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#Universal Destinations and Experiences
g4zdtechtv ยท 1 month
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THE PILE PRESENTS: X-Play - This Really Is Tuna With Bacon | 4/16/12
Featuring a tour of all the subdivisions of BioWare that EA killed!
(4GTV - STREAM WHAT YOU PLAY!)
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Embark on a Thriving Career Journey in Ireland: A Land of Endless Opportunities
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#StudyInIreland #CareerOpportunities #OverseasEducationIreland
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luxlightly ยท 2 years
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It always upsets me so much when I see interpretations/illustrations of the two headed calf poem that show a living calf being torn away from its mother and killed to sell to a museum and framing the poem as being "humanity kills beautiful things for being different".
Two headed cows almost never survive more than a few hours after their birth. The farmer finds the *body* the next day. The calf was destined to die, and that's a tragedy, but for the time it was alive, it had a beautiful and unique experience.
It's not a poem about the cruelty of man. It's a poem about the beauty of life in an indifferent universe. It's about purpose and beauty being able to exist even in an existence doomed to come to an end, as all our lives are. It's not a poem about how a calf dies, but how, even for only a brief moment, it was alive.
And, for that moment, because of that life, however fleeting, the sky had twice as many stars.
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oofthwoods ยท 2 months
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STEPS TO YOU! โ”€โ”€ ห™ ฬŸ lando norris !!
๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ :: lando norris hates the idea of soulmates. for him, it's hard to see everyone in his life with a matching tattoo, or a timer, or the inability to see colors, while he has to be content with the fact that he may never find his perfect match. that is, until he starts to see mysterious footprints around the paddock, hinting at a path he never expected.
๐š๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ซ'๐ฌ ๐ง๐จ๐ญ๐ž :: this is my confession that my favorite soulmate!aus are the ones where they don't think they have one. the sadness of thinking you are not destined for a great love only to find out that there's someone out there for you??? mwah chefs kiss
๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐œ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ :: to be added.
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LANDO NORRIS WAS A ROMANTIC AT HEART.
He had a secret love for romantic comedies. Watching couples overcome comical obstacles before finding their happy ending always brought a smile to his face. Though he would never admit it, he found joy in the cliched plots and endearing moments portrayed on screen.
The Brit also enjoyed weddings. Family, friends, or mere acquaintancesโ€” it didn't matter. To him, the ceremony was a tangible display of true love that existed beyond the silver screen and scripted Hollywood romances.
Despite everything, Lando knew that he would never experience anything like it. Everyone around him seemed to have a sure sign that they were meant for great love: Carlos with his past life visions shared with his beloved, George with his key pendant symbolizing his destiny, and even Oscar, who occasionally vanished, leaving a girl in his place. But not Lando. No visions, no tattoos, no words etched on his arm foretelling what his soulmate would say upon their first encounter. He felt like an outsider in a world where everyone seemed to have found their perfect match, while he knew he would be alone forever.
As Lando's realization sunk in, it was an emotional rollercoaster. He wasn't just a late bloomer; he wasn't meant to blossom at all. In his childhood innocence, he embraced his supposed independence and declared that girls were gross and he could live without someone by his side forever. But as adolescence took over, he found himself increasingly on the sidelines, watching as close friends shared stories of connection and love, filling him with a painful mix of envy and despair.
Every tale of someone else's romance felt like a dagger to the heart, a wound that refused to heal. Lando couldn't help but wonder what he had done to deserve this solitary fate in a world where everyone else seemed to find their soulmates.
Occasionally, he gazed up at the dark expanse above, yearning for solutions. Had the universe overlooked him or was love just not in his destiny? Some claimed that soulmates were like atoms connected since before the Big Bang, their bond enduring despite eons passing. But what did this mean for Lando? Was he destined for a solitary life even before the cosmos took shape?
As an adult, Lando struggled to convince himself that he had come to terms with his fate. He told himself over and over again that finding true love was possible without a soulmate being involved. It didn't have to be some cosmic arrangement. Yet, deep down, even as he tried to comfort himself with this reasoning, he couldn't shake the desire for something more. He yearned to be uniquely crafted for someone, to be cherished wholeheartedly despite his imperfections and weaknesses.
Lando shook his head, pulling himself out of his thoughts and back into the present moment. The unforgiving Melbourne sun beat down on him, its golden rays spreading across the circuit. Heat radiated all around him, almost suffocating in its intensity. He cursed his decision to wear an orange hoodie that morning as a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Walking from the entrance to his garage, he couldn't escape the discomfort caused by the heat. The thick fabric clung to his skin, trapping him in its grasp as the temperature continued to rise.
Beside him, Oscar emanated an infectious energy. The pilot was fully immersed in the atmosphere of his home country's race, evident through his beaming smile. Despite the hustle and bustle around them, they maintained a calm demeanor, as if they were in a world of their own, oblivious to the cameras of the photographers trying to capture every moment.
Lando observed Oscar's anxious glances, as if he was searching for a particular person.
Deciding to break the silence, Lando asked, "Has your family arrived?"
Oscar's mind seemed elsewhere as he replied, "Oh, yeah. They're here. I'm just looking for someone else."
Someone else. Lando's brow furrowed as he thought about the mysterious bond between Oscar and his soulmate. Every now and then, without warning or explanation, the Australian would switch places with the girl he was connected to. Initially, Lando feared that this could happen during a race and result in a disastrous outcome. However, he soon realized that the universe was smart enough to only make these switches when both were safe.
"You met her?" Lando finally asked, curious about Oscar's soulmate. He looked at him with confusion before smiling sadly.
"Not yet, and she's not the one i'm looking or," Oscar replied, bringing a small sense of relief to Lando. He immediately felt guilty for wishing that others wouldn't find their soulmates, knowing it was selfish and petty.
Additionally, Lando could recall a peculiar incident from the previous year, when Oscar suddenly disappeared, and a girl had surprisingly turned up in the McLaren garage, clad in pajamas and exuding an unusual calmness about the situation. He remembered her as a charming and witty girl, and the thought that Oscar had someone special to share his life with brought a comforting warmth to Lando's heart, though it was tinged with a hint of jealousy.
"I have a friend coming over today," Oscar interjected, breaking through Lando's thoughts. "We went to elementary school together, but it's been a while since we've seen each other. She finished college last year, and managed to take a few days off to visit."
Lando nodded along as Oscar talked about his friend, dividing his attention between their conversation and the busy paddock. He couldn't help but notice weird stains on the ground and wished people would be more considerate of the space.
The two McLaren pilots still had a few minutes before the first meeting and the final free practice before qualifying. They decided to take refuge from the scorching sun inside their respective driver's rooms, seeking a moment of tranquility before the hustle and bustle of the track.
Lando made his way down the narrow path to the driver's room, noticing strange marks on the floor. The team garage was typically spotless, and he couldn't comprehend how it had become so messy.
"Who the hell made this mess?" Lando furrowed his brow and glanced around the room.
Oscar, perplexed, asked, "What mess?"
With a chuckle, Lando replied, "Are you blind? Look at the damn floor, it's covered in stains." He pointed to the ground with his arm.
Oscar tried to play along, forcing a laugh. "Mate, did you hit your head on the way here? The floor is spotless, as always."
Lando's eyes narrowed as he examined the stains on the ground more closely. What he imagined was dirt from a worker's shoe, appeared to not be random splatters; they seemed deliberate, almost forming a pattern. And then, in a sudden moment of clarity, Lando's heart skipped a beat as he realized the stains looked like footsteps.
"This is strange," he muttered, crouching down to get a better look.
Hearing Lando's concern, Oscar joined him and peered at the marks. "What are you thinking?"
Lando's mind was filled with various thoughts. He wondered if the intense heat was causing him to hallucinate. A thought crossed his mind that someone had wandered into the garage barefoot, possibly in search of new shoes. Everything seemed mildly possible.
Despite his efforts to suppress it, a nagging part inside him reminded him of the nights he spent wondering about potential invisible soulmate connections. He couldn't help but recall the excitement of discovering invisible threads - like leaving colorful marks upon touch or having their thoughts connect when within a certain distance, almost like telepathy. Things that wouldn't appear on his body when he turned eight, but still meant he had someone.
The 15-year-old version of himself seemed to be pounding on his chest, making him remember the thread through footsteps that he had long forgotten about, and started to question if even existed. Yet, Oscar didn't seem to notice the distinct marks on the floor and Lando couldn't possibly be hallucinating from dehydration.
Oscar placed his hand on Lando's back and felt a shiver run through his friend's body. "Lando, you're starting to worry me. Do you want to go to the medical bay?"
Lando quickly got up from the floor, shaking off Oscar's touch. "No need, Os. I'm fine." He forced a smile, but there was a lump in his throat as he tried to swallow down the fear and uncertainty. He didn't want to get his hopes up again, only to have them crushed once more.
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"What do you think of the place?" Oscar's voice startles you from behind,.
A smile lights up your face as you turn around to see your friend in person for the first time in a long while. You eagerly embrace him with open arms, attempting to lift him off the ground like you used to when you were kids.
"Wow, okay, you're not as light as you used to be."
Oscar chuckles, and playfully returns the favor by lifting you up. "Nope, I'm not. Or maybe you're just not as strong anymore."
You tease, giving his shoulder a light slap. He winces and holds onto it, pretending it hurts.
"It's impressive." You answer his previous question. "So many people, so much noise, but I can see why you love it here." You take in the bustling atmosphere with a laugh.
The Aussie leans back against something and asks with a playful glint in his eye, "So, what's been going on in your world?"
You chuckle, immediately feeling at ease with him. "Just the usual post-grad life. Trying to figure it all out."
"Will you stick with auto sports?" He asks hopefully.
"I have an interview lined up to shadow a F2 journalist, so let's hope for the best." You make a gesture of crossed fingers. You thought that graduating with a degree in Journalism would give you direction in life, but almost a year later, you're still searching for your calling.
"It's already yours. I've never met anyone who could get honest answers from drivers like you do." He tried to calm you.
"I interviewed you once for a college project, Os. I don't think that counts." You chuckle.
"Come on, I was in f2 back then. That's definitely something to put on your resume."
"I'll keep that in mind." You nod.
It didn't feel like it had been so long since you two last saw each other in person.
As your gaze sweeps over the cluttered garage once more, something strange catches your eye, and you furrow your brow in confusion.
"Isn't Easter still a ways off?" Your eyes follow a trail of small, misshapen footprints leading around the room and you can't help but comment, "And whoever left those prints definitely didn't excel in their Arts & Crafts classes. They look nothing like bunny paws."
Oscar couldn't believe it. What was going on with his friends and footprints that day?
He squints and shakes his head. "I don't see anything," he says, trying to follow your gaze.
"Of course you don't. I've been telling you to get your eyes checked for years," you tease with a laugh. You walk over to him and point directly at the pawprint (that looks more like a footprint) on the ground that you can clearly see, even though it's slightly faded. Oscar looks at you with confusion.
"Are you and Lando in on this together?" He starts to suspect a prank.
"Lando? Your teammate?" You shake your head. "I've never even met him, Os." A mischievous grin spreads across your face. "But maybe I should."
Oscar's gaze shifted from the empty space in front of him. "Don't even go there, missy. Teammates are strictly off-limits."
You couldn't help but tease, "Why, does he have a soulmate?"
Oscar used to give you pitying looks whenever you mentioned not having a love thread, but it had been a while since then. He missed all of you - including your bad puns.
"I don't know. We've never discussed it," Oscar shuddered. He and Lando had grown closer over the past year, but the Brit never seemed to want to talk about that topic, so Oscar left it alone.
You continue to tease, "I still don't see why he's off-limits."
"Can you imagine how traumatizing it would be to see Lando making out with my best friend?"
"It wouldn't be any weirder than collecting bugs with my best friend and then suddenly having a random girl in front of me," your counterpart argues.
"Touchรฉ" It wouldn't be right for Oscar to dictate who you should pursue, especially since you had no control over randomly talking to his soulmate after swapping places. "It still would be fucking weird."
"You know, if two people saw those pawprints and you didn't, I think it's safe to say who's the one in the wrong here," You nudged him playfully. "Maybe you're just not looking close enough. Let me guide you."
Stepping closer to the mysterious prints, you crouched down and examined them closely. "They seem... fresh, don't they?"
Oscar joined you, squinting his eyes as he tried to make out any shape or form on the ground. "I swear, there's nothing there. Are you sure this isn't some elaborate prank?"
You shook your head, running your fingers over the indentations. "No, these are real."
Despite trying his best, Oscar couldn't make out what he was supposed to be looking at. "Alright, you got me. Congrats on your and Lando's little joke."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Your frustration grows as you wonder how he could have missed the obvious footprints right in front of him.
"He saw these so-called "footprints" too." He gestured with air quotes, convinced that his best friend and teammate were up to some strange prank together.
Before you could protest, someone called out your friend's name. "I have to go, it's my engineer," he said, getting up from the floor. He gave you a friendly smile that quickly turned into a knowing smirk. "And don't follow the footprints, Alice. They won't lead you to wonderland."
Wonderland or not, you would be stupid not to follow it.
As you follow the trail of footprints through the crowded garage, your curiosity builds with each step. You maneuver carefully around toolboxes and piles of spare parts, focusing on the prints as they lead you deeper into the maze-like space.
At last, you reach the end of the trail and come face to face with a closed door. Your heart races with excitement and anticipation as you stare at the sign above it: "Lando Norris' Driver's Room"
You furrow your brow in confusion. How could Norris' driver's room be connected to the strange footprints you've been tracking? Is this some kind of elaborate prank that Oscar roped Lando into as well?
Despite the nagging feeling that something was off, you stood your ground and refused to give into whatever it was that was trying to lure you in. You mentally prepared yourself to turn around and head back to Oscar's garage, where at least you felt familiar, and he couldn't pull pranks on you in front of his entire team.
And then, as if on cue, the door swings open, revealing Lando Norris standing on the other side. His presence fills the doorway, commanding attention with an effortless grace that leaves you breathless.
In that moment, you can't help but drink in the sight of himโ€”the way the soft glow of the room illuminates his features, casting his angular jawline and chiseled cheekbones in sharp relief. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of azure, hold a glint of mischief as they meet yours, and you find yourself drowning in their depths.
Lando is clad in his fireproofs, the sleek material hugging his lean frame in all the right places. His racesuit hangs by his waist, a vibrant burst of color against the backdrop of the room. There's a confidence in the way he carries himself, a hint of swagger that speaks of countless hours spent behind the wheel of a racing car.
But it's not just his physical appearance that captivates youโ€”it's the strange electricity that seems to crackle in the air when your eyes meet.
Your heart skips a beat as you find yourself in a predicament, searching for a clever excuse. You definitely didn't want to appear as a stalker-fan who snuck in. "Um, I was just... uh..."
"Oscar?" Lando interrupts, a knowing glint in his eyes.
"Yes, Oscar!" You latch onto the name like a lifeline. "I'm a friend of his."
"He mentioned you," Lando nods, a friendly grin spreading across his face.
"Ah, so Oscar's been gossiping about me, huh?" You tease, a playful smirk curling your lips as you lock gazes with Lando. "I hope he said only nice things."
Lando chuckles softly, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Oh, absolutely. But he forgot to mention how gorgeous you are"
You feel a warm flush creeping up your cheeks at his compliment, and you playfully bat your eyelashes. "Oh, did he now? Well, I'll have to thank him for the rave reviews later."
An easy silence falls between you, charged with unspoken chemistry and the promise of potential. Lando breaks the quiet with a mischievous smirk, closing the gap between you.
"Care for a little tour while we wait for Oscar? I promise not to lead you astray... too much," he adds with a wink.
Despite the lingering adrenaline from the close call and the unexpected encounter with Lando, you find yourself nodding eagerly. Oscar had been too occupied to give you a proper tour, and you were itching to explore the place.
"Lead the way, but I'm holding you to that promise of not getting lost," you tease, motioning for him to lead. As he begins to walk, you fall into step beside him, the playful brush of your shoulders sending sparks flying.
"Do you have a habit of getting lost?" Lando asks with a playful glint in his eyes.
You laugh, shaking your head in mock dismay. "Define 'a habit'," you retort, a playful sparkle in your eyes. "When we were younger, Oscar and I used to roam around this massive mall near our homes. I lost count of how many times he had to page me over the speakers because I got sidetracked and wandered off."
"I'll have to keep a close eye on you, then," Lando quips. "Can't have Oscar's friend getting lost on my watch."
You chuckle at his teasing, reveling in the easy banter between you two. As he continues to show you around the McLaren paddock, pointing out various spots and sharing amusing anecdotes, you find yourself drawn to his effortless charm and infectious energy.
"You know, I never expected today to turn out like this," you admit, stealing a sideways glance at Lando. "But I'm glad it did. Especially if it means getting a personal tour from McLaren's charming star driver."
Lando beams at your words, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Consider yourself lucky, then. Not everyone gets the VIP treatment around here." He pauses for a moment before adding with a playful grin, "Although, I must confess, it's rather challenging to focus on giving a proper tour with you flashing that smile."
Your heart flutters at his words, but you play it cool with a playful roll of your eyes. "You need to work on your flirting skills, dude."
"But do they work?" Lando counters with a cheeky smile.
"Maybe. Keep trying, and who knows where it might lead."
"Ah, so you're admitting my charm has potential?" Lando shoots back, a playful glint in his eyes.
"I didn't say that," you reply with a smirk..
"Ouch, that hurts," Lando feigns offense, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Here I am, giving you the grand tour, and you won't even give me credit for my rizz."
"Okay, okay, maybe just a little credit," you concede with a laugh, nudging him lightly with your elbow. "But don't let it get to your head."
Lando grins. "Don't worry, I'll try to contain my ego."
As the tour comes to an end, you and Lando bid your goodbyes, thanking each other for the enjoyable time spent together. It's time for qualifying, and Lando is escorted towards his car by a member of his team. Just before he gets in, he looks back towards you with a faint smile. In that moment, his gaze locks with yours, and he freezes as a realization dawns upon him. The footsteps he had noticed earlier, weaving through the McLaren paddock, had a familiar pattern. They were from you.
He looks back to the path he took with you, and the marks on the floor as clear as day. They appear in front of his driver's room, in the small cafeteria where he took you to get the best coffee from the paddock (his words), and they follow you as you make your way to Oscar's side of the garage.
Lando's lips part slightly, as if he couldn't get enough air.
Before Lando could take a step towards you, his engineer's firm grip on his arm pulls him back. "Where are you going? Quali is about to start," his engineer reminds him, snapping him out of the mesmerizing realization.
Lando looks torn, torn between the exhilaration of discovering a potential connection he never noticed before and the responsibility of his racing career. He gives you one last longing look before reluctantly turning away, his mind buzzing with newfound thoughts and possibilities.
As he slides into the driver's seat and revs up the engine, he can't shake off the image of your smile, the sound of your laughter, and now, the footprints you left behind that seemed to lead straight to him. The engine roars to life, drowning out his racing thoughts as he steels himself for the high-stakes qualifying round ahead.
There were various theories floating around regarding why Lando secured the pole position. Some attributed it to an engine change, while others praised McLaren's performance on the specific circuit. But deep down, Lando knew that his main motivation was to finish everything quickly so he could talk to you.
He heard his engineer's voice in his ear through the radio, but he wasn't really paying attention. He knew he had interviews to do, photos to take, and a tire to sign, but as he stepped out of the car, his mind was consumed with thoughts of the girl he never knew existed.
After the whirlwind of interviews subsides and Lando returns to the bustling garage, his mind remains fixated on one thought: finding you. He navigates through the maze of mechanics and engineers, his determination unwavering.
Spotting Oscar amidst the commotion, Lando strides over, his expression a mix of eagerness and urgency. "Hey, Oscar," he calls out, drawing his friend's attention.
Oscar looks up from his conversation with a mechanic, a puzzled expression crossing his face at the intensity in Lando's gaze. "Hey, Lando. What's up?" he asks, curious yet cautious.
"I need to talk to your friend," Lando replies, his tone serious.
Oscar's confusion deepens, and a hint of protectiveness flickers in his eyes. "My friend? Why do you need to speak to her?" he inquires, his tone guarded.
Lando hesitates for a moment, searching for the right words. "I... I just need to ask her something," he says evasively, unwilling to divulge the true reason behind his urgency.
Oscar studies Lando intently, sensing there's more to the story than meets the eye. "Is everything okay?" he probes, his concern evident.
Lando shifts uncomfortably under Oscar's scrutiny, torn between his desire to find you and his reluctance to reveal too much. "Yeah, everything's fine," he assures, attempting to brush off Oscar's concern.
But Oscar isn't convinced, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "Look, if you're going to involve my friend in something, I need to know what's going on," he insists firmly.
Lando sighs, realizing he can't keep dodging the question. "It's just... I met her earlier, and I... I need to talk to her," he admits, his voice tinged with vulnerability.
Oscar's expression softens as he recognizes the sincerity in Lando's words. He may be protective, but he also trusts his instincts when it comes to his friends. "Okay," he relents, nodding in understanding. "She's in my driver's room."
Before Lando can make his way there, Oscar grabs his arm, a serious expression etched on his face. "Look, I know we don't talk about this, butโ€ฆ" He hesitates momentarily. "I don't know if you have a soulmate, but she doesn't. And I don't want you giving her false hope, only to disappear the moment someone mentions what's on your arm, or whatever."
Lando offers a reassuring smile. "You're wrong."
"Listen, I don't care if your mark is on your arm or your ass, my point was-"
"It's not about that. It's about her not having a soulmate," Lando interjects.
Oscar's expression turns grave. "What do you mean?"
"Footsteps," Lando responds simply.
Oscar's frustration bubbles to the surface. "What's going on with both of you? First, you mention footsteps, then her." He glances at his teammate, who meets his gaze with a serene smile. In Lando's eyes, there's a glimmer of hope and relief that Oscar can't quite comprehend. Initially, he considers escorting both of his friends to the medical bay, puzzled by their strange behavior regarding footsteps that only they seem to perceiveโ€”
Footsteps that only they can see.
A sudden realization dawns upon Oscar, his eyes widening. "You two are soulmates."
"Hopefully," Lando murmurs. "Iโ€”I never thought I had one. No marks, no dreams, nothing. But this morning, I saw footsteps. And then we met, and I showed her around. We were side by side, so I didn't pay much attention. But before Qualifying, I noticed her walking toward your side of the garage, and there were footsteps leading there."
As the realization settles between them, Oscar reluctantly releases Lando's arm, allowing him to continue on his way. However, just as Lando begins to move away, Oscar calls out to him, his tone a mix of seriousness and jest.
"Lando, wait," Oscar says, his voice tinged with playful threat. "Soulmate or not, if you ever hurt my best friend, I'll make sure to crash into you in every single race."
Lando stops in his tracks, turning back to face Oscar with a wry smile. "Fair warning," he replies, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "But I can assure you, if I ever did hurt her, I'd deserve every crash."
The Brit's heart races as he stands before the door, realizing he doesn't need to ask Oscar about the girl when the footsteps guide him straight to her. He wonders if he'd ever noticed those phantom imprints before, dismissing them as mere smudges or dirt. And in a fleeting moment of clarity, he wonders if those same invisible marks had led you to his door earlier, tracing a path he hadn't noticed until now.
As Lando hesitates outside the door, uncertainty gripping his thoughts, he contemplates his next move. Should he pace back and forth until you notice the traces on the floor? Or perhaps he should boldly declare their connection as soulmates upon entering? Before he can settle on a plan, the door swings open.
"Wow!" You exclaim, your initial fright giving way to laughter. "Okay, I probably deserved that. Second time's the charm, right?"
"Uhm," Lando's throat constricts, his words stumbling over each other. In his mind, this conversation had seemed much simpler. "Look, Iโ€”I need to ask you something. Do youโ€ฆ have a soulmate?"
Your gaze hardens, but it's not anger that flickers in your eyes, only a hint of sorrow. "We just met today," you confess, your tone tinged with vulnerability. Lando realizes it might be an invasive question; after all, some people prefer to keep such matters private. "Is it that obvious?"
"Yes. I mean, no. I meanโ€”" Lando fumbles, his nerves getting the best of him.
"It's alright, I understand," you say, crossing your arms with a sad smile. "You do?"
"I do," Lando confirms, gesturing subtly to the scattered footsteps that crisscross the room.
"Cool," you respond, your expression disoriented.
"No, wait, that's not what I meant." Lando's frustration mounts as he struggles to articulate his thoughts. Was this what it felt like to be stupid in love?
"It's okay, Lando, really," you reassure him gently. "I know some people like to have... fun before finding their soulmate. I won't judge you for that." Yet beneath your understanding tone, a pang of sadness lingers, the thought of forever being a mere diversion rather than a final destination.
"Listen," Lando interjects, laying his hands gently atop yours, a jolt of electricity coursing between them once more. "Earlier today, you saw those footsteps, didn't you?"
"Actually, yes," you reply, confusion clouding your features. Oscar had vehemently denied their existence, leaving you to question your own perception.
"Me too. I saw footsteps this morning. Then I noticed footsteps leading towards Oscar's garage," Lando reveals, his voice soft with emotion. He silently pleads for you not to notice the trembling in his hands. "And now, I see footsteps again. Emerging from the door and heading toward the couch. A circle of them, right in front of the television."
As Lando confides in you, his vulnerability palpable, you begin to piece it together. Your eyes widen in realization as you look around. Although you can't see the invisible footsteps he's describing, you can distinctly perceive a path, stretching from the door to where Lando stands before you.
"Every step leads me to you," he murmurs, his gaze locked on yours with unwavering intensity.
A tender smile graces your lips as you absorb Lando's words, a rush of warmth flooding your chest. "I never thought I had a soulmate," you confess softly, your voice tinged with wonder.
Lando's own smile mirrors yours, a mixture of affection and amusement dancing in his eyes. "Look at that, one thing that we already have in common," he replies, his tone gentle yet playful.
You share a moment of quiet understanding, the air thick with unspoken emotions swirling between you. It's a realization that defies logic yet feels undeniably right, as if the universe itself had conspired to bring you together. Well, it did, didn't it? Maybe you should apologize for all the times your cursed at it.
"And here we are," you say, a hint of awe coloring your words.
"Here we are," Lando echoes, his gaze never leaving yours.
A mischievous glint twinkles in your eyes as you playfully tease, "You know, when I suggested you keep trying to flirt with me, this wasn't exactly the outcome I had in mind."
Lando chuckles, his grin widening. "Well, lucky for me, there's no one I'd rather up my game with than you."
You laugh, feeling the tension ease between you as the playful banter continues. "Smooth talker," you tease, giving him a playful nudge.
"Just stating the truth," Lando replies, his tone lighthearted yet sincere. "Besides, you will have to deal with it for the rest of your life."
Your heart skips a beat at his words, the playful faรงade giving way to a deeper connection between you. "I suppose you have a point," you concede with a smile, feeling yourself drawn even closer to him.
Lando's eyes light up with mischief as an idea sparks in his mind. "You know," he begins, a playful grin tugging at his lips, "I've spent my entire life thinking you didn't exist. I have a lot of making up to do."
Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise at his bold statement, but a smile tugs at the corners of your lips, intrigued by his playful demeanor. "Oh really?" you reply, a teasing glint in your eyes. "And just how do you plan on making it up to me?"
Lando's grin widens as he leans in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Well, I was thinking we could start here. I can't really go out, but my hotel has an amazing restaraunt" he suggests, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "After that... Have you ever been to Monaco? Or Italy? Maybe after that, we could..."
You can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, charmed by his playful spirit. "I say you're full of surprises, Lando Norris," you tease, interrupting him, a playful sparkle dancing in your eyes. "But I like the way you think."
A bashful smile graces Lando's lips as he chuckles softly. "Great," he replies, his tone now tinged with a hint of shyness. "I've got a meeting to attend, but after that, how about we meet back here?"
"You'll know exactly where to find me."
As warmth floods through Lando's heart, a tender smile graces his lips. In that fleeting moment of realization, it dawns on himโ€”he'll never doubt your existence again. Not when there's a trail of footsteps leading him straight back to you, a path he'll eagerly follow time and time again.
Lando Norris is a romantic at heart. The universe, in all its wisdom, understood that he deserved nothing less than the greatest of loves.
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fun fact i actually hate this
taglist (tell me if you want to be added or removed. crossed names means i couldn't tag you) :: @saturnssunflower @sopheeg @minkyungseokie @alexander-hamilhoe @butterfly-lover @cool-ultra-nerd @tomriddleswhorecruxes @everbizzare @chonkybonky @styl1shl1v
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nasa ยท 9 months
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Navigating Deep Space by Starlight
On August 6, 1967, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell noticed a blip in her radio telescope data. And then another. Eventually, Bell Burnell figured out that these blips, or pulses, were not from people or machines.
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The blips were constant. There was something in space that was pulsing in a regular pattern, and Bell Burnell figured out that it was a pulsar: a rapidly spinning neutron star emitting beams of light. Neutron stars are superdense objects created when a massive star dies. Not only are they dense, but neutron stars can also spin really fast! Every star we observe spins, and due to a property called angular momentum, as a collapsing star gets smaller and denser, it spins faster. Itโ€™s like how ice skaters spin faster as they bring their arms closer to their bodies and make the space that they take up smaller.
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The pulses of light coming from these whirling stars are like the beacons spinning at the tops of lighthouses that help sailors safely approach the shore. As the pulsar spins, beams of radio waves (and other types of light) are swept out into the universe with each turn. The light appears and disappears from our view each time the star rotates.
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After decades of studying pulsars, astronomers wonderedโ€”could they serve as cosmic beacons to help future space explorers navigate the universe? To see if it could work, scientists needed to do some testing!
First, it was important to gather more data. NASAโ€™s NICER, or Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer, is a telescope that was installed aboard the International Space Station in 2017. Its goal is to find out things about neutron stars like their sizes and densities, using an array of 56 special X-ray concentrators and sensitive detectors to capture and measure pulsarsโ€™ light.
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But how can we use these X-ray pulses as navigational tools? Enter SEXTANT, or Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology. If NICER was your phone, SEXTANT would be like an app on it.ย ย 
During the first few years of NICERโ€™s observations, SEXTANT created an on-board navigation system using NICERโ€™s pulsar data. It worked by measuring the consistent timing between each pulsarโ€™s pulses to map a set of cosmic beacons.
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When calculating position or location, extremely accurate timekeeping is essential. We usually rely on atomic clocks, which use the predictable fluctuations of atoms to tick away the seconds. These atomic clocks can be located on the ground or in space, like the ones on GPS satellites. However, our GPS system only works on or close to Earth, and onboard atomic clocks can be expensive and heavy. Using pulsar observations instead could give us free and reliable โ€œclocksโ€ for navigation. During its experiment, SEXTANT was able to successfully determine the space stationโ€™s orbital position!
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We can calculate distances using the time taken for a signal to travel between two objects to determine a spacecraftโ€™s approximate location relative to those objects. However, we would need to observe more pulsars to pinpoint a more exact location of a spacecraft. As SEXTANT gathered signals from multiple pulsars, it could more accurately derive its position in space.
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So, imagine you are an astronaut on a lengthy journey to the outer solar system. You could use the technology developed by SEXTANT to help plot your course. Since pulsars are reliable and consistent in their spins, you wouldnโ€™t need Wi-Fi or cell service to figure out where you were in relation to your destination. The pulsar-based navigation data could even help you figure out your ETA!
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None of these missions or experiments would be possible without Jocelyn Bell Burnellโ€™s keen eye for an odd spot in her radio data decades ago, which set the stage for the idea to use spinning neutron stars as a celestial GPS. Her contribution to the field of astrophysics laid the groundwork for research benefitting the people of the future, who yearn to sail amongst the stars.ย ย 
Keep up with the latest NICER news by following NASA Universe on X and Facebook and check out the missionโ€™s website. For more on space navigation, follow @NASASCaN on X or visit NASAโ€™s Space Communications and Navigation website.ย ย 
Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!
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stilljuststardust ยท 3 months
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Your desired reality already exists.
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It's easy to hear "you already have everything" and respond reflexively with "no I don't, it's not here"
You are so much more than what is visible to you right now. Your soul inhabits multiple timelines, realities, and dimensions at once. You are spread across the multiverse. You have infinite lives and experiences that are as natural to you there as your life is to you now.
If you're shifting realities it's important to realize that everything you script is a natural part of that reality. You are not changing it or creating it you are choosing it as a destination.
Think of your script as a GPS. You type in where you want to go and it helps to take you there. What you've written is an address for the universe to identify your desired reality by.
You aren't forcing things to be a certain way because you scripted them. It exists that way right here right now and you just have to get there.
You want to change your appearance but worry that it's weird? You've literally always had that face in your DR.
You're worried your comfort character wouldn't love you without a script? They fell in love with you all on their own in that reality!! You aren't forcing them to love you! You're choosing to live in a reality where they do.
You want to be proficient in something but worry that by scripting it you're cheating in some way? The version of you in that reality still put in work! You're just moving to a reality where you worked your ass off for what you want!
Your DR is a place and a destination. It's just as real as a reality you would find at random. You wouldn't say that someones house is more natural because the directions they used to get there were simpler. It existed before you ever learned how to shift. You want to go there for a reason.
You're not bound to what you have now. It's not cheating to revise or script that something is different. You are just expanding your experience to different versions of your life. None of it is or ever will be foreign to you.
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keksalot404 ยท 4 months
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Uh oh! Some BOZO decided to play UNDERTALE and UNDERTALE YELLOW at the same time (Both games FUN value was 66) and now the timeline is F*CKED (By about one year; It wasn't that long till Frisk came along)
This is the Guide to UNDERTALE ROM LEAK, mostly a frame of reference for me and you regarding this AU born from a doodle and a dream. Those who just want to see the art with no context, feel free to click the top pic and swipe down or something.
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A Tale of 2.5 Souls
Seems like whatever the reason Frisk went to the mountain, they ended up tailing Clover, where the game begins. Control between the 2 fallen children is split, meaning that both Frisk and Clover are free to express their quirks and personalities more.
Adding to that, NarraChara is also here, being visible to Frisk, Clover, AND the player due to more determination in the area. Frisk still has higher DT than Clover, so they're in charge of LOADing and SAVEing as well as playing leader.
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Prepare For Trouble, Make It Double!
Now obviously the timeline can't really be UT or UTY if all major events need to be dealt with. The universe's solution? Now every Major Character (and perhaps minor ones) are paired up with their cross game counterparts. While encounters for each monster can be seperate, eventually they will cross paths with eachother and the fallen humans.
With each section of the Underground now longer with even paired area newly connected (More on how that works later), it'd feel like even 2 player characters can't make it easy. Fortunately for a certain route, you may get some help...
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Kanako
To fill a void for a Certain Short Scientist, seems fate pulled a few strings, and brought a new friend back from near-death! If you don't kill any monsters during RUINS, Kanako will sense your pure hearts and join the party, acting as the Ralsei to this Diet Fun Gang.
With healing and shield magic, she'll make your journey a lot more manageble, at the cost of not being able to kill any monsters all the way until Asgore (She will still allow you to spare monsters by lowering health but if she senses a chance to kill she will block the attack and scold you for it.)
Being a much more attentive protector than the Skeleton, she'll accompany Frisk and Clover through the emotional highs and lows of their journey, and perhaps maybe...
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You'll find out the true reason she's helping you.
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Stronger Monsters
For the characters of the 2 timelines being destined to meet, it is also true that destiny will point into blocking your path. For the Major Battles at least, you'll have to fight both of them at the end of each paired areas. An example being meeting North Star in Wild East only for Starlo's betrayal being calling Undyne to hunt you during Waterfall.
Expect combo attacks, fused soul modes, and complex strategies when facing the duel bosses. Some might even compromise Kanako from assisting. No fight has the same solution as the UT and UTY fights (except maybe Papyrus and Martlet), so be prepared and stay determined!
So have fun while you can, won't you? It's not likely you will get these games together again. You wouldn't waste this once-in-a-while experience just to do something you'll regret.
You wouldn't waste it just to see what happens...
...right?...
...
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mintsuwu ยท 2 months
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Took a lil break from the asks in order to cook some โœจSMILING CRITTERS FAMILY TIMEโœจ with @rexmk0153universe-blog because why the hell not??? I might have to divide it in two parts though-
(1/2)
DogDay
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DogDay's journey begins when a stork delivers him to the wrong family of wolves, leading him to be adopted by Big Bad's parents. However, his presence triggers jealousy in Big Bad, his adopted older brother, who resents the attention their parents give to the newcomer.
Despite the pack's focus on abilities related to weather phenomena, Dogday stands out due to his unique qualities and talents. As he grows older, he feels a deep longing for a sense of purpose and identity beyond his wolf upbringing. Seeking to find his true self, he leaves the pack and ventures to Jolly Valley, where he encounters the Smiling Critters and forms close bonds with them. Over time, Dogday becomes a leader among the Smiling Critters, embodying their values of friendship and unity.
Big Bad, driven by pride and a mix of emotions, followed Dogday to Jolly Valley, intending to both antagonize his little brother and secretly monitor his progress. Despite his outward bravado and mischievous nature causing ocassional trouble, Dogday remains welcoming towards his older brother, except when his antics go too far. Hus unwavering cheerfulness and open-heartedness serve as a beacon of hope for both the Smiling Critters and his troubled older brother.
BONUS: "Big Bad" is actually a nickname! His actual name is "WindWolf"... Dogday usually calls him "Big Bro", but the rest of the critters "misheard" it and began calling him "Big Bad", much to his dismay.
CatNap
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Catnap shares a unique connection with a deity known as SandMan, who reigns over the Dream Realm, a distinct reality separate from the main universe. The origin of Catnap traces back to a moment when Dogday, as a young member of his pack, made a wish upon a shooting star for a friend, and this wish brought Catnap into existence.
SandMan took particular interest in Catnap due to his remarkable qualities, leading to a special father-son dynamic between them, despite Catnap starting off as just another creation of SandMan like many others.
Catnap, however, felt a strong pull to leave the Dream Realm in search of Dogday, the source of his creation. Eventually, the feline succeeded in finding Dogday and chose to remain by his side, along with the other Smiling Critters. Despite Catnap's origin in the Dream Realm and his connection to SandMan, his loyalty lies with Dogday and their companions, forging a lasting bond beyond the confines of the Dream Realm.
Kickin'Chicken
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Kickin'Chicken comes from a predominantly female family, consisting of his mother, sisters, and himself as the middle sibling. His father, known as "Rockin'Rooster," is a famous singer, an example that Kickin' aspires to follow. However, Rockin'Rooster's focus on his career leaves little time for family, causing conflicting emotions for Kickin'. Despite his admiration for his father's success, Kickin' yearns for more attention and connection within the family... Yet he hides it under his "cool and tough guy" persona.
However, among his family members Kickin' has a strong bond with his older sister, Pecky. She is level-headed compared to Kickin', but shares his adventurous spirit and openness to new experiences and people.
BONUS: Kickin's family is quite fond of Bubba Bubbaphant, given how he was Kickin's first friend and all of them consider him another member of the family.
CraftyCorn
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Craftycorn, born in a magical kingdom governed by four elemental monarchs (Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts and Spades) was raised as the daughter of the Queen of Spades, destined to become a warrior. However, Crafty harbored a distaste for violence, finding joy in art and nature instead.
Despite her mother's attempts to grant her freedom to choose her path within the elemental realms, the other rulers disapproved, doubting Crafty's suitability for the throne. When Craftycorn was to receive her royal Merry Charm, symbolizing her assigned role, she unexpectedly manifested her own charmโ€”the flower. Fearing disappointment from her mother and influenced by the other monarchs, Craftycorn fled her home, unaware of the devastation her departure caused her mother.
Their relationship is complicated, marked by love and care, yet tinged with Crafty's mixed feelings towards her mother.
LoolaLamb
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Loola is a special sheep born into a flock known as the "Sleep Sheep" or "Slumbering Guardians." These sheep have the unique role of wandering through villages, signaling to people that it's time to sleep and seek safety from the dangers of the night. Once their task is complete, SandMan, a mystical entity who the sheep "worship" due to its previous helps toward the flock, can traverse their realm to ensure everyone enjoys peaceful dreams and restful sleep.
She's the daughter of the flock's leader, tasked with protecting the sheep, particularly during the day when they're less vigilant due to needing rest after their nightly duties. However, Loola lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her father, who prepared her to take on a similar role in the future.
Despite her upbringing, Loola yearns for adventure and exploration beyond the confines of her flock's duties. After much persuasion, her father allows her to leave, although they maintain communication through letters.
The lamb often travels alone, but occasionally spends time with the Smiling Critters in Jolly Valley for extended periods of time.
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dreamlifebunny ยท 1 year
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manifesting ideas: gifts from the universe!
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while any desire can come true with the power of your mind, how much fun is it to receive an unexpected gift from a magical source? here is a list of ideas of โ€œgifts from the universeโ€ that you could manifest into your life! (original request: here)
you wake up to a small box next to your bed with a note that reads, โ€œlove from the universe.โ€ what could it contain?
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a beautiful necklace with your birth stone or favourite crystal in the centre that turns you into a โ€œmagical girl,โ€ giving you the superpower you were destined to have! invisibility? mind control? you donโ€™t know until you put it on, but you can be sure it will be the superpower of your dreams! you can also be sure you'll get the glowy anime transformation experience too lol.
a pendant that you can put on your stuffed animals or pets that allows you to understand and talk to them!
a collection of all of your favourite comfort treats that have been discontinued or are impossible to find, and every time you reopen the box it fills up again!
a letter from your favourite fictional character, telling you how excited they are to find out that you exist and that they plan to travel to your world soon. are they going to become your partner? your best friend? a close family member? whatever the character is to you in your world, they are about to become the best version of that in yours! (or; a letter from your favourite fictional character giving you detailed instructions on how to find the entrance to their world!)
a collection of long-lost items and stuffies from your childhood that you never expected to see again!
a glass potion bottle filled with iridescent liquid that slowly changes colours. attached to the lid with a piece of string is a note with your SPโ€™s name on it and instructions that read, โ€œdrink to make them fall in loveโ€ (itโ€™s literally just water girl they already in love with you ๐Ÿคซ)
a glowing portal that illuminates once you open the lid, that takes you anywhere youโ€™d like at any time! a different reality, back in time, to the void, etc.
a note from your future self that details the time, date, and place that you will meet your soulmate or best friend!
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mitfloya ยท 3 months
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๐‹๐จ๐ฏ๐ž ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ƒ๐ž๐ž๐ฉ ๐’๐ฉ๐š๐œ๐ž ๐˜๐š๐ง๐๐ž๐ซ๐ž ๐‡๐ž๐š๐๐œ๐š๐ง๐จ๐ง๐ฌ: ๐—๐š๐ฏ๐ข๐ž๐ซ
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pairings. Xavier x gn!reader
wc. 1K
synopsis. Xavier's unwavering obsession with you transcends the boundaries of time and space. No matter how vast the universe may be, he is determined to find you in every lifetime. With an unyielding determination, he is willing to traverse the furthest reaches, even to the edge of the universe, just to ensure that you are by his side. Any who dare to come between you will be swiftly dealt with, for in Xavier's eyes, you are destined to be together and he will stop at nothing to protect that bond.
warnings. The following content contains elements of obsessive behavior, yandere thoughts, stalking, possessive behavior, and may include poorly written narratives. Reader is referred to as 'you'. Proceed with caution, as this writing may be unsettling or uncomfortable for some individuals.
a/n. In the next week I'll be planning to make my first fic and it will be a yandere themed and planning a big project on my AO3 acc later, also I'm currently busy with making c.ai hsr angsty bots and fluff themed LaDS bots. Be sure to check my fic or bots later! Grab some snacks and I hope you enjoy reading this hc โ™ก
โ™ก Please reblog and comment on this post are much, much appreciated โ™ก
Don't be fooled by his unassuming appearance, for you never know what lies behind that innocent and sunshine-filled face of his.
If you thought Zayne was the hardest to read, then you're wrong.
At first glance, he appears like any regular civilian, hiding his true nature behind a carefully constructed facade. He avoids discussing his background, creating an air of mystery around him.
As time passes and you both continue to cross paths, Xavier's presence in your life becomes more than just coincidence. The moments spent together, the shared laughter, and the mutual support Xavier effortlessly establishes a friendship that feels natural and authentic.
As the bond between you strengthens, Xavier's presence becomes a source of comfort and solace. His unwavering dedication to your well-being is evident in the small gestures of kindness, the thoughtful words, and the unwavering support he provides.
The nicest guy youโ€™ve ever met, he is always there to lend a helping hand, whether it's assisting you with your own challenges or guiding you through difficult situations. His genuine care and concern for your well-being are evident in every interaction, as he goes above and beyond to ensure your happiness and safety.
So how can you ever suspect anything weird when he spends his time reading and sleeping all the time? While he may possess formidable fighting skills and experience, his gentle nature and soothing presence overshadow any doubts that may arise.
Xavier's aura alone brings you comfort, lulling you into a sense of security that makes it nearly impossible to question his motives.
Even if he is physically out of reach, Xavier constantly assures you that he is by your side.
He makes it clear that all you need to do is call for him, and he will come to you, no matter the distance or the obstacles. It is as if he has sworn an unbreakable oath to be your loyal knight, ready to protect and support you at all costs.
In Xavier's eyes, you are the center of his universe, the one person who holds the key to his heart. He sees himself as your guardian, ready to sacrifice anything and everything to ensure your well-being.
Thus why falling for him was easy.
Too easy that you didnโ€™t realize you have fallen into the depths of his twisted love.
Xavier possesses an uncanny ability to blend into society seamlessly, making it nearly impossible for others to suspect his true nature.
From the moment you first encountered Xavier, there was a cosmic force that bound you together, like star-crossed lovers fated to meet repeatedly. Even amidst chaos and unfortunate circumstances, Xavier always finds his way to your side, just as he promised long ago.
It was not cosmic force or fate, it was all his doings.
Death may be your constant companion, but Xavier is your eternal lover. No entity, not even a deity, can come between the inseparable bond that exists between you. Death is merely a phase, he will find you in another life.
From the moment he first laid eyes on you, he knew that you were meant to be his. He firmly believes that your destinies are entwined, that you were never meant for anyone else, and he will go to great lengths to ensure that no one else lays claim to your heart.
To Xavier, you are the sole focus of his existence. Xavier's devotion knows no boundaries, as he is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to ensure your safety and happiness.
Why do you think he goes extra lengths to provide you with everything? Because he loves you.
Was it a coincidence that he was your neighbor? Of course not!
Every action he takes, every sacrifice he makes, is fueled by a love that surpasses all reason.
He meticulously plans your encounters, orchestrating seemingly random meetings to further deepen the illusion of coincidence.
He has a network of informants and spies who provide him with information about you. He has carefully cultivated relationships with people in your life, gaining their trust and loyalty. These individuals unknowingly feed him information, allowing him to stay one step closer to you at all times.
He lives in the shadows, unseen and unnoticed, but his presence is always felt. He knows your routines, your habits, your deepest fears and desires. His knowledge of you is intimate, as if he has studied every minute detail of your existence.
Would he sacrifice himself for you to continue to live? Without hesitation. To Xavier, your life is the ultimate prize, and he would gladly lay down his own to ensure your survival.
Xavier's perception of the world is warped by his obsession, blurring the lines between what is real and what he desires to be real. He sees you as his possession, his soulmate, his reason for existence.
Time and fate will always be his obstacle as theyโ€™re conspiring against his absurd ideas. However, he refuses to be content with mere obsessions or imaginations; he wants you and him to become a reality.
In the early stages, even before being in a relationship, Xavier exhibits subtle signs of jealousy. His protective nature, while initially endearing, can become suffocating as the relationship progresses.
Once you are officially together, his jealousy becomes more pronounced and dangerous, leading to harm or even death for those who dare to steal you away.
No need to check on the news headline. Lifeless bodies scattered like fallen leaves, has become all too common, itโ€™s the cause of wanderer has been ramping up lately, angel.
It was partially not the cause of wanderers.
Even in the face of your defiance, you are acutely aware of the futility of your resistance. He will abduct you, whisking you away to a distant planet, far beyond the reach of prying eyes from the world.
In this alternate reality, you are left with no choice but to accept your fate. The notion of escape becomes nothing more than a distant dream.
The stars become witnesses to your eternal entwining, as the universe itself seems to acknowledge the dark and twisted love that binds you both.
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ยฉ 2024 mitfloya โ€” all rights reserved. kindly refrain from altering, translating, or repost my works on any platform without my consent, do not claim my content as yours.
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anki-of-beleriand ยท 2 days
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A heart Made of Glass ch.12
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Summary: Ten years ago you left Wanda and the Avengers to heal your broken heart. You never stopped being a hero, just as you never stopped being in love with her. But life had to go on.
Now, after all that time, she is back and with her is a young woman needing help and an enemy that may not be as afraid as Wanda to lay a claim on you.
Pairings: Wanda Maximoff x Powered!F!Reader - Scarlet Witch x PoweredF!Reader - Past Wanda Maximoff x Vision
Warnings: Angst, drama, mentions of cheating, fluff, violence, smut, Switch!Reader, internalize homophobia, hurt, comfort, Wanda being a complete mess, anger management issues, jealousy, Requited/Unrequited love, idiots in love, swearing, mentions of alcohol. More tags as the story progess.
Author's Note: This story is a continuation of Dirty Little Secret I was really surprised at the response I got for the story, I did all the tags you guys ask for but if I forgot someone please do not hesitate to tell me. Thank you for the support.
Okay, this chapter had some tricks in it that are surronding Reader and Wanda, this is their story and this time around Reader would need to make the right decision if she wants to get what she wants and what she needs.
Please, do remember English is no my mother tongue so forgive my grammar, spelling and funny mistakes.
Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 Chpter 12
Chapter 12
In a different world
The universe started with a spark of bright golden light.
Loki Odinson had seen it several times, he had witnessed the birth and death of multiple universes and timelines that were destined to perish in a myriad of colours that would soon be forgotten. He had sat on the throne, and while he was not a King himself, he could recall the faces of all of those poor souls that disappeared into the nothingness, just as he could remember the beauty behind the first spark of life.
However, what he was experimenting right now was nothing like it.
Whatever, or whoever had decided to intervene had messed up with his own spell and everything had exploded into nothingness. A single spark of red, green and golden then, nothingness. Black spaces that disappeared without any traces left behind.
Loki started at the empty space that was Wanda and Y/Nโ€™s basement before he sighed. He sat down shaking his head, a headache approaching just as he thought on the oncoming conversation he would need to sustain with the Avengers.
โ€œFuck.โ€ The word rolled out of his lips in such a natural way, he could do nothing but leaned back against the wall.
What the hell just happened?
What did he do?
What did Wanda and Y/N do to get this reaction?
The silence soon became deafening, Loki located the book Strange had died trying to recover. He frowned while leaning over to pick it up, the spell was done correctly with all the right wording as well as the right drawings on the ground. So, why did it go wrong? His eyes scanned the pages, re-reading the passages over and over until his heart dropped at one particular line, something he had overlooked the very first time he read that passage.
โ€œโ€ฆthis, however, may be counterproductive if there is a magical or multiversal energy interference, the amount of energy converging at one point may created an unexpected result andโ€ฆโ€
Loki knew the rest by heart, he knew there could be troubles butโ€ฆwell, how many energies were involved in the spell? He had counted on those signatures coming from Wanda and Y/N, he had even counted on his butโ€ฆwas there anybody else out there? Was there anybody else at the other side of the multiverse?
โ€œShit.โ€ Loki stood up fixing up his clothes before flickering his hand to open a portal. He needed to face the consequences of his acts, and the first stop would be the Avengers Tower and Steve Rogerโ€™s office.
The former Captain America was going to enjoy telling Loki โ€˜I told you soโ€™, just before hitting him in the face.
With one last glance to the basement, Loki turned around and left the place.
He never worried to test the energy fields around, or to tap into the timelines flickering in front of his eyes. It never occurred to him that, as soon as the explosion happened, a new singular timeline appeared right before his eyes just to blend itself with the other timelines flickering in front of Loki.
No one but the Watcher could see it, The Watcher stood in the sidelines furrowing his brows and waiting.
The world would either collapse in itself, or it would fix the anomalies by itself.
Either way, he was watching history, and the future of Earthโ€™s Mightiest Heroes.
_________________________________________
Darkness had always been your friend.
You were born in it, and it had been your weapon and your refugee in the hardest of times. That was the main reason you didnโ€™t panic at first, everything around you was filled with the purest form of darkness with a single touch of coldness that sneaked inside your clothes. The hairs on your arms stood up, a shiver went right through your muscles making you groan as you finally experience the pain in your body.
Your mouth opened inhaling deeply filling your lungs with gusts of cold air, your chest contracting itself just before you started coughing. It was then you opened your eyes, and the darkness that you had experienced moments ago was nothing but you woke up from unconsciousness.
The first thing you noticed were different white dots in the sky winking back at you. You tried to grasp a single thought, seeking around your mind for a coherent idea but it was almost impossible to do so when the rest of your body was finally receiving different stimulus in the way of pain and coldness.
โ€œY/N!โ€ A familiar voice called to your left, you tried to sit up but a single hand placed itself on your shoulder pressing you to the ground.
โ€œEase there, pal, you were really hurt back there.โ€
Even if you didnโ€™t get a chance to sit up, your world started spinning around. The voice was so familiar, yet so different to what you were used to; with some reluctance you turned your face to the right and soon you found yourself looking at yourself.
The other woman offered a tentative smile, though the way she was squinting her eyes and the pursed of her lips told you she was just as confused as you were at the moment. Soft footsteps approached you, America Chavez was wearing a single cut on her cheek and a bruised eye, this time around you didnโ€™t let you counterpart to stop you, you sat up to check over the teen kneeling beside you.
โ€œAmerica, are you alright?โ€ Your eyes rolled back for a moment, your knees fell harshly on the ground while you held yourself with a single hand placed on your leg.
โ€œY/N, pleaseโ€ฆโ€ America winced lightly glancing at you then at your counterpart. โ€œI think you were the one that suffered the mostโ€ฆโ€
โ€œIt was my fault, actually. So, sorry?โ€
You blinked a couple of times, shaking your head made the headache worse and the dizziness settled on your lower abdomen. You lifted your face blinking a couple of times before checking America over, the young woman softened her features with her cheeks colouring pink while her lips tried to offer a single smile. You tried to ignore the other Y/N for as long as you could before turning around to settle your eyes on her.
Just like America, she was wearing a single cut on her forehead with her clothes dishevelled but otherwise nothing else. With some reluctance you lifted your eyes looking deep into those eyes that you knew so well.
โ€œThis is the weirdest shit I have ever had to live to date.โ€ You finally said shaking your head, โ€œI hope it is the last weird shit ever.โ€
โ€œAgreed.โ€ Y/N tilted her head furrowing her brows while giving you a quick glance. โ€œBefore this happened, Iโ€™m afraid I was in your body fighting with someone that got luckyโ€ฆsoโ€ฆโ€
โ€œSo, thatโ€™s why I feel like this?โ€ You cracked smile, your counterpart nodded mirroring the smile on your face. โ€œOkay, got it, soโ€ฆwhat the hell is going on?โ€
America and Y/N glanced at one another then at you, it wasnโ€™t until then that you decided to take a good look at the surrounding area. The place in itself was nothing strange, yet you got a feeling that this was not your universe or even that of your counterpart.
The sky was completely dark filled stars but as you got to observe them above your head you realized there were not your stars. The constellations you had come to know thanks to Natasha and Carol had been changed and were replaced by different forms you did not recognize. With a single frown you lowered your eyes to find yourself in a plain of land filled with dried grass that extended beyond what the eyes could see. It was an empty land, with nothing beyond the darkness of the night without any moon it was hard to actually see something that could give you an idea of your location.
The sound of whistling called your attention, and soon you found yourself being wrapped tightly by two pair of arms. Before you could protest or ask what they were doing, you experience the sharp bite of wind, A cold, merciless breeze that soon turned into a whirlwind that left as suddenly as it had come.
โ€œWh-what the hell?โ€ Your eyes opened wide, your teeth chattering while America and Y/N leaned back wincing.
โ€œWe need to move.โ€
You furrowed your brows shaking your head, โ€œmove where? I can barely see you two, how are we going to see the path orโ€ฆwhere the hell are we?โ€
America sighed standing up, she stretched her hand to you offering a tender smile.
โ€œYou havenโ€™t figured it out?โ€
You stood on weakened legs, your mouth opened ready to protest until you finally realised it. While it was true there was nothing much to see beyond the darkness and the starry night, you could see America and your counterpart just fine. It took you but a few minutes until, you lifted your hand and the shadows followed you giving you a good glance of what was around you.
โ€œWe can manipulate shadows, the night in itself is darkness and filled with the main source of our power.โ€ Y/N stated matter-of-factly while standing before you, you nodded curtly feeling foolish for not even thinking about it.
โ€œAre you guys going to tell me whatโ€™s going on?โ€
America grabbed your hand, then turning to Y/N she shrugged also grabbing her hand as well.
โ€œWe may as well update her while we continue walking.โ€
โ€œWe saw lights coming from what we think was a village a few kilometres away, were trying to get there until these weird whirlwinds came in and we couldnโ€™t carry you anymore.โ€ Y/N explained shrugging. โ€œWeโ€™re guessing once we get to some sort of place filled with civilization we will know moreโ€ฆโ€
โ€œWhy didnโ€™t you try to travel through the shadows?โ€ You asked ready to do so when the warning tone from your own voice stopped you.
โ€œI couldnโ€™t do it without leaving America here, and I have a bad feeling as soon as I tried itโ€ฆsoโ€ฆโ€ Y/N shrugged looking ahead of her, โ€œI always follow my instincts, they have never failed me.โ€
The comment sent a sharp pain straight to your heart.
Your instincts had never failed you either.
Nothing else was said after this, the three of you were following the direction America had pointed out but you were just lost not really knowing if this was the right path or just a wild guess. The temperature was dropping even more, soon your teeth were chattering alongside those of America and the other you. You felt a sharp pain through your head, whatever had happened before you woke up had left your body quite bruised and right now all you wanted was to find a bed, an analgesic and something to eat. For a brief moment, an intrusive thought came forward in the form of Wanda, panic rose through your chest and filled your mind but before you could ask anything about her your counterpart spoke.
โ€œI still donโ€™t understand how everything came to be,โ€ she spoke with a tone of voice you were familiar with, you let your eyes wandered around the landscape holding onto every word resounding into the darkness of the night.โ€
โ€œI remembered when Wanda and I saved America the first time, and then trying to safe her from these creatures chasing her down.โ€ Y/N trailed off with her memories making her falter, with a single shake of her head she continued, โ€œI know I was out for a while, so you can guess how surprised I was to wake up in the arms of someone that wasnโ€™t my wifeโ€ฆโ€
โ€œNot really.โ€ Your reply was filled with coldness, tension building up in your body, โ€œI have always had the luxury of waking up alone in my bed.โ€
America winced lifting her head to glance at you, her dark eyes begging you to listen before jumping in whatever discussion you wanted to start.
โ€œAgatha Harkness.โ€ The name reached the inside of your mind with the memory of the file you read on her, not only that, but also the different videos you saw surrounding her story inside of Wandaโ€™s world.
โ€œThat was the woman you woke up to every day, Y/N.โ€ America chimed in shyly, she lowered her gaze squeezing your hand tenderly. โ€œShe had been dragging Scarlet and Wanda around, draining them of their powers and leaving them defenceless for quite some time, and sinceโ€ฆwell, since Y/N was under her spellโ€ฆโ€
You opened your mouth to speak, you wanted to say something but finding your counterpartโ€™s eyes on you whatever argument you had built inside your mind came crumbling down and soon you were given their side of their story.ย  Little by little the story started making sense, the building of a different world and the intrusive dreams you were having in the last couple of weeks, the purple and red magic surrounding you on that day as well as the mixed-up realities that ended up with you thrown into anotherโ€™s body. You had always known that Wanda was special, and powerful, you never imagined just how much.
America had been a part of the plan, of course. Her powers would be very beneficial to someone like Agatha, and your powers would make sure no one would ever find her. Everything was about the most basic reason of all: Power. You pursed your lips disgusted; you were dragged into a confrontation with Wanda because there was a woman chasing after power. You had been running from Wanda for more than ten years, and all it took was this woman to ruin everything.
And now, now you were walking down the darkness of the night with a girl that could travel through different universes and your counterpart, a woman that got the life you had dreamt of a long time ago.
โ€œLife is not fair.โ€ Y/N stated glancing at you out of the corner of her eyes, โ€œbut it is what we have, and we mustโ€ฆโ€
โ€œโ€ฆdeal with it, take what it is being offered and try to be happy with it.โ€ You finished shaking your head.
โ€œAh, so not everything is lost, I see.โ€ Y/N allowed a single smile to break on her face, you pursed your lips snorting.
โ€œYou donโ€™t know the story.โ€
โ€œBut she does, thatโ€™s why she told you those very same words, didnโ€™t she?โ€ Your counterpart stopped all of a sudden, you let out a heavy sigh before turning to face her.
America was standing in between the both of you, her brows knitted together with her gaze travelling around the terrain before settling on the both of you.
โ€œLook, I know that you and Wanda had a different experience than mine, Iโ€™m glad you did becauseโ€ฆโ€ You trailed off holding onto your emotions, โ€œI donโ€™t wish on you the pain I went throughโ€ฆโ€
For the very first time ever you saw your own face breaking into a broken-hearted smile, with those eyes losing all light and those lips curving into a crooked smile. It was you looking back, and you understood right there and then that you werenโ€™t the only one.
โ€œYou forgive her?โ€ You asked with a hint of hope in your voice, you hated how the question left your lips and how your counterpart understood what you meant.
โ€œHow could I not if my heart beats for her?โ€ She replied clenching her eyes closed, her hands rested upon your shoulders before you found yourself looking into your eyes. โ€œThere is a difference, though, isnโ€™t it?โ€
โ€œYou guys were not togetherโ€ฆโ€ You started but she merely tilted her head.
โ€œYou know it wouldnโ€™t matter if we were a couple or not, she chose someone else when we have always chosen her.โ€ Y/N squeezed your shoulders lightly. โ€œThe difference is that I gave her a chance because I want to do so, you didnโ€™t becauseโ€ฆโ€
โ€œI donโ€™t believe in second chances! If I have done so she would have broken my heart all over again when she went into her imaginary world with Vision!โ€ You exclaimed enraged, surprising Y/N and America.
The other woman furrowed her brows, she was ready to argue back with you and asked questions about the imaginary world. It was quite evident a lot of things had happened in this strange world and Y/N could only imagine the pain and rage engulfing your heart at the moment.
America could see darkness surrounding the three of you her eyes opening wide almost losing into the shadows until her eyes caught glimpses of red and purple right ahead.
โ€œGuys?โ€ America stuttered lifting her hand and pointing to the distance.
You two stopped your discussion turning around to see the same sparkles of red and purple. It was a formation of dusty colouring breaking into the darkness of the night sky, you turned to the left to see Y/N frowning with determination and America shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
โ€œItโ€™s not that far away, I mean it could be at least one kilometre?โ€ Y/N faced you holding onto the previous tension of your conversation with her, you clenched your fist shrugging.
โ€œLooks that way.โ€
โ€œAre weโ€ฆโ€ America started but you lifted a hand to silence her.
โ€œBefore we jump in to do something I think we need more information, we donโ€™t even know what we are going to find over there.โ€ You looked out of the corner of your eyes; the lights were still gleaming pretty much intensely but you could tell your two companions didnโ€™t want to stay still and do any planning.
โ€œWhat do you propose?โ€ Y/N asked lifting her chin, โ€œyou know pretty well those sparks of crimson are Wandaโ€™s, and we know this woman, this Agatha has been using purple magic. Are you really suggesting we stand here or keep walking in circles?โ€
โ€œNo! All I am asking is to first think about what we are going to do! Weโ€™re not even sure where we are much less what we are going to find there.โ€ You asked back lifting your hands in the air and stepping back, the pain you had forgotten in favour of the discussion came back making you winced.
โ€œLook I know you guys think the world of Wanda, and thatโ€™s cool, I guess your Wanda,โ€ this time around you pointed to your counterpart trying to remain calm, โ€œshe is all love and kindness and thatโ€™s fine. The Wanda in world had a total breakdown that enslaved a bunch of people in a reality she created for herself and that microwave she called husband, so forgive me if Iโ€™m not going to jump in without any additional information.โ€
Your tirade echoed through the night, your voice carried by the wind with a dropped in the temperature. The moon that had been travelling with the three of you flickered all of a sudden, and the darkness grew around the three of you. America didnโ€™t miss the flickering lights of crimson and purple, but she couldnโ€™t stop herself from grabbing your hand in hers, the warm she shared with you made you shivered and with some reluctance you lower you stare to her. Even in such a darkness you could see her brown eyes gleaming with emotions.
โ€œYou still love her.โ€ America mumbled squeezing your hand tenderly.
You clenched your jaw tilting your head to the side, America bit her lower lip glancing from you to Y/N.
โ€œI donโ€™t know why this has to be so complicated, but she needs you.โ€ America took a deep breath stepping closer to you. โ€œWanda is sad, and I know she messed up and that forgiveness should not be given just because you feel that way. But she really needs you, she and Scarlet.โ€
โ€œLook, I donโ€™t know what happened between the both of you.โ€ Y/N stepped in making sure you could not look away from your own eyes. โ€œBut the woman I love is out there, being it in this dimension or another Wanda Maximoff would always be MY Wanda and I wonโ€™t leave her out there to get hurt. If not for you, then at least do it for me.โ€
It was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by darkness and coldness that your heart finally gave in. With a nod, your dropped your shoulders in defeat missing the smile coming from America but never missing the satisfied glance coming from your counterpart. The three of you finally turned to the source of the magic, and without a simple plan you three started making your way to the source.
You were not prepared for what was waiting for you over there.
Agatha Harkness smirked at the woman kneeling before her.
In less than a year she had made it possible to crumble away the legend of the Scarlet Witch while placing herself as the most powerful witch in the multiverse. Her smile never faltered, not even when the world spined around changing into a familiar setting; a place and time Agatha had suffered before but that now she could alter with a single flicker of her hand.
The place was filled with passersby ignoring the presence of the two women; nobody seemed to care that one of them was on her knees with a single neck shackle made of light red and blue tied to a crimson necklace Agatha wore on her chest.
โ€œWhat do you think about this arrangement, dear?โ€ The dark-haired woman asked, her eyes dropping to the kneeling Wanda who was shooting her a stare filled with anger. โ€œPersonally, I think this could be more lively, but don't worry soon enough we will have a show to die for.โ€
Her laughter was accompanied by a flash of violet, and soon the scene changed and they were transferred to a great marketplace located at the centre of the village. Everyone had reunited around four pillared pyres that were guarded by at least ten knights all dressed in black.
Wanda lifted her face, her ears twitched hearing the sound of angry screams cursing someone she couldn't make out yet. Agatha stirred in excitement; her smile grew until it was a crooked grin with just a hint of madness behind it.
โ€œHere they comeโ€ฆโ€
The crowd spread around just as four figures came in walking on naked feet wearing red robes and bruised faces. The hatred and fear coming from the crowd was quite evident as the torches and the pitchforks drew wild patterns above the townspeopleโ€™s heads. The light of the torches ignited the night, Wanda tensed under the grip of the woman standing beside her, the hairs on her arms raising up while her eyes narrowed to follow the events unfolding in front of her.
The four women were pushed forward, each one of them had a single knight standing behind them with heavy hands they were dragged to the four pillars tied to them facing the crowd. It didnโ€™t take her too long to guess what was about to happen, and what exactly were those pillars; the pyres had been set up to ensure everyone could see the women died. The crowd cheered cruelly, laughing and cursing while the four women glared at the people with more bravery than they actually felt.ย 
โ€œThis was my coven.โ€ Agatha spat out, her hands sparkling with a mixture of red and purple, โ€œthey saw my power, they read my intentions and instead of supporting me they dared to try and stop meโ€ฆโ€
โ€œI wonder why.โ€ Wanda couldnโ€™t hold the sarcasm behind her voice, Agatha pulled harshly on the ropes holding her neck making Wanda fall on her back.
โ€œYou really are more daring than your counterparts, dear. I would be careful, if I were to be honest I donโ€™t need you alive.โ€ย 
Agatha caressed the necklace smirking at Wanda, the woman couldnโ€™t hide her anger and the magic that was pulsating inside her was not enough to protect her from Agathaโ€™s anger. Soon Wanda let out a scream of pain, her body twitching painfully until he couldnโ€™t keep her eyes open and all she could think about was the searing pain on her limbs.
โ€œIt has been so long since I was just a lowly witch like them, afraid of fire and the angry crowd. I grew to be magnificent, to have power beyond anyoneโ€™s imaginationโ€ฆโ€ Agatha continued with his rambling observing with gleaming eyes as the Major of the town stood forward proclaiming the sins of the four women.
โ€œI just had to find you, Wanda, you and that so-called Scarlet Witch.โ€ Wanda took a deep breath, half hearing the woman while watching with horror as the night above her head flickered from one setting to another.
โ€œIt was not easy, you know?โ€
Agatha flickered her hand to the right and soon Wanda was on her knees watching as the world around her changed. It was like watching a movie in a dome. The world changed to day and night flickering images of Agatha dragging her burnt body through the ground whispering spells that only she could hear. The image soon changed showing the passing of time, Agatha looking around the world and stealing the magic of others while seeking something out of desperation.
She finally found it after more than a century.
Wanda opened her eyes at the familiar setting, Kamar Taj stood under stormy winds and heavy snow. Agatha sneaked around, distracting the inhabitants of the temple by provoking landslides that would certainly have killed innocent people if it hadnโ€™t been by the protectors of the temple. She had enough time to steal a single book.
โ€œY-youโ€ฆyou stole the..th-eโ€ฆthe Drakhold.โ€ Wanda leaned forward resting her hands on the ground, she was shocked to find the snow under her hands was real and that everything she was seeing was not an illusion but a real event.
Her mind was trying to comprehend what was really happening. Her knowledge of the Darkhold had not been as broad as it had been for Strange and even Loki. But she did know one thing or two about the origins of her powers, Chaos Magic had been called and it gave her the power to bend reality and life in ways not many could access to. The darkness inside her had been contained by her family and her loved ones, but the same could not be said by others, apparently.
โ€œI did.โ€ Agatha finally answered tilting her head, soon the scene changed and they were taken to a place Wanda was familiar with.
Westview.
โ€œYet, I was still not strong enough, or the only one with powers beyond our imaginations.โ€ Agatha made a face, stepping forward strolling down the streets with Wanda following her. โ€œWhen the Avengers showed up it was quite evident that people with powers could no longer be hidden. It was my time to shine until you, my dear Wanda, showed up.โ€
Wanda saw herself in a building in Sokovia, it was a place she was familiar with yet the story that was unfolding in front of her had nothing to do with what she had lived once. Her other self struggled to control her powers, to live her life, to be who she was supposed to be but failed every single time. Agatha had never been too far from those events, and whenever Wanda failed, Agatha would clutch the young woman closer to her. The red and purple magic intertwined without anyone noticing.
โ€œWhat did you do?โ€ Wanda asked, finding herself in the middle of the square in Westview. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining right above their heads and not a single cloud in sight.ย 
Agatha smirked, her eyes changing colours to one of deep crimson, โ€œI finally became who I am supposed to be, and soon my dear I will have all the power to bend the universes at my will. And now, I will finish what I started all those months ago with your pathetic counterpart and you will help me out with this.โ€
The world suddenly exploded around them, Wanda clenched her jaw closed, lifting her eyes to the sky to see the runes above her head.
โ€œYouโ€ฆโ€ She gritted her teeth, her eyes closing right away trying to gather her thoughts and power to stop the woman standing beside her.
Agatha chuckled darkly, her gripped on Wanda tightened allowing the influx of memories to invade the mind of the redhead. It was a life she was no familiar with, a suffering she had not experiment in the same way but that generate in her an understanding of the mess this world was in. She could see the moment Agatha entered the story, the failures and the almost victories until finally she got what she wanted.
A weakened Wanda Maximoff without anyone in the world to stand by her side.
Power.
And a way to get away with her plan.
โ€œYouโ€ฆyou wonโ€™t win.โ€ Wanda finally got out; her eyes gleaming dangerously at the other woman who made a face rolling her eyes.
โ€œI already did, dear. You just havenโ€™t realized it yet.โ€ Agatha let go of Wanda stepping away.
The brunette straightened up lifting her arms in front of her, her hands creating a purple mist while the necklace she wore zealously around her neck gleamed with intensity. Those eyes that momentโ€™s ago had been brown, were now a deep black and the world around Wanda trembled under the electric shift of power the witch was gathering around her.
โ€œNow, I have all the pieces in place, in my worldโ€ฆunder my rules.โ€ Agatha stated tilting her head to the side, โ€œI will bend everyone to my willโ€ฆand you, Wanda, will be nothing but a bad memory.โ€
The sky above their heads changed into darkness, the temperature dropped and Wanda felt the heavy weight of the atmosphere overwhelming her. She could sense her counterpart weakening inside the prison Agatha had chosen for her, her thoughts were still a mixture of memories she couldnโ€™t quite place while the heavy emotions running through her soul threaten to overwhelm. Wanda could read the intentions behind the woman standing before her, she could read the hatred and violence behind those dark eyes. Lifting her chin to the sky, and her eyes showing off her own magic she decided if this was going to be her end, she would face it with defiance.
The ball of energy flickered in Agathaโ€™s hand, the world stood still and the with smirked ready to give the final blow.
Agatha was so concentrated in her final goal, she never noticed she was no longer alone and what she though was illusions of her own invention were actually three people she didnโ€™t think would be a problem until one of them stood right in front of her shielding Wanda from an imminent dead.
You had crossed the protective barrier around the strange town with a single thought in mind. Your intention was to get this over with and go back to your life on Norway, your heart beating fast while your mind protest for the easiness in which you were trying to go back to a life in which you were ignoring the woman that had never left your heart. It looked easy, just do your thing and then fixed whatever mess you were in and thenโ€ฆgo back.
But the universe and the Powers That Be decided that it wouldnโ€™t be just as easy as a flickered of your hand.
As soon as the three of you crossed the barrier you were face to face with flashes of memories that presented you with a film of the lives of Wanda and Agatha. The stories of the coven and the search for power, as well as the fall of Sokovia and Wandaโ€™s struggles with her powers and her life.
โ€œThis is so wrong.โ€ Y/N stated clenching her fist while stepping forward until she was finally standing beside you, the both of you stood on an empty street hearing the sounds of muffled conversation.
โ€œAny plan?โ€ You finally stated ignoring the piercing pain in your heart, your counterpart shrugged nodding to the darkened street that was flashing a mixture of red and purple.
โ€œI think the best approach is a straightforward one.โ€
โ€œHumph, so go there and just start fighting?โ€ You replied with your lips breaking into a single smirk.
โ€œYep, pretty much.โ€
โ€œThat doesnโ€™t sound like a solid plan.โ€ America mumbled unsure, she furrowed her brows turning to you and then to your counterpart.
You turned to America placing a hand on her shoulder, โ€œbut it is what we have. You are going to stay here and wait.โ€
โ€œButโ€ฆI can fight! I can help!โ€ America stepped back frowning, โ€œI wonโ€™t be left behindโ€ฆโ€
โ€œI know you can fight, kiddo.โ€ You replied tilting your head, โ€œand thatโ€™s why you are staying behind.โ€
America opened her mouth to protest but Y/N came forth shaking her head.
โ€œYou are our backup, America. If anything were to happen to us and Wandaโ€ฆโ€ Y/N stated dropping her gaze for a moment, she turned to you until finally she locked eyes with America. โ€œYou need to do anything you can to ensure Agatha wonโ€™t scape, you understand?โ€
America pursed her lips, a part of her understood the mission but another part wanted to go straight ahead and face the woman that had been chasing her through the multiverse. America clenched her fists before nodding curtly and stepping back. You offered a single smile, your hand squeezing comfortingly the shoulder of the teen.
โ€œThere would be time, America, for now just watch our backs.โ€
โ€œI will.โ€
โ€œGood then, letโ€™s go.โ€
You nodded curtly allowing your powers to spread in front of you, there was resistance when trying to reach the shadows and for the very first time you understood what your counterpart meant about your instinct. Everything in your body was screaming danger as soon as you came into contact with the shadows, your body shivered under the piercing weight of a million needles. You clenched your jaw closed stepping into the shadows with a single thought in mind.
Wanda.
Without any hesitation and moving through the invisible obstacles in that universe you appeared right before Wanda and Agatha just in time. Your eyes went black with your right arm lifting in front of you and creating a protective barrier just as Agathaโ€™s hand came into contact with your shadows.
There was a flickering of power, the older woman snarled a curse lifting her left arm in the same fashion and launching a second attack. Your eyes opened slightly only for your shadows to slithered away grabbing the womanโ€™s midsection to pull her away.
The world crumbled for an instant; Agatha was completely shocked to see not only you but your counterpart standing right in front of her. The woman straightened up, sweat rolling down her forehead while her right hand closed around her necklace and her other hand summoned the Darkhold.
โ€œYou really are a pain in my behind, but at least I wonโ€™t have to go around looking for you.โ€ Agatha stated tilting her head to the side, her annoyance giving way to a confident smile. โ€œNow, how about the two of you are good girls and give up, I would hate to spend my time submitting you to get what I want.โ€
You spread your feet positioning yourself in a fighting pose, your eyes narrowing slightly while the woman in front of you got her magic ready. But before Agatha could do anything at all, another set of shadows grabbed her arms putting them back making her woman lose her grip on the necklace and the Darkhold, your body tensed when Wanda stood up behind you, her voice quivering slightly as she pronounced your name with reverence and love.
โ€œHey, I hope you didnโ€™t forget about me, Agatha dear.โ€ Your counterpart said winking at Wanda while flickering her hands away, Agatha grunted freeing herself with a blast of energy and stepping a few feet away.
โ€œHn, I didnโ€™t expect this.โ€ She stated summoning the Darkhold, the world around the four of you changed, shaping itself in a familiar setting you had come to hate in your mind.
Westview.
Agatha never wavered in her confidence, if anything it seemed to grow the same way her magic was doing at the moment. You took a fighting stance, your shadows flickering around waiting for your command. You glanced out of the corner of your eye, Wanda had been trying to stand up but her knees and feet seemed uncooperative. Before you could offer any help, your counterpart came in wrapping her arms around Wanda while placing her forehead against Wandaโ€™s one.
โ€œHey, love.โ€
โ€œHi.โ€ Wanda replied with easiness, Y/N sighed in relief before placing a single kiss on her wifeโ€™s cheek.
โ€œI miss you.โ€ Y/N said softly, your heart shrank with emotion when your mind caught up with what was really happening.
You furrowed your brows, sweeping around the place until your darkened eyes fell on Agatha who was smiling playfully at you, her right hand playing absentmindedly with the necklace.
โ€œWhere isโ€ฆWanda?โ€ The question left your lips before you could stop it, Wanda and Y/N both glanced at one another before they set their eyes on you.
A sinking feeling settled on your lower stomach, you were afraid of the answer when you realized this Wanda was trying to look everywhere but you. Tilting your head, you finally got a good look at your surroundings where the suburban houses filled out the imaginary world; the Wanda you had come to know from another universe held onto your counterpart tightly though right now her green eyes had been focusing straight ahead of you.
โ€œWhere is she? Wanda?โ€ You asked again, this time around there was a demanding undertone that the other woman couldnโ€™t ignore.
โ€œAgatha has them under her control, she is using a powerful and dangerous book, Y/N.โ€ Wanda could tell her answer was not of your liking, she stepped forward ready to join you and her wife in the fight glancing at you out of the corner of her eyes.
โ€œYou donโ€™t know where she has Wanda?โ€ You asked again never taking your eyes off of the older woman standing before you.
โ€œI have my suspicions but Iโ€™m not sure how to interfere with that.โ€ Wanda winced trying to ease out the pain on her neck, you frowned pursing your lips while taking a closer look at Agatha before your eyes found the same house you had come to know as Wandaโ€™s place.
โ€œWell, then letโ€™s get this over with and get Wanda back.โ€ Your arms stretched to the sides, the silent command spurred into action the shadows around you flying straight ahead to try and get Agatha.
Before your counterpart and the other Wanda could help you out, the creatures summoned by Agatha launched their first attack. A great explosion was heard while you evaded the flashing balls of power sent over by the witch.
The fight soon broke over, you didnโ€™t notice it but the dome surrounding this part of the universe tremble sending waves of energy all through the world until they came into contact with the timeline and America. The young woman lifted her head, her eyes gleaming brightly as she tapped into her powers; bouncing on the balls of her feet she waited. America could hear the sound of explosions and the muffled sound of conversations and screams, she glanced at her hands thinking about the lessons she had been learning in the last couple of months. She closed her fists, opening them again before lifting her face. This people had been putting their lives on the line for her, they had been trying to protect her without expecting anything in exchanged. It was about time she helped them.
With a glance to the sky, America took a deep breath closing her eyes for a brief moment. As soon as she opened them, her lips curled into a single smile.
Time for payback.
The street had been completely destroyed during the fight.
There were no more homes standing up, or nice cosy gardens decorating the suburban setting. The world soon became a mixture of nothingness with the flickering holograms of reality that you could not touch. Agatha had learnt a thing or two since fighting with Wanda, you could see her ability to hold onto her powers while also making use of those she had stolen from your Wanda.
You shook your head hating the thoughts running around in your head, the overwhelming emotions that seemed to try and govern your decisions. You tried to focus your energy on what was right in front of you, the problem you were facing went beyond your own emotions. There would be a time for you to deal with them.
Agatha lifted her left hand above her head before letting it fall fast to her side, the sharp pain of your skin being pierce made you grunted. You could feel the wounds on your arms, your eyes igniting in a deep black that soon went right ahead to engulf the witch in front of you.
At some point, Agatha had become faster than your attacks, she stepped aside flickering her hands and soon two more creatures appeared out of nowhere.
โ€œIs that all you got?โ€ You asked almost losing your concentration when you heard the voice of your counterpart in the back.
โ€œGet away from my wife!โ€
Agatha smirked grabbing her necklace, tilting her head she settled her eyes on you.
โ€œOh, dear, you would be surprised with the number of tricks I can bring on you.โ€ Agatha stepped forward, her feet never touching the ground. โ€œI could make your dreams come true; I can be what Wanda never was for you.โ€
You pressed your lips together taking into a fighting stance.
โ€œYou know nothing about my dreams, and I am certainly not looking for a replacement.โ€
Agatha snorted her hand gripping tightly on the necklace, soon a red mist grew from the space between her neck and chest and the world around her turned crimson. Agatha stretched out her arms and the whole world vibrate around you changing in the blink of an eye.
โ€œAre you sure? I can tell by the pathetic way you are always looking at her, but the way you talk about her that there is nothing else you want more than herโ€ฆโ€ Agathaโ€™s voice rose above the new scene, your eyes flickered around while your stomach dropped when you realized where she had taken you to.
For a brief moment you could make out the screams and grunts of the fight going on right outside this small world. You took a deep breath trying to get a hold of your powers ignoring the runes glowed above your head a clear sign that this was still being controlled by Agatha. You creased your brows knowing that your options were limited if the other woman decided to use her magic at its full potential. She was playing with you, leading you on and one until it was quite clear she was mocking you by placing you right in front of a memory that had broken your heart at some point.
It was playing in slow motion, the video and the room with everyone just as shocked as you were to see Wanda in the armโ€™s of another. The passing of time, every single moment that you had suffered the betrayal while facing your sadness alone in a world of pure darkness. Your fit closed, the shadows on your feet stirred violently sensing your anger when you heard Agatha laughing. Mocking you.
โ€œHow did it make you feel knowing she was happier with a man?โ€ Agatha purred making sure to be as far away from you as she could. โ€œHow did it feel knowing you were never going to be chosen in this world? In this universe? I bet it pierce your soul knowing you were the one destined to be alone.โ€
โ€œShut up.โ€
โ€œI can make it go away, I can help you outโ€ฆsay the words, and I will make sure you get what you want.โ€
Your knees gave under your weight, furrowing your brows you tried to close yourself to the mocking film playing around you trying to focus on the fight. Agatha chuckled tilting her head, this time around the runes above her head pulsated and the two creatures grew before your eyes attacking viciously at your counterpart and Wanda making sure that your conversation and fight with Agatha wouldnโ€™t be interrupted. Agatha centred her eyes on you, her hand grabbing the necklace while the same video seemed to be on replay.
โ€œShe wonโ€™t be a problem for you anymore, and after Iโ€™m done with youโ€ฆyou wonโ€™t have to worry about the pain of your broken heart, dear.โ€ The laughter sent shivers down your back, but it was everything you were waiting for.
Your lips curled into a smile, your right hand twirled clockwise and the shadows broke into waves catching up with the witch. Just as you had located her, ready to give her a lesson, the woman was ready to use the magic Wanda and Scarlet were giving to her to make sure the next stage of her plan could be completed.
It never happened, though.
Your attack never stopped reaching out to your objective, while Agatha tried to return the hit she was surprised by a sudden punch to her face. The punch glow white, and her body bounced back and forth until she lost the hold on the necklace, America Chavez didnโ€™t stop there and your shadows went straight to hold onto the witch to bring her down.
Everything happened so fast, your eyes went from America to Agatha and finally to the object on the ground. The necklace bounced on the ground, and without thinking too much you went right ahead to grab it. The object was warm to the touch, you could tell by the vibrations that magic had been contained between the object and this magic could only belong to one person. You closed your hand around it, you could sense Scarlet deep inside your mind. It didnโ€™t take you too long to recognize the woman that had been haunting your dreams as of late, right with her you could also sense Wanda trying to hide, trying to survive.
โ€œNO!โ€
The scream coming from Agatha was everything you needed to drop the necklace and stomp on the piece of jewellery creating an explosion that blew you and everyone around you away.
โ€œHumphโ€ฆโ€ Your mouth opened letting out a shaky breath, your body hurt all over while your eyes got use to the sparkling lights that appeared before them when your head hit the ground.
โ€œY/N!!โ€ You tried to sit up, a pair of arms held onto you for a brief moment until you were capable of making out the figure sitting beside you.
America had her brows creased; her eyes shone with worry while she tried to hold you up. The fighting was still ringing inside your ears, your counterpart was finishing the last of the dimensional creatures while you could spot her Wanda holding back against Agatha. For a brief moment, panic rose inside you the sudden need to throw up became almost to much just as you leaned forward trying to stand up your eyes looking frantically for the women that had been haunting your dreams and reality as of late.
โ€œThey are unconsciousโ€ฆโ€ America started but she could not finish her sentence as you stood up without any warning.
โ€œWandaโ€ฆโ€ Her name escaped your lips without meaning to, at that moment with your body exhausted and your mind already carrying the weight of so many memories and thoughts all you could do was staggered forward until you reached both women.
You stood on shaky legs glancing from Wanda to Scarlet, both of them unconscious wearing the same bags under their eyes and the bruises all over their faces and arms. You hesitated not really knowing where you should focus your attention until, as an afterthought you went to Wanda. Turning her to the side you ensure she was comfortable, her lip had a deep cut and her forehead had traces of a scratch that left her with blood and dirt. She looked thinner than you remember, with her face wearing still the same defeated expression she wore to your home all those months ago.
โ€œWanda.โ€ You said her name again, this time around firmer and demanding, your hand trying to help her out until you heard her exclamation of pain. โ€œWanda, are you alright?โ€
The young woman stirred in your arms, her eyes flickering slightly until she opened her lips and let out an exclamation of pain. You put her back on the ground, turning around you could see Scarlet was stirring awake as well while the fight seemed to have no end.
โ€œY/Nโ€ฆโ€ You turned to see Wandaโ€™s eyes fluttering open, her green orbs looking back at you with sadness and tenderness that had your heart beating a tad bit faster.
โ€œHey, are you alright?โ€ You leaned in but Wanda looked away helping herself up, you tired to assist her but your body froze for a moment unsure on how to proceed with the woman sitting before you.
โ€œIโ€ฆI am a little sore.โ€ She replied, her eyes never leaving the form of Scarlet, Wanda furrowed her brows glancing at her hands then back at the other woman. โ€œSheโ€ฆshe isโ€ฆScarlet Witch.โ€
Her words trembled as she pronounced them, her face lowered thinking to herself knowing full well your attention was on her. She remembered the moment she had separated herself from the legend, the words of Agatha had haunted her at that moment when she realized there was something inside her giving her powers a deeper meaning. She had hated that idea, and the world that had been created out of it.
When Wanda finally dared to look up she found herself looking into your eyes. Her heart stirred with emotion, the words that wanted to pour out of her mouth entangled around her throat for she knew it was not the time for a heart-to-heart conversation. She wished everything had turned out different, but after her confrontation with Agatha and everything she had discovered whiled trapped in that reality she knew what she needed to do.
โ€œCan youโ€ฆhelp me up?โ€ She asked shyly, you nodded curtly stretching your hands for her to take them.
She was cold under your touch, and a little sweaty.
Her cheeks coloured pink, and her eyes glanced everywhere but at you. You felt a piercing pain going through your chest, but you ignored it while helping the other woman up. For a brief moment, you thought she could walk on her on until Wandaโ€™s legs trembled and almost gave up on her. You caught her just on time, her body pressing against yours making your traitorous heart stopped for a brief moment.
โ€œHow convenient, Wanda.โ€ Scarlet was on her knees; she had sweat falling down her face breathing hard and glaring at the two of you though her eyes were completely focused on Wanda. โ€œYouโ€ฆyou donโ€™t do nothing, yet you get to be with her.โ€
Wanda tensed in your arms, she took a deep breath while pushing you away taking one step at a time until she was standing before Scarlet. You lifted your eyes to see America just as focused on the two women as you were, the sound of the fighting was till rumbling in your ears but it was almost impossible to pay attention to something else that wasnโ€™t the scene playing out in front of you.
Wanda held herself up, conscious of the hatred inside the eyes of Scarlet.
Inside her own eyes.
โ€œWe donโ€™t get to be with her.โ€ Wanda mumbled dropping her shoulders, tears gathering in her eyes as she spoke. โ€œIโ€™ve been trying to make amends but I justโ€ฆโ€
โ€œYou always failed, and you make it worse.โ€ Scarlet spat out lifting her chin in defiance, her position on the ground was not an inconvenience. If anything, it gave her the power that Wanda couldnโ€™t show at the moment.
โ€œI tried to reach out to her, to make her world and mineโ€ฆtoโ€ฆโ€
โ€œI know.โ€ Wanda offered a weakened smile, looking out of the corner of her eyes she could see you had your attention on the both of them. โ€œI tried to do the same. I justโ€ฆI canโ€™t do it alone, and Iโ€™m tired of failing every time. I donโ€™tโ€ฆโ€
Wanda swallowed down her tears, she leaned in lifting her left hand until she was cupping Scarletโ€™s cheek. Red mist appeared in Wandaโ€™s hand, and soon her eyes as much as those of Scarlet were shining brightly.
โ€œIt hurts so much.โ€ Scarlet said letting the tears rolled down her cheeks. โ€œI justโ€ฆ
โ€œI donโ€™t want to be alone, and I donโ€™t want to be without her.โ€ Wanda finally said her own tears falling down her face.
You clenched your jaw, looking away for a moment while your chest felt a myriad of butterflies fluttering inside.
โ€œBut I canโ€™t keep fighting alone, or divided.โ€ Wanda stated, she wiped away Scarletโ€™s tears before adding. โ€œI think we need to be one, you saw just how powerful we are together andโ€ฆโ€
โ€œYou need to fix this, or we would neverโ€ฆโ€
โ€œI know, but this may not end the way you want it.โ€
Scarlet drifted her attention to you, her eyes found those of yours and in there you could read everything you had been so afraid to interpret the first time. There was pain and sadness, emotions that broke into her heart in ways you could only imagine, and then there was love. You looked away stepping back under the intensity of such a stare, you missed the broken smile on Scarletโ€™s face and the defeat she wore while facing Wanda again.
โ€œI know, I think we will cope when the time for that comes.โ€ Wanda nodded in understanding; her hands gleamed brighter than ever while Scarlet placed her hand on top of hers.
โ€œI promised you I wonโ€™t give up.โ€
โ€œGood, then letโ€™s do this.โ€
The crimson mist grew around them glowing with a bright, red light making you trembled under the intensity of the magic. You could see America kneeling down, her eyes going wide open as they stare the scene unfolding before her eyes.
Wanda and Scarlet were no longer two different entities.
Standing before you was a single woman, her head was adorned with a red crown that made match with the bodice and the black leggings. Wanda stood there with magic coming from her hands, her eyes a deep shade of red that gathered the power you had always known she had in her. The woman stood still for a moment, she glanced at her body and her hands before her face lifted to stare at you.
You tried to hide your expression, your lips parting to speak but not words came out. Wanda hesitated before nodding her feet moving slowly until she turned around making her way to the fight.
โ€œIs she gonna be okay?โ€ America stood right beside you, squirting at the woman now using her magic to help her counterpart in the fight against Agatha.
โ€œI think soโ€ฆโ€ You trailed off finally realizing that even though the both of them had finally become one, Wanda was still wearing the bruises and the exhaustion on her face.
โ€œAre you okay?โ€ America asked quite concern, you turned to her offering a half smile.
โ€œI will be.โ€ You sighed scratching the back of your neck. โ€œStay here and be careful.โ€
โ€œWhat are you gonna do?โ€ The teen asked slightly scare, you offered her a half smile turning towards the fight that was a tied between the Wandas and Agatha.
โ€œWhat we came to do, just stay out of trouble and be ready to help us go back home, okay kiddo?โ€
America doubt there was anything she could do, but she didnโ€™t contradict you. With a single nodded of her head she watched as you ran towards the fight, your shadows already creating a protective barrier around you and Wanda. Something, America though, you probably were not aware of.
_____________________________________________________________
Loki rolled his eyes once more, he was tired of hearing the fight going on in the meeting room while he stood by the window waiting for the right moment to intervene.
The world outside was highly active, Monday had always been one of the busiest days in the calendar and that day was not the exception. The young god leaned forward, his fingertips touching the window while his eyes observed the golden and green lights of the timelines. His eyes soon fell upon the one he did not recognise, a red line that he could not tamper with but that he was certain contained the answers to the questions everyone in the room were posing.
Loki turned around his eyes finding those of Billy who had not leave his side ever since Pietro brought him into the Avengerโ€™s Tower. The young boy had his eyes narrowed, his hands playing with invisible threats only he could see.
For a brief moment, Loki stood there observing the child with growing curiosity. Billy was tapping the air with his fingertips, concentrated in something only visible to him. Loki frowned with his mind already forming an idea of what exactly was happening.
โ€œBilly, what are you doing?โ€ The question was low enough for the child to hear it but not for the rest of the room to notice it.
Billy lifted his face this time around his eyes went wide opened showing off the innocence of his age, but also the brightness he had inherited from both his mothers.
โ€œMommy always says to follow my instincts.โ€ There was conviction in his tone, his hands tapping still as if waiting for something.
โ€œAnd, what are they telling you?โ€ Loki knelt to be on the same height of the child, Billy tilted his head creasing his brows before answering.
โ€œUncle Loki, momma and mommy need my helpโ€ฆlook!โ€
Loki looked in the direction Billy was pointing to, he gasped with his eyes wide open and a smile forming on his lips.
โ€œBilly you are a genius.โ€ Billy offered a timid smile glancing at Loki shyly.
โ€œReally?โ€
โ€œYes, and I think thanks to you we are going to be able to help Wanda and Y/N.โ€ Loki could see the excitement in the little boy, he couldnโ€™t help but smile back.
Without giving to much attention to the room, Loki sat right beside Billy closing his eyes before letting his magic to spread around. Billy was slightly confused at first, he had continued working on invisible threads trying to get into contact with them. Now there was something different, with his uncle sitting beside him Billy could sense the magic. He pressed his lips together before sitting down and, imitating Loki, he closed his eyes and just went with his instincts.
_____________________________________________________________
Whatever power she had tried to drain from Wanda and even Scarlet was no longer active to give her the stamina or even the strength to keep up with the fight. She was not even up to sustain the world she had created by tampering on the Chaos magic she could barely tolerate.
Wanda Maximoff gathered her power while circling the woman in front of her, she could feel the hurt she had created for her counterpart had reached out beyond the boundaries of the multiverse and it was something she would not tolerate. Beside her she could sense Y/N, a close shadow that was ready to jump in when necessary to offer protection and support; Wanda couldnโ€™t help but smile.
โ€œYou wonโ€™t win.โ€ Agatha tried to put up with a fight, she tried to hold onto the last threads of power inside her to get into the fight but she could no longer hold onto her powers for far too long.
You came from behind her your hands wrapping around her wrists while your shadows covered her feet spreading through her legs and body. Agatha was struggling, her eyes going wide open just as she started chanting in a language you did not recognize. Wanda opened her eyes wide, she stepped closer spreading her arms and chanting just the same, the runes trembling right above your head just before a myriad of images surrounded you breaking the darkness before going completely white.
โ€œNO!โ€ Agatha let out a guttural exclamation, her elbow hitting you square in the face but whatever strength she had in her to fight was haltered by your counterpart finishing what you started.
Wanda knew at that moment why she had been feared by Agatha, the power that was held inside her sent electric waves through her body. The power concentrated on her hand, and soon a single jewel showed on her palm while her counterpart continued with the ritual. The runes appeared right above her head, and without any indications, she started chanting as well.
You stepped back falling on your ass, blood rolling down your nose just as you saw the black figured being swallowed by the jewel. There was a moment of flickering lights and then, it stopped. Both Wandaโ€™s stood right in front of the other, the jewel resting comfortably on the hand of Y/Nโ€™s wife.
The jewel took into a purplish colour, falling to the ground with a single thump.
The world went silent.
The darkness around you grew, with the stars twinkling right above your head.
Everything was still, with only your hard breathing breaking the tension around your ears. Your body was aching, your mind filled with memories of the past and the present all of them pilling up to overwhelmed you line of thoughts. You closed your eyes trying to forget and wait for everything to be back the way it was in the last year.
But you knew it was just an illusion.
Your world had been shaken up the moment Wanda and America showed up at your doorstep. The fight with Agatha brought back the memories you had tried to forget, it brought with it the truths you were not ready to face. You had always thought that you could outrun your motions, but the world has always taught you this was not possible. Not for someone like you, and certainly not for someone like Wanda.
When you opened your eyes you saw Wanda, your Wanda staring at you, but before anything could be done or said her eyes rolled back passing out of exhaustion. You caught up to her on time, her body falling on yours your face a mask of pure concern just as you ensure she rested comfortably on the ground.
You knew everyone was looking at you, but you decided to ignore them while checking Wanda over to make sure nothing else happened to her.
โ€œAre you alright?โ€ The other Wanda came to you, her voice sent shivers down your back, you didnโ€™t dare to lift your eyes for fear of revealing far too much.
Instead, you nodded taking deep breaths while feeling the ground under your knees, without thinking too much about it, your hand brushed Wandaโ€™s hair tenderly. The attention you were giving to her was something you never thought you would do again. The woman standing beside you shifted her weight and soon she was sitting right beside you; this time around you did turn around only to see her staring at you with big, curious eyes.
โ€œShe is still unconscious, but I believe she is no longer two halves of the same person.โ€ Wanda lifted her face to the sky, her lips parting slightly. โ€œHer magic is still erratic, but I believe she would be okay.โ€
โ€œWhat about Agatha?โ€ Your question entangled in your throat, scrunching up your nose you decided to conceal your emotions not ready to face the conversation or to address the white elephant hanging around you two.
โ€œShe will be trapped in this jewel until you and her decided what should be done with her.โ€ Wanda handed over the jewel, you pursed your lips in disgust before grabbing the artifact.
โ€œThe book she had with her, it is the Darkhold, isnโ€™t it?โ€
โ€œIt is.โ€ You nodded this time around locking your eyes with hers.
โ€œAre you taking it with you?โ€
Wanda broke into an easy smile shaking her head, โ€œitโ€™s not mine but yours. It would be better off in your world, where it belongs.โ€
โ€œIt should be destroyed.โ€ You leaned back resting your hands on the ground.
โ€œIt should, but that would be your prerogative not ours.โ€
Your eyes drifted around the place before they settled on America and Y/N, both of them were engaged in a heavy discussion and you could teel this was the moment America had been waiting for a very long time. The feelings of guiltiness and sadness had been quite evident in her when you two met, right now this was the chance the young woman was waiting for to make amends. To reach for forgiveness.
โ€œSo, any idea how we are going to leave this place?โ€
Wanda nodded leaning back until she pointed to America and your counterpart.
โ€œShe is ready to use her powers, I believe she is the only one that can help us right now.โ€
Not sooner had Wanda said this the world started to tremble, the light of the stars flickered until they disappeared one by one. You straightened up with Wanda standing up as soon as she noticed this.
โ€œI guessโ€ฆwe should try it right now.โ€ You stood up turning to glance at the darkened world, everything was coming in and out of reality with the ground shaking for small periods of time.
โ€œIt was a matter of time.โ€ Wanda placed a hand on your forearm, you couldnโ€™t help the tension on your muscles the other woman softened her features stepping closer. โ€œYou will be back, and she will need help to recover from this.โ€
โ€œI know.โ€
โ€œAre you ready for that?โ€ The question caught you off guard, you knew what was expected of you and what you could do with the woman that had broken your heart at some point.
You could hide behind that excuse until the end of time, but it would run out of any validity at some point. Sooner or later, you knew you would have to face Wanda and decisions must be made. The Wanda standing before you softened her features, her words would made your mind pound with the imminent decisions you would need to make.
โ€œHow deep is your anger, and how deep goes your love for you to not face what your heart already knows?โ€ Wanda leaned in and you found yourself in a embrace you didnโ€™t know you miss. Her voice was just a whisper, but it was everything you needed at the moment. โ€œI wonโ€™t tell you what to do, but I will tell you my love to follow your instincts. They had never failed you.โ€
America glanced around the group with a nervous smile.
She glanced at her hands then back at you and Y/N, the words of encouragement were ringing inside her head while she tried to gather the courage to move onto the next step.
โ€œJust think about it, kiddo.โ€ Y/N stated grabbing the hand of her wife, America almost winced at those words because her mind had been a myriad of thoughts since they delegate the task of going back home on her.
You fixed the unconscious woman in your arms, putting her closer to you while looking over at America. The young woman closed her eyes, ready to open the portal when Wanda stopped her.
โ€œWait, America.โ€ The redhead stepped closer placing her hand on Americaโ€™s shoulder. โ€œRemember, it is more than opening a portal, is about opening the right one.โ€
โ€œI know, I knowโ€ฆitโ€™s justโ€ฆeasier said than done.โ€ America pursed her lips, she took a deep breath closing her eyes.
โ€œThen, let yourself be guided by your emotions and what you remember of the place you want to go to.โ€ Wanda squeezed the shoulder of the teen tenderly, and for that brief moment America felt it.
It was vague but it was there.
The same kind of energy she had felt on Wanda and Y/N, it was familiar yet different. She had felt it when she first fell upon that universe, the twins had carried with them a strange kind of energy that seemed to engulf the best of Wanda and Y/N.
America closed her eyes and, without thinking to much, she followed the familiarity of that energy. Her mind bringing over the memories of her time in that land, finally easing out her fears and trusting in the women she had surrounding her.
The young woman clenched her fist, and with a single punch she opened the star-shaped portal.
All of them were ready to go home.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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g4zdtechtv ยท 3 months
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youtube
Cinematech's Trailer Park - Minecraft Universal Studios Experience
Ride the Movies!
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greenteabelle ยท 6 months
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thinking about how philza's character in every universe (or server lol) never really gets their happy ending .
hc!philza is destined to roam his world forever alone , with only remnants of history left to accompany him . so what if he continues to find structures and hints of what once was ? he's missed the opportunity to experience all the mythical stories he can only glean from pieces of rubble . he's alone , and he always will be .
dsmp!philza was forced to kill his son as soon as he finally found him after radio silence . and even when he returns as a phantom , he never really manages to bridge that deep chasm in their relationship . the one true friend that he could always rely on , whether as they ruled the entire world together or simply spent their days secluded in the snowy mountains , couldn't make it to the end . two immortal gods , finding solace in each other's loneliness only for one to be left alone again at the very end .
osmp!philza was left with nothing but empty promises as his friends left the safe haven he built with them one by one . he reunites with them a few times in the future , sure , but he can never really reminisce about their times together without leaving a bad taste in his mouth . even at the very end , he can't find the one friend who spared him those lonely times , always just a universe behind his little fella .
30days!philza died with his back turned to the one he trusted the most . despite all his years of experience teaching him to never let his guard down , he does . because he trusts wilbur . and so the last thing he sees as he's pushed off the ledge is the wide-eyed mortification in wilbur's eyes . and it's bittersweet , to know that he would exchange his own life if it meant that his could be returned . but the damage is done , and the ending is bittersweet .
and now , q!philza .
burdened with the task of caring for an egg with a partner he barely knew , he did the one thing he never thought he would do : play it safe . with the threat of the federation , the monstrous creatures that roam the island and the code that seemed hellbent on killing them , he played as an innocent bystander in every major event . because when you've lived a life as long as philza's , you know the worst that the world has to offer , and he so desperately wants to shield his child's innocence . despite the knowledge that chayanne may never remember their time together when he hatches , that the fabled dragon may simply devour him once it finds chayanne in his possession , he protects chayanne .
how could he not , when chayanne is the one he can finally protect for once ?
then he's ripped right out of his clutches once again , along with tallulah whom he's grown unavoidably fond of ( because it's wilbur's daughter , what other outcome could he truly expect ? ) , powerless to do anything . in his desperation to be reunited with his children once more , he ignores every single alarm bell that rings as he makes his way to the birdhouse .
even as he's freed , he's haunted by birds that seem to follow him wherever he goes , as though someone is always watching and reminding him of the consequences of rebelling .
purgatory ?
the name explains itself quite aptly , i believe .
so i guess the whole point of this post is just to appreciate that no matter the tragedy that constantly surrounds philza's characters in every universe he's in , he still keeps going forward .
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wingheadshellhead ยท 9 months
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i'm back on my "mcu steve was in the darkest timeline because he never experienced the canon event of tony stark giving him a home and a family" bullshit. post-ice steve was isolated, grieving, lonely, going through ptsd and survivor's guilt and he was constantly fixated on how he had no home or family or identity beyond cap. post-ice in the mcu, SHIELD stuck him in the costume and sent him back into the field, reinforcing the idea that he was nothing more than the empty shell of captain america.
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"All my life I've tried to find a place for Steve Rogersโ€”but still he lives under the more colorful shadow of Captain Americaโ€ฆ Perhaps it's Steve Rogers who's the legendโ€”and Captain America who is the reality! Perhaps I was born to be a red-white-and-blue Avengerโ€”and nothing more! But there must be more to life than endless combat! Others have found a homeโ€”a familyโ€”why can't I? Or, is Steve Rogers destined to walk alone foreverโ€”until the final battleโ€”until he walks no more?"
โ€” Tales of Suspense Vol. 1 #75 (1959)
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"[...] But, even in the center of a crowd, I'm an outsiderโ€”a misfit! Only when I'm costumed as Captain America do I seem to come aliveโ€”to have a missionโ€”a purpose! But, as Steve Rogers, I'm merely a nameโ€”a hollow shellโ€”with no rootsโ€”no real life to call my own! Other men have friendsโ€”wivesโ€”loved ones!"
โ€” Tales of Suspense Vol. 1 #92 (1959)
in the comics, the canon event of tony stark, the first person steve meets in the 21st century, giving him all of those things โ€” a purpose, a home, somewhere to belong as himself and not just cap โ€” changed his entire life.
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"The first week after I came out of the iceโ€ฆ It was a dark time. I'd lost everything. My best friend. All my friends. All I had. I didn't know what I could hang on to. And then Tony Stark came in with this littleโ€ฆ handheld cinema. Future technology. He showed me a newsreel. Right there, I saw a man walk on the moon. For all mankind. And in that moment, I felt hope again."
โ€” S.W.O.R.D. Vol. 2 #6 (2021)
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"Mr. Stark, when I woke up in this era, I had no one. Nothing. You gave me a purpose. Somewhere to belongโ€ฆ You gave me a home."
โ€” Iron Man/Captain America: Casualties of War (2006)ย 
meeting tony and the avengers, creating those friendships and connections, living at the avengers mansion with them, gives steve hope that he can still find happiness and belonging in the present day.
i always found it ironic that in the mcu steve projects this ideal of happiness and domestic life onto tony. this scene in ca:cw is a perfect example of that disconnect between the reality and what steve assumed on the surface was tony achieving what he never could โ€” having a partner, his own family and kids. (the fact that cacw tony is 4 seconds away from a heart attack at all times and too busy running around firefighting PR crises just further drives home the irony.)
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and then in a cruel twist of fate, mcu actually gives tony all of these things: home, family, wife and kid. we see steve witnessing tony having these things and knowing it's all possible, but just not for him and not in this era. (and ultimately, tony only gets to have these things for a brief period of time before having to give it all up.)
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mcu steve never got to have the experiences that have shaped every other universe's steve rogers. the presence of tony stark, his friendship, his home, his love (whether platonic or romatnic), that formed the foundation of steve's purpose within the avengers, is intrinsic to steve finding hope and happiness in the modern day. the mcu changing such a crucial canon event rewrote not only the core of mcu steve's story but the trajectory of the cinematic universe. and in the end, the writers sent steve back to the past because they believed after 6 movies and 7 years, he had nothing left to live for in the present and i honestly can't think of anything more tragic.
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flowerandblood ยท 2 days
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The Song of Loneliness
The Fall from The Heavens Universe Chapter
[ canon โ€ข Aemond x Strong โ€ข niece female ]
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[ warnings: masturbation, sexual tension, smut, angst, trauma related to sexual experiences and their description, sexual experience of a minor (brothel), manipulation, swearing, description of discomfort associated with menstruation ]
[ description: The events that took place between the beginning and the end of chapter two of The Fall from the Heavens, i.e. the memories of Aemond and Rheanys as children and later, just before their reunion after many years.ย ]
* English is not my first language. Please, do not repost. Enjoy! *
My other works:ย Masterlist
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๐•ฝ๐–๐–Š๐–†๐–“๐–ž๐–˜
"Where are we going?" He asked uncertainly, seeing her excited face, which meant she had a plan in her mind that he might not like. Her lips curved into a wide, happy smile at the thought.
"To the Dragon's Pit." She explained, and her uncle froze in half-motion and stopped.
"I don't want to." He replied coldly.
She looked at him in surprise, seeing his discouraged, distant gaze, his jaw clenched in discomfort.
"Don't you trust me?" She asked softly, bestowing on him a comforting, warm smile, meant to add credibility to her attitude. Her betrothed swallowed hard and hesitated, pressing his lips into a thin line.
"โ€“ I โ€“ well โ€“ I do โ€“" He muttered finally, defeated.
Although she tried to converse with him on various light topics that usually aroused his interest, such as their lineage or history, her uncle remained sullen and silent, gazing indifferently out the window of the carriage that had taken them from the Red Keep to their destination.
When they stepped outside, the dragon guardians were already waiting for them, assuring her that everything was ready.
Larax squirmed with joy at the sight of her, the sound she made reminding her of the squeal of a small child โ€“ she was still quite tiny, her silver-blue scales shining as she swept her wings, hopping in place as if to show her how happy she was to see her.
She was like a puppy that could breathe fire.
Her uncle seemed shocked โ€“ he walked a few steps behind her, aloof but intrigued at the same time. Her dragoness, although wearing a long chain around her neck, had quite a lot of freedom of movement and came running to her as soon as she knelt down in front of her, cuddling her head into her breast. She lifted her gaze to her betrothed, smiling.
"Marriage is sharing everything, becoming one. This means that Larax belongs to you from now on as well, and I wanted you to get acquainted." She said excitedly.
Her uncle swallowed hard, clearly shocked, his lips twitching in a shy smile of disbelief, from which heat filled her heart.
He knelt down beside her, but stepped back immediately, frightened as Larax hissed, in her dragon mind defending her from the strange intruder.
"Daor, Larax! Lykiri! Lykiri." She called out, stroking her back reassuringly, wanting her to understand that they were in no danger.
"โ€“ give me your hand โ€“" She said softly, extending her palm to him. Her uncle allowed her to take his fingers in hers, and after a moment, keeping them entwined together, she placed his hand on her head.
Feeling the familiar and unfamiliar scent at the same time, Larax froze, breathing anxiously, as if wondering how she should react. She could hear her uncle's heavy, excited breathing behind her as she began to stroke her scales with his palm in soft, slow movements.
Larax calmed down after a moment, recognising that, indeed, the small creature that accompanied her rider was no threat to them. She laid her head on her thigh, gazing at the strange newcomer, and she let go of his hand, allowing him to touch her alone.
Her betrothed leaned slightly over her shoulder to get a better look at her dragoness, keeping a safe distance, however, so as not to provoke her.
"โ€“ what do you think of her? โ€“" She asked lightly.
Her uncle was silent for a long moment, stunned.
"โ€“ she is beautiful โ€“"
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"A man should not run after a woman, Your Grace. It's a sign of desperation and weakness not befitting your position." Criston Cole said to him coolly, taking him aside after one of their trainings in the courtyard.
He had hurt her by not letting her kiss his cheek in the presence of the others and he just wanted to fix that, make her smile again.
He swallowed hard, feeling a wave of shame and discomfort fill his lower abdomen at his harsh words and impatient gaze.
"โ€“ she's good to me โ€“ I just didn't want her to be sad โ€“ we're betrothed โ€“" He muttered, looking at the ground beneath his feet, embarrassed by this conversation.
Cristone Cole looked away and shook his head, as if he didn't believe what he was hearing.
"โ€“ it's just appearances, my Prince โ€“ her mother wants her to manipulate you and push you away from your brother and your family โ€“" He replied dryly, and his words left him stunned.
"โ€“ she had never โ€“"
"โ€“ only a naรฏve man allows a woman to rule over his mind โ€“ keep your dignity and do not allow her into your heart as anyone other than the mother of your future children โ€“"
For some reason, his words and their overtones hurt him deeply and he himself did not know what he should do, what was expected of him.
The septon had always told him that a good husband looks out for the safety and well-being of his wife, listens to her, and sometimes allows himself to be weak in her arms in order to experience relief.
He said that if his wife reciprocates his endeavours, their marriage will be peaceful and successful.
Indeed, by following these rules and observing her efforts towards him, he felt a pleasant contentment and satisfaction. His niece did not impose on him or order him to change his habits, just as he did not require her to do so.
What's more, she supported him every step of the way in his daily duties, and in moments of sadness or fear, which he refused to admit out loud, she allowed him to take refuge in the warm embrace of her soft arms.
The thought that he should reject all this and build a wall between them seemed to him, despite all his doubts, inappropriate and hurtful to her when she was trying so hard to make him content.
He decided that when she came to his chamber at night he would tell her not to do it again and send her away.
She, as soon as she crossed the threshold of his quarters, ran to his bed and jumped onto the sheets, hiding under the soft, warm furs at his side, sighing in relief, immediately snuggling into his body. He swallowed hard, feeling a pleasant shiver run down his spine, and thought they could lie like that for a while before he told her of his decision.
"โ€“ I am grateful to you for being so good to me โ€“" She whispered, lifting her head, wanting to look at him. He nodded, not embracing her as was his usual habit, looking dully ahead. She raised herself on her arm, seeing his complete lack of reaction at her words, frowning.
"โ€“ uncle? โ€“ is something bothering you? โ€“ you can tell me โ€“" She added immediately, moving closer to him, leaning over his face โ€“ her eyes were shining in the darkness of his chamber, her dark brows arched in sadness and worry at his condition.
He swallowed hard, looking at her with his lips parted, his hand involuntarily touching her cheek.
It was soft and warm.
Do not come here again.
He thought that phrase in his head, but instead his hand forced her to lean in, her moist, puffy lips pressed against his in a soft, soothing kiss.
He could feel his heart pounding fast, how hot he was with excitement, how his whole body screamed that this was what he wanted, this was what he needed.
Her, as close as possible.
He hugged her to his chest, pressing her face to his neck, and closed his eyes.
"โ€“ it's nothing โ€“"
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"I would like to discuss with youโ€ฆ a delicate matter." Said her mother, sitting down next to her a few months after the King had announced her betrothal to her uncle. She nodded, sensing that she was about to hear something important.
"I want you to understand that your nuptials with Alicent's son and what they entail will not take place until you reach the age of fourteen." She said slowly, as if she wanted her daughter to understand exactly every word she spoke.
She nodded her head slowly, looking at her with big eyes, pressing her lips together in some kind of disappointment.
"Why do I have to wait so long?" She asked uncertainly โ€“ her mother twisted restlessly in her chair, placing her hand over hers.
"My love, Aegonโ€ฆ from what I've heard, I know he likes the company of girls. That he likes to touch them in places that only a husband can touch his wife. I wanted to ask if his brother, and your betrothed, is also tryingโ€ฆ" She did not finish, clearly not knowing how to put into words what she wanted to convey to her.
She cocked her head, curious, understanding after a moment what she meant.
"โ€“ does my uncle slip his hand under my nightgown? โ€“" She asked lightly, her mother squeezed her hand tighter at her words, turning pale.
"โ€“ yes โ€“ yes, my love โ€“"
She shook her head quickly, and Rhaenyra sighed in relief, clenching her eyes.
"โ€“ no โ€“ but sometimes, when we're alone and we're happy, our lips meet โ€“" She muttered, embarrassed, swinging her legs sitting on a chair that was too high for her.
Her mother laughed under her breath.
"โ€“ I see โ€“"
"โ€“ is it a sin? โ€“ can I expect his child because of this? โ€“" She mumbled out quickly, choking out what she had wanted to ask her for a long time, terrified of the disgrace she would bring upon her betrothed if it turned out that she was carrying his illegitimate offspring.
Rhaenyra burst out laughing, shaking her head, her hand stroking her hair affectionately.
"โ€“ no, my love โ€“ it is merely a tender expression of affection that can be shared with one's betrothed โ€“" Her mother replied calmly, and she smiled broadly, comforted and reassured, thinking that she would place many warm, sweet kisses on her betrothed's lips that evening.
๐•ฌ๐–Š๐–’๐–”๐–“๐–‰
"โ€“ no โ€“ forgive me, Princess, but it is impossible โ€“ your request is unworthy of a lady โ€“" He heard Criston Cole's voice directed towards his betrothed as he stepped out into the courtyard as he did every morning โ€“ he escorted her away with a surprised, uneasy look as she nodded her head and walked away, without bestowing even a single warm word on him, as was her custom.
He did not dare to ask Ser Criston what she was requesting; he found out later, when, concerned by her absence in the library, he paid her a visit in her chamber.
She was lying on her bed, her face red from the tears she had surely shed immediately after their brief exchange of words โ€“ she was no longer crying now, but her eyebrows arched in pain when he asked her what had happened.
"โ€“ my mother gave me a dagger so I could defend myself when I am alone โ€“ but what good is it to me if I can't use it? โ€“ I wanted Ser Criston to teach me how to hold it โ€“ I wanted to be like your Visenya โ€“" She confessed sadly, her last words like a mumble, her eyes flooded with tears again as she burst into sobs.
He stared at her with wide eyes, not knowing completely what to say or think about her unusual request.
She was a woman and the image of her holding a weapon seemed unnecessary and ridiculous to him, however, her words planted a seed of uncertainty in his heart.
What if someone harms her in his absence?
Threaten her life?
Once he was her husband, he thought, he would be her protector by day and night, but until they were married, he could not fulfil that role.
He left her chamber, making her think for certain that he now despised her as well, he, however, returned a moment later with a small straw target in the shape of a man with spots marked on his body. His niece rose on her hands, looking at him with big eyes as the door closed behind him.
"โ€“ come here โ€“ I will teach you the basics โ€“" He muttered lowly, serious, feeling a pleasant satisfaction at the thought that he would now be her teacher and she would have to obey him.
His betrothed beamed all over, a light, sweet giggle left her lips that made him hot.
"โ€“ turn your back on me โ€“" She ordered cheerfully.
"โ€“ why? โ€“" He asked.
"โ€“ my dagger is hidden only in a place known to me โ€“ not even you can know where it is โ€“" She said in an unobjectionable voice โ€“ he sighed and rolled his eyes, turning away reluctantly, impatient.
He heard a creak and a quiet rustling, and a moment later his niece was standing beside him with a beautiful short dagger created from Valyrian steel, with a handle in the shape of a dragon's tail, holding it as if she were wielding an axe.
"โ€“ you're holding it the wrong way โ€“ lower it so that the blade is in horizontal position โ€“ yes, just like that โ€“" He praised her as he grabbed her wrist and forced her to lower her arm. She nodded, apparently writing down in her head this important remark.
"โ€“ the main rule is: don't cut as if you have a sword, because your opponent will grab your wrist and snatch your weapon away โ€“ just stab โ€“ at your height, preferably in the stomach or thighs, right here โ€“" He said, demonstrating the move she should make by pretending as if he had the weapon, hitting the spots he mentioned with the front of his clenched fist.
He stepped back and watched with wide-open eyes as his niece, with an expression of great fierceness and anger, began to stab the hay puppet, as if she actually imagined that it was someone who wanted to harm her.
"โ€“ enough โ€“ enough, surely it's already dead โ€“" He muttered, pulling her away, looking at her in disbelief, thinking that with such a commitment perhaps she would even be able to wield a sword.
"โ€“ did I do it well, uncle? โ€“" She asked excitedly, curls of her hair stuck to her cheeks red with emotion.
"โ€“ yes โ€“ very well โ€“"
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After her uncle lost an eye and her mother remarried, they stopped visiting the Red Keep. Her betrothed, to her despair, did not write back to her first letter or the many that followed, in which she asked him about his health and when she would be able to see him again.
Accustomed to his daily presence, despite being surrounded by her siblings, she felt lonely. Her bed was cold and empty without his warm body beside her, without his tender hand to stroke her head as she fearfully awoke again and again from a terrible nightmares.
One morning she woke up feeling discomfort between her thighs. She moved higher, wanting to look at the liquid that covered her skin and screamed involuntarily when she saw it was blood.
Her mother, as soon as she found out, came to reassure her.
"Do you remember our conversation when I told you that a woman blooms like a flower? This is what has just happened. It means you will be able to give your future husband children." Said her mother, covering her tightly with furs, already lying in a clean nightgown and smallclothes to prevent her from dirtying the bedding again.
She nodded, and as soon as Rhaenyra left, she broke into tears.
Although it was supposed to be an uplifting moment, it wasn't at all โ€“ she felt discomfort and contractions in her lower abdomen, she didn't have the strength to get out of bed, and she felt blood flowing again and again from between her thighs.
She thought it was a disgusting feeling, and she felt even worse at the thought that it meant she would soon be ready to get married.
Her betrothed didn't want her, and her mother began to speak more and more boldly about her possible nuptials with her cousin.
She closed her eyes at this thought and swallowed hard, holding back the tears of regret that were again pushing against her eyelids.
That day she took out the parchment and quill again, thinking in the back of her mind that even if he threw her letters into the fire and didn't read them, she needed to confide in someone and she wanted it to be him.
She began to write, for the first time not thinking about the content of what she had to communicate, letting her thoughts flow.
Today, something terrible happened, and although I know these things don't concern you or may even cause you disgust, I can't confide in anyone else about my suffering. My bloody flower has blossomed. My mother says that I have now become a woman, but I feel nothing of the sort. I feel dirty, I feel pain, I feel ashamed. I don't want to be a woman. I don't want to be a wife. I don't want to be a mother.
She cried out loud as she wrote the last sentence and rolled the parchment up, ordering it to be sent to King's Landing into the hands of the Prince before she could change her mind.
๐•ฌ๐–Š๐–’๐–”๐–“๐–‰
To his surprise, despite not answering her, he would find her letters waiting for him, lying on the top of his table exactly every two months.
At first he never wanted to read them โ€“ he even thought about throwing them into the fire, but then curiosity won out and he would sit down in front of the fireplace, unrolling the parchment.
He read what she had written, imagining her voice, that she stood behind him and whispered it all in his ear, embracing him, confiding in him.
He felt a squeeze in his heart, feeling the suffering behind every letter she wrote down for him, her expression of longing and sadness, loneliness and loss.
He himself was more lost than ever.
His brother surprised him when, on his Name Day, when he turned exactly thirteen, he announced to him that it was time to get it wet.
He did not understand what he meant.
It was only when he led him under cover of darkness to one of the buildings he had evidently visited himself that he noticed with embarrassment the curves of the half-naked women they passed, whom Aegon evidently knew, greeting them along the way.
"โ€“ we should not be here โ€“ our mother โ€“" He muttered, but his brother shushed him.
"โ€“ shut your mouth, mummy's boy โ€“ today you will become a man โ€“" He hissed, tapping his index finger against his forehead, as if to show him that he was a fool, a silly little boy.
He clenched his jaw in rage at the thought, recognising that, indeed, he was already a grown man.
Or at least he thought he was.
The woman he took him to was pretty, but much older than him.
He thought she could be their mother.
When Aegon left them alone he did not know what to do with himself โ€“ he felt both excitement and embarrassment at the same time, not really knowing whether he wanted it or not.
Aegon said that laying with a woman was very pleasant and gave a feeling of immense relief.
He wanted to feel relief.
The woman reached out to him encouragingly, telling him not to be ashamed, to lie comfortably on the bed and let her take care of himself.
He didn't know what she meant, but decided that since she was more experienced, he should listen to her.
The feeling of being inside her was terrifyingly foreign and uncomfortable โ€“ he swallowed hard, looking wide-eyed at her stomach, afraid to look at her face, clenching his hands into fists on the sheets.
She has never touched me like this, he thought.
Rhaenys had never touched me like this.
He was furious with himself, but he felt tears burning under his eyelids at the thought, and though he pressed his lips together, one by one they ran down the sides of his face.
"โ€“ no โ€“" He muttered and shook his head. "โ€“ not like this โ€“"
The woman understood vaguely what he meant, an expression of sympathy on her face from which he felt discomfort in his stomach and throat.
"โ€“ Prince Aegon paid me for your fulfilment โ€“"
It wasn't until a few years later that he realised he wasn't even completely hard at the time โ€“ that effect was only achieved when she climbed off him and took his manhood in her hand, squeezing it up and down until his warm seed leaked out.
He felt relief, but not the kind he wanted.
In fact, he felt even worse than before.
What would she say if she saw this?
She would be disgusted with me, he thought and cried out loud, walking back to the Red Keep alone, not waiting for Aegon to finish whatever it was he was doing with those girls.
He didn't want to think about it, didn't want to know about it.
When he returned to his chamber, he took out all the letters she had sent him over the years and placed them beside him on his bed. He closed his eyes and was only relieved when he realised that they had soaked up her scent.
The smell of vanilla.
๐•ฝ๐–๐–Š๐–†๐–“๐–ž๐–˜
One day she woke up, breathing fast, feeling a pleasant heat and tickling in her lower abdomen. She dreamt that her uncle had flown to Dragonstone and spent the night with her despite her cries and pleas.
She didn't know what exactly could happen during this act, not being aware of all the details, but she knew that he would put the part of his body that was in his breeches between her thighs to fill her with his seed.
In the dream, his hot, wet lips clung to hers in greedy, possessive kisses, his breathing heavy as his broad hands roamed all over her body, squeezing her breasts and buttocks, until he finally forced his way inside her with the sudden, sharp thrust of his hips.
In her sleep, she felt no pain โ€“ moreover, his deep, quick pushes and his low groans of pleasure made the space between her thighs swell and pulsate, making her feel tense and uncomfortable as soon as she awoke, drenched in sweat.
She closed her eyes, feeling on the one hand relieved and on the other disappointed that this was not true โ€“ the worst part, however, was that the unpleasant, almost painful tickling sensation between her thighs did not go away.
She decided to check with her hand what this place was, what would happen if she touched it.
She tentatively lifted the material of her nightgown and traveled down between her warm thighs โ€“ a quiet sigh escaped her lips as her soft fingers stroked her moist, fleshy folds, all leaking and sticky.
She felt a pleasant shiver run along her spine and some kind of tingle deep inside her, her nipples and lips puffy with desire.
She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, digging her fingertips deeper into her soft skin โ€“ she shuddered and sighed as she touched the small, swollen bud between her folds โ€“ surprised, she found that when she touched it directly, it felt almost painful, but as she began to gently press and rub the area around it, a wonderful wave of heat began to rise in her lower abdomen.
Her breathing became heavy as she imagined it was his hand touching her as he came back for her, whispering that he had wanted to do this to her for a long time, that he thought only of her, that he would now take her for himself.
She imagined his hot lips clinging to hers, his fingers sliding deep inside her, wanting to feel her, and she threw her head back with a quiet, surprised moan, feeling a sudden, wonderful relief.
She swallowed hard, realising after a moment that it was her own fingers that had slipped deep into her tight slit, her hot, moist walls clenching around them again and again together with waves of delicious pleasure surging through her whole body.
She stared dully ahead, panting loudly, feeling that as soon as the wonderful sensation passed, a complete and terrifying emptiness filled her heart and mind.
๐•ฌ๐–Š๐–’๐–”๐–“๐–‰
After what had happened in the brothel, he would not allow himself to be touched this way by any woman. He told himself that he simply didn't want to experience a similar humiliation, to cry at the thought that the one he fucked wasn't the one he dreamed of at night, but the truth was that even if he wanted to, he couldn't get fully aroused by the sight of another woman.
Even as he watched his servants bustling around his chamber, preparing his morning meal, looking at their pleasingly girlish shapes, their breasts and hips, his musings always fled to one thought.
Was this what her body looked like now?
Blossomed like a flower, full of grace and soft, feminine shapes?
He imagined that her bare skin would be soft as silk under the touch of his rough hand, that she would be obscenely warm, quivering with desire under his body. He imagined her breasts, plump and swollen, filling his palm perfectly, her little nipples that he would like to lick with his tongue.
He pressed his lips together, always feeling the same thing โ€“ his manhood swelling painfully and twitching in his breeches, causing him discomfort on the verge of pain.
It ended the same way each time โ€“ as soon as he was left alone in his chamber, instead of concentrating on his food, he quickly untied the material and slid his hand under it, grasping his half-hard, throbbing erection.
He began to squeeze it gently, merely teasing it, pressing his lips together, suppressing the shuddering moan of delight that wanted to burst from his throat at the thought that it was her fingers caressing him so wonderfully tenderly, it was her lips whispering that they didn't have to hurry.
He mumbled the name he'd given her himself in his head, feeling the tears welling under his eyelids, thinking with pain how much he missed her, that deep down he didn't loathe her, that all he desired was for her to return.
"โ€“ Rhaenys โ€“" He cried out, tears running down his cheeks as his warm seed spilled over his fingers, relief, pleasure and pain surging through his loins at the same time, shaking his body.
He stared at his empty silver plate, panting heavily and pressed his lips together, furious and bitter, then burst out into silent sobs like a small child.
๐•ฝ๐–๐–Š๐–†๐–“๐–ž๐–˜
"โ€“ it has come to my knowledge that Alicent has decided to make a pact with Borros Baratheon โ€“ she wants Prince Aemond to marry one of his daughters โ€“" Her mother said during one of their suppers together in Dragonstone; she froze, feeling her heart stop in her throat, a cold, unpleasant shiver running down her spine as she raised her gaze to her.
"โ€“ we cannot leave this unanswered โ€“ after consulting with Daemon, we have together decided that you should marry the son of my dear cousin, Lord Arryn โ€“" She added, taking one of the platters from her husband.
Daemon, seated next to her mother, gave her a quick look in which she seemed to catch a glimpse of sympathy.
She lowered her gaze, feeling her whole body involuntarily begin to tremble, tears of despair and disbelief gathered under her eyelids. She felt Baela's hand on hers, but she pulled away from her and got up from the table, leaving the chamber, bursting into sobs as soon as she ran out into the corridor.
Although she covered her mouth with her hand, she was unable to stop the moans that ripped from her throat or what she saw in her mind.
Him, lying on top of another woman, touching her naked body, whispering in the ear of Lord Baratheon's daughter that she was more beautiful than his niece, that he loved her more deeply than he had ever loved her.
She locked herself in her chamber, wishing to be alone.
She knew Daemon would come to her.
He always came.
As she lay on the bed, staring blankly at the wall in the distance, her father sat by the fireplace, staring thoughtfully into the flames, playing with the ring on his little finger.
"โ€“ your mother is doing this for your own good โ€“ she couldn't leave this insult unanswered โ€“" He said coldly and maliciously, as if he was impatient with the fact that she was pitying herself.
She did not answer him.
She heard him sigh heavily, tightening his fingers on the base of his nose, bowing his head as if he had no strength for this conversation.
"โ€“ my spies in the Red Keep say that he has changed beyond recognition โ€“ that he is a cold, cruel man โ€“ that he calls you a little whore โ€“" He said indifferently, and she felt a squeeze in her throat, tears of humiliation and pain one by one began to flow down her face.
"โ€“ give up your dreams of a man who has already disrespected you for years โ€“ his feelings for you have disappeared along with his fucking eye โ€“"
๐•ฌ๐–Š๐–’๐–”๐–“๐–‰
"โ€“ have you heard the word from Dragonstone, brother? โ€“" Aegon asked him during one of the suppers, his brother's mind and sight already a tad clouded by the wine he so adored.
He threw him a brief, discouraged glance, their mother twisting restlessly in her chair.
"โ€“ Aegon โ€“"
"โ€“ your would-be betrothed will soon become the Lady of the Eyrie, and her cousin will be given the honour of putting his little cock inside her โ€“" He sneered, and he felt his jaw and hands clench, a shiver of discomfort, horror and humiliation running along his back at the very thought.
"โ€“ enough โ€“" Their mother said.
"โ€“ why? โ€“ after all, my little brother no longer holds any affection towards her โ€“ am I wrong, brother? โ€“ what did you call her before she became a little whore in your eyes? โ€“ let me think โ€“ ah, I remember โ€“ Rhaenys โ€“"
He stood up from the table, feeling his heart begin to pound like mad, a sea of memories filled with her surging through his mind making him feel as if he had begun to suffocate.
He heard Aegon chuckle behind him as he left the room panting with rage, bursting into his chamber with a loud slamming of the door.
He opened the drawer with his key and slid it out with an aggressive gesture, pulling out all the letters he had received from her over the years and holding them in his trembling hands, he stopped in front of the fire.
He stared at the flames, hearing himself breathe heavily, droplets of cold sweat running down his back at the memory of what his brother had said.
Your would-be betrothed will soon become the Lady of the Eyrie.
He pressed his lips together, crushing the letters in his hands, and drew in the air loudly, feeling with shame that he felt like bursting into tears. He sat down on the floor, leaning over and laid his forehead on his knees, hugging her letters, her words to him, to his heart.
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strawhbrrries ยท 8 months
Text
Invisible String.
pairing: older brother's best friend!frank castle x reader
summary: all along there was some invisible string tying you to frank castle.
warnings: none, just lots of sweetness!!!
word count: 1267 words
authorโ€™s note: this version of frank is so ken from barbie where it's like "ken's day was good as long as barbie looked at him" and i love it, listen to invisible string by taylor swift to get the full experience.
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Were there clues I didnโ€™t see?
Frankโ€™s eyes scanned your face, watching the way your nose scrunched when you laughed so hard it was silent and water was streaming down your face and the campfire in front of you warmed your face. Heโ€™d spent every single day since the two of you had met admiring you, watching your heart get broken from every guy you brought home, being the shoulder you could count on when all of your friends inevitability flaked out.ย  He could count all the times he tried to express his feelings on one hand, backing out at the last moment each and every time.
โ€œWhat are you staring at? Weirdo.โ€ You teased, scrunching your nose in the very way he found irresistible, making a face at him and turning back to the rest of your friend group.ย 
You loved Frank, more than any friend should love their best friend. Youโ€™d lost count of how many nights youโ€™d spent crying to your mom over the phone, wondering why he just didnโ€™t like you back and asking what you did to deserve this torture from the universe.
โ€œNothing.โ€ He smiled back, catching the eye of your friend across the fire, taking a sip of the beer in his hand. He never tried to hide his affection for you, never tried to make it a secret to anyone but you, he was fully aware that everyone around the two of you was most likely aware of the crush he had on you.
Were there clues I didnโ€™t see?
Frank was your, slightly, older brotherโ€™s best friend. Heโ€™d been around for as long as you could remember, in almost every photograph there was of you or your brother since your mom started printing photos out. But he never had that older brother feel that a lot of your brotherโ€™s friends had, it wasnโ€™t that he was unreliable or careless. He was the opposite. He cared more than any of your brotherโ€™s friends normally did. Sure, theyโ€™d come to your rescue if a boy hurt you or if you needed a ride somewhere or if you just needed a pick me up.
Frank was different. He cared. If the boys were going out to dinner he almost always picked up something for you on the way back, the only times he didnโ€™t was in respect for the girl he was seeing at the time. Heโ€™d slip a twenty in the pocket of the jacket you always wore if he knew you needed some extra money, or if he knew you needed cheering up. Even if he didnโ€™t have a job he always did it, and he never regretted it. To him, what he thought was, unrequited love wasnโ€™t an issue. Heโ€™d cross every ocean and move every mountain and act like it was the easiest thing to do, all just to get a hint of a smile aimed towards him.
Frank was only two years older than you, well technically two years and one day, and heโ€™d never let you forget it. Heโ€™d tell you to respect your elders and youโ€™d shoot back that he was definitely an elder and that you could see the gray hairs coming in. The day you were born your mom told his that you two were destined for each other, she swore she could tell just by the way the two year old held your fraile, hours old body. His mom would tell you on every birthday you were just one more year closer to becoming a Castle girl, telling you how youโ€™d make the prettiest one too. You always rolled your eyes and thanked her for whatever she had gotten you that year.
Were there clues I didnโ€™t see?
โ€œYour mom keeps lecturing me on how to treat women, she acts like Iโ€™m whoring myself out like your brother is.โ€ He rolled his eyes, washing the dishes in the sink. None of which were his, considering he was in your house at midnight doing the chores youโ€™d been putting off for awhile.
โ€œShe just cares, Frankie.โ€ You mumbled back, legs swinging as they hung off the counter next to the sink, watching him scrub at the residue left on a pan you shouldโ€™ve definitely cleaned the same day you used it.ย 
Youโ€™d graduated college a few months ago, gotten the job of your dreams and yet felt so unfulfilled. You knew why. He was standing in your kitchen complaining about your mom, dish towel swung over his shoulder and shaggy hair pulled back by a headband you demanded he put on before he got stuff in his hair. Ever since youโ€™d moved to this apartment heโ€™d been over pretty much everyday, it felt odd without his presence in the house, it felt lonely without him.ย 
โ€œI tell her every time, I only want one woman.โ€ He responded, catching your eye as he took the towel off his shoulder to dry the dish he just washed.
โ€œSo tell the girl, thereโ€™s no use telling me about it if you havenโ€™t told her.โ€ Your heart felt heavy, no matter how many times heโ€™d tried to hint at you that he was in love with you it just never clicked, it might as well had come out of your ass and slid across the floor with a giant sign proclaiming your love for him.
โ€œItโ€™s you.โ€
Isnโ€™t it just so pretty to thinkโ€ฆ
โ€œMom itโ€™s just an anniversary, there really isnโ€™t a need to bring the whole family here. Itโ€™s just dinner.โ€ You explained, not knowing she knew more than you.
The ring was in his pocket, lighting it on fire, burning a hole right through the fabric. Frankโ€™s mind couldnโ€™t comprehend that this was happening, it was really happening, after years of pining after you he was going to propose.ย 
All along there was someโ€ฆ
The day had finally come, youโ€™d worked your ass off to get everything perfect and exactly the way you wanted it to be. Teenage you couldnโ€™t believe you were standing here, actually about to become a Castle girl. You werenโ€™t sure how both moms knew it was destined to be but you were glad they did, there wasnโ€™t anyone else in the entire world youโ€™d rather be doing this with.ย 
โ€œI can still remember the first time your mom told me I was destined to be a Castle girl, I had rolled my eyes and scoffed like that was the most ridiculous thing I had ever heard. Why on earth would I want to marry my brotherโ€™s best friend? That seemed like torture. As the years went by it became something I couldnโ€™t help but dream about, wondering how our relationship would come to be and if you had the intricate proposal I wanted down to the finest details. Every time you brought a girlfriend around, I hated you. Not really, but as much as a teenager full of angst and the world's largest crush on her brotherโ€™s best friend could muster. Then you matured, stopped bringing girls around and paid more attention to me. But you never made a move, I thought I was destined to be the little sister forever. But then, that one night in my kitchen you were complaining about how my mom kept lecturing you about how to treat women and you confessed your feelings. Stopped washing my dishes and gave me a kiss, it was surreal. Comparable to the ending of a coming-of-age movie. Youโ€™ve been around my whole life, Frankie, and all along there was some invisible string tying you to me.โ€
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