#and in last life everything was a bit dangerous and scar was by himself. this was really a scar series. he got so many lives

[sapphia]

it was sooooo good seeing scar in an environment where his rp was fully supported and embraced. bdubs. cleo. etho. even the bad boys coming in on their thing. he really got to thrive this season and it was so fun to watch (and it seemed to play). i knew scar and bdubs would be good together and cleo was such a fun addition. all i want from future scar seasons now (other than for a scar win ofc) is for him to get teamups where he's fully supported in doing whatever his weird thing is to his hearts content <3

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Sirius Black was the best adult in Harry's life and I'm forever salty that we didn't get to see more of him

So, I love Sirius Black. He's a complex and interesting character that I love dearly. He's handsome, smart, brave, not as reckless as some fanon make him out to be, and above all else, he tried his best to be a good godfather to Harry.

I truly believe Sirius could've been an amazing father figure (more than he already was) to Harry if given the proper chance. And he's a much better parent to Harry than Arthur and Molly Weasley.

Here are some quotes along with my ramblings to prove it.

So, what I'm going to cover here are some quotes from Sirius and Harry that show their dynamic and how much Sirius cared and tried to be there for Harry. Also, I think Molyl and Hermione are wrong about Sirius seeing Harry as a James replacement.

“He came back to the country just because my scar twinged. He’ll probably come bursting right into the castle if I tell him someone’s entered me in the Triwizard Tournament —”

(GoF, page 290)

Harry wrote to Sirius at the beginning of GoF about his dream with Voldemort and his scar's reaction to it. Sirius left everything immediately to return to Britain — a place where he is hunted down and is a wanted man. All because he wants to be close to Harry, so he can spring up to protect him if the need arises.

Harry is correct in his assessment here.

“Poor old Snuffles,” said Ron, breathing deeply. “He must really like you, Harry. . . . Imagine having to live off rats.”

(GoF, page 534)

Ron is absolutely right. Sirius loves Harry more than pretty much anything. He would and does go incredibly far for Harry. I don't think Molly and Hermione are right about how Sirius sees Harry as James. He just doesn't.

He doesn't treat Harry as an equal to him, but as someone he needs to protect. Someone he is responsible to protect.

He stays around Hogwarts, eating rats in GoF so he can better protect Harry. He wouldn't have done the same with James because he treated James as an equal, not as someone he needed to protect.

“It’s not my fault you haven’t been told what the Order’s doing,” said Sirius calmly. “That’s your parents’ decision. Harry, on the other hand —” “It’s not down to you to decide what’s good for Harry!” said Mrs. Weasley sharply. Her normally kindly face looked dangerous. “You haven’t forgotten what Dumbledore said, I suppose?” “Which bit?” Sirius asked politely, but with an air as though readying himself for a fight. “The bit about not telling Harry more than he needs to know,” said Mrs. Weasley, placing a heavy emphasis on the last three words. Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George’s heads turned from Sirius to Mrs. Weasley as though following a tennis rally. Ginny was kneeling amid a pile of abandoned butterbeer corks, watching the conversation with her mouth slightly open. Lupin’s eyes were fixed on Sirius. “I don’t intend to tell him more than he needs to know, Molly,” said Sirius. “But as he was the one who saw Voldemort come back” (again, there was a collective shudder around the table at the name), “he has more right than most to —” “He’s not a member of the Order of the Phoenix!” said Mrs. Weasley. “He’s only fifteen and —” “— and he’s dealt with as much as most in the Order,” said Sirius, “and more than some —” “No one’s denying what he’s done!” said Mrs. Weasley, her voice rising, her fists trembling on the arms of her chair. “But he’s still —” “He’s not a child!” said Sirius impatiently. “He’s not an adult either!” said Mrs. Weasley, the color rising in her cheeks. “He’s not James, Sirius!” “I’m perfectly clear who he is, thanks, Molly,” said Sirius coldly. “I’m not sure you are!” said Mrs. Weasley. “Sometimes, the way you talk about him, it’s as though you think you’ve got your best friend back!” “What’s wrong with that?” said Harry. “What’s wrong, Harry, is that you are not your father, however much you might look like him!” said Mrs. Weasley, her eyes still boring into Sirius. “You are still at school and adults responsible for you should not forget it!” “Meaning I’m an irresponsible godfather?” demanded Sirius, his voice rising. “Meaning you’ve been known to act rashly, Sirius, which is why Dumbledore keeps reminding you to stay at home and —” “We’ll leave my instructions from Dumbledore out of this, if you please!” said Sirius loudly.

(OotP, page 88-89)

This above quote is a long one, but I love it. I mean, this shows a big contrast between Sirius' approach to parenting and Molly's. Sirius, while not seeing Harry as his equal, does see Harry as a capable wizard who deserves to know the full picture. Sirius knows Harry would be in more danger when ignorant and wants him as safe as possible. He thinks Harry deserves to know things that pertain to him, and I have to agree with him here. Keeping Harry in the dark is what eventually cost Sirius his life.

Molly, on the other hand, is intent on keeping Harry, Hermione, and her kids ignorant. She has the same intention as Sirius: to keep them safe. But she tries to keep them safe emotionally, even when this ignorance can and does place them in physical harm's way.

And Sirius is right. Harry is capable. And a 15-year-old shouldn't be treated the same as an 11-year-old child. And let's be real, Harry was never a regular child with how he grew up, and I think Sirius sees his maturity and treats him accordingly. Sirius actually gave Harry advice to not approach danger in GOF and Harry listened to him because Sirius treated him with respect, which works best with Harry who never really had parental figures.

“I don’t know,” said Sirius slowly, “I just don’t know . . . Karkaroff doesn’t strike me as the type who’d go back to Voldemort unless he knew Voldemort was powerful enough to protect him. But whoever put your name in that goblet did it for a reason, and I can’t help thinking the tournament would be a very good way to attack you and make it look like an accident.”

(GoF, page 334)

This is an expert from the Fireplace conversation Haryr had with Sirius before the first task. Sirius shares his theories with Harry because he needs him to know who to watch out for. Because everything he does is to keep Harry safe. And this is the same approach Sirius wishes he could take with Harry in OOTP. Because he knows it works. Keeping Harry informed means that if he does put himself in danger, at least he would inform Sirius about it; Which would allow Sirius to protect him.

I'm not copying all of them, but Sirius' letters to Harry throughout GOF are so caring and sweet. Harry deserved to have more of his godfather in his life:

Nice try, Harry. I'm back in the country and well hidden. I want you to keep me posted on everything that's going on at Hogwarts. Don't use Hedwig, keep changing owls, and don't worry about me, just watch out for yourself. Don't forget what I said about your scar. Sirius

(Gof, page 240)

This treatment encourages Harry to actually share everything with him and ask him for advice. Something he doesn't do with Dumbledore ever. (Harry actually doesn't like or trust Dumbledore all that much until book 6, it's usually Hermione who trusts Dumbledore fully)

“Sirius — how’re you doing?” ... “Never mind me, how are you?” said Sirius seriously.

(GoF, page 331)

Sirius again, shows his responsibility towards Harry's well-being over his own (both here and in the above letter).

Sirius is the only adult who actually talks to Harry about the Dursleys with sympathy:

“But if they do expel me,” said Harry, quietly, “can I come back here and live with you?” Sirius smiled sadly. “We’ll see.” “I’d feel a lot better about the hearing if I knew I didn’t have to go back to the Dursleys,” Harry pressed him. “They must be bad if you prefer this place,” said Sirius gloomily.

(OotP, page 116)

We know Sirius would love nothing more than for Harry to stay with him. He's lonely and bored at Grimmauld and would love to have Harry there. But at the same time, he doesn't want Harry expelled from Hogwarts and is trying not to be hopeful for it.

Sirius understands the Dursleys are awful, he just know the full scope, but it's more of a reaction than we get from most adults in this series. To me, it looks like Sirius is annoyed by how limited he is in helping Harry. He can't really do much about the Dursleys or their status as Harry's guardians.

“So you want me to say I’m not going to take part in the defense group?” he muttered finally. “Me? Certainly not!” said Sirius, looking surprised. “I think it’s an excellent idea!” “You do?” said Harry, his heart lifting. “Of course I do!” said Sirius. “D’you think your father and I would’ve lain down and taken orders from an old hag like Umbridge?” “But — last term all you did was tell me to be careful and not take risks —” “Last year all the evidence was that someone inside Hogwarts was trying to kill you, Harry!” said Sirius impatiently. “This year we know that there’s someone outside Hogwarts who’d like to kill us all, so I think learning to defend yourselves properly is a very good idea!” “And if we do get expelled?” Hermione asked, a quizzical look on her face. “Hermione, this whole thing was your idea!” said Harry, staring at her. “I know it was. . . . I just wondered what Sirius thought,” she said, shrugging. “Well, better expelled and able to defend yourselves than sitting safely in school without a clue,” said Sirius.

(OotP, page 371)

I love this scene as well. Sirius cares for Harry's safety first and foremost. Harry being safe is his top priority at every given point. And he's reasonable and logical and treats Harry like someone to protect, not like a friend.

Like, Harry when he has a problem and needs advice throughout books 4 and 5, he calls Sirius. He's Harry's go-to parental figure for advice, and Sirius takes his rule seriously. He gives the advice he honestly thinks is best and ensures Harry's safety and continued survival to the best of his ability.

“It matters because we don’t want to draw attention to the fact that Harry is having visions of things that are happening hundreds of miles away!” said Sirius angrily. “Have you any idea what the Ministry would make of that information?” Fred and George looked as though they could not care less what the Ministry made of anything. Ron was still white-faced and silent. Ginny said, “Somebody else could have told us. . . . We could have heard it somewhere other than Harry. . . .”

(OotP, pages 476-477)

Again, Harry's safety is Sirius' first priority above everyone else. Harry's happiness and privacy also take precedence over most other things. He doesn't want Harry under even more scrutiny from the ministry and the Wizarding World and protecting him from that is just as important to him.

To me, it feels like people who say he treats Harry like a James replacement didn't read the books....

“It must have been the aftermath of the vision, that’s all,” said Sirius. “You were still thinking of the dream or whatever it was and —” “It wasn’t that,” said Harry, shaking his head. “It was like something rose up inside me, like there’s a snake inside me —” “You need to sleep,” said Sirius firmly. “You’re going to have breakfast and then go upstairs to bed, and then you can go and see Arthur after lunch with the others. You’re in shock, Harry; you’re blaming yourself for something you only witnessed, and it’s lucky you did witness it or Arthur might have died. Just stop worrying. . . .” He clapped Harry on the shoulder and left the pantry, leaving Harry standing alone in the dark.

(OotP, pages 480-481)

And I love this too. How he tries to comfort Harry and make everything easier for him. When the rest of the Order were gossiping about how dangerous his connection to Voldemort is, Sirius is honestly trying to get Harry to worry about it less.

He might be lying here, but he is right about sending Harry to sleep after a sleepless night like they had. And he is right about Harry being in shock and needing the rest. I just, really like how much Sirius cares. Harry just doesn't have other adults in his life who care for him like Sirius does.

But some part of him realized, even as he fought to break free from Lupin, that Sirius had never kept him waiting before. . . . Sirius had risked everything, always, to see Harry, to help him. . . . If Sirius was not reappearing out of that archway when Harry was yelling for him as though his life depended on it, the only possible explanation was that he could not come back. . . . That he really was . . .

(OotP, page 808)

This. Scene. Just kills me.

Like, Harry understands how much Sirius cares about him, and how Sirius always puts him first. He knows the only way Sirius won't drop everything to come and when Harry calls for him is if he can't.

Because Sirius escaped Azkaban when he realized Harry might be in danger from Peter, not for his own safety, but for Harry’s. Sirius dropped everything and moved to live in a cave and eat rats when Harry's scar hurt. He stuck around Hogwarts and Hogsmead during the Triwizard Tournament, when it was crawling with ministry officials because Harry might need him. He was willing to do so much for Harry. And Harry knew this.

I think, given time, they could've had an amazing dynamic, and I wish we had more of Sirius and his care for Harry. That we saw more of his approach to parenting Harry.

[cultofdixon]

Life or Death, Dixon

Daryl Dixon [PLATONIC] • She/Her Pronouns • Youngest Dixon Sister!Reader • It’s always these messy arguments that lead them into messy situations…let’s just hope neither of them have to die for it • ANGST/SFW • TW: Arguments / Gun Violence / Suicidal Tendencies Mentioned / Injuries / Violence / Scar

Requested by: Anon

“Are you seriously still mad at me? It wasn’t just me!”

“Yeah a grieving mother and a fucking ex-tyrant. The perfect team with little miss flight risk”

“I’m your fucking sister and you talk to me like that?!”

“Merle called you way worse!” Daryl snaps as he couldn’t believe he agreed to go on a run with his sister when he hasn’t completely wrapped his head around everything that had happened. The end of the Whispers war and the Reapers.

“At least I didn’t sleep with a fucking pyromaniac’s bitch”

“Hey!” He shoved Y/N to have her get the idea she went too far. But she wasn’t done.

“Seriously. You’re going to be mad about risking my life to save our fucking family when you rolled over on your back for a woman you fucked once in a cabin in the middle of nowhere just to get “inside it all” only for her and her own bitch to escape Maggie’s revenge. They’ve killed a good chunk of her people, Daryl!”

Daryl quickly whipped toward his sister dropping his crossbow and grabbing her by the jacket.

“At least Henry never my goddamn fucking sight long enough for him to get killed” He did it. He needed the last word and the last nerve wasn’t just struck but burned causing Y/N to instantly force him off storming off.

Then what happened next was a blur. Which led them here…

Bounded to wooden chairs and Daryl was the first to wake feeling his mouth was duct taped shut. If only he had duct tape during this risky trips with his bike, it is an easy fix type tool. But that didn’t matter in the moment as he tried to get a better look of his surroundings.

The place wasn’t familiar and once he understood that he quickly glance to his sister noticing the blood pooling from her temple. He didn’t know how long she’s been like such and the panic started to pool inside of him as he tried to make any form of noise to get his sister to react.

But it got someone with a familiar, enraged tone to emerge from the shadows showing the injured Reaper Brandon that had it out for the archer when his idiotic fallen group took him in.

“You weren’t easy to settle down. She definitely was” He laughs lightly as he with all his force kicked the chair she was bounded to watching her quickly sit up.

Y/N had a cut dangerously close to her left eye and it was swollen shut with that side of her face bruised as well. She had to be “put down” in order to be tied up. One can only imagine what they did to Daryl. She didn’t say anything when she rose her head given the pain and she thought if she tried to protest that the gun in the man’s hand would be used on them.

“You pinned my brothers and sister against each other back at our home. Killed big man and that bitch that got away really should’ve been in what…this your sister right?” Brandon grabbed her shoulders from behind her seat watching Daryl tense. “In her place. But you know…pinning siblings on one another make for better entertainment”

Daryl couldn’t say anything but with the way his expression almost always matched his emotions. At least in a way only another Dixon can read. Y/N turned her head toward the man she didn’t know when he rounded back toward her brother.

“What do you want with us? Your family’s gone”

“Yeah…so I need one of you to be” Brandon drops the gun he held onto the table in front of them watching them flinch at first. “There’s one bullet. I think you understand the rules if you’ve lived long enough”

Russian Roulette.

“You know he’ll just aim it at himself” Y/N scoffs spitting a bit of blood onto the table causing the worry and anxiety to build even higher inside her older brother. “Too selfless…”

“Yeah, but I heard y’all’s little squabble in the woods…he may still do what you say. But what are you going to do?” He smirks pushing the gun toward Y/N and taking out his knife threatening to kill Daryl if she didn’t pick it up. But once she did he didn’t retract knowing she would aim at him if he wasn’t going to keep a short leash on the situation.

“Judith gave yea Rick’s gun?”

“Until she’s ready”

“You know how to shoot a colt?”

“I think I can handle a revolver” Y/N laughs holstering it. “We are the only ones besides Negan that have used anything other than a gun. Thought she’d trust you with it more than me”

“You know Rick liked yea. It would’ve been you or Michonne holding that. Both of y’all’s mains not being a gun”

“Michonne is badass with a katana. I’m just a wannabe track and field star with an old javelin”

“So what I’m hearing is you want me to teach you how to use it”

I wish you didn’t Y/N frowns holding the gun in her hand watching Brandon grab her brother by the hair forcing his head back and bringing his knife to his jugular if she didn’t take aim.

The second she aimed it at Daryl, Brandon backed off knowing she was pissed about their argument and finally putting a permanent end to such.

“Life or death, Dixon”

“I choose life, Merle” Y/N rolls her eyes at her eldest brother as they were on the roof he was currently chained on. She decided not to leave him as she watched the vehicles that got the others out flee the city to their camp.

“You chose death here, pumpkin. By staying with me while the walkers flood the building and gain a sense that there’s fresh meat on the roof. You’ve always risked your life”

“For my family.”

“So what are you going to do”

Choose my family. Y/N gripped the handle on the gun, clicking it to load or not load the bullet and right as her finger rested on the trigger.

The two froze watching her quickly aim it to her temple and Daryl fought against the restraints while Brandon stood a bit in shock that she would do such even from what her brother said that he didn’t entirely understand.

Then the gun fired

A thud met the floor

And silence grew in the room causing Daryl to hyperventilate filling the emptiness as he had shut his eyes when he heard the gun fire not wanting to open them.

“You seriously think you’re going to end up alone?” Carol accused Daryl after he had told her about this Leah woman. “As much as not everybody finds a romantic soulmate. There are platonic ones out there”

“I’ve been accused by Y/N that Rick was mine. So I really am gonna end up alone”

“Seriously? Did you forget about the other name in that sentence? Let alone forget that I’m right fucking here?” Carol laughed at such receiving a confused look from her friend. “You still have a family, Daryl. And as much as the world pushed both Dixons into the earth to show them a piece of its mind…Y/N ain’t going anywhere. It will take a real nuclear ending for her to say goodbye to her life. She’s never leaving you, Daryl Dixon”

She’s your blood Daryl felt tears spring in his eyes as his body flinched to the couch of a comforting hand that when he opened his eyes he was met with Rosita’s worry filled expression.

“Aaron told us about his crazy experience being…sort of kidnapped. When you and Y/N didn’t come back when you did…we had to make sure you were alright” She states carefully taking the duct tape off as Daryl quickly whipped his attention to his sister getting cut out of her restraints by Aaron while she also set the gun she held on the table.

The gun was freshly fired. But her end wasn’t met.

Rosita had taken out Brandon and that was the gun fire that out sounded the fire that Y/N triggered. But again, her luck in russian roulette was there this time around.

“You need help standing?” Aaron asked as Y/N shook her head giving out a soft ‘thank you though’ when he went to check their surroundings outside.

The moment Y/N rose to her feet, Daryl brought himself over taking her into his arms caging her a bit. She kept herself cemented at first trying to keep up her front when Daryl has already cracked after what happened. It wasn’t until Rosita gave her a look that led her to give the Dixon siblings a moment of privacy as Y/N sobbed softly the second she left and latched onto her brother.

“You could’ve died…” Daryl stated as the group started their journey back to Alexandria. Y/N just shrugged at him. “Seriously?”

“What? If it was Merle, I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot his bitchass.”

“‘M just glad yea didn’t eat a bullet” Daryl wrapped his arm around her shoulders as she opened the barrel and started laughing like an idiot.

“Bro I would’ve met fucking Merle in hell” Y/N showed him the next shot was the bullet as Daryl instantly swiped the weapon from her. “Hey! Imma need that”

“Nah stick to your sharpened stick shit. Shouldn’t have trusted yea with drugs when you were six. Ain’t trusting yea with a gun now”

“I didn’t take the drugs!”

“Whatever”

[thedaughersofferrix]

Birthdays

(work is not nsfw, but this blog is generally intended to be 18+)

synopsis: cal forgets about his birthday. you don't.

pairing: cal kestis x gn! reader

content warnings: pining, fluff, reader is a jedi

word count: 1.5k

a/n: something short and sweet to say happy jedi survivor release everybody. game looks amazing & i'm so happy to see cal again. might be a part 2, but i'm not sure atm

if cal kestis has a million fans, then i'm one of them. if cal kestis has one fan, then i'm them. if cal kestis has no fans, that means i'm dead.

-

Cal decided that fighting the Empire would be a priority in his life five years ago.

After he destroyed the holocron so the force-sensitive children in the galaxy could live in peace, that was his vow.

The Mantis crew got to work; blowing up Haxion Brood bases and wiping out legions of stormtroopers at a time. The fight thrilled him and every battle only left him in anticipation of the next.

It got to the point where he struggled to think of anything but the fight. Every thought was the next move, their wrongs and the perpetrators. The scars, the injuries and the losses continued and Cal never wavered.

He knew it was an obsession, but he just couldn’t help it. It was a need, etched into his soul and a part of his identity. His was Cal Kestis. The rebel Jedi, the most wanted man in the Empire. And the most dangerous.

Then he met you. 

Well, he met you again, because he’d met you years ago, back when the temple on Coruscant was a Jedi temple. When Master Tapal was alive and little Cal’s mind couldn’t even fathom an Empire taking everything from him.

You’d been his crèche-mate and friend, long before either of you had been padawans.

In between lessons, you would spar or lounge in the dining hall, where most of the other younglings liked to loiter. He formed a puppy-love crush on you that made his Master chuckle. It’s only natural, Cal. The feelings will fade with time. He has half-right, Cal supposes.

He remembers vividly the last time he saw you when he and Master Tapal were minutes away from loading onto a cruiser with their clone troops. Thinking back, he’s embarrassed by how hesitant he was to leave you.

Don’t get all sentimental about this, you told him wisely. We’ll see each other when we get back.

It was so hard to tell himself you were dead. 

Cal Kestis was the last living Jedi, fighting against the Empire that deemed his kind a traitor and punished them for crimes they never committed.

You had died, so had your master and so had everyone else he once knew. That had been difficult for him to accept.

Merrin and Cere understood the pain and that helped, at times. Though sometimes he didn’t want to understand. He wanted to see you, feel your arms embracing him and hear your voice in his ear. He didn’t talk about you to them though. He wanted something for himself, a little what-if to hold on to during the nights he felt particularly melancholic. 

Then came his trip to Segra Milo, to speak with Saw Gerrera about his next move.

By that point, the Partisans recognised him on sight and offered him only a nod of acknowledgement when he passed by. 

There you were, in all your glory. Older, a bit more rough around the edges (like himself) and even more attractive than you’d been about nine years ago.

When the two of you locked eyes and time bowed at your feet, to allow you both this moment of silent disbelief.

“Cal?” you had whispered. He whispered your name back and you smiled widely. 

You embraced him like he had been so desperate for you to do. And he heard your voice, the one that had previously only reached him in dreams.

“I thought you died,” you told him.

“I thought you died,” he said, in a single breath. Emotion threatened to explode from his chest until Saw Gerrera cleared his throat.

“I hate to break up this lover’s reunion,” he said. “But we do have a war to fight.”

“Tonight,” you whispered into his ear and he felt like a padawan with a crush again.

Sure enough, the two of you made a rendezvous under the moonlight. The cavernous, dangerous terrain of Segra Milo felt so inviting that night.

You explained to him that you and your master had been ambushed by your own troopers. You and your master were separated when they received the orders and by luck, you weren’t the one in a room full of clones. Quietly you found an escape pod and left for the nearest planet. You cut your padawan braid and disassembled your lightsaber on the same day. The kyber crystal that powered it hung from your neck, hidden behind layers of clothing.

“One day I watched them string up a man for dropping his drink on a trooper's foot,” you recalled to him. “They claimed he had done it as an act of civil disobedience and that it was anti-Imperial activity. I rebuilt my lightsaber and started looking for the Rebellion the same day.”

You were the same person he remembered, only better. Now you were stronger and smarter, without losing your humanity. 

The next day, you were separated again. You were travelling to Devaron to provide the Partisans there with support. He tried to go with you, but you sagely reminded him of the danger of two Jedi being found together.

You exchanged comm links the night prior and hugged tightly before you boarded your ship and he the Mantis. It reminded him of the one you gave him before what he thought had been your demise. He prayed he wouldn’t have to remember this hug the same way. 

“Until next time, Cal,” you said, hopeful and bright.

“Until then,” he replied, leaving you with a smile.

The next time he saw you, he thinks he might have hugged you tighter than he’d ever hugged anyone.

There had been a next time, he thought. There could be another one.

And there was. In fact, there had been many next times. He couldn’t count on his hands how many times he had gotten to see you. On the good days, you spoke and drank together. On the days, you fought and mourned together. But you were together and it was so much easier than it had been before.

Recently he’d probably gone the longest without seeing you, which made him realise the effect you had on him.

The Empire was still are the forefront of his mind, almost always. It consumed his actions and words. Slowly but surely, however, you had been weaselling your way into an important position in his life.

He didn’t care about the Empire when he was looking at you and he may as well have not met an Inquisitor when he’s hearing your laugh. You were there and he didn’t need to think about any of that.

Then, when the gap you filled was empty again with your departure, he was consumed by the need to fight once more.

He forewent sleep and food, only collapsing when his body refused to preserve and eating when the hunger pangs came. Fight, fight, fight, was all he could think about. It never really occurred to him to celebrate his victories or even do simple things, like check the date. 

But you returned to him again and reminded him of what he was missing.

“A win like this is worth sitting down for,” you insisted, sitting beside him at the fire. “Besides, today is special.” His brow furrowed. 

“What’s today?” he asked you, which made you laugh, loud and beautiful.

“You can’t be serious, Cal.”

“I am! What’s today?”

“Cal,” you sighed. “It’s your birthday.”

His mind went blank as the gears started to turn. “Oh,” was what he came up with. You laughed at him again.

“Did you really forget?” you asked him. 

“I haven’t celebrated it in years,” he admitted and you frowned, making him wish he lied. He hated it when you frowned, though you did make a cute face when you were angry.

“Well we’ll have to make up for that, won’t we?” you announced, standing from your seat and downing your drink. “Stay here for a second.” He nodded and you slipped away.

You returned not long after, with something behind your back.

“Close your eyes,” you instructed. He looked at you curiously. “Just do it.” His eyes fell shut. He heard you shuffling and muttering something to BD-1. “Put out your hands.” He open one palm and pushed it toward you. “Both of them.” He opened the other. He felt a weight in his left hand, then in his right.

“Open.” 

Cal was greeted by a cupcake in his left hand and a multitool in his left.

“I tried to find a cake, but apparently Devaronians aren’t very fond of them,” you explained. “And this,” you pointed to the multitool. “I bought this for you back on Corellia, but you were gone before I could give it to you. It’s got everything you need to keep Beedee in working order.” BD-1 chirped happily at that.

Cal was starstruck. He hadn’t experienced softness like this since before the Clone Wars. Suddenly his chest felt fuzzy and his face was hot. 

“Thank you,” he managed. “No problem,” you answered breezily.

He shared some of the cupcake with you, but you insisted he had to eat at least seventy per cent of it. The multitool found a place on his belt, though with the amount of combat he saw, he’d be using it soon.

You sat beside him at the fire on his birthday and Cal Kestis felt hope again in a way like he’d never felt before. Hope for not just the present, but the future.

[kittyscupcakeandbunny]

SET ME FREE X MIN YOONGI

[Mafia AU]

PART TWO

I’ll find you in a dark Paradise

Side Characters: K. Namjoon, J. Jungkook, J. Hoseok and P. Jimin.

Warnings: mentions of violence, blood, death, gunshot, sharp objects, smut.

Songs: shades of cool - Lana del Rey and R U Mine - Arctic Monkeys.

PREVIOUS PART

Edited ✔️

………………………….………………………….…………………………

Everything seemed to be in autopilot after last night, my brother didn’t talked about anything that happened with him , he had locked himself in his room and didn’t came out to talk with me. He didn’t look well and the last thing i wanted to do was push him into telling me when he clearly wasn’t over it yet, i too needed some time to process the events of last night.

I was curious about the mystery guy with the scar who helped us, he didn’t seemed bad but his looks didn’t do him much good to say otherwise. I didn’t want to be the type that judges people by the looks, people from downtown were not exactly good either. I just wanted to forget everything that happened last night, life seemed to be always ready to surprise me whenever I think things are finally going well for me.

I was able to find my brother but not to protect him and that thought was so sticky inside my head, what did I trained for all this years if not to protect people? How could I let them win so easily?

Today when i woke up in the morning i had a goal in mind, i didn’t wanted what happened last night to happen again. If I ever face danger again, I’m going to fight it and I will win.

Before leaving to work i check on my brother opening just a bit of his door I find him still asleep, i sighted. I wanted to know what happened last night more then anything else, just what was he doing in downtown? The more I try to make sense of it the more unrealistic it seems, I just can’t picture him going there by himself. I’ll give him his space and wait for him till he’s ready to tell me why he was there at downtown, I know how hard it can be. Especially since it’s just him and me. Things are so much more difficult with father and mother, they are even harder on him since he’s younger then me.

I manage to get to work on time, meeting Namjoon at the entering of the station as usual. He waved at me giving his signature smile that showed his dimples. I waved back returning his smile, I would have to go on about this day as if nothing happened last night. Knowing how Namjoon would react if I told him, he would probably make a fuss about it and run over downtown to catch the men who did that and then he would nag the living life of me for as long as I live. I took one deep breath before fallowing beside him. He kept the door opened for me to get in, while making my way to him i notice the black Porsche in front of the station. My eyebrows furrowed at the sight, i wonder what such an expensive car was doing in front of a police station who that car belongs to, it must be an important guest of the director.

- who’s car is this? - is asked Namjoon once i stand in front of him.

- i have no idea but he got taste - he simply said eyeing the car.

I rolled my eyes at him, I can’t understand men and their cars. Namjoon fallowed beside me as I entered the station, the cold air hitting our bodies immediately. Today was an extremely summer day outside, the sun shined bright in the sky. It was rare but to see such clear sky so I was happy at least the weather wasn’t down like my humor.

- so.. what happen last night? You ran off so quickly. - Namjoon asked beside me.

I gulped down. I wasn’t ready to talk about it now, not with him. Just the thought of it would bring me back to the night before and i didn’t wanted to face how weak I was. Not only would Namjoon nag me but, remind me of how unprofessional and not ready I’m to face serious situations.

- nothing much… just family problems - i nervously laughed off. This would be able to feed him for now, he can be so noisy sometimes but I can’t really blame him. He’s a great detective.

- okay - he eyes me - let’s have lunch together?

- of course! Where? - I was glad for the change of topic, excitement showing up to my tone.

- there’s this new spicy noodle restaurant that opened close around the station, Jungkook said is good and I know how much you love spicy food so…

- sound good to me - i tell him.

- see you then - he said turning left to his office - don’t get into trouble yn!

I laughed at his goofiness. Making my way to my own office which was shared with our teammates.

Another day at work begins and here I’m already wishing it would end.

…

Today was a busy day at the station. When i had the time to look at the clock it was almost lunch time and i still had to run some errands before that. I groaned getting up from my sit at my table, I have to make this quick I’m so hungry my stomach keeps making noises. Walking quickly through the corridor offices to get documents and deliver the files of the new cases.

For a moment i started to rethink if going for lunch with Namjoon was a good idea, i didn’t think i would be this busy today now I’m almost running out of time. I tried to complete my tasks as quickly as I could to make sure I could leave on time to eat with him but here I’m late again.

I did a little run over the office and luckily for me I was able to make it in time, who would thought delivering documents would be so tiring, I slowed down a bit taking the stairs down to the second floor catching my breath while i make my way back to my office i heard steps behind me.

- yn! - a female voice said.

Turned to see one of my coworkers holding a tray with two coffee cups, she had walked faster to catch up with me a worried expression on her features and I hurried towards her.

- you seem worried, is something wrong? - i ask her.

- I’m so sorry but, do you think you send this to the chief’s office? - she asked, i almost fell to my knees at that. Just how much more work will they give me before lunch?

- it’s just I have to… - before I could tell her how busy I was already she interrupted me.

- yn please I beg you - she said desperately - that guest of chief’s scares me, I really don’t wanna go there.

- okay, i’ll do it - seeing how desperate she seemed i decided to help, i too would want someone to help me out in a situation like that.

- gosh thank you so much yn - she said, relived - I owe you one.

Yes you do. I thought.

But smiled at her anyway, she passed the tray carefully to me and once I was settle we said our goodbyes. I turned back to the way I was coming before, chief’s office was on the third floor I would have to rush there again and there I was again on delivery. Am I even a police intern or a delivery guy?

This is making me question things about myself. The things I submit myself here, honestly.

I made sure to get ther as quickly as I could without dropping any of the liquid from the two mugs on the wooden tray.

Once i stood in front of the office door, I carefully held the tray over my leg to nock on the door announcing my presence before making my way inside the office. The smell of cigarette hitting my nostrils as I bowed down greeting chief’s and the guest, not making eye contact here was a sing of respect but as I turned upwards my eyes fell over the present guest that scared my poor coworker.

I couldn’t hold my surprise and the gasp that left my lips once i saw him there, no wonder she was scared I was too when I saw him for the first time.

What was he doing here?

Sitting all comfortable on my chief’s couch, looking like he was the one who owned this place. His hair wasn’t messy but nicely styled back and perfectly trimmed as if he had just washed. He wore a black suit with a long coat that went down his knees over it, he looked like a completely different man then the one a meet in downtown last night. If it wasn’t for his scar over his eye I would even think it was someone else. I couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that he was right there, how? Why?

I could smell his expensive cologne from here, it felt suffocating to be around his presence today. i swallowed hard as he looked at me unbothered but still not taking his eyes off of me. He took a puff of the cigarette, his eyes going up and down my whole body. I felt like I was being evaluated, he didn’t even try not to make it obvious he checked every part of me.

I quickly took the tray with shaky hands to the small table in the middle of the office were they both sat in front of each other, putting one coffee in front of my chief who eyed me questioning, probably wondering why i was the one delivering the this and not my coworker, then the other one in front of scar face.

My eyes slowly looking up at him as i did so, he was looking directly into mine. Smoke dancing in the air making him look even more intimidating. My breath got stuck on my throat as I looked at him, he was a walking beautiful and psychotic red flag. How could he look so intimidating and handsome at the same time was something I could never wrap my finger around it.

Nervously I looked away turning back I gave one last look at them and made my way out, but not fast enough.

- I didn’t get your name.

A shiver went down my spine at the sound of his voice, low and raspy. My whole body froze at the sound of his voice directed to me, turning towards him as he looked at me.

- it’s yn sir - i said, gulping down. I watched as he smirked putting the cigarette down right over the table burning the dark wood. From the side I could see how chief moved uncomfortable at the sight.

His actions clearly showed who was in charge here, not my chief but him. He must be someone very powerful if the chief is not saying anything about it. Everyone at the station knows how much he hates smokers, if he’s holding back his tongue scar face must not be an ordinary man.

- yn…. - I tried my best not to show the effects of my name rolling down his tongue had on me, and just nodded. - see you soon.

He smirked in my direction taking the mug and drinking eyes still glued to mine as the smoke slowly began to fade from the cigarette on the table. I turned my back to them and left the office quickly.

I leaned on the wall beside the door, taking a deep breath as my heart was racing so fast I felt weak at the knees. Just what had happened?

For a moment I could swear he was going to spoil last night events to my chief, I would be in so much trouble if he did that. He wouldn’t do that behind my back would he? What would he gain from doing it anyway?

I couldn’t think of anything else but him the entire way till Namjoons office, mind full of a scar face I thought I would never see it again. How his eyes sparkled as he smirked towards me, he seemed to be having so much fun seeing how nervous I was. His voice was different from last night but maybe that was just my mind playing trick on me the smell of cigarettes and his cologne still dancing under my nose.

His presence was so much more impactful today, every little detail about him just screamed luxurious and threatening, not even close to the man who beat up four guys in an alley and then eat ramen at a old noodle shop. Not even close to the man that wore old ripped jeans and a floral shirt.

Who is him?

- hey - Namjoon voice so close to me was what brought me back to reality.

Looking up to his face I realized I was right in front of the door of his office. When did I got here? I was so caught up in thoughts I didn’t even realized when I got here, Namjoon seemed to notice something was wrong his expression was saying it all. He was analyzing me.

- let’s go get lunch? - he asked, a little smile making its way to his lips.

- yeah - is all i manage to say as I smiled at him. The best thing I can do to hide my true feelings.

The best I could to hide the effect a scar face man had on me. I don’t know for how long I would be able to hide things from Namjoon but, as time passes and after encountering scar face again here in my work place. I don’t feel safe anymore.

Things are becoming so much more then I thought it would be, nothing I’ve ever expected has happened. Saving my brother was not how I imagined myself going to downtown for the first time. Now it seemed I have stepped on bubblegum and can’t get it off.

As we walked towards the exit we had small conversation, Namjoon talked about his day till now. How he felt relieved to have such great team to work with in this case, Jungkook seemed to be the most hardworking one from them as he kept telling me even though he was the youngest one on his team he worked even harder to match his coworkers. I couldn’t give Namjoon any thoughtful reply though, all that came from my mouth were some basic words like; “really?” “No way”. I didn’t wanted to let it transparent how shaken i have been since I saw scar face at my station but I couldn’t, he filled every part of my brain even when I didn’t wanted to. All I could think about was, what Yoongi - as the old lady at the noddle shop called him - was doing here in my work place.

At one point I was suddenly stopped before the entrance hall, holding both my arms Namjoon turned me towards him looking at me with a worried expression.

- something is up, tell me what is it? - he said - I know you’re not fine.

I sighted. This won’t do anymore, he simply won’t let it go past today if I don’t tell him and if I don’t tell him, he will manage to find out somehow. Namjoon always does that’s why he’s the top detective here.

- can we talk about it later? - i asked him, whispering the last part as I looked down avoiding his eyes - not here…

I looked around seeing a few people still working and looking at us. The hot air from outside hitting my back as more people went out for lunch, a few talking close to the entrance hall. My eyes stopping over the stairs where now scar face Yoongi was coming from. Eyes looking start ahead of him.

- alright but you…. - Namjoons voice became distant reminder of reality my focused seemed to leave me completely while he kept talking.

I wished I could stay focused on what Namjoon was saying but all i could focus on was the man standing over the top of the stairs as he spoke on the phone. Eyes staring deep into my soul once he notice my presence walking down the stairs like time was nonexistent, the low raspy voice coming from his lips as talked on the phone with someone a serious expression on his features, now it was my turn to fallow him as he moved completely amazed by his presence. It was undoubtedly how he affected everyone in the room as he walked down, eyes never leaving mine till his close enough for me to be reminded of his cologne and the smell of cigarettes, he walked past me till his back is all i see as he exits the station.

- yn? Earth to yn? - Namjoon voice was finally clear as water, he moved his hands in front of my face finally breaking away from the trance I was in.

- oh? Sorry… - I quickly said, brushing my hair off my face.

- why were you staring? - he said eyeing the exit were scar face walked off - that guy looks like a tug…

- don’t judge… - i tell him, the urge to defend Yoongi was so out of the blue I even surprised myself once I realized it.

- okay okay… - he said turning towards the exit - let’s have lunch then? I’m starving.

I nod giving him a small smile. When we walked out of the station the black Porsche from earlier wasn’t there anymore, i didn’t say anything about even when i thought it felt suspicious i kept fallowing Namjoon to the parking lot. Namjoon only got his license recently and for that he just can’t shut up about it, I thought it was kind of cute at first but now he just does it to annoy me. The black Range Rover shined over the bright sun light, he must have taking it to a clean up before it so dirty from his last job in a abandoned construction site. He opened the door for me before getting in the driver’s sit.

The drive to the restaurant was quiet as we kept the comfortable silence between us, I’m sure he was running his mind trying to find answers to what was going around mine. He was still a detective after all but more then that he was my friend.

The fact that I couldn’t take that man out my mind wasn’t easy to hide, he was a walking mistery. Everything about that scar face intrigued me, things like how did he got that scar and what he does for a living? How the first time we meet he looked almost normal and then apear in my workplace looking like a democrat rich man, was he a detective from a different department maybe? I had to know now.

Since the restaurant wasn’t so far from the station it didn’t took too long for us to arrive there, Namjoon got out of the car before once we stopped in front of the place. I looked over to the entrance of the restaurant expecting it to be just another normal restaurant but, it looked fancy and had a modern minimalist look from the outside to the inside. As we entered the place I notice how it wasn’t full yet, a waiter soon approached and guided us to a table on the back.

I took the seat in front of Namjoon who watched me with furrowed eyebrows and expecting eyes.

- now tell me… - he began - what happened last night? You look so out of it and ever time I look at you, you seem to be dozing out.

A long sight leaves my lips as i look on the menu in front of me, hiding it from him would be impossible and as much as I know he’ll nag at me is best to tell him what happened, that way he’ll leave me alone for awhile at least till I finish my food.

So I calmly tell him everything, from the moment I left the station last night to the moment I found my brother in danger over downtown, except for the moment I’m saved by a mistery scar faced man who seemed to know where I work, leaving that part of the story in the dark and a few more details that would only make him more curious and ask more questions leading me to spill everything out to him. Namjoon had a way of making people tell him everything it was almost like a super power.

I couldn’t look at his face as I tell him, now that I was spilling him last night events out loud I felt so stupid. Knowing exactly what he would say it next.

- why didn’t you ask me to help you? - he asked, just like I predicted.

- I don’t know Joon… - i said, tiredly leaning back into the chair my ability to lie to him wasn’t that great - i was so caught up in the moment i just… I don’t know.

He didn’t say anything after that, for a while he seemed to be pondering all the information inside his head. Probably calculating every detail to make out the reason why I didn’t call him, he took his position as a detective to heart in every aspect of his life. No decision he makes go without thinking and analyzing every little detail of it. Sometimes I felt so annoyed at him for that, Namjoon never makes a choice with his heart. No matter what he’s always so analytical about everything.

It was great for his job but, in life is more about how you fell then what is right or wrong.

- well - he then said, a sighted leaving his lips it seemed he found his veredicto - at least you got them, that’s my girl.

He gave me a proud smile. I felt a bitter taste in my mouth as I lied to him.

- of course I did!

Namjoon never said that to me ever since my parents death, now for the first time since then he did and I couldn’t feel worse for it.

I didn’t get the bad guys how I should’ve, I lost but in other to keep scar face out of the way I had to lie to Namjoon. It shouldn’t be like this, maybe I should’ve told everything to him and finally get rid of this heavy weight on my chest. But after meeting Yoongi at my station today things took a different turn. I can’t make any harsh decision without knowing who he is, I know Namjoon and he can’t be really noisy when he wants to telling him everything now would only make things more messy then they should be.

Besides is not like I’ll see scar face again, so this shouldn’t be a problem for now.

Scar face. Yoongi.

The more I thought about the name the old lady called him, the more i thought it didn’t fit him. He looked threatening, how he carried himself like he cold do anything whenever he wants it. Something completely wicked emanate from him like his cologne, I could be wrong and I kind of wish I was but I can’t deny how he sinful he looked. Maybe it was a fake name.

Our food was placed in front os us by the same waitress from before, I stared at the spycy gochujang in front of me it looked delicious the sight made my stomach rumble in hunger, a pair of red chopsticks where put on the table for me and Namjoon to eat, holding them I couldn’t shake the thought of how it reminded me of scar face how he took the pair with him for some unknown reason, what did he do with them and why did he needed them?

I try to bush his face off my mind and pay attention to what Namjoon is talking, for the whole time those sharp eyes and scar kept invading my mind the more I tried not to think about him the more difficult it seemed to take him out of my mind.

At least for now Namjoon seemed to have dropped the topic of last night events, we were back to talking about his late investigation over the Min mafia. For q long time Namjoon would tell me how his work has been lately, he would also give me tips on investigations and how to get them done the best way, the only reason why he would share anything with me would be to help me out in the future. He and my father were close when he was alive, Namjoon always tells me that since I didn’t have time to learn from dad he would teach me everything he learned from him and I appreciate that, through his eyes I can tell he has a bit of my father. Them both are just as stubborn.

Once we were done eating Namjoon paid for our food and we both made our way out, at that point i was finally able to complete forget about scar face. Talking with Namjoon about the food and how spicy the it was, he even got a little be teary while eating we laughed about it while getting into the car. It was always nice to be like this with him, Namjoon played a big part in my life ever since I started training to become a police officer he would help me whenever I needed even thought he was busy himself, he also helped my brother a lot when I couldn’t help him since he knew more about men’s problems then I did. The ride back to our station was calm, not much movement on the road at this hour everyone must be heaving lunch now, we talked a bit every now and then the comfortable silence being filled with the low noise of the radio as Namjoon turned on.

I looked out the window enjoying the view from the city today, it felt nice as the air brushed my hair to the side. The sky was so blue and clear, everything seemed to be going back to its place now. No scar face invading my mind or any memories form downtown, just another day of work.

The sudden sound of Namjoons phone ring makes look back at him, he gives me a smile before taking the call.

- yes? - he said, I look back to the street in front of us.

In a second the car was stoped so abruptly if i wasn’t wearing the seat belt i would’ve of fly off the car, I turn to look at Namjoon incredulous till I realize the look on his face had changed completely.

His eyebrows furred into a hard expression clenching his jaw as he looked ahead in front of him. He must be so pissed now, what happened?

- he what?! - he exclaimed, punching the wheel. - don’t worry I’m going right now!

He quickly made a U turn with the car stepping on the gas going faster now he looked ahead in the street serious and focused, his nuckles turning white as he held the wheel tightly.

- Joon, what is it? - i asked him, careful.

- that son of a shit Agust D - he spat, an angry laugh coming from his lips - he just attacked outside of downtown… the house of the director of our station!

- what?! - I turned to him surprised - but why? How?!

- honestly y/n, I have no idea but once I find him… I’m going to kill him. Even if is the last thing I do.

I gulped down. I never seen him this angry before. What ever is going on right now I’m sure Namjoon wasn’t joking about it, not when I know he had two warnings already from the chief.

Namjoon always worked so hard he gave everything of him, he was brutal when it came to catching criminals. No wonder they gave him the Agust d case, they didn’t care at this point if they catched the mafia leader alive or dead. Attacking the director of our station was a clear sign, they were sending a warning to our station. Not everyone knows how many stations declined to investigate the Agust D case, when it came to our station they didn’t hesitate to accept it and pass it to Namjoon.

Once he puts something in his head is hard to take it from him, Namjoon has always been like this what ever is going on right now he took it personally and he won’t let it slide.

…

The car was stopped abruptly close to a house with high walls, the entrance gate was completely broken into. Looking ahead of we’re we stopped two black vans were parked in front of the place already one inside the house which meant it was the one they used to break in the garage. No one was around thought. I looked beside me to see Namjoon taking his gun from the back seat, quickly charging it. I watched him nervously as he got ready to get in action not knowing what to do when he finally turned to me.

- stay here no matter what, okay? - he told me.

- okay.

He looked at me one last time before getting out of the car quickly making his way towards the entrance of the house through the garage they broke into. I could only wait here now. If the Amin mafia was here then things are probably gonna end up ugly for both sides, I could only image what is must be happening there right now. I’m sure Namjoon can handle the situation but I can’t help the nervous feeling of being here while anything could happen there, especially not after I heard the sound of gun shots not so long when he entered the house. Some guys wearing all black and masks rushed out of the house through the broken garage into the two Vans parked ahead of me.

More gun shots were heard and then it was all quiet. The van inside the garage drove off quickly fallowed by another one, the other stayed back.

Then another man in black came out of the house, he seemed much different then the other ones that left before. Almost too familiar how his hair fell messily covering held his face, a very much familiar floral shirt and ripped jeans, he stopped there taking his mask off to brush his hair off his face. He looked up to the sky before behind him over the house, a smirk forming over his lips while he took a box of cigarettes from his pocket to light one. The scar shined bright over the sunlight.

No.

It can’t be him. Not again. Not here.

I expect so many different things but not him. It could have been anything, anyone but why did it have to be him. Just when I thought I would never have to cross paths with him again, this happened.

While he lighted the cigarette I notice the silvery pistol over his hip, drops of blood over his white shirt. My heart was beating faster each moment the more I looked at him, maybe is not him. My mind must be playing trick over me, it can’t be him that’s too much of a coincidence.

He looked over his shoulder again, probably was waiting for someone. I had it confirmed when another guy came after and walked towards scar face the other guy opened the door of the van for him.

I felt desperate. Before I can even make any sense I was already opening the door of Namjoons car, I had to make sure my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me. I had to make sure it was him.

I rushed there before he get inside only getting a glimpse of his face, heart beating so fast in my chest as if I had run a marathon but all I got was a glimpse of the scar on his face.

I fallowed the van but it was too late now, they were gone.

I stood there in the middle of the street watching in the direction he went, sit and watch was all I could do. Even at work, I felt so useless.

- yn! - Namjoon said coming from the house - I told to not get out of that car!

I didn’t look at him though.

My mind was still trying to process what I just saw, was it really him? Could I have been thinking so much about Yoongi that i just projected his face on someone else?

I couldn’t wrap my mind around it. I need to know.

If it really was him, maybe now I can actually do something to help.

- yn!

I was abruptly turned and faced with Namjoon, he now looked at me worried. Holding me by the arms.

- did something happened? - I heard Jungkooks voice from behind Namjoon.

Turning at his direction I saw some of his man coming back, two of them held the director by the arms. He looked so beat up he could bearly walk, Jungkook walked towards us worried.

- yn? What you doing here? - he looked he Namjoon as he asked.

- we went for lunch and you know the rest… - Namjoon said, finally letting go of me.

- I’m fine - i said. They both looked at me.

- why did you came out? - Namjoon had a hard expression on his features.

- I was just.. - I couldn’t say anything about it to him, even if it could help his investigation. Not when I wasn’t sure of it. - I was worried about.. you.

So I lied.

He sighted before holding me tightly into a hug, he must’ve been worried. Especially after seeing how the director was left, I could’ve end up being killed today for my stupid reaction. Looking up at him as I parted form his arms I hear the sound of the ambulance behind me, not so long after more police officers came to work on the scene and Namjoon had to take care of the situation at that moment, so Jungkook was the one who took me back to the station.

When he dropped me there, he went back to the crime scene. Many protocols would have to fallow after that and since I wasn’t part of their team I didn’t have permission to stay.

…

If my theories are correct, I must find Yoongi again. I know I saw just a glimpse of his face today but I’ll soon make sure of my assumptions somehow. If the chief was working with the mafia they have been trying so hard to get behind bars for so long, I must do something to stop this. Namjoon would thank me later for this, I’ll show them them all what I’m capable off if they can’t see it I’ll show them who’s daughter I’m.

I didn’t have permission to stay at the crime scene to investigate but, I did have access to all the documents of the cases investigated by the station and with that I ran my own personal investigation, if I wanted to find out who scar face is and what his business here at the station was I need to know everything about the Min mafia.

I made sure to go through the cases Namjoon worked on it too all thought they didn’t seem to have much information about the mafia, the data for the cases run over their crimes were endless, from what I could tell by looking over the files there was not a single one death weren’t mentioned. They didn’t have nothing about the leader, no mentions of names except their victims. They have never gotten a little bit close to get to them, the only name they had was Agust D. No dna, no photo, no mole, nothing.

No one knew what he looked like but, in one case they were so close to find out though but the whole station was caught on fire. No one survived.

I checked a few more documents about the Agust d cases but nothing made sense, I was getting so frustrated at this point. Smashing the table as a sight left my lips.

I wondered if i truly just wasn’t going insane.

Nothing here gave me a lead about him but, maybe I’m just looking at the wrong place. If i really wanted to get any information about him I would have to go there and get it.

Since it was late already only me and a few other coworkers were there still working. Everyone else was at home already, not many people stayed behind to work over night and not everyone had anything worth working over night.

While making my way out of the station I walked by Namjoons office seeing through the glass door he was the only one left, he seemed exhausted one hand resting over his face as he rested against his chair. Today wasn’t the best one for him, since he’s the one in charge of the investigation he must be feeling bad about the late events this afternoon. I entered his office quietly noticing how his attention turned to me in a second.

- hey… - he says to me, sitting back stray a small smile on his lips as he looked down at the mug with hot coffee on it.

- is everything okay? - i ask standing in front of him. Arms crossed in front of my chest.

- not really…. You still here? - he said.

- yeah, had to get some work done.

He only nodded. I hated seeing him like this, all this time he’s the one who’s been getting a shit tone of work done over the case and still no trace of the culprit. It must be so tiring to run around for nothing all the time, anger filled me at the thought of chief and scar face sitting together. If they are working together then what’s the point on doing this whole investigation? All of this and Namjoon knows nothing about that.

For a moment we just stare at each other, I know how things are going for him with this case now that I’ve been searching around the documents of the late investigations, he is doing everything he can to do a good job but truly, from what I saw in the documents this Agust d really is going to take some blood and sweat to work on. Especially if the chief is helping them. But if he really is helping the enemy why would Agust D try to kill the director of our station?

Namjoon suddenly got up from his seat walking around his table to my direction he closed his arms around me for a hug, his face resting on my neck. It was unusual to have him being like this, he was never one for affection and that made me worry even more. I gave him some taps on his back and hugged him just as tight. Although we are not from the same blood he was still like a family to me.

- chief said I should give a break on the investigation - he blurted out.

- what? - I looked at his face, surprise was an understatement. How could they? He was the only one working his ass of on this case.

- he said it todays attack was a clear sign from the Agust d himself, that he too would retaliate against us if we continued to try and take him down…. - he said tiredly, referring to the incident with the director today.

- oh… Joon - I brushed his short hair, a simple attempt to comfort him.

He has never looked this tired before, working was everything he loved. It gave him energy he breathed investigations no one is more hardworking then him here. But then again, it can still get tiring when everything seems to go wrong and you just can’t seem to find a solution.

- maybe you should get a break … - i tell him he looks at me as if not believing my words - I know you’re working really hard on this case but, maybe a break from it would be good for you. Clear you mind and then come back with a new strategy.

He seemed to be really things about it, before he looked up at my eyes giving me a tired smile.

- maybe you’re right…. - he breathed out - I’m really tired of this whole run and run with no clear direction.

- I can’t even imagine what you must be going through - I tell him honestly - but you’re the best one we got, so go recharge yourself and come back.

- I will then… - he gave one last hug before letting go of me to sit back into his chair.

- I gotta go now - I tell him heading out his office - don’t stay up late.

- yes boss! - he said.

I don’t know when Namjoon is gonna leave for his break but I’m sure it will be a mess without him, will they carry on with the investigation without him or will they also give this investigation a break? Maybe I should ask him tomorrow once he’s rested.

When I finally make my way out of the station I quickly make my way to the parking lot, the hot air of the night was beginning to chill a bit as time passes it felt nice just like earlier and it didn’t brought any good feeling to my gut. As I get in my motorcycle putting my helmet on, i had my plan set up already. If it helps Namjoon and put an end to this whole mess the Min mafia stared I’ll do my best.

I knew it was a bad idea to go back to downtown but I also knew it was the only place I could find him and that’s exactly where I’m gonna start my investigation on scar face.

I would go back to the old noddle shop.

No second thoughts as i drove through the late night, familiar dark streets meeting my sight as i remember where I drove through the first time i came here, light seemed to fade the more deep I drove there.

…

It didn’t took me too long to find the old restaurant from last time, once I was meet with the dark familiar streets i parked my motorcycle in front of the old noddle shop, taking off my helmet as I walked towards the entrance doors it was still open and quiet which I could never seemed to get used too, does the criminals here all work so quietly or are they busy somewhere else? I couldn’t understand. Inside the small restaurant were only four customers, one man sat at the bar and on the corner further away a woman with red hair a bowl of ramen noodles was sat in front of her but she only watched the food while blowing the smoke from a cigarette on her right hand, in a table on the middle of the restaurant two other men drank while eating.

It was the same as last night, quiet and only a few people inside. Something about this place fell ambiguous. I could exactly tell what but the fact the Yoongi brought me here last night was definitely the reason, maybe I was being delusional but I just couldn’t sit around and not do anything when I finally have a clue.

I carefully made my way towards the bar where the old lady from last time was cleaning a cup of class, putting my helmet over the bar I turned to her.

- excuse me… - i said - i was here a few days ago with… my friends, do you happened to know where I could find the guy Yoongi?

Never once did she looked my way, keeping her attention at the class in her hands. Was I too blunt? I was trying to be careful by not raising my tone too much so others can’t hear me, maybe I wasn’t too clear and she didn’t get what I said.

- you know the one with the scar on his… - I tried again, only to be interrupted.

- I don’t know anything girl. - she dryly said, giving me a stern look - and I don’t know you.

She turned impatient to put the glass back at the shelve. The guy on the other side drinking gave me a side look, they were paying attention to me now. Something around here seemed to change as soon as I asked for Yoongi, for some reason the entire ambience felt so much heavier pushing me down more and more towards the ground. I looked at the old lady in front of me who continued to work ignoring me completely, she won’t say anything about Yoongi and from what I remember from last night he seemed to be a regular here. The thought that maybe he bribed this place to hide anything if anyone asks suddenly doesn’t go away from my mind. I thought about asking the other guys on the the table but it didn’t look like they would know anything and mostly they would spell anything even if they did know something.

I sighted disappointed, although I didn’t exactly expected to get something at the first try I felt helpless and stupid for even trying when I clearly had no other clue then a face and a name I couldn’t find anything on the station records.

- thanks anyway. - I said while taking my helmet from the bar and turning to leave.

- I know a place where you can find him - a female voice said behind me from far away.

I didn’t have to turn around to know who said it, deep inside I knew someone like her wouldn’t know anything about Yoongi from the second my eyes dropped over her figure. The messy red hair she didn’t bother to fix anytime, her make up was all messy and wet she smelled of cigarettes and she smelled of cigarettes and sheep perfume. Even if she knew something I wouldn’t believe her, as I turned back towards her direction I notice the smirk over her red lips. I had nothing so far even if I wanted to I couldn’t just leave without at least hearing what she had to say, I must make sure we are talking about the same person she could be blabbering about anyone just to piss me off. I quickly made my way towards her table taking the sit in front of her I put my help over the table, she watches me as I do so blowing more of the smoke in the air.

- are we talking about the same person? - I questioned.

- if you mean the deadly and handsome Yoongi with the scar on his right eye… - she chuckled using her hand to hold her chin as she stared at me blue eyes looking into mine with a hint of mischief - unless you know some else with said name.

- I’m looking for a man with said name and scar on his left eye - impatiently I said it, leaning closer to her face - where can I find him?

- what would a girl like you has to do with him? - she asked, leaning back - you don’t look like you’re from here…

I looked at her impatience flowing in my face, of course she would run around the topic with no specific information she probably didn’t know anything about were I could find him. Changing subject right now, I felt anger fill getting the best of me I smashed my hand over the table. I felt so tired for not being taken serious, even at the station my superiors would make fun of me. Such a lovely face for such an ugly job, what would a woman be able to do in a job made for men?

- if you don’t know shit stop wasting my time - I tell her - my business with him has nothing to do with you.

With that I grabbed my helmet getting up from the chair, I gave her one last look before turning around to leave. I didn’t expect anything less from such a lowly person, people don’t go around giving information like that and just asking around wouldn’t help on my investigation. All I had was a face of a man I wasn’t sure I saw on a crime scene involving the most wanted criminal in our country. A face that could be the into finally wining this case.

It is only the beginning, I shouldn’t feel so pressed into resolving on my first night, things take time and patience. I know just how much time Namjoon has spend working in this case and so far he hasn’t gotten a little closer to ending the case. Probably for the fact that our stating might be helping the enemy this whole time, things became much bigger ever since I found that out. I can’t just give up now.

- there is only one place he would go at this hour…. - she suddenly said behind me.

With a long sight I turned back to her, anger boiling over every cell on my skin. What is she blabbing abolitionist now?

- what would you know? - I retorted back.

- ouch - she said, the smirk falling from her lips - I’ll tell you anyway it is up to you if you’ll believe or not.

She got up from her sit taking her purse with her, turning around the table she walked towards me stopping closer then I would wanted her to be. She looked me up and down before whispering;

- you’ll find him in Paradise, lucky for you is not too far from here but you won’t find it in the maps - she smiled - search for the entrance of the chapel there’s only one here, it shouldn’t be too hard to find, right?

I gave her a nod as I watched her then walk away towards the bar, she left a couple of dollars there before leaving the place. A chapel? I almost laugh at the idea, it made sense it she meant Paradise.

If she really meant what I thought she did, I would be in big trouble. Paradise as in a nightclub in downtown one of the biggest ones were only high class members where allowed to enter and participate, from what I hear around the station and what Namjoon would tell me sometimes this wasn’t any ordinary nightclub. Agust D was the one who made that place be what it is now, from what Namjoon told members from all mafias would gather there to negotiate and make deals. The night club of criminals made by criminals. No one was ever able to get infiltrated inside Paradise, all this years no one has ever been able to get closer no one could find it the police was never capable of it. How would I be able to get there was another mystery I would have to find a way to solve. This was a heavy theory in my mind now, only a theory since I’m not sure of the words of that red head woman. It weights too much to not be true, if he really is part of the Min mafia he will be there too.

I quickly made my way out of the restaurant, putting my helmet on as I climbed over my motorcycle. The red head was still there in front of the noddle shop, lighting another cigarette she looked up at me blowing some smoke in the air walking towards me she stopped beside my motorcycle.

- here - she handed me a small piece of paper - I hope you survive there, chances are you won’t live there alive.

She smirked turning around to leave walking down the side walk. I looked down the paper she gave me, eyes scanning the red queen card made of gold behind it was written “Paradise” in cursive. I quickly put it inside my pocket taking off on my motorcycle, going inside was never on my mind as I drove there fallowing what the red hair told me but, I would have to figured out a way of getting the confirmation I needed. If anything that woman told was true I was already one step ahead of my station has ever been in this investigation, I must find Paradise first and then I would have to figured it out what to do next. I have no idea how the place looks or if it has any security around on the outside.

It didn’t took me too long to find the place the red hair mentioned. The only chapel around this area was the New Gods as it said on a small plaque beside the big gate covered in vine. I scoffed at the name, those people have a weird sense of humor to think they are some kind of god. The gate was half opened when I made my way inside, not looking back I drove slowly there through the dark road not wanting to make my presence noticeable. The deeper I went in I could finally see the light from the place, taking into my eyes the entire building as I stopped a bit further from it.

I took off my helmet still on my motorbike Paradise was a luxurious and extravagant building, it had three floors looking from the outside I had never seen such place like this before it was more like a mansion then a nightclub. Who would thought behind all those trees a place like this would be hidden? The entrance was spacious yet there was a big line of people standing to get inside, people from all kinds dressed up with designer from head to toe. Fancy cars parked in front of the building from all sorts, for a second my eyes runner around looking for a black Porsche but there was none.

I should start looking for him now, taking a single step now wouldn’t be a good decision from here I could see at least four security guards at the entrance of the building and two more over each side, the place was probably secure from all around. In the middle of this parking area was a big fountain with the statue of a woman standing roses grew all over her body as water fell down inside the fountain. I notice two more security guards around there, the place was surrounded by them. Not only security guards bother me now but the fact that this place was filled with criminals that wouldn’t hesitate to kill me in a second if a make a single mistake now. I must make sure to secure a plane before I make a move, for now I should watch everyone, how they act, how they speak, how they dress every detail on them was spotless. Every single person here was very well dressed the smell of expensive perfumes mixed with cigarettes, woman wearing beaut dresses and jewelry that shined so bright under the lights I cloud see it from further away. Who would thought criminals would know how to dress so well?

I guess we know too little about this people. But they are not just any kind of people.

Looking at myself on the mirror in my motorcycle I sighted, they would spot me too quickly if I look like this. I’m no way near them in looks now, all I could do for now wasn’t much. I fixed my hair a bit leaving it messily loose, opening a few buttons of my white shirt making sure my chest stands out more. I checked myself one more time before getting up from my bike, this would have to do for now. It is not like I’m going inside, but for now I must make sure no one notices me around here.

If I get to see him going inside Paradise or leaving is already a win. I could fallow him from there.

- I never seen you before lady - said a male voice behind me.

I immediately froze in my tracks, that’s was too soon. I almost curse, turning around I see two security guards I had spot before closer to the fountain. I should’ve had measure my moves better before.

- oh is my first time - I answered nervously.

They both looked at each other and chuckled, one of them had white hair while the other one was a brunette both taller then me dressed in a black suit. My mind was running miles to think of a way to leave this situation but it seemed like even if I just say I’ll leave now they won’t let me leave.

“chances are you won’t live there alive.”

Red hair word’s suddenly flew to my head and I wanted to instantly kill her, of course she would tell me to come here, she knew something like this would happen. So even if she did spoil Yoongis location without him knowing it would be alright, especially since I wouldn’t be too dead to do anything.

Shit.

- sorry lady we can’t let you in… - the one with white hair said.

Double shit.

I wanted to curse even more now, being an intern at the station meant nothing when you couldn’t even use a gun. Your supposed to know how to and be good at it. But they only allow you to have one when your officially a police officer. Although a shooting and two guards killed right now wouldn’t do much to help me pass this, I had to figured something out quickly if I wanted to leave this place alive.

But before I could spit any word smother male voice interrupted me, one arm closing around my shoulder.

- she’s with me - he said softly, the arm around my neck pressing me closer to him - sorry for taking too long darling…

I turned towards the mysterious men, shocked at his sudden appearance. A few strands of his short black hair fell over his eyes, a smile appearing over his full lips as he watched me. I couldn’t make out why he suddenly interrupted this, what he even was thinking? I couldn’t let my guard down now for nothing in this world, he could be from the mafia himself maybe looking for a new victim and so was I here. Things seemed to be getting down worse the more time it passed, of course someone like me would be spotted quickly. How stupid of me to think I could blend in around the dark.

-mister Park, good night sir - said the security.

I didn’t pay any mind to the guards now, as much as I would like to thank the men beside me for interfering here I also couldn’t shake the fact that he too could try to kill me anytime, all I could think about was what his intentions could be. My eyes never leaving his figure so close, I notice a tattoo on his neck that said “tailored of chaos” as he turned back to the security guards, the white silk shirt he whore exposed half of his chest that from my sight i also spotted another tattoo on his chest but I couldn’t make out what was written on his skin.

- can we enter now gentlemens? - he asked in a low deep voice, his arm sliding from my shoulder to my waist. Making me gasp in surprise.

- of course sir, please excuse us. - the brunette one said as they both made way for us to leave.

I let the man guide me towards the entrance of the building, heart beating fast in my chest. What does he want from me? I couldn’t help but think I must have put myself in such situation now, I couldn’t ask for help now. If anything happens I must make out of it alone, fear was not an option but definitely not something I could avoid feeling. Common y/n now is not the time to chicken out, just keep going and don’t forget your mission here. With that in mind I decide to avoid the glances of the people around as the guy besides me guides me between them all, as we walked towards the entrance of Paradise and the closest we got I notice how they seemed to be eyeing us from head to toe, the smell of expensive perfume and cigarettes getting stronger. The guy he’ll my waits tighter as we walked up the stairs to the entrance, those who were in line making way for him to walk. The security guard didn’t question him once and simply opened the door for us to entered.

He must be someone very powerful if no one questions his authority, on the contrary everyone seemed to like him since they all couldn’t take his eyes off him for a single second. His beauty was undeniable and I had to admit that, he also smelled really good.

I felt completely lost at the sight of the inside of Paradise, if it made justice to its name god this place was far from it. Everything in here was perfectly placed as the most luxurious place I’ve ever seen from the expensive marble floors to the high-end appliances, the high ceiling covered in detailed artwork and enormous chandeliers made of crystal shining beautifully above us. Everything was above and beyond the standard of “normal”, the window from outside were covered closed from any light with large velvet curtains the place was enormous having a stage at the end of the other side were some woman dressed in lingerie danced and in front of it was a dance floor already filled with people while the rest seemed to be sitting on the tables further away from it and closer to the entrance. Some woman walked around almost naked with trays with drinks as well as some men, I felt my cheeks heating up at the sight, gosh were did I put myself now. My eyes kept wondering around anywhere were no naked people stood finding refuge on the bar behind us taking almost the entire wall with drinks some people were already ordering drink there.

The place was filled, loud music played the heavy fast beat deafening my senses was almost too much. I never liked places like this, but now here I’m. I always seemed to find myself in situation I hated.

- first time darling? - the man beside me spoke into my ear, turning me towards him he never once let go of me.

- ah yeah I… - completely lost i could nearly make out what he said.

- you are so beautiful - he said, hands resting on my waist.

He held me against him a smile filling his lips as he seemed to stared at every detail on my face, my cheeks going numb from nervousness. This was not what I expected, how am i supposed to get away from this situation?

- tha-thank you… ahm - I felt stupid, I couldn’t find my words not my voice under the loud deafening music making him lean closer to my face dangerously closer making me instantly lose my breath.

Shit.

- it’s not everyday i find such a beauty riding a bike like that…. - he said over my ear again, so close I could smell his citrus scent - I must admit that you capture my attention as soon as you entered.

- you saw me? - such stupid question, I felt surprised at his words I could nearly hold myself from reacting.

- hard not to - he only smiled leaning back, eyes going back and forth between my lips and eyes I notice.

His skin seemed to shine more under all the colorful lights above us, his eyes looked sharper now maybe from the dark makeup he wore, maybe he was doing on purpose to lure me in. But it was undeniable how beautiful this men looked, for a moment i almost lost myself on him, how he kept talking on my ear his low and smoky deep voice that spoke to me in the most sultry manner deliberately sexually inviting full of second intentions and overflowed with desire, he smelled of aphrodisiac and sweet his white skin exposed by his silky shirt that did little to cover his body.

He had me all swept away from my mission in seconds, my mind fell completely into his trap almost giving in his silky touches. Heaving me all thinking who was this men?

I had to get myself together or I would forget why I was there to begin with, I must fulfill my mission there was not the time to play around with fire.

- sorry, I’m here to find someone - I tell him, taking his hands from around my waist.

- oh… - he seemed to realize something - then should I help you put some jealousy on him?

At his insinuation my cheeks went even hotter, what could made him think that?

- ah… not this kind of thing - was all I could say.

- humm, then the three of us can have fun - he said, a blissful smirk lifting to his full lips.

I shouldn’t be surprised yet here I’m at lost for words again, what goes around here? Certainly not nice things but this is just ridiculous, what did get myself into?

- no, not this either - i finally said, he seemed to think for a while before holding my hands in his leaning to say it over my ear.

- wow… just how naughty are you playing tonight? - he asked, playful.

How naughty? I don’t know about that, I definitely am not playing right by the law and the rules of my station all of my decisions so far could make me jobless if they find out at least if they do before I can find out any information to help on the investigation.

Getting inside Paradise the one place our station couldn’t in two years, all to follow someone who might be in the Agust d mafia our number one priority case at the station, if things don’t go well I might as well end up in jail or dead. All of the above are completely forbidden in the protocols of the police station, me being an intern they wouldn’t think twice before cutting me off completely especially if the chief director is working with our enemy.

I should’ve lay low, forget this turn back and leave. That would be ideal, Namjoon would say it so. I’m not ready, I’m just an intern, I’m weak, I’m no way near close to Namjoon capabilities. What made me think I could do this?

I just can’t help it, all this thoughts burn me to my bones. I’m tired of always letting it burn me, for once I wanna do it for myself rather I fuck it it completely or win. My aim will always be to win.

- It seems… I just liked to play with fire…. - I finally tell him, he smiles at me eyeing me up and down.

- May I know the name of the woman who stole my heart? - he said, holding my right hand above his lips.

- I’m yn - i tell him, honestly I didn’t care.

- I’m Jimin, well then Yn… - kissing the top of my hand he stared into my eyes - if your plans for tonight leave you bored, please do find me and I’ll be happy to entertain you… all night.

He made his way towards the dance floor and soon he was completely out of my sight. I took one deep breath eyes looking around the enormous place full of people, this night is going to be a long one I didn’t even know where i would begin searching this place had three floors and the fact that it was so filled with people didn’t make any easy, Yoongi didn’t look like any ordinary guys but this was simply impossible. Looking around as I make my way deeper inside the club, watching carefully every face looking for his. Everybody here seemed to be completely wasted already, laughing and talking loudly over the deafening electronic music being there felt overwhelming.

The place was simply too big, I almost bumped over some tables making my way closer to the dance floor a circle mini stage was right in the middle of it before the dance floor. I looked a bit over there but didn’t find him. Everything you could imagine happened right there, it felt so uncomfortable how those things I only heard of were right there in front of me. If only Namjoon could see it, he would snap so hard here and put those people in jail.

The red head said I could find Yoongi here, for now I had to make sure I covered every corner of the whole first floor first before I move to the next, if he really was here that was. Once I felt like it was enough already I walked back towards the bar were the stairs for the second floor where. It seemed that once you were inside that place no would bat an eye to your direction no matter how well or bad you dressed, all of this people who looked so fancy outside right now looked like stupid junkies dancing like there’s no tomorrow filling their bodies with enough alcohol to fill a barrel.

The double doors for the second floor were slightly closed, the music from the first floor was a bit muffled from here and different reform there the second floor seemed more calm. Opening the door only enough for me to enter I was meet with a complete different scenario then before, as I entered I notice the wall on my left was occupied by one bar just like the first floor bottles of alcohol filled the entire wall that was illuminated by led lights, tables were distributed everywhere filled with people as well as the first floor. Pole dancers in every corner surrounded by men throwing money at them as they danced. I walked around through the endless crowds of people, the slow beat and guitar filling my ears as I walked around. Eyes searching through all the faces I could, looking for the one scar face I needed to confront.

I don’t know for how long I’ve been searching around on this floor, my mind was completely empty as all I could think about was him I was beginning to feel helpless as I walked around and yet his face was nowhere to be seen. Was I really played like that by that woman? Should I really believe I’ll find him here? At this point I was losing any hopes in finding scar face here. I decided to go up to the third floor finding out it was a special only rooms for people to have more privacy. Not wanting to hear anything I’d regret later I decide to stay on the second floor, I tried not to think much of it as i made my way to an empty table in the corner where I could have a good vision of everything, if he was in the third floor he would come down here after his business is done but if he was on the first floor he would come up here. I hoped for that.

If anything I would just go back home, I won’t stay much longer though.

Further away I notice the guy from earlier, Jimin as he told me walking up to sit on a table with some other man one of them was truly hard not to notice as his blue hair shined under the lights above them their table was was close to a woman doing pole dance watched as they drinker and discussed something that seemed the most funny thing.

I watched everyone around me, trying to find a scar face but still nothing out of ordinary. They all just seemed to be doing the same thing, different from the people on the first floor they didn’t wasted completely themself in alcohol from what I could tell this floor was more exclusive for the people with more power who wanted to make deals and negotiate, the more I observed them the more sense that made to me. Of course they would separate themselves to take care of more serious matters.

I fixed my messy hair, felling bored from the wait. I didn’t wanted to believe that stupid red hair lied to me. Thinking I at least got here inside Paradise was the only console I had.

- here miss - a women in a black dress leaves a drink on my table.

- oh no, I didn’t order it - i tell her.

- i know - she turned to me, pointing to the direction of the other side of my table further away from where I was and closer the corner - the mister on that table order for you.

I looked over there as a cold chil run down my spine, there he was. Shit.

Sitting on the table in a darker corner but i still could make up his face, the scar was one I couldn’t forget. Still wearing the same clothes he did when I saw him this morning at my station except for his long coat, a few bottoms of his white shirt open. I came here looking for him, I needed to talk with him but now that our eyes locked with each other a chill running down my spine I felt completely frozen on my seat, he looked directly his signature smirk lifting up to his lips as he took a sip his drink eyes never leaving mine.

When did he got here? I’ve been searching this entire place for hours already and not a single sign of him and now here he is. He must’ve just gotten here. How could I’ve miss this?

I quickly got up making my way towards his table through the people around the place, my heart beating faster the closer I got to him eyes never leaving his till I finally close enough but, before I could even get to him, two security body guards stopped me. After all this time wasted, being played like a stupid little girls by this people from downtown I’ve had enough of this game, I didn’t spear the security a glance pushing their hands away from me.

- I need to talk to you! - I told him, he didn’t look at me now as if I wasn’t even there.

The other men on the table with him looked at me with a bored expression they chuckled with each other, the sight made my blood boil inside me. I simply had enough of men and their ridiculous behavior.

- I said i wanna talk to you Yoongi! - this time I said it louder, at his name being called the other man on the table looked from me to him as if expecting a reaction from him.

He put his glass on the table in front of him, I notice how he clenches his jaw before his eyes land fully on me sharp as always. The entire ambience changing with him, the air felt thicker then before harder then before to even breath. I didn’t say anything, my words were lost somewhere in his eyes.

The two guards behind me pushed me closer towards him one of them hitting my knee making me kneel in front of Yoongi, I heard the click of a trigger being pushed my heart skipping a beat at the same time. I was sure one of them had a gun already pointed to my head, I couldn’t look up at him anymore. Embarrassed was an understatement, I felt my entire face boil with anger if only I had a gun now.

- everyone leave now - at his command everyone that was at the table left one by one.

Another click of the trigger but I held myself from shaking, I felt completely helpless there. I hated that more than anything, if only I had a gun now I would have killed those stupid people but, I didn’t and just like last time I was the one at gun point. I knew myself and what I was capable of, making a harsh decision now that I’m so close to finishing my mission would be foolish. Too many people around.

Once it was just the two of us he moved closer to where I was, his expensive shoes filling my vision as I didn’t dare to look at his face.

- you have a way of being stupidly fearless don’t you? - he said, sounding closer then before I could tell he leaned forward to me - but I gotta be honest, you managing to get inside Paradise… not everyone can do that, especially not just an intern.

The mentioned of my position was a mocking towards me, a pinch into my chest that boiled more anger then ever before this whole time i held up so much of this mockery it burned my skin switching from all the fear in my body to an anger I never felt before.

I looked up to him, leaning forward as well face to face with him. He only chuckled but I wasn’t going to back off now. My whole body felt like it was on fire.

- yet… here I’m - i spat, rage burned inside my recklessly I stared straight into his eyes the more I looked the more fire I felt over me.

- well, I give it to you… - he scoffed, I notice how he tightened his fists beside him - you must have a death wish then.

- not for myself though - I returned.

He chuckled, just like last time. Then reached for his glass over the table drink the whisky in one gulp, my eyes following the way his Adam apple moved up and down, he licked his lips before looking back at me.

- I’ll warn you this time… - leaning closer to me again, he held my cheek aggressively - stop making decisions if you don’t wanna end up dead. This is not your little sunshine city, cop.

Eyes locked with his as his face were mere centimeters away from mine, his breath filled with whiskey hitting my lips. The air was thick enough to be cut with a knife, I couldn’t find my breathing completely immerse in his pool of darkness sharp eyes staring right into mine the more I looked the more they seemed to burn like fire.

I held his wrist tightly pushing it away from my face, I got up sitting beside him this time as I rested my arm over the couch.

- why are you so worried about me? - I asked, so much blabbering for someone who’s a criminal. Why would he warn me? Didn’t his body guards just pointed a gun tome?

He chuckled turning towards me his eyes seemed to shined.

- what do you want with me? - he asked, his face becoming serious again - it must’ve not been easy to get in here, I wonder what happened for you to do all this work only for me?

Now I was the one who chuckled.

- you just have to ask the right people - I said, remembering the red hair woman I took out the queen card she gave me putting it over the table in front of us - I must admit, it wasn’t easy… Yoongi.

His jaw clenched at the mention of the name. He leaned forward to grab the card, inspecting it. I watched his expressions but he seemed neutral about it although I could tell the car had some meaning to him. He chuckled before turning back to me.

- you have no idea where you’re getting your self into - he said, leaning closer with tight fists over his lap.

-then… please do explain to me - I replied, in the same tone - are you working with the Min mafia? I saw you at the directors house. Spit it out.

His features changed dramatically, he only chuckled. It was getting on my nerves already, every time I ask him he would respond with a mocking laugh eyes shining through his laugh. He knew something I didn’t, under all this mask was something much bigger I rather die then leave this place without any answers not after everything I’ve been through to get here.

I angrily held him by his shirt pushing him towards me.

- are you working with them?! - i spat, anger boiling my nerves the more I stared at his smirk - if not, why hide?

He stared at me angrily before holding my wrists tightly taking my hands off of him hardly, holding them tightly against the couch beside both my sides.

- if you keep asking about this around downtown doll, you’re going to get yourself killed - he whispered back against my face.

I bite my lip in a stupid attempt to hold my anger drowning his attention towards it.

- now…- his voice a mere whisper over my lips - leave before i shout police officer and everyone one here pills off your skin - he said, eyes going back to mine as he smirked.

- I can take care of myself - i retorted. Breathing hard as anger filled me, he only laughed more.

- yeah… I saw how you took care of yourself last time - he said, turning his head to the side smirking - almost got you and your brother killed.

- fuck off! - I pushed him away with both hands on his chest, getting up from the couch.

Before I could even take one step away I was pulled back by the waist from behind turning me back to him, his face was mere centimeters away from mine he held my chin with his hand tightly the metal from his rings cold against my face his body fully against mine, I could smell his strong cologne mixed with cigarettes reeking from him.

- such lowly words…. - his lips brushed against mine while his brown eyes burned into my eyes with anger - If you do that again, I’ll put this beautiful mouth of yours to good use other then speaking trash, understand doll?

At that moment I couldn’t say anything, I was frozen on the spot. My skin burned where his body touched mine, i should be disgusted but all I could think off was how dunk I felt at his breath against mine, how his mixed cologne did nothing to help the more I looked into his eyes the more my body seemed to give into his. Yoongi wasn’t just any other men, something about him draw me towards him like magnet. Besides everything and all the darkness that surrounded him in every aspect, his eyes burned a fire I never capture before. I wanted to hate him but I hated myself more, I hated how every fiber in my body seemed to desire his at this moment after all that I’ve been through because of him, knowing his one of them. How dare you body give in so easily.

He knew the effects he had on me, he knew exactly what he has done the smirked over his lips telling that. He turned to my cheek sliding the tip of his nose against my jaw down my neck till he stops just above my ear, my breath was completely lost chills running down my skin as if I was under a spell losing all my senses.

- you want this too don’t you? - he whispered against my neck, his hot breath hitting my skin making me shiver under him - i wonder… if you’re still going to be this brat once you find out who I’m.

- who are you then? - my voice was a mare whisper I seemed to finally have found.

- the one who’s going to ruin you - he said, hands holding my waist tight - completely… and entirely.

Pressing his body against mine his wounds burned me in the most blissful way, my head was over the clouds every sound and anyone else was completely muffled i gasped at the feeling of his wet lips over my skin holding his shoulders for support at the felling of his tongue over my neck as he then sucked over it hard I tried to push him away but it was useless, he held me by the neck sucking on it harshly a low groan from him vibrating over my skin it felt painful even more after he bit into it, I punched his chest in a failed attempt to make him stop but it all only made him hold me tighter against him. Leaving a long lick over my neck afterwards he looked back at me in the eyes, I looked at him angrily.

- why did you do it? -I breathlessly asked him.

- what? Did you wanted it to feel good? - he taunted, smirk dancing over his lips.

I felt my cheeks heating up at his words, not saying anything would be better. Especially since he clearly know just how desperately my body gave into his touch.

- sir…. Consigliere is here. - another men’s voice said from behind me.

His eyes fell were the men stood behind me, still not letting go of me.

- I’ll meet him in a while - he said to the men.

After some some time I could tell the men must’ve left as Yoongi turned back to me.

- now you… - he looked at me up and down, hand sliding down from behind my neck over my back. He seemed to be pondering something in his head before his eyes meet mine - you should leave.

- I’m not done with you - i tell him.

- but I’m - he smirked, eyes falling over my neck making me instantly cover it with my hand - isn’t it past your bed time cop?

I scoffed, taking his hands from over my waist looked at him one last time before turning away to leave hearing his low laugh as i did so. I checked my phone to see the time, shit guess I’m not getting much sleep tonight.

Next?

Taglist: @missmin @whipwhoops @glosstwn @i-have-no-life-charlie @kooslilhoe @catlove83 @taegicity @ginger-coffee-addict @rosquilleta @tarahardcore @liveyun @manuosorio @thvlover7 @4ukiyo4 @sukonsukuna @passionandsuga @missroro @btspurplesky @crystallizedtime @i-am-invisible-for-you @celticcountrygal @dancerninjastudent-blog @fairywriter-oracle @m4gg13-g @alexxa013 @unadulteratedlyunique @kpopmultistantrashsstuff @anaspectoflife @younhakim29 @slinekyu @nochookiee @strxwbloody @yoongislatinagff @pandafuriosa60 @nattjuless @cuntessaiii @fatmaortiz

[milkywaydrabbles]

12 and 10 fluff with Alucard 🥺 he is feeling insecure about his scars, and about his own being, considering himself to be a monster, and then reader calms him down

A/N: Me pouting the entire time I wrote this bc I love alucard sm and I hate thinking of him sad lmao. I hope this one is okay and that you like it, I'm not sure if it's my best work ): mwuah

"Hold me" "I wish you could see how I see you" x Alucard

Some days are easy. Some days are nice walks in the park, getting free loaves of freshly baked bread because the village people are so grateful for everything he’s done. Some days are sweet, simple, enjoying the day with the love of his life. Other days?

Other days are hard. Terribly so. 

Today was a hard day. A mental rain cloud had been brewing over Alucard for the last few hours, starting when he saw himself fresh out of the bath, scars seared into his skin from what could be one of the most terrible nights of his life. The traumatic events flashed in his mind, rendering him still with fear. Fear that it’d happen again, with you, fear that he’d be useless in the face of danger if someone came for you, fear that he even had the capacity of thinking you capable of such wickedness. His hands trembled, staring at himself in the mirror, a tear escaping from his eye before turning away from the mirror, dressing quickly and getting on with his duties for the day. He didn’t want to think about it anymore.

But the fear had latched onto him, growing and festering into an ugly cycle of feeling self conscious and not good enough, hating the way the scars look, hating the way the scar his father left behind looked. His body marred with imperfect skin, showing the world his weaknesses. The rain cloud had split open and a thunderstorm loomed over him, retiring much earlier from his chores than intended. He threw himself into his studies in hopes that he would forget the sick feeling in his stomach. 

“Adrian, honey?” Your sweet voice called out to him, and it broke him out of his stupor. He forgot about dinner. A dinner that he insisted on helping you with. And he left you there to finish it all by yourself. Alucard felt miserable. He’d been brewing in his own misery; he had been ignoring not only his duties to the village but to you. You must hate him, you must think he’s so selfish, and lazy, and no good, and-- “Ah, there you are!” You smiled, skipping over to him before noticing how rotten he looked. “Adrian? Are you okay?” You worried, bringing a hand up to his forehead. He tried his best to put on a brave face, shaking his head. “I’m fine, love, don’t worry about me. I’m sorry I lost track of him, I left you to prepare dinner alone.” He stood, ready to put on a facade for the rest of the night, lest you think something awful of him. 

But you knew him better than anyone. 

“Dinner can wait, why don’t we just go to the room for a bit?” He wanted more than anything to stay distracted and not think of the burning his skin felt today. But he knew you wouldn’t let him continue to wallow. Alucard sighed, saying nothing and heading into your shared room. You gave him space, sitting across from him. You didn’t ask any specifics, not needing them. All you needed to know is that Alucard wasn’t feeling his best, and that you would do anything for him. “Adrian, sweet boy...what can I do to help?” Your soft voice nearly ruined him, a broken sob escaping without his consent. The palms of his hands pressed into his eyes, hating more than anything in the world this was happening. Now was not the time to look weak. But he needed you, needed to feel grounded. So he broke. “Can you...can you hold me? Please?” He let out a shaky breath, and silently you moved to him, cradling his head in your hands and bringing him closer to your chest, Your legs wrapped around his torso, trying to cover as much of him as possible with yourself, hoping that whatever was tormenting him would slip away with your presence. 

“I’m sorry--I’m sorry love, I fucked up and I missed dinner. I didn’t mean to, I lost track of time and--” You hushed him mid sentence, rocking him gently back and forth in your arms. “Tell me what’s really going on, this isn’t about dinner.” Alucard steadied himself, releasing a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. “I can’t stand looking at myself. Not with these disgusting scars.” Your heart shattered hearing how awful he talked about himself. You cursed the world for ever hurting your sweet boy like this. “Adrian, light of my life, fire in my veins, my handsome man--you’re perfect.” You kissed his temple, running a hand over his hair. “The scars are a reminder that you persevered. That you survived.” You gently reminded him, and another kiss. “I wish you could see how I see you. I love every detail about you, I’m so sorry you’ve endured the life you have, but I am so grateful that it has brought you to me.” Slowly, you untangled yourself from him and sat on your knees before him. You took his hands that had loosened from his eyes, kissing each wrist. You pushed the sleeve of his shirt up, kissing the patches of scar tissue that showed through. You moved to his chest, kissing the scarring that showed through the shirt, and mirrored your actions to his other arm. You let go of his arms, wiping away the remaining tears that stained his cheeks and kissed his eyelids, before pressing your forehead to his. 

“You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met in my life, inside and out. And that includes the scars. Never doubt yourself, or my love for you. I’ll be here with you, until the ends of the Earth.”

[gayfanservice]

could i please get anything with submissive!gale? thank you!!!

Tried to romance him and got rejected twice lmao

WARNING: 18+, hand job/fingering, no sex, takes place in the shadow curse/act 2

*********

The grass crinkled under your shoes, soft steps taking you towards a small clearing. The sky had turned, no longer the disgusting, murky black, but filled with lights, dancing together in a serenade. It was beautiful. Blues to purples with a little bit of green consumed the air, blocking out the dark sky. You almost forgot about the curse with the beautiful display above you, how it illuminated everything, bringing the dead plants to life with every flutter of movement. Your eyes trailed down to the culprit of the beautiful display, heart fluttering as as they landed on Gale. His hands mindlessly moved, slow but fluid motions.

The light from both his wandering hands and the sky shone around him, engulfing him like a blanket made from heaven. Glowing. A stunning, glowing angel, all for you.

You took a deep breath, trying to calm the fast beating of your heart, and continued forward into the clearing. Gale turned with a smile, albeit a little startled, “Oh, you came!” He had an undertone of nervousness evident in his voice. This wasn’t the first time you two snuck out in the middle of the night, but every time always gave you the same feelings: nervousness, excitement, admiration, thrill. This certainly won’t be your last time sneaking away from camp.

You sat down on the oddly colored grass, unable to tell what color it should be, and leaned your weight onto your hands, your hand dangerously close to Gale’s no-longer moving hand. You felt him shiver. Small, but noticeable. “I just love this time of night.” You both stared into the faux sky, watching as the colors continued their dance. You could feel his hand twitch next to yours, small movements of yearning, begging to be let out. That’s what he said the first time you found him here, “I just love this time of night”, and you didn’t disagree. He always put on such a magnificent show when it was it’s darkest hour.

Your hand found his, clasping it and bringing it to your lips, giving a soft kiss to his knuckles. His breath staggered, grip tightening ever-so slightly. No matter how many times you show affection, it always sets his heart ablaze. The good kind, of course.

Gods, you’re beautiful.

You moved to your knees, un-occupied hand softly cupping his face. His dorky smile spread across his face, eyes crinkling as blood rushed into his face. No matter what you say, words could never express how beautiful Gale was. They would never do justice for what you feel. Unworthy words for such a worthy man. You were down bad for this man.

You leaned in, taking his lips in your own, hand traveling across his casual attire, ruffling it up, with the other caressing his face.

So, so beautiful, my darling.

Gale broke the kiss, his smile too wide for his lips to properly kiss, “Gods, what did I do to deserve you?”

Get kidnapped, duh.

He laughed, the melody melting your heart as he bent his head, hiding his flushed face. “How could I forget?” You chuckled, cheeks hurting from smiling for so long.

You leaned into him, kissing his face wherever you could reach, slowly pushing him down until his back hit the grass, “You are doing my laundry after this, right?” He chuckled to himself as you sighed, nodding your head and rolling your eyes in a mocking manner. You dipped your head again, kissing the tattoo-scar thing on his neck, feeling him swallow, shaking in excitement. Your hands lowered under Gale’s tunic, feeling the soft, hairy flesh underneath, pushing the fabric up and over his chest and exposing his skin to the wild. Straddling him, you bent at an awkward angle, leaving kisses on his happy-trail to his nipples.

Gale took in a sharp breath, arching ever-so slightly as your tongue twirled, a hand massaging the other.

“Fuck,” he breathed out, panting, silently begging for you to touch him more. His pants were tight, uncomfortable, his dick pressing hard against the garments. You separated from his nipple, tugging at Gale’s shirt until he hastily tore it off his body. You unbuckled his belt, moving it just enough for his dick to pop out. Your hand wrapped around it, slowly, agonizingly slow, pumping his cock while his face contorted in pleasure. Gale’s breathing became heavier, eyebrows forward as tightly as they could and eyes shut tight. “Fuck, faster, please,” he whined. Sweat traveled across his skin, dampening his hair and beard.

The sky was back to it’s ugly nature, Gale no longer able to concentrate on anything but your hand on his cock.

Patience, Gale, or I’ll go back to bed and leave you to tend to yourself.

You both knew you wouldn’t, but Gale wouldn’t push his luck. Instead, he laid there, hips and muscles twitching as your hand slowly moved.

You suddenly stopped, silently snickering at Gale’s noise of complaint, a whine in his voice as he pouted at the lack of attention, and gripped his pants. The two of you awkwardly shimmied his bottom garments off, throwing them wherever behind you and grabbing a jar of grease that sat beside Gale. Where it came from you did not know, it was not there when you first came, but you were not about to stop what you were doing to ask a wizard where something came from.

Gale felt so exposed. The cool air causing him to shiver every few minutes, cooling him off from the intense heat his body felt because of you. How you poured the slippery liquid onto both of your hands, lathering up his dick and massaging his asshole. It wasn’t rough, nothing you ever did to him was. You made sure to make him feel good; to feel secure. To make sure he knew you cared. Gods, not even Mystra could compare to how gentle and loving you handled him. Never forcing him to do anything he didn’t want, not telling him to kill himself so nothing threatens you, and actively trying to deter him from killing himself for Mystra’s forgiveness.

Gale’s thought process short-circuited as he felt a wet finger enter his ass, an equally wet hand returning to his attention-seeking cock stroking faster than before. His back arched high, legs bending instinctively as he let out a moan, high and loud. He felt embarrassment rise in his chest, covering his face as you let out a snort.

Careful, if someone hears you they might wanna join. And I’m not sharing.

“Oh, shut up.” Gale groaned, silently praying to whatever god of luck that existed to not let anyone hear the noise that left him. He shuddered, your hands still moving, up and down and in and out. His arms relaxed, falling to the ground above his head. Such simple touches but such extreme pleasures.

Another finger entered, both prodding around until they find that sweet spot. You watched Gale, face scrunched and letting sinful noises leave his open mouth.

“Please, just a little- fuck!” Gale tensed, head thrown back and pushing against your fingers inside him. His legs bent, spreading as your fingers grind against his prostate, thighs shaking and breathing growing heavier. You kissed down his thigh and up his stomach, hands keeping a steady pace as you continued up his sternum. Gale’s hands gripped your shoulders, crinkling your shirt as he let out sweet moans into the night air.

You stopped, again, and straightened your back, taking in the view of Gale completely fucked; his hair was everywhere, his body was glistening with sweat, cock hard and red, muscles twitching and quivering. It was delicious. Gale whined, “Why… why did you stop?” He was breathless, heart pounding in his chest and a dull ach in his dick.

Just thinking how lucky I am to see you so fucked out, y’know?

“Oh my gods, will you please shut up?” He smiled through his fingers, covering his face once again as he groaned, hearing you quietly laugh to yourself. Gale pulled you towards him, silencing you with a kiss. You moved against each other, bathing in each other. Gale exhale against your lips, his breath shaking.

“Please, please just- just let me cum,” Gale bucked his hips into your hand, desperately trying to get himself off.

I don’t know, Gale, do you deserve to?

You snickered as he whined, hands in a complete stop as he fucked himself. “Please, please,” He continued whining, begging for relief, for anything to get him to his climax. He was such a beautiful sight.

Gale’s had enough teasing, it seems.

Your hand stroked fast, the pre-cum and grease squelching. “Fuck!” His head was thrown back, entire body shivering as ripples of pleasure tore through his body. His muscles tensed and un-tensed, hands gripping the grass below him, ripping out strands. The hot pool in his abdomen grew hotter, the pleasure ripping through him like a tidal wave.

Gale let out a groan as cum shot out of his cock, body spasming as you stroked him through his orgasm.

His breathing was heavy, sweat poured down his forehead and covered his body, making him glisten in the moonlight. You removed your hands from him, awkwardly holding them away from you as you watched Gale.

Good?

“Good,” Gale said with a satisfied smile.

*********

Do NOT follow if you use she/her pronouns

Read the rules before following

[electrikworm]

Human Shield: Part 1

Since Wrecker can remember, he's put himself in harms way to protect his brothers. He always knew he'd be the one to execute plan 99.

When things start going wrong on a mission, Wrecker comes to understand that the day for that sacrifice has come

Or how Wrecker got his scar.

--

Content warning: Self-sacrifice, thoughts about dying

Decided to post this in multiple parts, mainly because I wanted to share this bit already :)

Inspired by this post by @squad-724

Enjoy :)

Read on Ao3

The last few droids present panic at the alarm, leading to them being easier targets than usual. Even through his armor, Wrecker can tell the air is getting dangerously hot around them. They haven't got long. Thankfully, it isn't far to the exit.

When they were growing up, it didn't take long for Wrecker to be much bigger than his brothers. So, he started shielding them. It became one of his unspoken duties.

Wrecker tanks hits and draws fire whilst his brothers complete their objectives. It feels right, quickly becoming second nature. Wrecker knows that's why the Kaminoans made him this way.

As useful as his knowledge in weaponry and explosives is, that usefulness pales in comparison to his brothers abilities. He can arm and disarm bombs as fast as he likes, Tech's mind, Crosshair's sharpshooting and Hunter's senses are what get missions done.

But Wrecker can keep them alive. That's what his enhanced abilities are really about.

At some point during their cadet years, Tech started a digitalized and numerically ordered list of their plans. It grew along side them, some plans so obscure they'd never get to use them, some just added as a joke.

They all have favourites, plans they've been waiting to call for years. Wrecker has favourites too, mostly ones that allow him to show off his expertise in demolitions. But the one plan Wrecker considers his plan, the one he'll have to execute one day, is the one he likes least.

Plan 99, the plan to lay your own life down for your brothers, for the mission.

Wrecker always knew the day would come, and when it does, he'll be ready to do what he needs to do. For his brothers.

He has a bad feeling about the mission from the start. Something feels off. Hunter feels it too. He seems on edge.

Everything goes normally, well even, for most of the mission. But Wrecker stays alert. And it's a good thing he does.

The room where everything goes wrong houses a generator of some kind. Huge and powerful, large pressurized tanks fuelling it. They cross half the room fine, taking out droids as they go. But then a siren starts blaring, and the large machine makes unnerving noises.

It's overheating, going to explode. Wrecker's the first to understand what's happening, yelling for his brothers to run, get out of there as fast as possible. It's unclear weather the reason for the danger is a trap set for them, or a genuine malfunction. They don't have the time to consider that.

If those doors don't close, they're all dead. As fast as Wrecker and his vode can run, they'll never get far enough away from the explosion. With the door shut, there'd be a buffer between them. Wrecker internally curses the separatists for their bad safety measures, even if there's a high chance this was done on purpose. Wrecker tries the door once more, to the same result.

They clear the room, Wrecker slowing down to make sure his brothers get out. But when he goes to shut the heavy blast doors on the generator, something's wrong. It won't stay closed. It shuts, but then it hisses back open sluggishly.

The rest of his squad don't seem to have noticed, still running on.

It suddenly hits him that there's no way they're all leaving here alive, that this is the day Wrecker's been aware would come. This time when the two sides of the door slide closed, Wrecker grabs hold of them, pressing them together. His arms burn with the strain, but Wrecker pays the feeling no minds. It's not like he'll live to experience the consequences.

A strange calm washes over Wrecker. He's spent so long thinking about this day, about dying for his brothers, that the feeling's almost familiar. It's strange, thinking that he woke up that morning, not knowing he wouldn't live to see another.

He had plans, things he thought he'd do. They'd picked up some interesting fruit the day before and Wrecker was looking forward to trying them. He'd also promised Tech he'd help do maintenance on the Marauder. He'll have to manage without Wrecker, though he's sure Tech will do fine on his own.

Wrecker rests his helmet against the door. He can't tell if he's imagining it, or if he really can feel the heat from the other side through the metal. He briefly wonders what will kill him first, the explosion, or the ceiling's imminent collapse. Either way, he's going out with a bang. How in line with his personality and interests that is almost makes Wrecker laugh.

It's a stupid thought, but for a moment, Wrecker considers what will happen with the stuffed toys he's collected over the years. They take up a decent amount of storage space on the Marauder, so it would make sense for his vode to get rid of them. Wrecker hopes they keep Lula. His brothers made her, so she's special. She also doesn't take a lot of space.

“Where are you Wrecker?” Hunter's voice over the comm channel startles Wrecker. He sounds almost irritated. It dawns on Wrecker that he completely forgot to announce what he's doing.

“Plan 99. Finish the mission without me.” There's a slight tremor to Wrecker's voice thanks to the strain of forcing the door shut. He's entirely composed otherwise.

“What?” Crosshair hisses.

“What do you mean 'plan 99'?” Hunter asks, throwing Wrecker somewhat. He didn't think Hunter would forget a plan, he never has before.

“Self-sacrifice, remember?” Wrecker says, trying to remind his ori'vod.

“We know that Wrecker.” Tech says.

“You're not dying today, vod.” Hunter says. “Get your shebs over here, and that's an order.”

Wrecker laughs. “Can't do that, sarge. Door won't close, and if it doesn't, the fire'll just funnel though the corridor and kill us all.”

“Wrecker.” Hunter's tone is warning.

“I can hold them closed.” Wrecker says, sighing softly to himself. A metallic creak resonates behind the door. He's not got much longer, but his brothers will be safe. “It's what I'm made for.”

For a moment, Wrecker hears the commotion of his brothers talking over each other, then, it's all drowned out as the generator finally gives out. The explosion is deafening, unbearable heat enveloping Wrecker as the door warps and breaks under the pressure. Pain grips Wrecker's body like a vice, the world around him still impossibly loud as the building caves in.

Then, everything goes black and Wrecker is plunged into nothingness, thoughts of his brothers safety quieting any fear that threatened to rise in his chest in that final moment.

[pastelpaperplanes]

How did Optimus get the scar on his chest?

also for a knight he doesn’t really have a lot of scars which could mean he’s either really good or really inexperienced (or both)

The scar on his chest is from this incident right here!

Granted this AU doesn’t have a linear plot in mind organized, I‘ve just used this event as a major conflict Megatronus and Sir Orion face. It would take place not long after Optimus finds out ‘Megatronus’ is actually King Megatron himself. Obviously this reveal wouldn't go down so well, making their partnership out of convenience so much more high stakes now that Optimus knows that this mech he’s shared his journey (and his heart) with isn’t after a bounty on the sacred Allspark at all–but has every intention of securing it by any means necessary to save his own people.

In the height of all this drama, Megatron leaves Optimus’ side per the Knight’s wishes, soon after facing a near blinding blizzard and getting ambushed by a hoard mercenaries who caught word of the mission and had every intention of taking both down getting everything they knew about the Allspark out of them. Optimus ends up following after Megs (those damn FEELINGS) and ends up taking a couple of very nasty hits by the straggling few Megs managed to miss after he was finally brought down! Here is where KOBD shows up to pull the near frozen mechs out of the snow and drag them along to the Dinobot Isles where they eventually recover

He doesn't have many scars, but the arrow wounds definitely are the worst of them.

And you're right, it's a bit of both!

Optimus, Sentinel and Elita were all knighted about a decade after the Great War. The Council found themselves in need of a lot more Guard leaders with the looming possible threat of the Decepticons making a return, as well as the dire need for spirited and eager to serve young mechs to venture out for their kingdom to recover the Allspark, wherever it may be. All three nobels were set on the fast track for knighthood due to their status, as well as their prowess on the training grounds.

There were few things that could keep Optimus’ mind occupied from the weight of being the last member of House Orion, pushing his skills and body to the limits in his training seemed to work best. Out of his partners, Optimus was without a doubt the most experienced and promising of all.

Knight Elita’s untimely death was a terrible loss for both the Guard and Council, as Iacon lost one of it’s most promising potential command units which quickly fell apart due to grief. Sentinel and Optimus never emotionally recovered and the rift between them was to great for even the Council to make attempts to amend, such wasted potential…..Knight Optimus was promptly demoted from his station after claiming fault for the incident, however, he still holds the title of Knight for ceremonial/status purposes despite being removed from official service.

Since all those years ago, he does not lead any guards whatsoever and he mostly helps to train young and plucky new guards in basics. (He is the favorite instructor of just about every soldier that comes his way) So no, Optimus has not seen true battle nor faced much injury in his time as a ‘glorified’ Knight within Iaconian walls. Again, grueling training, and now his ragtag group of unlikely friends, Bulkhead, Bee, and Ratchet, are some of the few reasons that gets Optimus up in the morning.

Currently though, the quest to recover the Allspark is his sole purpose in life so that he may pay his penance to his Kingdom and Elita. He’s faced a lot of danger throughout his quest, but with Megatron watching his six, very few have come close to touching him.

[enpr-ss]

My favorite things about Grian, Joel, and Scar's 100 Hours in Hardcore series:

The way Joel and Scar instantly joined and kept away from Grian JUST TO TROLL HIM. They wasted 0 time and fully committed to the bit. That it's on the Last Life server and so everyone's whitelisted, there's no advancements to give it away in chat, is just perfect. How Grian didn't expect this to happen at all when it's obviously the logical and in-character thing to do. And he's trapped between them too.

The timer that really shows how much effort these mcyters put into their content, and also their skill at the game to get all this done in a relatively short amount of time. Early game really is such a pain, but resource gathering and building took them much less time than the average player. And pretty much all the usual stuff are done around the 50 hour mark.

Of course Scar takes advantage of the easier crafting recipe for TNT and gives Grian a terrible present. And of course Grian's luck in it unearthing the coal he needed. And of course Scar steals the enchanting table.

Grian's luck is insane. I've never seen such easy gathering of ancient debris.

Grian immediately needing rescue by Joel from the nether because he trapped himself while trying to prank Joel. Classic Grian luck.

They brought Jimmy on specifically for him to be mob bait, and PVP is enabled ONLY for him. Classic, because otherwise Joel and Grian would have ended each other's series already.

The foreshadowing of Grian arrogantly stating that he doesn't need a chestplate, running ahead of Jimmy who literally Only Had One Job, and dying immediately because he didn't have a chestplate. All because he wanted to get totems for Scar. Ironic.

Grian's build looking like he longs to be back skiing

The completely unfair death games and the completely predictable prisoner's dilemma results where they BOTH have to wear the armor

Everything about the hunters. All the stupid deaths. The scuffedness of it all. The mustaches. Minecraft pvp really is stupid.

The whole bit with messing with Grian's oxidizing copper

The giant Scar-sized mattress beds to mitigate fall damage. “Wait it’s getting night do you have a bed?”

The raid negotiations.

How Scar just makes everyone throw safety out the window. The endermen. Bridging with trapdoors.

“Hey Scar” creeper farm that he could added like 3 more layers to and tripled the efficiency rates.

Everytime he bullies Jimmy. “I know I got that type of face”

Joel being absolutely insufferable about one-upping Grian in hours, not dying, having a helmet, having a taller base, etc

"I think I’ve just sacrificed my wife for a nether star." “If you have a mustache you can come back apparently”

The pink Technoblade axolotl!!

Joel’s squeals are so high pitched and utterly hilarious to hear.

Joel’s chaotic murder energy.

“We should make out”

WHY DID HE JUMP ON TOP OF THE TNT MINECART. WHY.

Joel's streak of falling into his own traps continues. The hunters gearing up on his stuff, the wither not doing anything, dying to his own tnt minecart.

Scar's absolutely terribly dangerous base and playstyle. Giving everyone heart attacks. WHY IS HE PRACTICING WATER BUCKET CLUTCHES ON A HARDCORE SERIES?!?!? Why is his portal so dangerous. My heart can’t take this omg. WHY DIDNT HE TEST HIS ROLLERCOASTER?!? And of course it nearly kills him. The plank of doom is so anxiety inducing omg.

The foreshadowing with Grian worrying about enabling Scar’s death via elytra.

Grian and Joel having a blast on the minecarts while he struggles with it despite being the one WHO BUILT THE TRACKS. Him being stuck between Joel and Grian on the tracks along with the pillagers as a highway robbery moment is also very. Well. Tropey.

Them bullying Scar with their elytras is so good everytime. The whole endbusting shenanigans.

Scar's completely on brand and predictable death. "Can I have a mustache?" HE EVEN HOVERED OVER HIS 0 DURABILITY ELYTRA. The totem was even in his hotbar. “I made it out of surgery for this?!”

[twst-drabbles]

OCs 1

Summary: Danger only continues to climb, leaving behind more and more scars and injuries that you have just gotten almost numb to. But, of course, your friends have to react to it, because they care too much.

(Yaaaaay I got all the main requests out! Now I just have the Fish's Eye to get through. Eventually. I will be opening up the inbox for all requests at some point. Keep an eye out for that! Also hehehe, my OCs! I swear, I do care about them!)

Just when you think things are fading, that the scars and old injuries on your body were receding, something always comes around to mess you up all over again.

It really feels like you’re getting used to risking your life for the sake of saving people. In your mind, they’re your dumbass friends, but you really can’t call them that when you’re over here being a bigger idiot than any of them.

You don’t have magic, and magic refuses to heal you in the way it does others. But you go on anyway, letting your legs take you forward to grab another reached out hand, another knocked out body, and shield another person caught unawares.

You stopped keeping track how many bones you’ve fractured, how many scars you’ve gained, how nerves you’ve damaged.

You’ve almost learned to live with it, but, as always, you can’t really keep to that state of mind.

Not with all these students reminding you every so often.

“I don’t understand how you can forgive them,” Valenio hovered by the doorway, clearly intending on following right behind you as some sort of moral support. “After all that, I feel uneasy even being in the same room as any of those housewardens.”

As if those same housewardens also don’t feel uneasy whenever you’re in the same room. You’re not some taboo subject that shouldn’t be seen or touched.

Valenio means well, you know that, but it irritates you all the same.

“Don’t think about it too deeply, buddy,” you sighed out as you walked past him, “It’s a mess, but I can handle it. Just, focus on your own things, ‘kay?”

Antas was… more direct about it.

“Simply put, those pixies of yours wouldn’t stop filling my ears with their bell-like voices,” Antas waved about, as if they were still ringing in his ears, “Injuries and scars such as this are rare, you know. They think your body is giving up on you, that you’re on your last legs.”

Ah, that explains the stacks upon stacks of berries, tiny potion jars and other get-well commodities you’ve seen being left on your window as of late. But, even with that truth of those pixies concern, it’s easy to see that this was just an excuse to stretch out his own brand of concerned.

“Yeah yeah, don’t pay it too much mind,” you’re trying to keep it out of yours in the first place, even through all the occasional pain and itching, “If I’m actually dying, you’ll know about it.”

Tul’Veith is gentle to you, infuriatingly so, whenever you two meet up. He was already straining himself worrying over his body and studies, and here he was, constantly struggling to bring you more potions just to help you out.

“It took me a little bit, but I managed to get my hands on some amazing ingredients. Uh, here, this one should help with pain.”

And, you have to push it back to him. You know he’s not telling you the whole truth. He pulled from his own treasures that he used on himself, to help his own ailing body.

If you let Tul’Veith start with this worrying, he’ll never stop. And you’ll get distracted, and probably even think that you need this and drain him of everything he has.

“It’s fine. I’ll figure it out myself how to deal with it.”

Just, he really needs to stop.

And Vio, he seethes. Well, he’s always seething against something, like the whole world has somehow wronged him in every way it can think of. But, when you’re around, it seems as though it gets deeper, more sour.

He bites into his lips until they start to bleed, and he tugs at his hair until it’s out of its ponytail and is just a curly mess.

“Sorry, I didn’t sleep well at all.”

But, he doesn’t point anything out. He trudges on and at least pretends to have a normal day, coming up with every excuse to explain his mood rather than blow up in your face about your recklessness, and blow up at everyone else that gave you these scars.

You leave him alone, because as much as you appreciate him not saying anything, you don’t want any part of his mood.

Cheridal’s been persistent. He comes over to your dorm more and more, often taking up task that are generally tedious to do, like cleaning your forks and spoons to a mirror shine.

“Really? Nothing to talk about or say? No anger or resentment to speak of?” Cheridal asked as he wiped away every drop of water from your utensils before putting it in its proper drawer.

“Stop fishing, Cheridal,” you flicked water at him, almost cringing when your rubber gloves slipped down your arm, but you tugged it back with your teeth, “I don’t hate anyone. I don’t need anyone to take revenge for me.”

“Just, saying, the offer is still open.”

So he says, like he wasn’t eager to correct a perceived injustice. Your feelings are more than enough to get him to act, doesn’t really care if everyone else did something wrong or not.

You won’t let something like the state of your body be the reason you hate anyone. This was just the result of your actions. A reminder that not even magic would be able to save you if you do anything too stupid.

Whatever happens, you’ll be sure to face it as best you can.

[eternadreeblissa]

In my last reblog y'all probs noticed I got thoughts regarding Courage... Here they are!

No cuz like, imagine Courage wants to be seen as reliable and dependable for you and stuff. He's the hero and everything, definitely uses it as a way to woo you (it barely works ^^") Then again, even if he probs couldn't make you fall for him, his pride and image of being a hero (especially in your eyes) is something he would want to keep afloat and standing. Oh but don't worry he can crumble those walls down just a tad if you insist enough he takes care of himself more than his own pride (in exchange for kisses—). But, if there ever comes a time he's weak and everything, but you're in grave danger? Perhaps even near death's door? Nothing is stopping him from standing up, his back to you with his head facing forwards the enemy or whatever could harm you. His head can be bleeding for all he cares, he can even lose a limb or two, nothing is stopping him from protecting the love of his life. Maybe you'll yell at him, call him every name in the book, for being reckless and stupid for putting himself even more danger for you. But you know what? He doesn't regret it, one bit. All of that was worth it if it meant you live on, that you won't get hurt. So he won't have to live with the fact he failed to save the one who he loved the most, or that you'll have nasty scars reminding him of his failure. He doesn't care. Maybe he's an idiot, maybe he's a little aware he's a handful. But this idiot, lovesick fool will be ready to throw his life away for you because goddesses' be damned if anything happens to you.

(oh no more thoughts. Just darling or reader yelling at him for being reckless, then Courage yells and everything and there's a fight going on and—)

(...I can't say I'll write a fic, I'm already busy with my drawings and comics and other fics I'm writing on! But I can write some dialogue for those Courage enjoyers. Just dialogue tho. I'll whip up smth maybe, this is good food munch munch. Feel free for any writers and artists to illustrate the idea in whatever they could! Can I just ask to be tagged? 👉👈 I do enjoy people's interpretations 🥹 maybe it'll even be more delightful than my own!!)

[hamliet]

while i was rereading the grandmaster of demonic cultivation again its about the two woman that came to lotus pear sisi and bi cao, there was something its about the reaction the cultivators had about there stories I was thinking what these two woman represent?

Hi! I've written a meta on Sisi before--she's one of the most important minor characters, I think.

I think her pairing with Bicao exists to make the reader ponder their own questions about what righteousness means and what justice is. After all, Sisi is a prostitute who openly admits to sleeping with married men, is coerced into assaulting someone to death, and is physically scarred. On the surface, she seems like someone society will and does indeed condemn.

But Sisi is the bravest, most righteous character in the entire story. She is not ashamed of what society and life have done to her; it's not like she had a choice in any of the above, after all, and while it's convenient to blame her, she had literally not a shred of freedom her entire life. At least not from whenever she entered the brothel, and we know from Jin Guangyao's comments about Meng Shi that the women there weren't there out of their own free will.

And yet, Sisi comes forward knowing people will condemn her purely to get justice for the other prostitutes who were coerced into this and then murdered. They were the ones not even brothels wanted anymore--too old, too sick, too ugly. The ones every last bit of society threw away, and she came to face scorn solely to get justice for them. She directly says this.

In contrast, Bicao came forward for money.

Now, that's not inherently a bad thing. Bicao is a servant. She's part of society, unlike Sisi, but she's not well respected or anything like that. However, Bicao knew about Qin Su's mother being raped by Jin Guangshan, knew about the Jins being siblings, and said nothing--fair enough. There's nothing wrong with wanting to survive. Where we do get into dubious moral territory is when she directly goes to Qin Su and gives her the letter.

Wei Wuxian himself notes that Qin Su had to have immense trust in Bicao to instantly believe its contents. She emphatically states that Bicao would never lie to her.

But Bicao also knew the likely outcome of her revealing this to Qin Su--that it endangered her, that she would probably be suicidal if not in danger from her husband, and Wei Wuxian directly says this as well. Bicao handed the letter to Qin Su for money knowing it would mean her misery, ostracization from society at best, and death at worst.

Bicao's not a blood relative of Qin Su, of course, and there's a tendency to be like "oh, she's a servant, she owed her nothing." To a degree, sure, but also to another degree we're absolutely supposed to compare and contrast Bicao's treatment of Qin Su with Wei Wuxian's treatment of the Jiang family, and with of course Sisi's treatment of her sisters in the brothels (which we know was always the case from how she protected Meng Shi). Wei Wuxian was derided for his disrespect of the family that took him in despite being the son of a servant, yet gave literally everything, even his golden core, to try to help the Jiangs.

We're also supposed to compare and contrast Bicao and Sisi, both of whom reveal information damning the child they once protected. Bicao did it for money and was aware of what she was doing. Sisi did it for justice and, as far as we know, was not aware that Jin Guangyao was Meng Yao.

This itself of course leads to questioning Nie Huaisang's quest for justice and whether his justice is the same flavor as Sisi's. He freed her because she served his purpose, not out of any desire to free her because she is a human being who doesn't deserve to be locked up forever. He paid Bicao to sacrifice Qin Su, who was completely innocent. Yes, he couldn't have known everything that came from his actions but he definitely knew the likely possibilities (again, Wei Wuxian explicitly says this).

These comparisons invite us to question justice and its link to power, to society, to what we owe one another, and to what it means to be righteous. These are good thematic comparisons wherein the point isn't even "Sisi good" and "Bicao bad" (which can be true even while acknowledging that Sisi is framed much more positively) but instead a multilayered approach designed to provoke questions rather than simple answers.

[angeart]

fic recs

speaking of fanfic tropes, i was meaning to make a post about my absolutely favoritestest fics that live in my heart rent free.

in no particular order:

• you came at the brink of the end of the world

[AO3 link] - by anonymous

currently unfinished at 84k words and 21/? chapters

insane about this one. insane. it's beautifully written and scar calls grian trouble (best thing ever and nobody can convince me otherwise) and grian is a bundle of unknown magic and memory loss and trauma and it's just overall great. trust me.

this is from the official fic description:

[grian is falling from the sky, scar has more magic in his blood than he realized, and everyone else is so much better at seeing than they are]

tags include strangers to lovers, slow burn, hurt/comfort, memory alteration, pining, found family...

---

• and like an arrow, you broke me down.

[AO3 link] - by mochiwrites

currently unfinished at 81k words and 14/? chapters

traumatised sad birb grian gets thrown straight from the grief of 3rd life into the middle of last life. of course the first thing he does is get away from southlands (martyn???) and beelines for scar. there's confusion and emotional damage and man. it hits hard and it's wonderful and i absolutely love this one. also a beautifully written fic (yes i'll say this for all of these bECAUSE THEY ARE!)

tags include angst, hurt/comfort, PTSD, survivor guilt, protective scar/grian, touch-starved scar, and canon typical things like violence and referenced suicide

---

• closer to another shore

[AO3 link] - by remrose

currently finished at 56k words and 15/15 chapters

this one is sooo heartfelt and heartwrenching and sad and good and. it just makes you feel things. the way they delicately navigate around each other. the way it all goes up in flames anyway because they can't have it any other way. the way their steps keep bringing them inevitably back together.

scar and grian start as exes, with the circumstances of their break up murky and mysterious. and scar needs help, and grian offers himself.

there's a lot of pain and guilt and weakness (because how can they help but be weak towards each other?) it's wistful and tragic and hopeful. it's. it's something. (and did i mention it's beautifully written?) (it is) (just go read it really.)

(i'll also throw this bait at you. this bit. this: Grian was the absolute most infuriating man Scar knew. It was a shame he loved him to death.)

tags include soul bound, mating rituals, panic attacks and anxiety, hurt/comfort, chronic illness, insomnia, guilt, slow burn

---

• lost in the dark (he's got a heavy heart)

[AO3 link] - by definitelynotshouting

currently unfinished at 51k words and 9/? chapters

this one. THIS ONE. gosh where do i even begin. there are some deep, raw, self destructive feelings here. grian is a watcher in the sense that he is a creature that feeds on emotions, and he's dangerous and starving, and things have gone so very wrong. he just doesn't want to hurt anyone ever again. he's going to do everything he can to take himself out of the picture just to prevent that. (yeah this one is HEAVY.)

the writing. the writing. it's so so so beautiful. i know i keep gushing about the same thing for all of these fics, but. there's something so intricate and pretty in the way the words are woven in this one. i'm absolutelly entraced by the language. it's so pretty.

this is the hunger au if any of you are familiar with that name.

like i said, this one is a whole different kind of heavy. tags include angst, hurt/comfort, suicide attempt, starvation, eating disorders, body horror, trauma, self-harm, injury... (the light at the end of the tunnel is the recovery tag mkay)

------

if you go read any of them, make sure to look over AO3 ratings and warnings and tags for cw/tw stuff!

[imaginingmarvelandeverything]

Brothers and Bank Heists

Pairing: Jason Todd (version unspecified) x F!Reader

Warnings: Jason being angsty, mentions of crimes, guns

Word count: 937

A/N: Here’s part 6 of Castle of Glass! I know I said I would post a Convenience blurb today, but I wasn’t going to have time to edit and post this tomorrow. So, I’ll be posting the convenience blurb tomorrow instead. Anyway, I hope you like it!

Masterlist

Series masterlist

Ko-Fi

Jason had never wanted to slap himself more. Y/N had been in his lap, her fingers tangled in his curls, kissing him in a way that made him feel like he might combust on the spot. She had felt so good beneath his fingers, like everything he ever dreamed she would be. But then she had moved to take off his tie and he knew his shirt would follow. He couldn’t let her see his scars, remnants of the life he lived, and was continuing to live. The danger of who he was the only thing on his mind so he’d pushed her away and stumbled over apologies before running to get Dick. And he knew Dick could tell something was wrong, and he wouldn’t blame Y/N for coming completely clean and telling Dick everything now.

He took a deep breath and tried to clear his head as he looked out at the darkened city. His hands twitched over his holsters, practically begging someone to give him a reason to get involved so he could take his mind of what had happened.

Gravel crunched behind him and he spun, gun automatically raised and level with the other person’s head. Dick just raised his hands and gave him a sheepish smile, his eyes hidden beneath his domino.

“What are you doing on this side of town?” Jason practically growled, re-holstering his gun and turning back to face the city.

“You seemed pretty rattled when you ran off, and Y/N was pretty tight lipped about what happened other than saying she had a panic attack on you.” Dick walked closer. “I just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

He sucked in a breath through his nose. “I’m fine. Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s sleeping in my spare room with Haley.”

“Good.” Jason muttered, hating that his first thought was it was good she wasn’t on her own because she wouldn’t be able to sleep if she was.

Dick hummed in agreement. “But you’re not fine. If this is about what happened last week, we’ll get him again, we always do.” Dick said softly, coming to a stop next to him but making sure to leave space between them.

“That’s the problem, you keep catching him and throwing him back in Arkham, only for him to break out and hurt more people. It’s a never-ending fucking cycle. He needs to die.” Laughing started echoing in his ears and he bit hard into the side of his cheek, grounding himself as the taste of iron flooded his tongue. “That’s not what’s bothering me tonight anyway. What the fuck are you doing going after Black Mask?”

“She told you.” Dick winced.

���She pointed him out while we were dancing. She was under the impression that he was just a mob boss, not Black Mask.” He finally turned to completely face Dick, only for Dick to suddenly find the view interesting.

“I hadn’t got round to explaining all the finer details of his operation.” Dick turned back to look at him. “How the hell do you know he’s Black Mask, anyway?”

Jason sighed. “I did a few jobs for him when I first got back. Look, I’m not proud of it okay. I got out as soon as I realised arms weren’t the only thing he was trafficking. He’s a tricky bastard to get info on, so if you need any help on this, I’m more than willing to pitch in.”

Dick nodded, studying him closely. “Thanks. I might take you up on that, I’d rather not involve B and the others in this one.”

“Alright.” Jason said with a nod.

“It was good to see you tonight. You looked like you were having fun.” Dick said hesitantly.

“You don’t have to keep feeling guilty about my death and pretending to care if I’m happy or not, you know.” Jason had to force the words out and he refused to look at Dick, keeping his eyes on the skyline.

“Is that why you think I’m doing this?” Dick’s shoulders dropped. “Jay, I’m never going to stop feeling guilty about your death, I should have been there for you and I wasn’t because of my stupid pride. And I do care about you. I’m not pretending, you’re my little brother. I want you to be happy, you deserve to be happy after everything.”

Jason had never been more glad for his helmet as he blinked back tears and swallowed thickly. He had no idea how to respond to what Dick had said. But Dick seemed to realise that because he changed the topic again.

“Thank you, though, for getting Y/N out of there when Luthor walked in. You should have seen Bruce’s face, I thought he was just going to tackle Luthor there and then.”

“He would have deserved it.” Jason said.

“He would, but there’s only so much Bruce can pass off as a drunken mistake.” Dick smiled when Jason snorted, before raising his hand to his ear and switched on his comm. “Nightwing… I can be there in 20 minutes, which one exactly… Alright, on my way.” He tapped his comm again and turned to Jason. “Someone’s attempting a bank heist downtown, fancy lending a hand.”

“God, yes.” He followed Dick, glad for the distraction.

Part 7

Taglist: @fives-coffee-cup @xnorthstar3x @xx-all-purpose-nerd-xx @literally-a-ferret​ @thomaslefteyebrow @elleclairez @shimmeringgrim

(shoot me a message to be added/removed)

[rotationalsymmetry]

Gonna write a bit of ATLA meta about Uncle Iroh.

Since I saw a post that rubbed me the wrong way, but in the opposite of the way posts about Iroh usually rub me the wrong way, so I'll need a bit of a lead up to explain why both approaches are wrong. Spoilers ahead.

When people look back on a story, they tend to compress it in their minds, as though everything happened all at once. People have a static image of Camelot that includes both Merlin and Lancelot, even though they were never both at Camelot at the same time.

And I think when people look back at Avatar: The Last Airbender, they look at it knowing that Zuko joins the Gaang in the end, and knowing that, they forget how Zuko looks and what Zuko does at the start of the story. Because Zuko is a pretty unambiguous classic cartoon villain at the start of the story.

He's substantially more powerful than the protagonists (look at how easily he bats Sokka out of the way.) His goals are in direct opposition to the protagonists' goals, and if he is successful it will be disastrous to both them and the world. And like most cartoon villains, he's personally a dick: he's constantly angry/impatient, he lashes out, his introduction isn't quite like Azula's where she tells the ship's captain that she expects him to be more afraid of her than the tides, but he does treat the lives of his crew as disposable in an early episode, when there's a storm. (He gets better at the end of the episode, call that foreshadowing.) He's even got a scar on his face, in the long tradition of physically disfigured villains.

And once you've watched the whole show once, sure, it's hard to see him that way. And you can point to some signs that he was going to come around -- he didn't kill anyone (that we know of), when Aang let himself be captured in exchange for Zuko leaving the village alone, he did leave it alone, rather than backing out on his promise once he could. But so what? Plenty of unrepentant villains have a sense of honor and will keep their word, makes for interesting stories.

The point I'm trying to make is: there is only so much one show can do, only so much story they can get in to one story. And in that finite amount of story, they spent a TON of time showing the audience that no matter how much of a villain someone looks to be at first, that villain is still a person.

And they also spend a lot of time showing other people are people. Random Earth Kingdom civilians like Haru. Random Earth Kingdom guerilla fighters like Jet. When we get to the Northern Water Tribe, we find a bunch of people who are just people: old men who are set in their misogynistic ways but maybe can be coaxed into changing, young men who are kind of jerks (but who still don't deserve to die at the hands of an invasive force), young women torn between their own desires and their sense of duty, people people people. And when we get flashbacks to the Air Nomads, they're people: some more serious, some more fun and flighty, just people. And when we get to the Fire Nation, they're just people.

So let's look at the rest of the Fire Nation royal family. Azula's a sympathetic villain: she's scary, she's dangerous, she does appalling things, we see her suffering and the show gives us enough information about her and her family's dynamics, the way their father played them off against each other, to see why she did what she did. Azula ends the story in a situation similar to the one where Zuko is at the start: Zuko starts having lost everything and nearly everyone who ever mattered to him; Azula ends having lost everything and everyone. And we don't see that with Ozai, all we get of a potentially softer side of Ozai is a picture of him as a small child, but it's a short story and there's only so much time and it's not really about Ozai, and surely we can infer that there is something like Azula's story in his, something going on where to him his actions made sense.

Something going on where if you had Ozai's life, his background, his circumstances, his worldview, maybe you would act the same.

What I mean is, Zuko did not become a person because he stopped being a villain. His personhood was there when he was a villain, and was still there when he joined the heroes. And Azula's personhood and her villainhood can coexist. And Ozai's villainhood and personhood, with a little extrapolation, can coexist.

And Iroh. The Dragon of the West, the general of the great siege of Ba Sing Se. He's one person. He doesn't need to be split, either you ignore the harm he did or you decide that the harm he did means he must suffer for it, must be punished for it. He can be a person, and a person who did harm, and a person who did harm for reasons that made sense to him at the time, this is all one thing, it is all there in the story, not all of it is there for Iroh because it is not Iroh's story, but if you look at Zuko's story and Azula's and Chit Sang (guy at the boiling rock they tried to escape with) and Jet and Jeong Jeong and Hama and Yon Rha and Hei Bai, and how things went down with Aang in the Avatar Day episode (ie the town that wanted to punish him for a very old murder that the Avatar did, and they were in the wrong for that even though the Avatar did kill the person they said the Avatar killed) and what happened in The Great Divide (ie that ultimately it didn't matter who was at fault) it's all there in other parts of the story, you can extrapolate.

Iroh doesn't need to be punished, not by anyone else and not by himself in the form of feeling agonized over the harm he caused (much as I love angst in fiction.) Nobody needs to be punished; suffering is bad, causing more suffering does not make other people's suffering less. And he doesn't need to be innocent and pure to not deserve punishment. He's not innocent. He did a lot of harm. We can infer that he caused that harm for reasons that made sense to him at the time, whether they make sense to him in retrospect or not and whether he actually did have better options under the circumstances, which he may well not have. We're all people. We're all people. We're all people.

Like it or not, agree with it or not, ATLA is about forgiveness, about not seeking revenge, about not increasing the amount of suffering in the world by taking an eye for an eye. The story did not punish Zuko for having started on the wrong side, even though he started out as a stereotypical cartoon villain and he would have caused unspeakable devastation to the world if he'd succeeded at his initial goal. And it would not punish Iroh for what he did. And anyone looking for either a way to completely exonerate Iroh -- pretend he has never done anything harmful in his life -- or to criticize the show for not having him punished for his wrongdoing, has completely missed the central theme of the show.

Which is not separate from any imperialism/colonialism is bad messaging you want to draw from it. The show is not claiming colonialism is bad because it sides specifically with the Water Tribe or with everyone-but-the-Fire-Nation. It's against colonialism because...colonialism is bad...for people. Who have inherent value, whose lives have inherent value, whose lives do not stop having inherent value when they harm other people. It's one message.