ducked and twisted out of his grip, quick and swift enough to outwit the Witcher and his reactions. Quickly, you had your knife back in your hand. But instead of raising it to his throat again, you placed it at the level of his hip. Geralt looked at you, there was both astonishment and sadness in his gaze.

"Guys..." Jaskier called out to you.

You knew that Geralt would defeat you. Unless you threw him off his guard. He tilted his head, his lips opened and closed, just like he did in the tavern. And your next move was connected exactly with this thought. Geralt was still standing in front of you, he had thrown his sword on the ground when your knife had touched his throat, and there it still laid. He had no weapons except himself, which only confirmed that your idea would make him harmless for a few seconds. At least, you hoped so.

His lips had just closed again, and you didn't know if he would stop fighting or just start now.

Before he could do anything, though, you stood on your tiptoes, your dagger still at his hip. Your free hand reached for his neck and pulled him close enough to you. Then you placed your lips on his. The kiss almost captivated you yourself, and you had to concentrate to continue your plan. Geralt made a grumbling noise, surprised and completely thrown off balance. Just like you wanted. With all your strength, you broke away from him, breathing out heavily. Your lips trembled, it had indeed been a dirty trick. You looked at him apologetically and bit your lip. In the same movement, you turned to the dragon. You took a deep breath. Held it for a brief moment and then blew a protective wall of fire between the two of you and the dragon.

Your breathing became heavy and you swallowed. The fire made the golden scales on your neck glow. As you slowly turned to face Geralt, you could make out Jaskier at the entrance. You looked cautiously back and forth between the two of them. They couldn't hurt you. Their gazes, however, could.

"You're the dragon queen. The golden one." Geralt finally said it.

"The dragon queen?!" Jaskier commented in a shrill tone and shook his head disbelievingly to the right and then to the left."Damn.."

"Yes." your voice was no louder than a whisper as you looked the Witcher straight in the eyes. "But why did the king-" Jaskier started in a confused expression, but you interrupted him at the rage that boiled up inside you at the thought of the king, "King Niedamir hasn't even seen a dragon himself. He knows nothing!"

You walked out of the cave and Geralt followed you.

"No dragon has ever done anything to him. His men started the treasure hunts, they started hurting them,” your anger rose with each word, “He is just scared that he will pay for the things his men did to us." you said, one hand on your almost healed wound. "We don't start fights. But killing baby dragons, for treasure and gold?" You shook your head and tilted it slightly. "I can't let that happen."

You pursed your lips and closed your eyes for a moment, "The sheep- were just a warning. I never had the intention to do more."

Geralt had looked down on the ground while you told them everything. When you'd finished, his gaze found yours, and he exhaled.

You held out a small pouch to them, "Uhm, this is a dragon's tooth. The king won't know it's an old one." Geralt gently took the pouch from your hand, which was trembling slightly.

"Ehm, if I may-"

"It's not mine, Jaskier." you lightheartedly grinned at him.

"I'll tell the king we killed the dragon, and he'll leave you alone." Your gaze went back to Geralt, you nodded with a thankful smile.

"Can I talk to you for a moment, Geralt?" you quietly asked.

"Ohhh, I see. l'I let you two alone. If anyone needs me I'll just.." Jaskier pointed at some rocks and turned around, walking away just far enough to let you have some privacy.

You wanted to say something about the kiss, but you decided against it. It wouldn't help either of you.

„Don't give up." your gaze became serious, and Geralt looked slightly thrown off. That seemed to happen around you more often than he liked. „She is out there. And you have to find her."

Carefully you took his hand and your fingers gently brushed over it.

„Please don't give up, Geralt. You and your child of surprise... are to safe us all."

Your gaze went to your linked hands. A sad smile on your lips as you let go of it. You exhaled. "Goodbye, Geralt of Rivia."

Geralt felt frozen in place. His back still in the direction you had gone. He didn't watch you go, he couldn't.

Jaskier's eyes widened as he looked past him.

„Geralt, you might want to see this." he almost whispered.

Geralt turned around. “What is-“ he grumbled but soon became silent at the sight.

The sight of a golden dragon flying away into the distance.

Geralt exhaled and looked after you until you were only a small point on the sky and then, gone.

The song about the charming girl, the one who was strong enough to fight and win against Geralt of Rivia, spread across the countries. Jaskier made sure it did.

The song about her sweet kiss.

༄ Don't copy, translate or republish any of my works on any app or other platform please. I only post my work on Tumblr and Wattpad.

Reposts are always appreciated, they really make my day 🧡

[daddysfangirls-dc]

UnTamed Ch.15

Prev | Next

Damian Wayne x OC!Female

It had been three weeks since Asta's arrival. She had been healing nicely. She had no more open wounds, and her stitches were gone. She still had bruises and pains, she could walk but with a limp, And she had scans (CT, MRI, etc.) once a week to make sure her inside was okay. They didn't believe her when she said she was okay, and they wanted to keep track of her healing abilities, making sure everything healed properly. Her words could not be trusted when it came to her health.

Asta had been becoming restless in the coming weeks and stuck on bed rest. She wasn't doing well, sitting still with nothing to do for so long. Damian was with her most days, talking to her, watching TV, working on her reading, and such. He was there keeping her entertained while she was stuck in bed. Unfortunately, he couldn't be with her all the time. It was winter break, and the Wayne Family had many charity events to attend. While he could get out of most, he couldn't ignore all. Today was a day he couldn't ignore he was volunteering at a homeless shelter a good thing but it still left her alone.

And alone, the first thing she did was get out of bed and limp around. It hurt to hobble, but it felt good to stretch her achy muscles and shift her weight. At first, she paced around the room. Once she got tired of that, she tossed on a loose robe and poked her head out the door, making sure the coast was clear. She knew Alfred was lurking somewhere. He was the only other person still here.

Tip-toeing out of the room, she makes her way down the hall. It was strange. The hall was familiar, but the way she walked it was unfamiliar. She walked on two legs instead of four, and she was not being held and cuddled. She knew exactly where she was going, but she felt strange going there, especially by herself. It was like seeing everything in a new light. She followed the light to one of the sitting rooms in disarray with coats and hats thrown about. She'd make use of herself.

-

"You should be resting," Alfred said, stepping into the room. Asta sighed as she put down the duster. 

"I just wanted to help". Asta felt rested enough to move, but Alfred didn't agree. She felt useless, an intrusion upon their routine. If she was going to continue to stay, she was going to earn her keep, and the easiest position at the moment was to help Alfred.

"Back to bed"

"I think I've rested enough, and dusting isn't that difficult. I want to help."

"Miss Asta, there's no need to help."

"I want to earn my keep."

Realizing, Alfred knew what was happening; same thing had happened to Jason and Tim.  They had felt like they needed to work to stay. In a bit of contrast, Asta felt like she needed to work to repay what she had already taken/received. She did not like owing people. 

"Would you join me in the kitchen, please?" she owed them nothing.

-

Damian was quick to stomp his boots and shake his jacket in the snow, clearly showing his frustration. He didn't enjoy human interaction and found very few people out of his family interesting. While he didn't particularly enjoy plopping mashed potatoes on trays, he was truly disgusted with the amount of journalists and photographers trying to talk to people and take pictures. While he didn't like people, he had enough empathy and common sense not to take pictures of people at their lowest( unless for blackmail. Blackmail is okay).

Damian was just about done with the day. He wanted to go upstair and curl up under some thick blankets with Asta. Watch a movie, read a book, sleep, anything as long as it is with Asta and no one else.

" So angry."  Stephanie teased as she pulled off her own winter gear.

Damian ignored her as he started making his way upstairs. He was just starting his ascent when he heard giggling, and he stopped. He looked back to Stephanie, who shrugged. He quickly came off the stairs and made his way to the kitchen, where the sound originated from. 

He found Alfred and Asta in the kitchen. They were sat at the kitchen table drinking tea with a plate of cookies between them. She noticed him standing in the doorway. A smile spread across her face as she picked up the plate of cookies and presented it to him. " We made cookies," she said.

"You're supposed to be resting," her smile became small. " Oh... um, that room was so stuffy, and I needed to move some muscles." Damian came in, putting the plate down.

"You need to go back to bed." he moved to pick her up, but she put her hands to stop him. " I can walk." Damian nodded instead, offering his arm, and she took it. 

Standing up, she thanks Alferd for his time and lets Damian lead her away, slowly limping away the day's activities, finally weighing down on her. He held her close as her steps started to flatter. 

"I understand the need to be active, but you shouldn't aggravate your injuries by moving so much."

"Yeah, those stairs kicked my ass," she laughed bitterly as Damian tried to move her to the bed. She walked past it to the armchair; Alferd had moved it in so Damian had a more comfortable seat while she was comatose. She sighed as she fell into the seat, shrugging off her robe. " I Just don't like staying in one place."

"I know"

"I don't like feeling useless."

"I know"

"I'm sorry"

"Don't apologize," he sighed. She had been apologizing a lot lately. It seemed like every other interaction came with one. It wasn't like her, but it made sense she wasn't herself. She'd been through a lot, and a lot was exposed, put on display, and changed. She didn't need to apologize for anything. She was forever forgiven.

"I'll go ready the shower for you."

"Can...can I have both?" 

Leaning forward, he kisses her forehead. " Of course".

[seungbinbin]

in the morning - h.j.

han jisung x fem!reader

in which han jisung takes care of his best friend after a night out

a/n: hey besties i wrote this to practice my writing bc it's been some time and i am RUSTY !! feedback is appreciated, i want to improve bc i like doing this and would like to actually b good at it <33

warnings: mentions of being drunk, mentions of anxiety, crying, it might make no sense </3

genre: girl idk ?? fluff ? angst ? something !

word count: 808

if there was one thing han jisung loved with all his might, it was being your best friend. 

he thought you were the funniest person to have ever walked this earth, and also the smartest. you were probably the first friend that had shown him what real friendship was. the only one that was always willing to hold his hand when he felt nervous, and to stop him from biting at his fingernails. you had learned him inside out; you knew when he was anxious, you knew when an anxiety attack was about to happen. you had seen him at his lowest and at his highest, and had been by his side through it all. you took care of him, so he vowed to take care of you. 

which was why you were currently drunk on his couch. crying. 

he had tried to give you water and a little snack (your favorite!). tried giving you your favorite blanket of his and the good pillow for you to cuddle and fall asleep with. he even attempted to hold you until you calmed down. unfortunately, all his efforts were futile, and there were still tears flowing down your flushed cheeks. you had chosen to curl up into a ball at the end of the couch, opposite to where he was sitting, and covering your face with a cushion because apparently you didn’t want him to see you cry. as if he hadn’t seen you cry hundreds of times before. as if seeing you in this state could ever make him think you were any less beautiful.

“why are you so sad?” jisung questioned, sighing. yes he had seen you cry before, but he couldn’t stop his chest from tightening with worry. it hurt him to see you upset, and he wanted nothing more than to fix whatever was wrong. 

han heard you mumble something from under the cushion. he moved from his spot on the couch, crouching down in front of you and gently removed the cushion from your hands. 

“i couldn’t hear you, sweets, what was that?” 

“i said i don’t know!” you whined, dramatically covering your face with your arms. “everything sucks sungie.” 

he couldn’t help but chuckle at the way you complained, words slurring and cheeks adorably pink. jisung didn’t think he was the best at comforting people, but he knew he was good at comforting you. maybe it was because you were the one person he knew best. maybe because he was in love with you, who knows? taking your hands in his, he pulled your arms so you would sit up straight. 

“take a breath…let’s talk, yeah?” 

he watched as you nodded, taking deep breaths until your sobs turned into sniffles. your tears stopped falling and you were able to look him in the eyes with your puffy ones. he thought he had it under control now, so he smiled at you. 

and then you frowned. 

“don’t smile at me like that, han jisung!” you shook his hands off, and his eyes widened as he watched your eyes well up with tears once more. 

“[y/n]. what’s wrong? you know you can tell me anything, right?” he cupped your jaw, swiping your messy hair out of your tear-streaked face. “talk to me!” 

“jagiya,” you said, closing your eyes, “why don’t you love me?” 

han laughed, doing his best to gently dry your cheeks with the sleeve of his hoodie. “is this what this is about? i do love you, silly girl!” 

“no, sungie, why don’t you love me?” 

jisung froze. he froze because the girl that made his heart beat faster in a good way was asking him if he loved her. like he didn’t wish to hold your hand every day. like he didn’t lie awake every night, wishing you were there next to him. like he didn’t want to kiss you every day. like he didn’t want to kiss you right now at that very moment.

“i…[y/n], you-”

“no.” 

“wha-”

“no, sungie, i don't wanna hear it.” you ran your fingers through his already messy hair. “if you’re gonna reject me, do it when i’m sober.” 

“but i-”

“please, i need my best friend right now.” you laid back and pat the spot next to you. “you can be the guy that breaks my heart tomorrow.” 

jisung stood and sat next to you. he knew he loved you back. he knew he was dying to say it, to scream it, to kiss you. he also knew that wasn't what you needed. han jisung was your best friend, and if you needed him to be that over anything else, then he would.

“okay…we’ll talk about it in the morning.”

he hugged you, and you nodded. 

han jisung loved being your best friend, but he was sure being more would be worlds better.   he couldn’t wait for the morning.

[cheynovak]

Brotherly Betrayal Part 2

Dean Winchester x Y/N x Sam Winchester   

Warnings: cheating, angst, hurt, ...   

Side note: English isn’t my first language.  

This part is just pure pain and angst

*Does not follow The SPN storyline * 

-- 

Recap part 1:  

Sam didn’t seek for a new romance but when he met Y/N she seemed to have everything he wanted in a girl. After introducing her to his brother they recognise immediately each other from a spicy night together years ago.   

After a year of fantasising about each other, one night they couldn’t resist the lust anymore, and give in.  Y/N decided to leave Sam, Dean can’t stand to see his little brother heart broken.  

-- 

The air hung heavy with silence, broken only by the soft hum of baby’s engine and the rhythmic tapping of Dean's fingers on the steering wheel. Sam sat slumped in the passenger seat, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, but his mind lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts. 

It had been a month since Y/N, had shattered his world with these simple words: "I'm sorry, Sam, it’s best we go our separate ways." The pain was still fresh, like an open wound that refused to heal. He had tried to make sense of it all, to find some semblance of closure, why would she say she cheated, with who did she spend the night.  

But the questions lingered like ghosts in the shadows. 

Dean glanced at his brother, his heart heavy with concern. He knew Sam was hurting, "Sam," Dean began cautiously, "you know you can talk to me, right? Whatever's on your mind, I'm here for you." 

Sam sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping even further. "I appreciate it, Dean, I really do. But I don't even know where to begin. It's like... I thought we were happy, you know?”  

Dean nodded sympathetically, his grip tightening on the wheel. He had seen Sam at his lowest, had watched him weather the storms of heartbreak before. But this time felt different. Probably because Dean felt guilty.  

"Did she say why she ended things?" Dean asked gently, afraid, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Sam shook his head, his jaw clenched in frustration. "No, not really. Just... that she hadn’t been faithful, and that said she needed space, needed time to figure things out. But I can't help but wonder... was it something I did? Something I said?" 

Dean watched the road ahead, the headlights cutting through the darkness like a beacon in the night. "I know this is tough, but you got to believe me when I say it wasn't your fault. Y/N's a great girl, but sometimes people just... drift apart. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong." 

Sam nodded slowly, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. "I know you're trying to help, Dean. And I appreciate it, I really do. But I can't shake this feeling, you know? Like there's something I'm missing, something she's not telling me." 

Dean's heart clenched at the pain in his brother's voice, the anguish that echoed in every word. He wanted to tell Sam the truth, wanted to confess the role he had played in Y/N's betrayal. But the guilt weighed heavy on his conscience, a burden he wasn't sure he could bear. 

"Sam," Dean said carefully, choosing his words with utmost caution, "did Y/N ever mention... not being happy? Like, was there something she felt was missing in your relationship?" 

Sam furrowed his brow, his mind racing to recall the countless conversations he had shared with Y/N over the past year. "I mean, she mentioned just... you know, normal relationship stuff." 

"I need you to listen to me, okay? And I need you to believe me when I say... Y/N wasn't entirely honest with you." Sam's eyes widened in surprise, his gaze snapping to meet Dean's in the dim light of the car. "What do you mean? What did she say?" 

Dean hesitated, rubbing his neck. But he knew there was no turning back now, knew that the truth would set them free, no matter how painful it might be. ”I eh, heard her talking to Charlie before. 

His voice filled with remorse, "Y/N... she missed the intimacy, man. And when you couldn't give her what she needed, I guess, she... found it somewhere else. I'm sorry, Sam," Dean said quietly, his voice heavy with guilt, "I should've told you sooner.” 

The Impala rolled to a stop in front of a motel, its neon sign flickering feebly against the backdrop of the night sky. Sam stepped out of the car, his footsteps heavy with exhaustion and resignation. He trudged towards the motel room, his mind still reeling from the revelations of the past hour. 

Dean lingered by the trunk of the car, his eyes fixed on the dimly lit window of the motel room across the parking lot. He knew what he had to do. As Sam disappeared into the shadows of the motel, Dean reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.  

He scrolled through the contacts until he found Y/N's number, his thumb hovering uncertainly over the call button. 

"Hello?"  "Y/N," Dean said evenly, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him, "we need to talk." 

There was a moment of tense silence on the other end of the line, the static crackling like electricity between them. Then, finally, Y/N spoke, her voice soft and hesitant. "Dean...What... Why are you calling me?" she asked, her words tinged with uncertainty. 

"I want you to do the right thing," Dean said firmly, his grip tightening on the phone. "I want you to give my brother another chance." 

Y/N's breath caught in her throat, the weight of Dean's words hanging heavy in the air between them. "Dean, I... I don't know if that's possible. Things became too complicated." 

Dean clenched his jaw, his frustration bubbling to the surface like a volcano on the verge of eruption. "Complicated or not, Y/N, you owe it to Sam to try. He loves you, damn it. And he deserves better than to be left wondering what went wrong." 

“Don’t blame me for everything Dean! Last I checked you were there with me.” He knew she was right, he knew that his own actions had played a role.  

"I know," Dean said softly, his voice heavy with remorse. "I know I messed up, Y/N. I should've never let things go as far as it did. But that doesn't change the fact that Sam deserves better than to be left in the dark." 

“If you really believe he needs the truth, you tell him you slept with his girl, I think he is hurt enough. ” she hangs up the phone. For a moment, Dean was frozen in place, she was right, he didn’t have the guts to tell him. Little did Sam nor Y/N knew Dean chose this motel, the one close to Y/N’s workplace.  

-- 

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the diner, its cheery facade belying the tension that hung heavy in the air. Sam and Dean sat at a booth near the window, their plates untouched as they waited for the waiter, seeing how Y/N emerged from the kitchen. 

Dean glanced up as he saw her approach, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her. She looked tired, her eyes red-rimmed and weary, but there was a steely determination in her gaze that he couldn't help but admire. 

Y/N hesitated as she reached their table, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched her notepad to her chest. "What can I get for you guys?" she asked, her voice strained but polite. 

Sam glanced up at her, surprised but his gaze searching her face for, hoping she would meet his eyes. "Just coffee, thanks," he said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness. 

Y/N nodded, her movements jerky as she scribbled their order on her pad. "Coming right up," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she hurried back towards the kitchen. 

Dean watched her go, his heart heavy with guilt and regret. He knew he had put her in an impossible position, had forced her to confront the consequences of their actions head-on. As Y/N returned with their coffee, Sam watched Y/N closely, his heart heavy with longing and uncertainty. "Y/N," Sam said softly, his voice tinged with desperation, "can we talk? Please?" 

Y/N's eyes flickered with apprehension, her gaze darting nervously between Sam and Dean as she searched for a way out. "Sam, I... I can't," she said hesitantly, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm at work, and I just... I can't do this right now." 

As Y/N disappeared back into the kitchen, Sam was left alone with his thoughts.  

-- 

After her shift she walked to the nearest motel, knowing the brothers would be staying there. She saw how Sam walked out the door. Knowing him, going for a walk to ease his mind.  

The sharp rap on the door jolted Dean from his thoughts. He swung the door open, expecting to see Sam standing on the other side, but instead found himself face-to-face with Y/N, her expression stormy and her eyes ablaze with anger. 

"Y/N," Dean said, taken aback by her sudden appearance, "what are you doing here?" 

Y/N's jaw clenched in frustration, her fists balled at her sides as she glared at Dean with unbridled fury. "I can't believe you guys would show up at my work like that," she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. 

"You can't just barge in here and expect me to drop everything just for your needs," she snapped, her voice rising with each word. "I have a job to do, Dean.” "I know I messed up, Y/N," Dean said softly, his voice tinged with remorse. "And I'm sorry for that. But we need to talk. You and Sam need to. We need to clear the air, to put an end to his pain and uncertainty."  

"Okay, you want to talk.” She said still angry “Let's talk." Y/N crossed her arms. “Tell me Dean, the real reason you showed up uninvited after me telling you to let me be.”  

"The real reason?" Dean repeated, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him. "The real reason is because we care about you, Y/N. We care about what happens to you, and I couldn't just stand by and watch you push Sammy away." 

Y/N's eyes narrowed at Dean's response, her arms still crossed tightly over her chest. "Is that so?" she said sceptically, her voice laced with bitterness. "Or is it because you couldn't stand the thought of me moving on without you?" 

Dean winced at the accusation, the sting of her words cutting through him like a knife. "Y/N, it's not like that," he protested, “I-I’m trying to make things right." 

"And I appreciate that. But it's not that simple. It's not just about saying sorry and expecting everything to go back to the way it was, you don't get to barge into my life and expect me to welcome you with open arms after everything that's happened." 

Y/N took a deep breath “Look me in the eyes, Dean. And tell me you want me to get back together with Sam. Tell me you’re here for his feelings instead of your own.” Her eyes stared in his.  

With a heavy sigh, he met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "Y/N," Dean began, his voice soft but resolute, "that night... it meant something to me. More than I can put into words." 

"I'm falling for you," Dean admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Dean reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he gently cupped Y/N's cheek. "But Sam will always be my brother, Y/N, I will always put him first." he said sincerely.  

Y/N's eyes brimmed with tears "Dean" she whispered shaking her head, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. “Shh.” his thumb tracing circles on her cheek as he leaned in closer. "You don't have to say anything" he said gently. 

"Y/N," Dean said softly, his voice thick with emotion, “I will push my own feelings away. Just... just give Sammy another chance.” Y/N reached out, her hand trembling as she gently brushed her fingers against Dean's hand on her face. "Dean, I ran away not because of what happened between us that night," she confessed,  

Her voice barely above a whisper. "I ran away because... because I'm falling for you, too." Dean's heart skipped a beat at her words, the realization dawning on him that their feelings for each other ran deeper than either of them had dared to admit. 

His head leaning in until it was just inches away from Y/N's. With a soft exhale, he let his forehead rest against hers, their breath mingling in the small space between them. 

"Y/N, I..." Dean began, his voice faltering as he struggled to find the right words. Her eyes brimmed with tears, her heart breaking at the pain in Dean's voice. 

Y/N's fingers found their way to Dean's cheek, her touch gentle and reassuring as she caressed his stubbled jawline. Dean closed his eyes, allowing himself to bask in the warmth of her touch, the closeness of her presence. 

 "Dean, please," she pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "I don't want to hurt Sam any more than I already have. But I can't ignore what happened between us. ”  

Dean's heart plummeted like a stone in his chest as he felt a cold wave of panic wash over him. Slowly, he pulled away from Y/N, his gaze shifting towards the doorway where his brother stood, his expression unreadable. 

Sam's eyes flickered between Dean and Y/N, his jaw clenched in a tight line as he took in the scene before him. For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the sound of their ragged breaths echoing in the small space. 

"Sam," Dean began, his voice trembling with apprehension, "I... we can explain." 

Sam's eyes betraying the storm of emotions raging within him. He took a step into the room, his gaze never leaving Dean's as he spoke, his voice low and steely. 

"I think I've heard enough," Sam said quietly, his words like a dagger to Dean's heart. "I'll leave you two alone." With a heavy heart, Sam turned on his heel and disappeared from the room, leaving Dean and Y/N alone in the wake of his departure. 

"Sam, wait!" Y/N called out, her voice thick with emotion. Sam paused in his tracks, his back still turned towards her. Sam, please," Y/N pleaded, her voice trembling with urgency. "Let me explain." 

Sam turned to face her, his eyes weary but filled with a flicker of hope. "Explain what, Y/N?" he asked quietly, “How you forget to mention you slept with my brother? That's worse than being cheated on.”  

"I'm sorry, Sam," she said softly, tears glistening in her eyes. "Sam, I..." Y/N began, her voice catching in her throat as she struggled to find the right words. "I didn't mean for it to happen. It was a mistake, a moment of weakness." 

Sam's expression hardened, his jaw clenched in frustration. "A mistake?" he repeated, his voice tinged with bitterness. "You call sleeping with my brother a mistake? But you just confessed you’re love for him!" He points at their room.  

Y/N winced at the harshness in Sam's tone, the guilt and remorse swirling within her like a tempest. "Sam, I'm sorry," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "I never meant to hurt you. I never meant for any of this to happen." 

Sam's gaze softened slightly at the sight of Y/N's tears, his own heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "Y/N," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness, "I don't know what to do. I don't know how to feel." 

Y/N reached out, her hand trembling as she gently trying to grab Sam's arm, but he pulled away "Sam, please," she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "Please don't shut Dean out. Please give me and him a chance to make things right." 

"I don't know if I can," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. 

"Sam," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, "do you want me to leave, tell me what I need to do, what you need?" 

Sam's gaze softened at her words, his heart aching with the pain of their fractured relationship. He reached out, his hand finding hers and squeezing it gently.  Sam replied quietly, his voice tinged with sadness, "I don't want you to leave. But I need some time to think. And then I need to talk to Dean."  

-- 

Dean and Y/N sat in silence on the end of the bed waiting for Sam to return.  

When he walked in the room Y/N gave a soft hurt smile to Sam and left the room to take a walk in the cold night. Leaving the brothers, giving time to talk.  

Sam's voice cut through the tense silence, his eyes fixed on Dean with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "Dean," he began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion, "I need you to promise you’ll be honest with me. I need you to tell me, everything Dean.”  

“Starting with, why... why Y/N?" 

Dean's heart clenched at the question, the weight of Sam's gaze bearing down on him. He took a deep breath. "I wish I could give you a simple answer. But the truth is... it's complicated." 

Sam's brow furrowed in confusion, his expression a mixture of frustration and disbelief. "Complicated how?" he pressed, his tone tinged with urgency.” You know we had a... a night together years before you met her, right.”  

Sam nodded. "And since the moment you introduced me to Y/N, she's been on my mind. Constantly. 24/7. I couldn’t stop thinking about that night Sammy." Dean scratched his neck not knowing is continuing was the right thing to do.  

"When Charlie came over, I overheard Y/N talking about her sex life." Sam's eyes widened in surprise, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with apprehension. 

Dean hesitated, his mind racing as he struggled to find the right words. "Y/N mentioned how different we were. She compared the two of us." he explained carefully, "and how she wasn't really happy, now.” 

He met his brother's gaze, his eyes filled with sincerity and remorse. “And then the three of us watched a movie together. And... and when Charlie left, we stayed for another movie and then... I kissed her.” 

“Is that when...” Sam couldn’t finish that question. “No, she stopped it and took off. We were distant for a while.” Sam nodded, remembering the awkward tension in the bunker. “So, when?” Dean searched his face, trying to see if he really wanted to know.  

“The night after the bar, you two went home early together, you fell asleep when Y/N dressed up all sexy for you..." Dean began, his voice faltering as he recounted the events of that fateful evening, "I got home earlier, Y/N was in the kitchen, upset, couldn’t sleep, still in the babydoll dress.”  

Dean swallowed before continuing. “She was surprised to see I came home. I told her I didn’t sleep with that girl from the bar, I couldn’t, I thought of her all the time. And she said you fell asleep before... That's when it happened. Y/N and I... we... " 

Dean couldn't finish his sentence “Just once, Sammy.”   “Yeah,” he looked at the floor.” Because she left the day after.”  

After a deep sigh Sam continued "I trusted you, Dean," his voice breaking with the weight of his betrayal. "I trusted both of you." Dean felt his heart shatter at the pain in Sam's voice, the guilt and remorse consuming him like a wildfire. "Sam, I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you. I never meant for any of this to happen." 

“But, you have to believe me she means more to me than just another one-night plaything. I wouldn’t have done it if it was just sex. I tried to fight it I really did. But I guess we had a little too much to drink to hold back.”  

But Sam shook his head, his gaze filled with a mixture of anger and hurt. "I don't know if I can forgive you for this, Dean," he said quietly,  

“I’m eh, going to go away for a while. I need time to think. I need you two to give me some space.” Sam said getting up ready to leave. “I’ll eh stay at Jody’s for a while.”  

Dean nodded and watched his brother leave the room.  

---

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[wanderer-six]

Heartaches

AN: This is my first fic on tumblr aaaa I hope u love! As a Crosshair wife and a Tech wife I wanted to invite any forlorn Tech kissers to the dark side by writing the least dark, most generous interpretation of Crosshair known to man LOL - also I made this take place during TCW but pretend Phee smooching Tech at this point makes any timeline sense sdlkfhl. please lmk what u think!!! Hope it's cute💖

Relationships: Crosshair x Fem Jedi!Reader, implied history of Tech x Fem Jedi!Reader (unrequited)

Summary: After seeing the clone you had your eyes on smitten with someone else, you head to 79's to drown your sorrows. An unlikely friend arrives to offer some comfort. (minor alcohol mention)

Word Count: 1.6k

Of all the places you’d hoped to be tonight, 79’s—all by yourself—had to be at the bottom of the list.

Sitting at the lonely bar, you frowned over the little martini glass swirling in your hand. You’d never been one for drinking, but if anything could compel you to take a sip of the stuff, it’d be the events that brought you here in the first place.

How could you have been so foolish? Maybe all those lessons you’d learned in the temple about forming attachments hadn’t been hollow talking, after all. You felt the lowest you’d ever been—worthless, alone… jealous. So very jealous.

“What are you doing here?”

That sly, breathy voice slithering into your ears could only belong to one person. When he took a seat beside you at the bar, you could barely manage a smirk in his direction.

“Hey, Cross,” you sighed. “Good to see you, too.”

Crosshair’s demeanor didn’t change in the slightest, but that much was normal for him. He kept his cards close to his chest—frankly, you could learn a thing or two from him in that regard.

“You’re drinking?” he observed, a hint of judgment buried in his tone. Bitterly, you rolled your eyes.

“Trying to. It’s not working out, though.” Languidly, you slid the martini glass over to him. “You make it look so easy.”

Though he caught the glass by the stem, he kept his eyes on you. You couldn’t bear to look at him. On missions, you always tried to look your squad in the eye when they spoke to you, to prove to them that you see them as your equals. Try as you might to continue that behavior off the clock, these were not ideal circumstances.

For a moment, the two of you fell silent. The low drone of music carried through the speakers, along with the chatter of the bar’s sparse attendance that evening.

“Is this because of Tech?”

Just hearing his name caused an uproar of emotions in your chest. Shame, sadness, insecurity, dejection. Though a soft chuckle parted from your lips, the heel of your hand wiped away the stray tear in the corner of your eye.

“I hoped it wasn’t that obvious…” you huffed. Crosshair hummed, idly pulling a toothpick from his belt and placing it between his lips.

“I don’t think I’d need a scope to notice,” he snarked. “What’s the problem, anyway? So he fancies someone. What about it?”

Your lip trembled, the weight of your thoughts much too heavy for your tongue to carry. It was already dangerous for a Jedi to have feelings like this, let alone for one of her soldiers. And while the Bad Batch was a bit more lenient with rules, you still felt you couldn’t be fully honest in these instances—for their sake as much as your own.

With a long sigh, you rested your head in your hands. 

“I’m just… happy for him. That’s all,” you said.

Crosshair scoffed. “Clearly.”

“I am!”

“Look at you.”

“What do you want from me, Crosshair?!”

Your question came out louder than you’d expected. You looked around the bar, thankful that it held so few patrons that evening, though you were still embarrassed.

Crosshair, thankfully, didn’t seem disturbed by your outburst. He leaned in closer, looking you in the eyes.

“I want you to be honest with me,” he muttered. He jutted his finger against your sternum emphatically, “and with yourself.”

With misty eyes, you shook your head in defeat.

“I just… wanted him to like me,” you mumbled.

For the first time that night, Crosshair’s expression seemed to change. He leaned against the bar, his usually furrowed brow softening slightly.

“Tech?” he asked.

You nodded, drawing idle circles on the bartop with your finger.

“I always thought he was so sweet. I know the Order says it’s wrong, but whenever he would talk about… you know, anything, I just couldn’t help but fall for him,” you explained. “I never said anything because I didn’t want to cause problems—I’m his general, you know? I thought maybe when the war was over, I could finally tell him how I felt.”

Despite your best efforts, the slightest scowl found your lips. “But now this new girl’s here, and he’s just… smitten. It makes me wonder if he ever thought of me like that in the first place. And I…” You pinch your eyes shut, trying not to let your tears slip past. “I just feel… pathetic.”

Again, silence falls between you. The longer it lasts, the more humiliated you feel. It really would be just like Crosshair to listen to your little sob story and walk off without a word, wouldn’t it? Maybe the friendship you shared with him had been all in your head, too. Hell, maybe every last person you thought you were close with was just a surface-deep connection, and you really were alone…

“He’s a fool.”

You perked your head up, wiping your eye with the back of your hand.

“What?” you murmured.

Crosshair hummed. “You heard me.”

You pouted at him, giving his shoulder a light shove.

“Don’t say that—he’s your brother,” you scolded, “not to mention the smartest man in the galaxy…”

“I didn’t say he was stupid,” Crosshair corrected you. “He may be able to build a starship out of spare parts. But to blow his chance with you?” He clicked his tongue, shifting the toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other. “Foolish.”

A half smile found your lips. You knew you didn’t agree with him, and on any other occasion, you’d stand up for Tech. But just for tonight… just this once, despite every lesson on compassion you’d been taught since the day you arrived at the temple… it felt a little nice to hear.

“... thanks, Cross. It’s nice to know you care,” you said.

Crosshair’s intense eyes softened, his gaze leaving yours briefly. He almost looked… shy. But that seemed so unlike him.

“Well… someone had to step in,” he muttered. When his eyes met yours again, he wore a dry smirk. “Who knows how long you might have been moping otherwise?”

Your smile widened into a grin for the first time that evening.

“Right. That’s your job, isn’t it?” you snarked back at him.

Wordlessly, Crosshair got to his feet. When he started off in the direction of the door, you worried that your lighthearted jab had truly pissed him off. But before you could panic too thoroughly, he stopped in place, looking at you over his shoulder.

“Are you coming?” he asked. Caught off guard by his question, you quickly fumbled for your things. You dropped a handful of credits on the counter before hopping down from your barstool, hurrying to Crosshair’s side.

“Where are we going?” you asked, going in stride beside him. 

Crosshair pulled the toothpick from his lips, flicking it expertly into the waste receptacle by the door. You walked outside, and the cool night air felt refreshing against your skin.

“I figured once you were done wallowing, I’d take you somewhere nice,” he explained, all too casual. “I’ll be damned if I spend a date in that run-down old bar…”

Date?

Now it was your turn to stop in your tracks. Crosshair walked a few steps further before noticing you hadn’t joined him. He stopped soon after, looking back at you again.

“What?” he asked.

“A date?” you returned softly.

The slightest pout formed on Crosshair’s features.

“Problem?” he asked. 

Try as he might to put on that cool demeanor, you could read him better than that. In the Force, you could sense the way his heart raced in his chest, the quiet panic that built in the back of his mind. 

But even without your Jedi abilities—even just as someone who’s known him as long as you had—you could see a side of him he never showed anyone. His eyes pleaded wordlessly with you: if you were to let him down, please don’t make him regret being so vulnerable. He made that mistake so rarely… and this time, he clearly hoped it wouldn’t be a mistake, at all.

To be honest, you had never looked at Crosshair with that kind of interest. Of course, every man in your squad was perfectly handsome, but with the sniper’s reserved and aloof nature, you’d assumed from day one that he tolerated you at best. But perhaps you hadn’t been looking closely enough. After all, he cared enough to watch over you on countless missions, clearing droids out of your proximity with unmatched diligence. He cared enough to follow you through short battles and long campaigns. And he cared enough to see that you were hurt tonight, giving you his shoulder to cry on.

No, you wouldn’t make him regret being vulnerable with you. In fact, you hoped you could help him see just how worthwhile it could be.

Finding a shy smile at last, you walked up to Crosshair once more—though this time, you hung on his arm as you joined his side.

“No problem at all,” you beamed. “Where are we headed then, handsome?”

You met his gaze, and his intense golden eyes looked back at you with the most sincerity you’ve ever seen from them. When he looked away at last, a flustered smirk appeared on his lips.

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” he snarked.

You rolled your eyes, though the bright smile you wore never left your face. Though the night hadn’t begun as you’d hoped, ending it on the arm of someone who could make you smile despite it all meant the galaxy to you.

You only hoped this could be the first date of many with the sniper who stole your heart.

AN: Thank you for reading! Like I said above, this is my first fic on tumblr, so any feedback on formatting/tagging etc is appreciated ✨✨