#and then when i ask her where the hell her shit is

[a-lexia11]

Crossing the lines (part 3)

Ingrid Engen x Putellas!reader

Alexia Putellas x sister!reader

Word count:3,7k

Warning: angst,ankle injury.

Part 1 , Part 2

“Qué coño está pasando aqui?!” (What the fuck is happening here)

Your eyes flew open at the familiar voice of your sister.

You and Ingrid sat up quickly, your hearts racing, as you both turned to face Alexia, standing at the end of the bed, looking absolutely livid. Her eyes burned with fury as they fixated on Ingrid.

“¿Alexia? ¿Qué haces aquí?” you asked, your voice laced with confusion. You were still groggy from sleep, struggling to grasp the situation. (Alexia? What are you doing here?)

“No importa lo que estoy haciendo aquí!” she snapped, her voice dripping with anger. (It doesn't matter what I'm doing here!)

“¿Puedes decirme por qué coño Ingrid está acostada a tu lado?!” she yelled, her hand dramatically gesturing toward Ingrid, as though the sight of her was an offense in itself. (Can you tell me why the hell Ingrid is lying next to you?!)

“I—” you began, but before you could form a proper response, Alba burst into the room.

“Alexia, ¿por qué estás gritando?”Alba demanded, her face clouded with concern. (Alexia, why are you screaming?)

But when her gaze fell upon you and Ingrid, her eyes widened in shock. “Oh…” was all she managed, her mouth hanging open.

“What are you doing in bed with my little sister?!”Alexia barked, now switching to English, her tone even sharper as she directed her accusation straight at Ingrid.

“Alexia, por favor sal de mi habitación. Déjanos despertarnos bien y te explicaremos todo.” you told her, frustration building in your voice as her anger started rubbing off on you. (Alexia, please get out of my room. Let us wake up properly, and we’ll explain everything)

“¡No! ¡Quiero saber todo ahora mismo!” she shot back, the vein in her neck bulging with every word, her whole body tense and on the edge of exploding. (No! I want to know everything right now!)

You exchanged a desperate glance with Alba, silently begging her to step in. She nodded subtly before placing a calming hand on Alexia’s arm.

“Alexia, esperemos por ellos en la sala. Dales un minuto, se unirán a nosotros. Déjalos despertarse.” Alba said, trying to diffuse the situation, gently tugging her sister toward the door. (Alexia, let’s wait for them in the living room. Give them a minute, and they’ll join us. Let them wake up)

“Okay,” Alexia growled, shooting one last withering glare at both of you.

“¡Deja la puerta abierta y apúrate! ¡Tenéis cinco minutos!” she hissed before storming out of the room with Alba. (Leave the door open and hurry up! You’ve got five minutes)

As soon as they were gone, you exhaled heavily, collapsing back against the bed. “Mierda,” you muttered under your breath, glancing at Ingrid, who had stayed silent the entire time.(shit)

Ingrid reached for your hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “It’s going to be okay. We can finally tell them the truth,” she said, her voice soft but sad, trying to manage a comforting smile.

You nodded, though your stomach churned with anxiety.

“She’s really angry,” you said, your voice small as you looked down at your intertwined hands.

“I know, I noticed… but it’s understandable. She’s just being protective. I’ll be right there with you, okay? You’re her baby sister, and she’s trying to look out for you,” Ingrid reminded you, leaning in to place a gentle kiss on your lips.

“¡APÚRATE!” Alexia’s voice thundered through the house, shattering the moment. You jumped, pulling back with a sigh, realizing you couldn’t delay any longer. (HURRY UP!)

Together, you both got out of bed, freshened up, and dressed quickly. With heavy hearts, you made your way to the living room, where Alba and Alexia were waiting, the tension in the air thick enough to cut through.

As Alexia paced the floor, biting her nails, Alba sat quietly on the couch, watching her sister with concern.

You and Ingrid entered the room, slowly making your way toward the couch. Alexia didn’t waste a second.

“Explain,” she demanded, her voice sharp.

Taking a deep breath, you began recounting everything—how it all started with that coffee shop conversation, the moments at the park, exchanging numbers, the dates you shared, and how it evolved into this. As you spoke, Alexia's expression darkened, her anger intensifying.

“¿Entonces qué? ¿Ahora son novias?” she asked, her eyes darting between you and Ingrid. (So what? You’re girlfriends now?)

You exchanged a glance with Ingrid, uncertain how to answer. It had never been explicitly discussed, but you both made it clear your relationship had grown beyond something casual. Before you could respond, Ingrid squeezed your hand and spoke up.

“Yes, we are,” she said, lacing her fingers with yours.

Alexia’s eyes burned as she stared at your joined hands, disbelief etched across her face. “¿Tuvieron sexo?” she blurted out. (Did you have sex?)

“Alexia!” you and Alba exclaimed in unison, both shocked by the question.

You glanced at Ingrid with an apologetic expression as she recoiled at Alexia's words.

“Alexia, entiendo que estás molesta, pero esto no es asunto tuyo.” Alba interjected, clearly taken aback. (Alexia, I get that you’re upset, but this is none of your business)

“¿Lo hiciste?”Alexia pressed, ignoring Alba and locking her gaze on you. (Did you?)

“No, Alexia!” you exclaimed, feeling your face heat up with embarrassment. “¡Y aunque lo hubiéramos hecho, no es asunto tuyo!” (And even if we had, it’s none of your business!)

Her glare intensified as she looked between you and Ingrid. “¡Esta relación se ha acabado!”she declared coldly. Turning to you, she added, “¡Te prohibo que la vuelvas a ver!” (This relationship is over, I forbid you to see her again)

She then turned her wrath on Ingrid. “And you—you stay away from my sister.”

Your frustration boiled over. “¡No, Alexia! ¡Tengo 22 años! Puedo salir con quien quiera. No eres nadie para decirme cómo vivir mi vida.” (No, Alexia. I’m 22 years old! I can date whoever I want. You’re no one to tell me how to live my life)

“¡Soy tu hermana!” she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. (I’m your sister!)

“¡Y en lugar de intentar separarnos, deberías estar feliz por mí!” you shot back, tears welling up in your eyes. “¡Estoy feliz, y pensé que también querrías eso para mí! (And instead of trying to tear us apart, you should be happy for me! I’m happy, and I thought you’d want that for me.)

You looked to Alba, desperate for support. “Alba está de acuerdo con esta relación, ¿verdad?” you asked, your voice faltering. (Alba’s okay with this relationship, right?)

Alba’s expression was torn as she bit her lip, glancing between you and Alexia. “Y/N, nos mentiste durante semanas. E Ingrid es compañera de Alexia. Lo siento, pero Alexia tiene razón...” (Y/N, you lied to us for weeks. And Ingrid is Alexia’s teammate. I’m sorry, but Alexia is right…)

“Eso no es justo... No dijiste nada cuando Alba salió con Mapi.” you said to Alexia. (That’s not fair... You didn’t say anything when Alba dated Mapi)

You then turned to Alba, “Pensé que entenderías ya que estuviste en la misma posición” you added, disappointment clear in your voice and she looked at you sadly. (I thought you’d understand since you were in the same position)

“¡No es lo mismo!” Alexia shouted, and you turned to her, your frustration boiling over. (It’s not the same!)

“¿Cómo no es lo mismo?” you yelled back, your voice rising with anger. (How is it not the same?)

Alexia’s gaze hardened as she looked at the two of you switching to english “I don’t need to explain myself, it was not the same…now I want you to break up”

Ingrid, unfazed, tightened her grip on your hand. “I’m sorry, but no,it’s not going to happen” she said firmly. You nodded in agreement, standing your ground.

Alexia let out a disbelieving scoff. “No puedo creer esto. Vine aquí con Alba para que pudiéramos desayunar juntas, solo las tres, porque noté que no te sentías bien últimamente. Y esto es lo que encuentro...” Her voice trailed off as she stared at you, hurt flashing across her face. (I can’t believe this. I came here with Alba so we could have breakfast together, just the three of us, because I noticed you weren’t feeling well lately. And this is what I find…)

Guilt gnawed at you, and the tears you had been holding back finally spilled over.

With a frustrated shake of her head, Alexia stormed out of the apartment. Alba hesitated, her face filled with sadness as she looked at you. “Y/N…”

“No,” you interrupted her, your voice bitter. “Simplemente vete. No eres mejor que ella. Todo lo que quería era tu apoyo, pero ni siquiera estás feliz por mí. Así que vete; no te necesito” (Just leave. You’re no better than her. All I wanted was your support, but you’re not even happy for me. So leave—I don’t need you.)

You saw the tears in Alba’s eyes as she nodded silently and followed Alexia out.

Ingrid wrapped her arms around you, pulling you into a comforting embrace. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

You sniffled, pulling back slightly, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, that went well,” you said with a weak chuckle.

Ingrid let out a small laugh and wiped away your tears. “It’s going to be okay, I promise,” she reassured you.

“Thank you… girlfriend,” you smiled faintly.

Ingrid looked at you, slightly surprised. “Is that okay? I mean, I—”

“It’s more than okay,” you interrupted her with a soft smile. “I’m glad we’re official now, although I wish it was under better circumstances”

“Me too,” she sighed before leaning in for a gentle kiss.

As you pulled away, you whispered softly, more to yourself than to Ingrid, “Everything will be okay.”

Ingrid nodded, her eyes filled with affection. “Yes, everything will be okay soon…with time they’ll get over it”

But you couldn’t have been more wrong.

——

The next day at training, Alexia walked in, greeting everyone with her usual composure—everyone except Ingrid. Instead of acknowledging her, Alexia's eyes narrowed, and as she passed, she purposely bumped her shoulder against Ingrid’s, muttering something under her breath. Ingrid barely had time to react, biting her lip, sensing the storm coming.

As the training progressed, it became obvious Alexia had a target in mind. “Ingrid, push harder! You're falling behind!” Alexia’s voice cut through the field like a whip.

Ingrid, panting heavily, nodded and kept running laps, even though her legs already burned.

“Again! Faster!” Alexia yelled as Ingrid stumbled. The other players exchanged awkward glances, silently noting the unusually harsh treatment.

Ingrid gritted her teeth, her body screaming for rest, but she pushed through. She knew Alexia was still enraged about what had happened the previous night.

Any resistance now would only fuel the fire, so she stayed silent and did as told.

“Is this your idea of good defense?” Alexia snapped as they practiced drills. “You’re all over the place today!”

“Sorry, Capi,” Ingrid mumbled, too exhausted to argue or explain. She could feel the eyes of her teammates on her, each look of sympathy making it harder to endure.

By the end of the session, Ingrid was completely spent—her arms and legs hurted, and even lifting a water bottle seemed like a challenge. She winced as a sharp pain shot up her calf.

From a distance, Alexia watched her struggle, arms crossed, a cold expression on her face. She saw Ingrid grimace in pain, but it didn't matter.

This was her punishment. Alexia felt justified in being merciless. Ingrid had gone behind her back and dated her baby sister—something she could never forgive.

As the team huddled together at the end of training, Ingrid lingered behind, too exhausted to join. Her body was drenched in sweat, her face flushed with both effort and embarrassment.

Alexia’s sharp eyes flicked to her one last time, but she said nothing.

“Buena sesión, todas.” Alexia called out to the group, deliberately leaving Ingrid out of the compliment. (Good session, everyone)

The rest of the team exchanged glances, the tension between Alexia and Ingrid impossible to ignore.

“Algo definitivamente está mal” Cata whispered to Jana. (Something’s definitely up)

“Sin duda. Ha estado detrás de Ingrid todo el día”Jana responded, her voice low as they packed up their gear. (No doubt. She’s been on Ingrid the whole day)

Ingrid collapsed on a nearby bench, trying to catch her breath. Her muscles ached, and her throat was dry, but worse than the physical pain was the heavy cloud of tension that hung over her. Alexia was making her pay, and everyone knew it.

In the parking lot, Alexia spotted Ingrid walking towards her car. Without hesitation, she stormed over, her jaw clenched, eyes blazing with fury.

“You were horrible today. Do better tomorrow,”Alexia snapped, her voice cold and cutting.

Ingrid turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “We both know that’s not true. You just can’t stand the fact that I’m dating your sister,” she said calmly but firmly, her tone laced with defiance.

Alexia stepped closer, her presence almost threatening, but Ingrid didn’t flinch. She stood her ground, refusing to be intimidated.

“Accept it, Alexia. I’m with Y/N now. We’re happy together,” Ingrid continued, her voice steady as she looked Alexia square in the eyes.

“You can push me harder in training, try to make my life hell, but it won’t change the fact that we’re together. It’s time to grow up. She’s 22. I get that you want to protect her, but right now, you're acting like a child.”

Alexia’s eyes narrowed, her face contorted in anger. “Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?” she spat, her voice dangerously low.

Ingrid calmly opened the back door of her car, tossing her bag inside before walking around to the driver’s side. She paused, looking at Alexia one last time.

“la novia de tu hermana.” she said simply, the words cutting through the tension like a blade. (your sister’s girlfriend)

Without waiting for a response, she got into the car and drove away, not sparing Alexia another glance.

If Ingrid had looked back, she would have seen Alexia standing frozen in place, her face flushed red with rage.

Alexia’s fists clenched tightly, veins bulging from her neck as she struggled to control her simmering anger.

The confrontation had struck deeper than she would ever admit, but for now, all she could do was seethe in silence.

——

Over the next few days of training, the tension between Alexia and Ingrid only grew worse. Alexia was relentless, pushing Ingrid harder than ever, to the point where it became obvious to everyone that this was personal.

During one particular session, the team was playing a possession game. Alexia had to take the ball from the others, and when Ingrid got possession, Alexia’s eyes locked on her with a laser focus.

She didn’t hesitate—she charged in, tackling Ingrid hard, her foot making harsh contact with Ingrid’s ankle.

Ingrid crumpled to the ground, gasping in pain. “Ingrid!” a few of the teammates shouted, running over as the coaches rushed in.

Ingrid gritted her teeth, clutching her ankle tightly.

Alexia stood there, arms crossed, unfazed. “You need to be quicker on your feet, Ingrid. Can’t be so slow,” she said, her voice cold, ignoring the concern from the others.

Ingrid’s eyes flashed with anger, but she bit her tongue. “I’m fine,” she muttered as the coaches helped her up. Her ankle was bruised, but nothing seemed broken.

She refused to give Alexia the satisfaction of knowing she was in pain.

Later, in the locker room, some of the other players whispered amongst themselves. “¿Viste eso? Alexia fue demasiado dura.” (Did you see that? Alexia went in way too hard)

“Ha estado así con Ingrid toda la semana” Vicky added. (She’s been like this with Ingrid all week)

“Definitivamente, algo está pasando entre ellas.” (Something’s definitely going on between them.)

Ingrid overheard but didn’t respond. She just pulled her socks over the bruise on her ankle and acted as if nothing was wrong.

You, meanwhile, had no idea any of this was happening. Ingrid never told you about the harsh treatment that Alexia gave her.

She didn’t want to escalate things between you and your sister. She kept her head down, knowing that anything she said might make things worse.

Tensions between you, Alexia, and Alba remained unchanged. Since that explosive morning argument, Alexia hadn’t said a word to you, and you had purposely ignored Alba’s repeated texts, despite her trying to reach out.

You couldn’t believe she’d side with Alexia…

All you ever wanted was to be happy with someone, but instead, it felt like you had lost the two most important people in your life because of it.

And as far as you knew, your mom wasn’t aware of the argument yet. You had no intention of telling her—at least not now. You planned to wait until things calmed down between the three of you.

——

“Can you please pass me the salt?” you asked, glancing over your shoulder at Ingrid, who was busy chopping vegetables at her kitchen counter.

The two of you were surrounded by the comforting scents of garlic and herbs, the light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the cozy apartment.

“Sure,” she replied, a soft smile brightening her face as she leaned over to grab the salt. But as she moved to the other side of the kitchen, you noticed her slight limp, a flicker of concern crossing your mind.

“Hey, are you okay?” you asked, stepping closer, your voice laced with worry. “You’re limping. Did you hurt yourself?”

Ingrid brushed it off, but the slight hitch in her breath betrayed her. “Yes, I did at training… but it’s nothing to worry about,” she insisted, trying to mask her discomfort.

She handed you the salt and leaned in, her lips brushing against yours for a quick kiss, her eyes sparkling with affection.

You wanted to believe her, but doubt lingered. “You’re sure?” you pressed gently, sensing she was hiding something. But Ingrid just nodded, a smile returning as she resumed her task.

As you continued cooking, the playful banter flowed between you like a well-loved melody. But each time she moved, you caught the flash of pain on her face, a fleeting moment that tugged at your heartstrings.

“Okay, that’s it,” you said, setting down the spatula and placing a hand on her shoulder. “You need to sit down. I’ll handle the cooking.”

Ingrid hesitated, her brow furrowing in protest, but you could see the fatigue etched on her face. With a reluctant sigh, she relented and made her way to the couch, settling in with a grateful smile.

After dinner, the two of you found yourselves snuggled on the couch, laughter still hanging in the air. As you leaned in for a kiss, the heat between you intensified, igniting sparks of passion.

But as your legs shifted, they brushed against Ingrid’s injured ankle, eliciting a sharp hiss from her.

“Shit! I’m so sorry, Ingrid!” you exclaimed, pulling away in alarm, your heart racing with guilt.

“It’s okay!” she reassured you, though her voice was strained.

“Just give me a minute,” you said, quickly getting up and rushing to the freezer. You grabbed an ice pack, your heart pounding as you returned to her side.

“Here,” you said gently, handing it to her. Before she could protest, you carefully pulled down her sock, revealing a massive bruise that made your stomach drop.

You gasped, your eyes wide with disbelief. “You said it was nothing!”

Ingrid looked up at you, her expression a mix of defiance and discomfort. “It is nothing, thank you,” she replied, pressing the ice pack against her ankle. But your worry only deepened.

“What do you mean ‘nothing’? Do we see the same thing here?” You shifted closer, concern etched into your features as you placed your hand over hers, trying to offer comfort.

She chuckled lightly, her fingers caressing your thigh. “Yeah, we do, baby. But I already saw the doctor. By the end of the week, it’ll be all good,” she said, trying to reassure you.

You frowned, shaking your head. “How did you even get that?” you asked, sensing there was more to the story.

“At training,” she replied, her eyes darting away from yours.

A knot formed in your stomach, and you pressed further. “Yes, but how? Specifically?” You leaned in, trying to capture her gaze, but she avoided it, an uncomfortable silence settling between you.

“We were training, and I had the ball. Keira came for it, and she tackled me too hard,” she mumbled, her gaze dropping to her lap.

“You’re lying,” you said quietly, your heart racing as you felt the tension thickening in the air.

“No, I’m not,” she retorted, finally looking at you, but there was something in her eyes that gave you pause.

“Why are you lying to me?” You stood, frustration boiling over as you felt your heart ache.

“Y/N, I told you that I’m not,” she pleaded, rising to her feet, desperation in her eyes.

“Yes, you are! I can tell! You’re avoiding eye contact and being dismissive!” Your voice rose, the hurt in your tone unmistakable as it echoed around the cozy confines of her apartment.

You could feel the weight of betrayal pressing down on your chest, each word cutting deeper. “I can’t believe it. We’ve been officially dating for only a week, and you’re already hiding things from me!”

The silence that followed felt suffocating, heavy with unspoken emotions. You turned toward the door, your heart racing, ready to walk away from it all. The thought of leaving filled you with a mix of anger and sadness.

“What was I expecting?” you said softly, the words tumbling out before you could stop them.

“Our whole relationship is based on a lie anyways” The finality of the statement hung in the air, a bitter truth that settled like a fog between you.

Ingrid’s heart sank at your words, a crushing wave of despair washing over her. She couldn’t let you think that your relationship was built on deceit, especially when it felt like the best thing in her life.

“It was Alexia!” she blurted out, the confession bursting from her lips like a dam breaking, desperate to clarify the truth.

You froze, the shock of her revelation rooting you in place. “Alexia tackled you?” you asked, your mind racing to process the implications of what she had just said.

Confusion twisted within you, battling against the instinct to protect her.

“Yeah,” she said, stepping closer, her eyes wide and earnest, searching your face for understanding.

“But it’s not just that. Ever since she found out about us, she’s been treating me differently—harder.”

“What do you mean?” you pressed, the confusion in your chest intensifying as you moved closer, your gaze locked on hers, yearning for clarity.

Ingrid took a deep breath, the weight of her words heavy on her shoulders.

“She’s been so hard on me at training, making me do extra drills, constantly criticizing me... It’s been brutal.” Her voice trembled, the vulnerability evident as she shared the truth she had been carrying.

A fierce anger ignited within you, flames of rage flickering at the thought of anyone—especially one of your sisters—treating her that way. It made your blood boil, and you felt a surge of protectiveness rise to the surface.

You had always been someone who avoided confrontation, but this felt different; this was about protecting Ingrid, the person who meant so much to you.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Ingrid called after you, panic lacing her voice as you turned towards the door, determination coursing through your veins like adrenaline.

“Voy a matarla.” you replied, your tone serious, every word filled with resolve. The thought of letting Alexia continue her behavior without consequences was unbearable. You had to stand up for Ingrid, to show her that she wasn’t alone in this fight. (I’m going to kill her)

—————————

Tags:

@leonchef @wososapologist @marvelwomen-simp @the-hottest-avenger-loves-soccer @t0ygirl

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

🍂🍁🎃

❤️ just some tooth rotting fluff involving Eddie and his not so secret admirer

🎃💌

Eddie was in hell. Who's idea was it to do this stupid shit again?

A banner hung from outside the school that proclaimed today was Boo Day 👻🎃 a day dedicated to your boo (partner) or someone you admired.

Who had came up with this monstrosity you ask? Why that was Miss O'Donnell. She had the idea to have the day before Halloween dedicated to love. Where she had even had an idea like that was anyone's guess but Eddie was pretty certain that the old bat had lost her mind.

Or teaching Eddie for three years had finally driven her crazy.

Everywhere he looked people were cooing over mystery cards that they had gotten from a secret admirer.

This was another thing he hated about this whole day, he had to suffer through Valentine's Day, now he has to go through this shit as well? Who the hell would send him a card like that?

He'd be slightly jealous if he didn't think this was load of bullshit.

He dodges excited students dressed up as ghosts and pumpkins, students who Miss O'Donnell had cajoled into delivering cards and gifts to people who had participated in the card and gift exchange.

Finally there is a hint of escape when he barges into the drama room and breathes a sigh of relief. Jesus h Christ that was a nightmare.

It takes Eddie a second to realise that he's not alone. His heart skips a beat when he realises you're with him.

🎃💌

You're settled on one of the desks with a serene smile on your face that disappears the moment you hear the door open.

Once you see it's just Eddie and no loved up couples looking for a place to make out, you feel yourself relaxing once more.

"Hey Eddie" the haggard look on his face morphs into a genuine smile, all cute dimples and big brown eyes lighting up.

He was so cute and you had the biggest crush on him and you had planned to tell him, today in fact but his loud proclamation that this day was all a bunch of bullshit made you chicken out of handing him the card you made.

You doubted he felt the same anyway, he probably had a crush on one of the cheerleaders or someone like that.

Even if he said he didn't conform to societal standards you still caught him checking out the cheerleaders once or twice. You weren't a cheerleader or popular or anything like that, you just did what you liked and right now that was occasionally joining in on a Hellfire campaign or drawing or writing, honestly anything creative was your thing.

"So do you not have a secret admirer you made a card for?" Eddie teases and you clam up, avoiding his eyes.

"Maybe it's not like he feels the same though" you murmur and notice that Eddie isn't smiling anymore, in fact he looks kinda pissed and a little sad.

"Right, so I guess it's some popular douchebag or something?" He mutters and you try to figure out why his mood has suddenly changed so dramatically.

Was he jealous of who you liked? Didn't he realise that it was him you were smitten by. Shit what if he didn't... Feeling brave you decide to tell him how you feel and hope that he feels the same way or at least things aren't awkward between you after it all.

"It's you. I made a card for you Eddie" shit you wish the ground would swallow you up. The waiting to know how he felt was horrendous, if he laughed in your face you're sure that you'd high tail it out of here.

Instead of laughing he's gawking at you and you're ready to leave and hope to forget this all but something in his expression stops you.

"Maybe I should thank Miss O'Donell after all then" he's grinning widely and looks thrilled. "Can I see the card sweetheart?" flustered you nod and hand him the card.

It has a hand drawn picture of a pumpkin patch and you wrote inside if you were a pumpkin I would pick you 🎃❤️

Cheesy yes but you thought it was cute. Now however you're second guessing that decision and mortification fills you. Shit. This was a bad idea.

The anxiety leaves you when Eddie looks up at you smiling, he hides his face with his hair and it's so adorable.

"Aww shucks sweetheart, that's so cute. Just so you know I feel the same about you, I like you a lot princess and I'm thinking that maybe I could take you on a date"

Beaming you kiss his cheek and nod. "Where were you thinking?" he holds up your card and points to the pumpkin.

"I'm thinking of visiting the Pumpkin patch in town" he suggests and the idea is so perfect that you can't help but giggling.

"Sounds perfect"

🎃❤️

[tiredfox64]

Any chance we could get some of bihan (possibly his brothers as well, if you feel like it) s/o who's very sensitive and not super socially aware embarrassing the shit out of him in public with mushy nicknames and mentioning embarrassing romantic moments and giving him a little kissy in public. And his partners very softhearted and he doesn't want to hurt her feelings by saying anything so he just has to endure it.

A Heart Made of Soft Ice

Yip notes: GUESS WHO FELT GUILTY AND FORCED HERSELF TO FINISH THIS EVEN THO SHE IS BEHIND ON ASSIGNMENTS ALREADY ;-;

Pairing: Bi-Han x Afab reader

Warnings‼️: Too sick to proofread fully, also embarrassment I guess

We all know the saying opposites attract. Have you ever tried to push two magnets together and they keep avoiding each other because they are on the same side and you get really frustrated—why are you crying?

Let’s cut to the chase since tears are falling now. It’s a wonder that you work so well with Bi-Han. Ya know, the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei who wishes to be feared and can’t accept his adoptive brother who has been living with him for many years. Oh yeah, a match made in purgatory.

It’s a relationship that shocks many. A cold-blooded killer with a woman who cries during animal documentaries when the prey gets captured is not the usual pairing. You’re delicate like porcelain while Bi-Han is an actual ice wall. He can’t be nice to Tomas whenever he speaks his mind but the moment you speak about something that bothered you he’ll shut his mouth and listen to what you have to say. He even puts in the effort to do other expressions instead of scowling the whole time because he doesn’t want you to believe he’s mad at you. The best he can give is raising his eyebrows and opening his eyes a little, take it or leave it. He has a resting bitch face.

Many have asked you how you could be with that man. Well, it’s very simple actually. When it comes to you he tries his best to cool off. He could be mad at everyone else for the smallest reasons but the moment he looks at you he uses all his might to calm down. If he doesn’t he knows he will scare you or make you think that he is mad at you for no reason. In all honesty, he can’t afford to lose you. You know how hard it was to make you trust him? It’s like befriending a raven you can’t look at them even when they are eating out the palm of your hand.

But he genuinely needs you. You make him feel balanced. When he’s all cold and stern you soften him up like a candle to a glacier. It’s not much but it’s honest work. It probably saves his ass from making rash decisions as well. Heaven knows he gets himself into too much trouble by himself.

And when he’s in those moments where he’s silent and listening to you speak as he cools off you can do whatever. Shoot, you can call him whatever you want. Possibly something like—

“SNOOKUMS!”

Yeah, that.

Your voice echoes through the halls and into the ears of Lin Kuei warriors. Everyone pauses, processing the word you just yelled out. What’d you say? Snookie? What the hell is a Snookie? Well, you’re Bi-Han’s woman so maybe he knows…probably knows…definitely knows.

It’s the look in his eyes that tells everyone he knows. Wide and blank but his eyebrows are not arched in a confused manner. His arms were folded and his nails dug into his tense muscles. The dots connect with everyone and they slowly start looking at their grandmaster. Another yell emitted and grew louder as you came closer

“SNOOKUMS—Oh there you are!” You replied in a cheery tone. It’s much better than that banshee yell that radiates panic and desperation for your Snookums aka Bi-Han.

You run over to your loving boyfriend with a blanket wrapped around you because it will forever be too cold in Arctika. You hugged him tightly, not paying any mind to his bugged-out eyes. It’s horrifying to see him that way considering he is a man who is 80% of the time narrowing his eyes and 20% staring at others with murderous intent. But this stare is all a big question of what he is supposed to do about you. You already yelled that silly nickname and now you’re hugging him like he isn’t a man that’s supposed to be feared.

Some of the clansmen had the nerve to start snickering a little, finding your display of affection to be ridiculous. It’s even more ridiculous that Bi-Han is allowing this. But their snickering was silenced when Bi-Han slammed his foot on the ground, causing a patch of jagged ice to form and make its way to the clansmen before stopping short. He quickly covered your ears to prevent you from hearing his yell.

“Get back to training! I will not hesitate to dispose of those who are unworthy of taking the Lin Kuei seriously!”

Silence ripped through the room before everyone went back to training. Bi-Han slowly dropped his hands from your ears and you pretended like you didn’t hear his outburst. Blissful ignorance is a wonderful thing. He grabbed your wrist, a little too hard for your liking, and dragged you away till you two were a good distance away from everyone else. He let go of your wrist and took a deep breath in an attempt to calm down.

“Why must you yell that-“ he paused to prevent hurting your feelings by saying the nickname Snookums is stupid, “name when you could have easily kept quiet and looked around the temple.”

His words were not taken in since you were focused on rubbing your wrist. He watched as you looked up at him with wet eyes. Sadness is an understatement, despair and betrayal are the correct terms for how you were feeling. Oh gods, he could kick a kitten in the middle of a blizzard and it wouldn’t even look at him like that.

You felt a ball form in your throat, making it difficult to swallow. Your nostrils flared up and a heavy huff was being produced by you. And then the whining.

“Mmmmmm.”

No…

“Mmmmmmmmm!”

Hold it together…

“Mmmmmmmmmmmmeh heh heh heh!”

Wha-What the fuck—Cartman?

Your whines rose in volume and Bi-Han immediately reacted. He covered your mouth to muffle your sadness and tried to de-escalate the situation before your eyes went puffy from tears. He’s nodding his head no while staring you down. From your position, you believed he was angry at you for crying. You know he could never be mad at you but he is feeling a little panicky as he tried to figure out a way to stop you from crying.

“Shh, shh, stop—I’m not mad at you,” he said in his deep voice which didn’t help convince you that he wasn’t mad. The only way he can truly make you stop is by pulling out the big guns aka giving you a hug. He just needs to look around first to see if the coast is clear.

Bi-Han let out a low groan before wrapping his arms around you and squeezing you. It’s like a weighted blanket was wrapped around you before an anaconda decided to come around and squeeze you till you stopped crying. He managed to calm you down and you returned the hug while still sniffling. The idea that Bi-Han was not mad at you had set in and you finally felt calm. Maybe not Bi-Han, his eyes were shifting all around trying to make sure no one walked in on him being all lovey dovey.

“Can I stay with you while you train everyone?” You asked.

Bi-Han really, really, REALLY wanted to tell you to go back into the bedroom and wait for him to return. But with that tone you asked him in and your already shaken-up emotions, it would be a disaster to tell you not to stay.

“Yes…you may stay, but you need to keep quiet for the sake of everyone. You must not distract anyone as they are training.” He’s just making an excuse but you will listen to him.

“Okay!” You replied in a cheery tone.

You two stopped hugging and returned back to where everyone else was. You clung to your blanket while walking side by side with Bi-Han. Now please oh please do not show your affection for him in front of others. He loves you but he also likes it when others fear him.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

Well…you kept quiet…still doesn’t mean you weren’t lovey dovey in your own way.

It is pretty cute to see Bi-Han with a blanket wrapped around him while you stand in front of him, holding onto the ends of the blanket to make sure you both stay wrapped. It’s only ruined by the fact that he is staring icy dagger at anyone who even snorts. But you don’t know that. You’re in your own happy world where it’s just you and Bi-Han. And in this happy little world, you’re reminded of all the lovely times you and him were actually alone. Times where you would be cuddling in bed as you told him the most basic things ever such as how you saw a chipmunk that day. Meanwhile, Bi-Han is hugging you from behind as his mind rages on about something that Tomas did that isn’t really something to be mad about. Another happy memory came up but this time you vocalized about it.

“Oh Bibi, when we go back to the bedroom can I play with your hair?” His head snapped to look at you right after you said that.

Deep breath in…deep breath out…deep breath in…don’t yell at your girlfriend breath out…

Nearby you both could hear Tomas whisper to Kuai Liang, “I knew he would let her do that,” which almost sent Bi-Han into a fit. He luckily managed to keep it together while his nails dug into the palm of his hand from how hard he was clenching his fists. He nodded slightly, hoping that if he gave you a yes you wouldn’t say anything else. But guess what, YA DID!

“Yay! I can't wait to brush your hair and use my Cinnamoroll hair claw to put it up. You look so good with it up. Oh, what else should I put in your hair?” You let out a gasp like you just came up with the best idea ever, “What if I put a flower clip near your left ear? That means you can show off that you’re in a relationship with me. I’ll try to find a blue flower for you, Bibi.”

Alright, that’s genuinely a cute image to think of. That doesn’t stop Bi-Han from staring at you and questioning why he needs to use a flower to represent his relationship status. Everyone knows he is dating you, how much evidence does he need? Nobody even feels like what you said was silly. It’s adorable how much you love Bi-Han and want to show that you two are together. Even his brothers are gushing about it.

“Aww…you wish that was you with Harumi, huh?” Tomas whispered to Kuai Liang.

Kuai Liang looked at Tomas like he just lost his damn mind. Let’s just return to the sweet couple that is you and Bi-Han.

Your excitement was rudely interrupted by the sound of someone laughing. It was clearly to laugh at you, not with you. You looked over your shoulder to look at the Lin Kuei warrior who decided to laugh at you.

“What is with you and trying to make our grandmaster seem like a spineless weakling? What’s next? Are you going to put makeup on him to make him look prettier? Paint his nail?”

The more the clansman spoke, the more embarrassed you felt. You had no idea you were making your boyfriend look weak in front of his clan. That was never your intention. You always want to support Bi-Han while also getting the full experience of having a partner who allows you to do anything. You turned to look at Bi-Han again and mouthed an “I’m sorry” to him. That knot came back once again and you felt tears form in your pretty eyes. This hurt worse than when you thought Bi-Han was mad at you. Your lip quivered and you felt that whine rise in your throat before you felt Bi-Han’s lips on your forehead. He gave you a kiss on your forehead that was gentle but lasted for a few good seconds. He then removed the blanket from you two and rewrapped it around you. You had no idea what he was doing but oh it was a surprise for many.

Bi-Han moved in the blink of an eye. One second he was next to you and the next he was in front of the clansman who insulted you, his neck being strangled by your boyfriend’s hand. A path of ice was left behind which explained his quick movement. He then slammed the clansman hard against the ground. The sound of a bone cracking could be heard along with the thudding of the body hitting the ground. No one knew what bone just broke but the clansman sure would know. He was out in an instant. For a second, you believed Bi-Han killed a member of his clan. On closer inspection, you can see their chest rising and lowering slowly. They were luckily still alive though horribly injured.

There was silence before your boyfriend yelled, “Does anyone else wish to question their grandmaster’s authority or my partner’s choices?”

Everyone nodded no. A wise choice.

“Good. Now this will be the last time I tell all of you to get back to training!” Bi-Han yelled before returning to you.

No one bothered to help the other guy he had it coming. Plus, everyone is scared that if they helped him, their grandmaster would go after their throats next. Just work around him.

You wrapped your arms around Bi-Han’s neck and squeezed him close to you, “Bibi, you know you didn’t have to hurt that guy. I could have handled his insults.” No, you couldn’t.

“Aww, but you just love me so much that you want to protect me. You’re like a woolly mammoth. All fuzzy and possibly cuddly but a big, tough guy overall. You’re my woolly mammoth.”

Oh gosh, not the woolly mammoth comparison. Anything but that. He’d take a snow leopard but a woolly mammoth?

You started kissing him wherever you could, mostly on his jawline. He’s secretly ticklish there. He was emitting his low groan the whole time but secretly he liked it. How could he not? No matter what you do, what you call him, what you talk about, he will love you at the end of the day. A real man would endure the embarrassment. Bi-Han sure is a man.

A man who goes by the nicknames of Snookums, Bibi, and now Wooly Mammoth.

And at the end of the day, you finally get to be alone with your man in the bedroom where you would play with his hair. Oh, look, a blue flower hair clip. You know where to put it.

“Is it necessary to place a flower in my hair to represent—AH!” He let out a yelp as you yanked a handful of his hair close to you and put the clip in.

“Absolutely, don’t fight me on this.”

Yeah, Snookums, don’t fight it.

Yap notes: YALL IM SO SORRY FOR BEING OUT! SCHOOL ISN'T BAD BUT IT ISN'T GOOD IVE HAD NO TIME TO WORK ON FICS OR EVEN PERSONAL STORIES YET. ITS WORSE BECAUSE IM WRITING THIS WHILE SICK AND JUST FINISHING MY PERIOD YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT SUCKS TO BE SICK AND HAVING MY PERIOD. IVE FELT SO GUILTY FOR DAYS I HAD TO PUT OUT SOMETHING ELSE I DIDN'T WANT YALL TO STAVE AND IT WAS REDARA'S ART THAT PUSHED ME TO FINISH SO THANKS RED MUCH LOVE. I HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING OKAY I LOVE YOU ALL THANKS YOU FOR HAVING PATIENCE. OKAY I HAVE TO GO IM LITERALLY SHAKING AS IM DEALING WITH PAIN. ADIÓS!

[bpmiranda]

The Bodyguard III |l. howlett|

A/N: slow burn, angst, friends to lovers, bodyguard!logan x original character, 21 y/o f!reader, flirtationship, organized crime, mentions of death

The Bodyguard The Bodyguard II

There was a need for Mercedes’ skills again today and Logan had to seek her out at the clinic where she worked. It was a shabby minute clinic with a full waiting room and understaffed medical support. The nurses ran around frantically while the doctors sipped coffee at their discretion. “Looking for Mercedes.” He told the receptionist who nodded and immediately went to retrieve her from the back.

Her eyes widened when she rushed out and spotted him in the waiting room. “Logan?” He simply gave her a nod and cocked his head towards his car which she could see parked outside. “Mierda.” (Shit) She whispered underneath her breath as she quickly gathered her things.

It was incredibly awkward having to excuse herself early from work without being able to give her supervisor a legitimate reason, and she knew there would be consequences later on. “We gotta run.” Logan said, ushering her quickly into the passenger seat and hurrying behind the wheel.

“What’s going on?” She asked, her heart beating fast as Logan basically sped all through town to get her to one of the safe houses in the outskirts.

“One of Emilio’s guys got shot.” He told her, taking a particularly sharp turn which made her slide in the seat toward him and she stopped herself by grabbing onto the dash. “Put your seatbelt on.” Logan scolded, reaching around her and handing her the buckle which she clicked immediately.

When they arrived at the safe house, Mercedes was surprised to find one of Emilio’s cars there. “He’s here?” She asked in surprise as Logan opened her passenger door and led her inside without a reply. Her breathing was shaky as they weaved through the house and to the kitchen where she saw Emilio standing over his second in command, Gomez. Her brother looked over at her and he quickly grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her towards the table where the man was straining to breathe. “Por fin!” (Finally!) Emilio exclaimed urgently. “Take the bullet out.” He ordered and Mercedes carefully moved the bloodied shirt up enough to see the wound was on his right side, just below his ribs. “Que esperas?” (What are you waiting for?) Emilio demanded and she gave him an exasperated look.

“Emilio, look around,” She snapped. “I need more equipment. Better yet, he needs to go to a hospital.” Emilio shook his head. “Hermano, por favor.” (Brother, please.) She pleaded. “I need more than what I have in my bag. I need something to dig the bullet out with, it needs to be sterile, and I need him to be sedated because this is going to hurt like hell.”

Angrily, Emilio looked around at his men as they were watching the two of them and he threw his hands up in the air. “You heard her!” He yelled at them and they quickly scrambled to find the items she listed.

Mercedes turned to Logan anxiously and he quickly shook his head as he approached her to place his hands on her shoulders. “Don’t,” He told her, crouching down to be at eye level with her teary eyes. “Don’t cry right now. Cry after, okay?” Mercedes sniffed, but she nodded, blinking the tears away as she took in a deep breath. “Do you need anything from me?” He asked, one hand softly caressing her cheek. A gesture that did not go unnoticed by Emilio.

“Yeah,” She nodded as she motioned to Gomez who was coming in and out of consciousness. “I need to take his shirt off so I can clean the wound.”

Logan let his claws protrude and he carefully sliced Gomez’ shirt off, watching as she gently peeled it back as it stuck to his skin from all the blood. Her hands were shaky and he wondered if she would be able to get through this. More importantly, what would happen if she didn’t. Mercedes offered Gomez something to bite on and he wearily refused, instead asking for a shot of tequila from the one of the few bottles they had lying around. Logan brought it to him, lifted the man’s head to let him swallow the shot. “Gracias.” Gomez said hoarsely before he looked back at Mercedes who was shaking a bottle of disinfecting alcohol. “I trust you, doctora.” (doctor)

Gently, she poured the alcohol over his wound and her brows turned up anxiously as he groaned in pain. “Lo siento.” (I’m sorry.) She said as she lightly dabbed the blood away so she could better see the bullet entry hole. Emilio was watching from a few feet back the way the bodyguard was so attached to his sister and Logan noticed, forcing himself to give her some space as she continued cleaning the wound until her brother’s men returned with makeshift equipment that she could only hope would work for her needs.

It took almost two hours to extract the bullet. Mercedes had fallen quiet as she focused on not hurting Gomez, not digging too deeply, not pushing the bullet any further into the wound. Emilio and Logan were watching from across the kitchen. Emilio had an arm crossed and a fist pressed to his mouth as he kept an eye on the procedure. Logan was leaning against the empty fridge, arms crossed over his chest as he watched her desperately easing the man through this subpar procedure as he teetered the line of between consciousness and death.

Finally, the bullet was out, but Gomez didn’t make it.

Emilio called his men to take care the body before he reassured his sister that he wasn’t upset and he knew she did everything she could. “Logan, ven conmigo.” (Logan, come with me.) Emilio said as Mercedes silently washed off her hands at the kitchen sink. Logan made sure no one else was in the kitchen with her as he followed Emilio out into the living room. “Is there something going on between you and her?” He asked Logan who stared at the drug lord for a moment before shaking his head.

“No, there’s not.” Logan said.

Emilio clearly didn’t believe him. “You know what happens to the guys that want to mess around with Mercedes?” Logan says nothing. “They disappear. They go away. You know why?” Emilio shoves a finger into Logan’s chest. “Because she doesn’t need that shit and neither do you, entiendes?” (Understand?) Logan nods. “No distractions, Logan. You do not need no fucking distractions.”

“There’s nothing going on, Emilio.” Logan says again, not afraid for himself, but simply wanting to return to the kitchen and make sure Mercedes is okay.

“Take her home.” Emilio says after staring him down for a moment.

Logan returns to the kitchen where he finds her leaning over the sink, staring at her blood stained hands with a quivering bottom lip. “‘Cedes?” He asks as he places a hand softly on her back, her whole body is shaking. Mercedes looks up at him with teary eyes and she shakes her head.

“It’s not coming off, Logan.” She whimpers, her hands are trembling and he touches them, feels how cold they are before he tests the faucet. “I can’t wash his blood off.” She choked out, sobbing, and it made his heart ache for her.

“There’s no hot water.” Logan says, moving her away from the sink and grabbing her medical bag. “We gotta get you home. It’ll come off, sugar. I promise.” He said as he led her out of the safe house and to his car. Emilio caught his eye outside as he was discussing Gomez with another employee and they shared a curt nod while Logan opened the passenger door for his sister. Distinctly, he heard the man Emilio was with say something about ‘el lobo’, but he decided to worry about it later on. “It’s going to be alright, yeah?” He said, peering at her through the window after closing the door. Mercedes nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks as she stared at her hands in her lap. With a sigh, he patted the car’s roof and walked around to the driver’s seat.

It was a long night. Logan could hear her sobbing in the bathroom over the shower that was running, his sensitive hearing picked up every sniffle, and he felt awful not being able to do or say anything. While he knew that Gomez was most likely going to die from the shot itself anyway, he also knew that wasn’t something that was going to make her feel better to hear. It was Emilio’s fault. Gomez should’ve been taken to a hospital like Mercedes said, but what could be done now? When he heard the shower shut off, he wondered what he could do for her right now. How could he possibly make her feel better after a man died in her care?

“Logan,” Mercedes found him in the living room where he was standing almost apprehensively as they locked eyes and she sniffed, reaching her hand out to him. “Can you come to bed with me?” She asked in a shaky voice. His heart softened at her request and he found himself nodding as he took her hand and let her guide him to her bedroom. Logan closed the bedroom door behind him as she crawled underneath her covers and he removed his boots and his jacket.

It didn’t feel odd or inappropriate, Logan was comforting a friend that had just witnessed what was perhaps her first death. One could argue this was within the lines of consolation. “You okay?” He asked as he laid down next to her, welcoming her into his arms as she laid her head on his chest.

“No.” She whispered, her voice was wavering and she inhaled his scent quietly, letting out a trembling breath as she closed her eyes. That comforting aroma of his cigars and his familiar cologne grounded her a little better and she found herself able to drift into sleep. But Logan couldn’t sleep with her this close to him. Emilio’s vague threats crossed his mind, but it didn’t really bother him. Nothing could upset him at this moment.

In the morning, Logan found himself still in her bed. His arm was wrapped around her, her back pressed into his chest, his nose buried in her hair. He should’ve gotten up, he should’ve removed himself from the situation, but when she began to stir awake, he wanted her to know he was still here with her. Her body turned in his hold, a hand came up to rub the sleep out of her eyes, and those deep brown irises looked like pools of honey as the sunlight caressed her face. God, she’s gorgeous, he thought to himself. “Hey,” Mercedes whispered, shyly covering her mouth with her fingers as she smiled at him. “You sleep okay?” Logan nodded.

“How about you?” He asked and he saw the reminder of last night dawn on her face. “It wasn’t your fault.” He told her, lightly caressing a strand of her hair out of her face. “You did everything you could, ‘Cedes.”

Her eyes closed and she nodded, a small tear fell from the corner of her eye and she sniffed before looking back at him. “Thanks for staying.” She said, her hand wrapped around his waist and he kissed her forehead as he lightly scratched the back of her head, stroking her soft hair.

“I had to,” He murmured, caressing her cheek softly. Her face grew warm and she tucked her face into his chest. Logan smiled to him as he held her close. “Your bed is uncomfortably small, but you know, it’s fine.” He teased making her giggle.

Her hand fiddled with the chain around his neck and her eyes held a different look in them as she looked back up at him that Logan had not yet seen from her - it was submissive. “You’re just big.” She said in a timid voice, her hand gently tugged on his chain and her tongue peeked out to moisten her lips. This was a drastic change from her usual forward personality. Logan caressed her back softly and he found himself leaning in until there was a knock on her apartment door. Mercedes let out a small sigh before she got up to answer the door and Logan expelled a deep breath as she left the bedroom. His hand rubbed over his face in frustration as he tried to collect his thoughts.

When Mercedes opened the door, her eyes widened at the sight of her sister in law standing in the hallway, a smile plastered on her face. “Buenos días!” (Good morning!) Clara grinned brightly as she let herself into the apartment, walking past a still surprised Mercedes who leaned back against the door to close it. Her eyes were glued on the bottle blonde as she walked slowly around the apartment, as if looking for something, or someone. “Are you just waking up?”

“Uh, yeah, I had a long night.” Mercedes answered, her eyes darting to her slightly ajar bedroom door where Logan was still lying on her bed. “What’re you doing here?” She asked, crossing her arms over her chest as her mind spun to prepare a lie.

Clara turned to Mercedes with a small smile. “Emilio sent me to check on you. He wanted to come on his own, but you know he is just so busy.” Her nostrils suddenly flared as she inhaled deeply and she chuckled. “Does it usually smell like Logan in here?”

Her heart nearly dropped into her stomach. Emilio didn’t send Clara to check on her, he sent her to check on something else. “He’s my bodyguard, he’s here a lot.” She shrugged, her heart was beating fast as Clara gave her a small nod, a tiny smirk on her lips as she slowly backed into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. “Clara.” Her tone was almost warning and her brother’s wife laughed.

“Por favor, Mercedes, no soy una idiota.” She laughed lightly. (Please, Mercedes, I am not an idiot) “His car is parked outside. Why must you complicate things for yourself?”

“Nothing is happening, Clara.” She almost snarled at the older woman who rolled her eyes as she looked at her with disbelief. “Why is it your business? Emilio can’t take two seconds to call and ask me himself if I’m fucking my bodyguard? Why would it matter anyway? I’m an adult.” Her chest felt tight as she had to defend herself, as she had to stand here and have this conversation with possibly the last person she wanted to see in the world right now. The last thing she wanted was an interrogation about who is in her pants, a man had just died. Did no one but her care?

Clara only sighed and shook her head. “See, that is your problem right there,” She said as she took a few steps towards Mercedes whose eyebrows furrowed in anger. “You think everything is about you. Logan is more valuable than you or any of Emilio’s men combined. Emilio doesn’t give a damn who you bring into your bed, cariño,” (darling) Clara pointed to her bedroom door. “But it can’t be him.”

“Scared he won’t care all that much about the organization that keeps you all comfortable and blonde if I fuck him?” Mercedes asked with a smirk. “I’m flattered you think I have that effect on men.”

Clara was silent for a moment before saying, “Don’t think you have any type of upper hand here, cause we will do what we have to in order to keep Logan’s head where it needs to be, got it?”

Once Clara left, Mercedes let out a shaky breath and she held onto the edge of her counter as she heard Logan come out of her bedroom. Their eyes met and she gave him a small smile. “Thanks for letting me handle that.” She said as he stood in front of her, gently pulling her into a hug. Her arms wrapped around his waist and she nuzzled her face into his chest with a deep sigh.

“Would Emilio hurt you?” Logan asked.

For once, Mercedes wasn’t sure that she could confidently answer that question.

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

🏷️: @dontfeedthebigbadwolf @peterparkernotfound @httpsells @evasmlp @ayatotiddies @thatlittlered @seasonofthenerd @littlemisscantloveyouback @scorpiosaintt @simpingfor-wakasa @spencerswh0r3 @thatweirdtheaternerd12 @shybluebirdninja @iamburdened

[haladriel]

so now we know his backstory I’m going to make a case for why Saurbrand didn’t think twice about abandoning Diarmid to his death for his own gain, but for some reason, only days or weeks later, dove to save Galadriel.

We are shown in season two that Sauron is mercenary and super calculating; he sizes everyone up for the best way to use them to further his own aims. And the way he’s now treating everyone else shows how different he was with Galadriel.

Diarmid’s fate shows Sauron’s ‘default’ — despite all Diarmid’s done for him in giving him a new perspective and offering him a new direction, when the situation veers a hard left, he wastes no time adapting and thinks nothing of acting strategically and taking the pouch. After all, Diarmid’s conveniently dying, and unlikely to survive a shipwreck anyway, what else is there to gain in service of his goals and nature that’s worth as much as a royal persona to adopt?

When you set this against how he treats Galadriel (i.e. didn’t leave her to die, which he very easily could’ve done), you’ve got to ask: what’s going on in there?

Maybe he thought he could use her: she’s a lot more skilled and important than Diarmid. She’s certainly proven herself capable in the sea-wyrm attack, where he no doubt values skill and competence in service of creating perfection and order, and keeping someone as powerful as her close is a wise political move. He very likely thought he could manipulate her, although he didn’t know how, or to what ends, quite yet.

Maybe he was simply interested in her. A member of the Golden House of Finarfin, out on the open sea? Since when? He might’ve guessed at the reason why; knowing that she was in the right direction for Valinor. An elf who has turned down the opportunity to go home? Unheard of.

Maybe, it’s the beginning of seeing himself reflected in her, when she sympathises with him about all he’s lost. He found himself being honest with her, in a way that he later does with no other; their first exchange on the raft was the beginning of that pattern. Maybe he is attracted to her, in this way.

Maybe it’s because why the hell not. At this point in the (now filled in) backstory, he is down and out and taking chances. Because his plan is going so well. And maybe the sea (Valar) will reconsider obliterating them if he shows some sign of repentance, holds a hand up. Maybe he knows the storm is for him, and feels some kind of ire and vitriol — ‘up yours’ — towards the Valar (‘that’s unnecessary, you heavy-handed bastards’) that they’re taking her out, as a part of that.

Maybe, it’s all of the above. And also, maybe, it’s because he’s already seeing some of that light he’s so fascinated by. In her kindness, her offering of sympathy to a stranger. And also, at this time, finds that he resonates with things she’s saying as much as vice versa. ‘You’re running. Whether towards or from something, I haven’t yet decided.’ After all, at this point, he’s temporarily diverted from his own crusade to get revenge on Adar; possibly running to, or away, from the Valar.

‘The way I see it, it wasn’t elves that chased me from my homeland. It was orcs.’ Turns out, it literally was. He’s really pissed off with his old family at this point and potentially (even just a little bit) wondering if there’s a better way. When he tells her the enemy is in the Southlands… they are. His enemy.

When you were betrayed by your closest, and everything’s gone to shit, and you meet someone who feels so similar to you, but who radiates light instead… how could you not be fascinated?

When everything you irrevocably are can be used in a different way, for a different purpose?

So he dives to save her.

(contributors to this thought train @multifandumbmeg @scifitheywrote)

[kingofpopmj]

Something About You Baby

Summary: You watched behind the scenes as filming for In The Closet began. Michael in work mode was one of your favorite things, but there was something different about this time.

Pairing: Michael Jackson x Reader!

Warning: AWKWARD TENSION, ARGUING AND CURSING

Requested: yes

*Y/N’s POV*

It was hot. Everything. The weather. The onscreen couple. The wardrobe. Everything. It felt like only yesterday Michael jumped out of bed and began scribbling notes in the notebook I’d put in his nightstand for moments like this. I laid on my side watching him hum and beatbox until he found the right melody. His process was incredible to witness. It was so damn sexy when he lost himself in the music.

“What do you think?” Michael smiled, standing still as I eyed him up and down— taking my sweet time of course.

“Very handsome.” I leaned in, my lips molding to the curve of his cheek. “Aren’t you going to be hot in those jeans?”

“Yeah, but I don’t have many other options.”

“You could wear a speedo.” I teased.

“I think that would negate the subtly I was going for.”

“Boo. You’re no fun.” I giggled, wrapping my arms around his shoulders and twirling my fingers through the strands of his ponytail.

“Plus, those don’t seem very comfortable or supportive for that matter.”

“Must you always overthink my jokes?”

“How about… I give you a private show later. I’ll pull out all my best moves and definitely no speedos.” I could feel his fingers slip under the hem of my shirt, tracing my hipbone.

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss that for the world.”

“Only the best for my lady.”

“We should get out there… the longer you look at me like that the closer we are to getting this trailer rockin’. I only have so much self control.” I pouted, dragging the pads of my fingers along the details of his shoulder muscles.

“I love the hell out of you. You know that?”

“I had an inkling.”

“Come on. They’re waiting for us.”

Michael held out his arm for me to take before guiding me with him to where everyone was waiting. After quick pleasantries, I looked on silently as they begun talking business. Michael spoke with the director about some last minute ideas. I took the moment to look around, it was a simple set and I was looking forward to seeing how they’d utilize everything.

“This is Y/N, my better half.” Michael’s voice brought me back into the conversation. When I turned my head I was face to face with his love interest for the day.

“Hello, it’s great to meet you.” I smiled, trying to hide how utterly intimidated I’d felt. The more I looked at her the more I felt myself shrink— she’s like a fucking goddess.

“Hi, I’m Naomi, it’s exciting to finally meet you. Michael talks about you constantly. I feel like I already know you.” She was tall with long hair and a costume which showed off her toned physique. She was absolutely beautiful.

Michael whispered in my ear about needing to take care of something and left me alone with the supermodel. We continued talking and laughing together. She was actually pretty easy to talk to. It wasn’t long until I didn’t feel so insecure anymore. I mean she’s still stunning, but she also seemed kind. She’s Michaels friend— good friend. He doesn’t have many of those, people he can trust, so that’s another plus in my book.

“Mike should’ve just had you in the video.” She nudged me with her elbow. “I think that would’ve really brought the shock value. No one would expect it, since he’s so protective of you.”

“Yeah, I don’t think he’d go for that at all. Plus, I couldn’t— I get a little camera shy.”

“Don’t be shy. Own it, I know I would. You’re with the most successful man in the world. He chose you, don’t be shy, don’t hide. Who gives a shit what they say. If you ask me, you’ve already won.”

“I’ve won? Won what?”

“Seriously?” She laughed, shaking her head and gesturing with her head in the direction of where Michael was. “Happiness.” She stated simply. “People would do anything for true happiness. You’ve got it. It brings out the envy in most.” I stared at her for a moment, my eyes searching hers for understanding. She didn’t smile this time. She looked at me with this expression that sent a shiver through my body. By the time I’d figured out what to say to her, we were interrupted before I could get the words out.

“Excuse me, Naomi, we need you.” She excused herself and walked off to the makeshift church, posing in front of it as they checked the lighting.

She’s really fitting for the role. There’s no way I could’ve done that— the outfit alone. She looked more comfortable in it— in front of all these people more than I ever could.

I was left with this uneasy feeling. Nonetheless, I watched on as they got in position. She smiled, batting her eyes when Michael emerged from his trailer. I recognized the excitement, the hitch in her breathing, but the real give away was the way her face fell when he made his way to me. She had no idea how to mask her emotions, which made it difficult to brush off.

“Y/N, baby.” His sweet voice sounded from beside as I felt his embrace.

“Hi.” I said simply, pulling my focus away from her and the anger I felt— it wasn’t important. It’s not worth it. Michael has had many admirers. This won’t be any different. Like she said, I shouldn’t hide. I should own it.

“We’re about to start. I need for you to stay right here, okay?”

“Here? Okay. I can do that.” I crossed my legs and sat back in my chair. “Oh, I love it when you give me orders.”

“Stop it.” He jumped towards me, covering my lips. “You really want me to break your back in the middle of a desert?”

“I mean if you’re offering.” I couldn’t help myself I loved the look on his face when I flirted with him, especially in public.

“You’ve gotta stop getting me started when there’s people around.” He muttered under his breath, adjusting his jeans discreetly. “Naughty.”

“Fine. I’ll be good.”

“I’ll be right over there.” He pointed over to where a dusty old car was parked. “I need to have you in my eye line, so I can sing to you. I need you there. It’ll help my nerves— seeing you will help me.”

“I won’t move.”

“Thank you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I did exactly as I was told. I didn’t move.

Every time they took breaks in between filming, Michael was right by my side acting a fool. He was so amped up, everything I said only added to his craziness.

“Put ‘em up!” Michael yelled from behind me.

“You scared the shit out of me!” When I turned around he had a bright green water gun pointing at me and a brown cowboy hat on.

“Hands in the air fine lady!”

“You don’t have to yell—” That’s when I felt cold liquid hit me in the forehead. “What is that? It’s burning my eye.”

“I’m Sheriff Jackson and you are under arrest. Put your hands in the air.”

“Sprite?” I asked as the substance dripped down onto my lips. “You goon, did you really fill that water gun with soda?”

“Stop resisting arrest, ma’am. Don’t make me handcuff you.”

“Where’d you get that from?” I laughed, poking the shiny badge clipped to his chest. “You’re silly. So, you’re the Sheriff?”

“Yes ma’am and I suggest you start cooperating.”

“Can I ask what I’m being charged with?” I teased, tilting my chin up with my hands in front of me— cooperating.

“Being sexy.”

“That’s not a crime. It seems to me like an abuse of power on your part.”

“Yes, I use this badge to get near beautiful women. You caught me.” He grabbed my wrist, pulling me out of the chair and into his chest. “If you give me some lovin’. I’ll let you go— charges dropped.”

“You’re so damn annoying.” I kissed him roughly, sinking my hands slipping through the strands of his hair. “You’re lucky you’re so scrumptious, Sheriff.”

“Having fun?”

“I would be if I wasn’t all sticky from being shot at with sprite.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll lick it off of you later.” He winked, dancing around me and pinching my butt. “I’ll have an hour for lunch, if you’re interested.”

“I’ll go pick up your favorite.”

“You’re my favorite.” He walked me over to the car and kissed me. “I can’t believe I’m helping a fugitive escape.” He murmured against my lips.

“Sheriff, the only thing I’m guilty of is having dirty thoughts about you.” I kissed his cheek, his jawline then his neck as I felt his heart begin to race. I pulled away, smiling up at him. “I should get going.”

“Tease.” He huffed, smacking my butt as I turned to get into the car. “Drive safe. I love you.”

“I love you.” He shut the door softly, leaning through the open window to kiss me one last time before I drove off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I pulled up to set, paper bags in hand everything felt the same. It wasn’t until my eyes landed on Michael that I realized I was wrong. He jumped slightly when I greeted him and was painfully quiet.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, thanks for getting food.” He sounded genuine in his tone, but the way he was pushing food around his plate with a fork told me there was more.

“Michael, you can—”

“Please!” He jumped up, dodging my hand as I tried to reach out to him. “Just drop it.”

There was so much I wanted to say. I had so many questions, but I stayed silent. When I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror I immediately felt sick, I looked like a scared kid who’d just been grounded. I felt so damn confused.

“I gotta get back.” I watched as he left the trailer, his head hanging forward and his steps small but steady.

“Okay.” I said after the door shut. I felt helpless. I had no idea what the hell was going on. I thought about how clear he’d been about me taking my spot behind the camera, but right now it felt like he didn’t want me there.

Yet, my feet still carried me outside where the atmosphere had dramatically changed.

“3… 2… Action!”

I stared at my hands, resting in my lap, trying to think over the events of today. I had no idea what could be bothering Michael, but it was serious. I could feel it. When I finally built up the courage to look at him he spun around quickly avoiding my eyes. I don’t think I ever felt more devastated than in this moment.

“How was that?” I heard a voice speak near me. I looked up in time to see the crew walking towards the equipment. This meant they were taking a break— yet Michael was— I didn’t know where he was.

Great. He’s hiding from me now. What’s going on?

The crew had huddled around one of the monitors as they viewed the scene they’d just filmed. They were cheering and applauding at the performance Michael and Naomi were putting on. Even I had to admit, they were doing a great job, very convincing— almost uncomfortable to watch since they were having so much fun groping each other. Truly every girlfriend’s dream to witness her man dry hump in the open desert for a dozen cameras. I’m a lucky girl.

“Look at them. This is going to be hot!”

“That’s a star couple if I ever saw one.”

“People are going to go crazy over this video.”

“They’d be absolutely stunning together. Imagine their babies. Oh, they’d have beautiful babies.”

What the fuck. They’re having babies now? I can’t take much more of this. It’s getting difficult to keep up the supportive girlfriend act. It was easy to tell myself it’s just a job and Michael deserves to have me here cheering him on, but now it felt like I was intruding.

“Naomi, can we get you on the floor?” She flipped her hair and nodded enthusiastically. “Michael, just climb on top of her, do whatever comes to you.”

Yeah, I’m gonna need a break. I hopped out of my chair, walking off before taking one last glance at my boyfriend— that was a big mistake. His hand on Naomi’s chin, guiding her to look up at him from where she was on the floor— in front of him— on her knees.

That’s awesome.

I’m totally okay with this.

I’m not upset. They’re just acting.

And, they just so happened to be great actors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Michael’s POV*

As I danced along to the music, something had shifted and I could feel it deep in my soul. I tried to continue, but I was too focused on the empty chair a few yards in front of me. This isn’t right. She wouldn’t just wander off without telling me. I took a deep breath, shaking my head and when the music stopped my feet took off. This felt— it all felt wrong.

“Babe?” I found her stood behind the trailer, her back pushed up against it. “Why’d you leave?”

“It didn’t feel like I was needed anymore.”

“Of course you are. I panicked— I was worried when I didn’t see you.”

“I’m not stupid.” Her eyes were glossy when she finally spoke and her lips stuck in a frown.

“Of course you’re not. I never said you were.” I reached out to her, but she pushed my hand away.

“Well, then, why are you treating me like I am?”

“Babe, what’s going on? What’s this about?”

“This is humiliating.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You can cut the tension with a knife. Why did you even bring me here?”

“Because I need you.”

“It doesn’t— I don’t think you do.”

“Come on. Let’s go inside.” I tried to reach out for her again, but she stepped away, wrapping her arms around herself. She was shielding her from me and it hurt like hell. “Let’s talk. We should talk.”

“It’s in your eyes. They always tell me what you can’t say. I can see it.”

“Honey, see what?”

“Michael, you’re into her.”

“What?”

“You’ve been acting— you haven’t been yourself off camera— with me. I don’t know why, but ever since lunch you’ve been avoiding me. It seems like you rather be over there with her… you’re not being yourself. And, the only explanation I can come up with is that you’re into her.”

“No. No. That’s not true.”

“That’s what it feels like— like you want to be with her. You’re acting different.”

“Baby, no. I promise that’s not it.”

“When they yell cut you practically hide from me, but I can tell. I can see it in your eyes— it’s— there’s something wrong and it looks like when the camera is rolling you’re loving every minute. I can feel it— there’s something going on with her.”

“No, Y/N, no— I don’t want her. This is work and I’m just playing a part.”

“You guys are all over each other—”

“It’s for the film. We’re acting. I’m acting. That’s all.”

“It seems like you’re both really enjoying it. Why are you avoiding me? Like you don’t want to be near me—”

“No, that’s not it! I’m so sorry… I didn’t intend to make you feel that way.”

“What is it then! Am I imagining it?”

“Y/N! No!”

“All you can say is no?”

“No! I mean— shit, not no.”

“You’ve gotta get back out there. I’ll just stay here or I can leave.” She took in a deep breath like she was trying to appear unfazed. “Do you want me to leave?”

“No. Y/N, listen...” I drifted off, feeling helpless. I had no idea what to say— how to say this.

“Just say it.”

“I don’t know…”

“Then, say something, say anything.”

“I was avoiding you because I can’t keep things from you. I’m not a good liar.”

“A good liar? Oh my god. What did you do?”

“Babe.”

“What did you do with her that you need to lie to me about?” Her voice was weak and she started crying profusely at the thought of me betraying her.

“No. Please listen to me.” She still wouldn’t let me touch her, so I settled for placing my hands on the metal exterior of the trailer, on either side of her, blocking her in so she couldn’t run away from me.

“I’m listening.” She muttered, staring off into the distance.

“I’d never do something like that. I didn’t mean— I meant I’m not good at keeping things from you. I hate it actually. And, I thought it was best to not tell you this while we’re still here because I didn’t want you to kill Naomi.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I love you. Do you hear me? I fucking love you. I didn’t want— I thought I was protecting you.”

“What the fuck is going on?”

“Shit. Okay, please don’t be mad.”

“Michael, you’re scaring me.”

“When you left to get us lunch. She came into my trailer—”

“Who?” Her eyes squinted, focusing on my every word and I knew immediately this wasn’t going to end well.

“Naomi, she came onto me.”

“She what!” Y/N yelled, taking me by surprise.

“Oh, you’re already mad. That was quick.” I nervously bit my lip, stalling because I didn’t want to tell her everything. She was going to lose it.

“What did she do Michael?”

“I need you to promise me that you won’t run over there and go all Balboa, okay? There can’t be— you can’t make a scene.”

“Michael, tell me, now.”

“You didn’t promise.”

“Fine. I promise. I won’t make a scene.” Her voice was calm when she said it, showing me a tight lipped smile to reassure me. I didn’t have much time to study that smile before she spoke again. “Now, tell me.”

“Naomi came onto me. She threw herself at me. I didn’t think she’d— it came out of nowhere. I—It made me so uncomfortable. I was kind of embarrassed— but still— honey, I— I should’ve told you. I— S— She grabbed me— like— down there and said things— offered some things I’m not very comfortable repeating—” I didn’t get to finish before she dipped her head under my arm, escaping my makeshift barrier. “Babe!” She didn’t stop and she didn’t look back.

I took a deep breath before chasing after her, but she’d vanished. Damn, I forgot how quick she is. The only hint of her whereabouts was the sound of Naomi’s trailer door being ripped open. I scanned the area anxiously, but nothing seemed off. No one was suspicious of anything. There were no eyes on me. Everyone was going on about their business as usual and that’s when I really noticed how quiet it was. It was too quiet. I couldn’t hear any sounds of a fight which made me curious and a little afraid. Carefully, I walked towards the open door of Naomi’s trailer, peeking inside and nothing. I didn’t see Y/N or Naomi anywhere. I really didn’t want to go inside, but knowing my girl, I’d definitely have to carry her out of here.

“Babe! Are you in here?” There was a slight creaking sound and it was only then I noticed the trailer shaking.

No answer.

“Babe?”

Still nothing.

I placed my foot on the first step, counting to five before going any further, but thankfully that was as far as I had to go. Y/N appeared from the back room with a toothy grin on her face this time, fixing her shirt and dusting herself off.

“Hey baby! There you are.” She chuckled, walking over to me, intertwining our hands and dragging me back outside— away from what she’d done. My gut told me she left behind a crime scene. The way she smiled at me— I had no doubt she took care of business.

“What did you do?” I whispered, studying her body for any visible wounds. I paused, inspecting her hands, specifically her bright red knuckles.

“Nothing.” She shrugged innocently. “I didn’t do anything. I didn’t see anything, did you?”

“Y/N, you have to tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“Did you hit her? Yell at her? I didn’t hear any yelling. What happened in there?”

“I didn’t hear anything. Did you?” She tilted her head, waiting for my answer. There was something about the way she was looking at me. I wanted to laugh, but I was genuinely curious what she was capable of.

“Babe—”

Before I could finish, Naomi emerged from her trailer, looking— very different. She looked like she’d been to hell and back. Her hair was a mess and her eyes were trained on the floor as she walked by us. She had her hand on her forehead, acting like she was blocking the sun, but I could tell there was more. She was covering something, maybe a scratch or bruise.

“I didn’t cause a scene.” Y/N whispered to me as she brought her lips to mine.

“I’m not sure whether to be scared of you or really turned on right now.” I wasn’t scared of her. I was impressed, maybe that was wrong, but I was.

“You’ll figure it out.” She winked, cupping my face and rubbing her thumb across my cheek.

“Thank you. Thank you so—”

“No need. I’m always going to have your back. I know I promised, but I couldn’t— I couldn’t just let someone get away with doing that to you.”

“Thank you for standing up for me. No one has ever done anything like that for me.”

“And, I always will. You’ll always have me.”

I stared at her in awe for what felt like hours, the way I love her is unlike anything I’ve ever known to exist. She defends me with her whole heart. No matter how low I feel she brings me back up. When I feel like I’m drowning she keeps my head above water. I don’t know how she does it— I don’t know why she does it, but damn would I be lost without it— without her. Fuck, I knew it the first time I laid eyes on her. I knew it the first time I heard her voice. I needed her. My girl.

There’s something about her.

“I love you.” It came out as an exhale, but shit did I put my soul into those three words. I felt a tug at my lips, admiring how she looked at me, like I was her world— the same way I looked at her.

“You should.”

[creatingblackcharacters]

I CANT BELIVE I FORGOT TO SEND THIS ASK. ADHD is killing me. Anyways,

holy shit, Sam and Jammer from Misfits & Magic (watch it on dropout)

first of all. I HAVE to give props to the fucking incredible DM, Aabria Lyengar,

Who is not only amazing, but also one of the best dm’s I’ve ever heard. One of my favorite clips from episode one is when she completely SHOCKS Brennan Lee mulligan (one of the DMs of all time) with her sick as fuck decision to describe what his character Does Not See, something Brennan never did. OK. NEXT

This is Jammer. He’s a sports man himbo who loves his friends dearly and has a pet loving basketball because it’s sick. He’s really friendly and will always bring people into their group and hype them up to make sure he and his friends feel GOOD about themselves.

Some of his cutest scenes are with Evan Kelmp, where they give eachother compliments and . God I don’t want to spoil it but I’m also grinning while typing this.

This is his actor . Who is a national treasure. Lou Wilson!!!

And Last but DEFINITELY NOT LEAST . Sam.

She’s a twitch streamer who mainly does mukbangs. She’s a real powerhouse who loves talking to people!! She also can see the lines of affection(?) between people and her pet patrons thing is a stream pig (a cute little pink piglet) named after her favorite movie, Terminator 2!!!!! Her mom was part of a MLM scam so she mostly wears that sort of thing. She also loves her friends so, so so much . She’s full of love and the urge to create content. I love her.

and this is her wonderful actor, Danielle Radford!

Anyways go watch misfits & magic on dropout it’s the best I think. Ever

Black women running D&D 🥹🥹🥹 oh I'm so happy. I've heard of Aabria being iconic, and I fully support (plus that art behind her?? 🤌🏾🔥🔥) Lou!! His face makes me happy when I see him on here. I don't remember like, hardly anyone from all the D&D stuff that gets posted on here, but when I see him I'm like MY BOY LOU!! He's such a doll, truly. I actually am really charmed by Sam's design. It's so normal lol, like omg that's my cousin or something. I too love piglets, like sending me pictures of baby piglets will never go astray. Danielle just better with that color!! I tried color like that once, it didn't stick 😭 I gotta commit stronger. This was a joy to read!

Hot Chocolate: I was actually just watching a video on Aabria! It was complimenting the way she paints the scenes in a cinematic fashion, that really immerses you into the setting and story. This is something I plan on trying when I DM in the near future, so she is definitely inspirational! Lou Wilson strikes again! I need to watch him play, because I feel like I'm missing an amazing time and inspiration for characters that I play. I'm so interested in the world of this campaign because what the hell is going on??? Lol thanks for putting me on!

[always-andromeda]

Hey gang, here’s the moodboard for this morning! 😀👍🏻

[lovesickeros]

☆ even the gods bleed [ pt 2 ]

{☆} characters furina, neuvillette {☆} notes cult au, imposter au, multi-chapter, gender neutral reader {☆} warnings none {☆} word count 1.9k {☆} previous [ 1 ]

This had to be a punishment of some sort – some kind of divine punishment.

She was bored out of her mind just watching the sleeping body – she hadn't blinked once in the past five hours, her eyes were really starting to hurt. Yet they still hadn't moved so much as an inch since she sequestered them away to the only place she had known to be safe.

But it'd been almost a week since then.

The only solace she found was that Teyvat had seemed much less hellbent on collapsing in on itself like a dying star.

That counted for something.

Not much, but something!

..Even if their position was no better then it was a week ago.

There was, after all, still the issue of what to do about the false Creator – the actual imposter – and the Archons following them like blind lambs. The other Archons wouldn't listen if she tried to reason with them, and it would only risk the life of Divine One if she spoke of their location to anyone else.

She also was pretty fond of having her head still attached to her shoulders.

So she avoided them all together. Partially because she wasn't sure she wouldn't have a breakdown at the sight of them..she'd never been a fighter, and fighting an Archon? Easy pass.

Instead she was forced to babysit the sleeping Divine until they woke up while Neuvillette handled taking care of the nation and dealing with the other Archons – and by extension the false Creator.

Really though, she would almost think them dead if not for the subtle rise and fall of their chest.

Though..this also left her with a lot of time to herself. A lot of time to think.

She really didn't like it.

There wasn't a lot to occupy her mind and what little there was only distracted her for a scant few moments before her eyes drifted back to the Divine like she was locked in their orbit, unable to escape.

She closed the same book for the twelfth time – she kept count – and returned it to it's meticulously designed place within her bookcase. A low, barely audible huff of frustration escaped her lips before she could bite it down, her stare boring a hole into the body of the Divine One with a sharp intensity she rarely showed.

She was tired, bored and constantly on edge, fearing that at any moment someone would find out about their presence here.

That, at the drop of a hat, she would be powerless to stop the greatest tragedy of her time play out before her eyes.

Neuvillette would have scolded her for being so petulant, especially around the Divine One, if he were here.

But he wasn't.

He was out running her nation, instead.

And what was she doing? Nothing!

She grit her teeth, nails digging harshly into the palm of her hands as she took a deep breath – now was not the time to think about that. She had..much more pressing matters. Sulking and letting her thoughts spiral helped no one, least of all herself.

Yet her attention was caught by a harsh inhale, the rustle of fabric – were they finally waking up? She was exhausted, but it all vanished at the sudden drop of life within the otherwise deathly still body of the Divine.

Her eyes followed the subtle twitch of their fingers, watching as their brow furrowed and their features twisted in something almost like..pain.

..She wasn't ready.

What was she supposed to say?

Should she even say anything? Would that be considered impolite? Does she wait for them to speak first? Should she kneel? Bow?

She doesn't get much time to find her own answer before their lashes flutter, chest heaving with every strangled breath. Every single thought vanishes from her mind the moment she meets their eyes.

For a long, silent moment she thinks that her heart must have stopped.

Their eyes glow like the cresting of the sun over the horizon, painting the world in hues of gold – yet it also reminded her of the dipping of the moon below the waves, casting the briefest, most gentle of lights upon the world engulfed in darkness. In the depths of their eyes was the birth and death of stars in the infinite cosmos – glittering stars in a sea of empty, blank space that left her feeling lightheaded and breathless.

Beneath the splendor is a spark of recognition in their eyes so vibrant it was like a shooting star piercing through the dark night sky, leaving nothing but the wonder in the eyes of the observer as the only proof it ever existed – brilliant in it's beauty, however brief.

It is the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.

"Focalors?"

The lilt of their voice nearly made her knees buckle beneath her – euphoria so consuming it left her feeling she was starving swallowed her whole, her mind blanking in a moment of utter bliss. It was..an indescribable feeling that she doubted she could ever hope to put into words – not in a way that could properly express it, try as she might.

She swallowed the words that threatened to spill from her lips – she couldn't make a fool of herself. Not in front of them of all people. She'd never forgive herself.

"Divine One," She rasps, clearing her throat and covering her mouth with a hand to mask both her nervousness and the small smile that creeps across her face. She quickly regains her composure, hand resting on her hip as she puffs out her chest with every bit of pride she can manage. "I am sure you must be confused, but worry not– your most loyal acolyte has seen the truth!"

The silence is deafening.

She opens one eye, peaking at the bewildered and almost distraught expression of the Divine.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

That..she was not prepared for. Surely they knew who they were! Surely they knew. They had to– she's been praying to them for as long as she's breathed, she's dedicated every hour of her life to living up to their ideals, they can't just–!

"Lady Furina?"

Neuvillette, thankfully, spares her the embarrassment of having a meltdown in front of the Divine, the gentle rap of his knuckles against the door making her and the Divine pause, the soft lull of his voice soothing her nerves and yet setting her on edge at the same time.

"Neuvillette." She clears her throat again, her steps hurried as she marches to the door and pries it open none too gently, a forced smile pulling at her lips. She wastes no time tugging the man into the room, shutting the door behind him with a short huff. The silence is, somehow, even worse then before as the three of them stare at each other in absolute exasperation.

Neuvillette, for his part, manages to get his act together with a sharp clearing of his throat, bowing so low even she looks unnerved. She steals a brief glance at the Divine, and she's taken aback by the uncomfortability twisting their features into a grimace.

Their expression is schooled back into one of empty apathy when he stands back to his full height, but she saw it – she knows she did! Did they not like their worship? Were they not respectful enough? For a moment, she feared the Divine would smite Neuvillette down on the spot..but they just stared at him like he was a ghost.

"Why aren't you killing me?"

The defeated, resigned tone combined with the way their voice cracks makes her heart ache in her chest – it feels as though her entire world is crumbling down at her feet, and she cannot explain why she feels such emotions so strongly, but it is suffocating. It is almost as if Teyvat itself is weeping, bearing down upon her shoulders like a heavy weight.

She feels the urge to weep herself, but she powers through, gritting her teeth long enough for Neuvillette to take his place at the side of her – though it feels more like their – bed, kneeling like he was going to pray.

"Divine One," He offers a hand with a quiet rumble of his voice, the words slipping off his tongue like honey. It's like trying to soothe a stray cat..though she'd never voice such comparisons of the most Divine out loud. "I..we mean you no harm. I swear on my authority as the Iudex of Fontaine and Chief Justice that you are safe with us."

The skepticism she expected, but the reverence in which Neuvillette must convince them – or perhaps they are simply so tired that they simply did not care any longer if it was all some ploy to drive a knife between their ribs. She didn't expect them to actually place their hand in Neuvillette's.

He didn't either, judging by the way he visibly brightened – not that they'd notice, but she did.

..Not that she could really blame him, her heels clicking against the floorboards as she shifted her weight to the other foot with a nervous energy that was practically bursting at the seams, more then a little jealous of the attention he was receiving. She was the one who found them, she was the one who stayed with them the entire time..but he gets all the attention?

How unfair.

"O-of course! We would never lay a hand on our creator," She adds, her voice a little higher pitched then she would have liked as she placed her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest and brushing off the sting of jealousy. "Least of all I– your most loyal, most devout acolyte!"

She felt baffled when she heard the sound of their laughter, her shoulders hunching and her cheeks flushing on mere instinct – she was expecting mockery, but the look in their eyes, still dulled by a pain she cannot even begin to imagine, made her hesitate.

..It was, perhaps, the most genuine thing she'd heard from them ever since before the hunt began.

She wasn't sure why her heart hurt at such an idea, but it was enthralling to see the beginnings of a half hearted smile on their lips.

For a moment, her mask of theatrics was forgotten as she stared at them in a mixture of awe and adoration– and though she didn't look at Neuvillette, she could imagine he must've shared such an expression.

Had she any doubts that they were her Creator, that they alone were the most Divine..they would wiped clean now. There was no mistaking the way the world itself seemed to grow clearer as they glanced up at her like she was worth something.

For a moment, she realized how cold the false Creators gaze had been now that she has felt warmth so gentle it almost made her knees buckle beneath her. It felt like a pale imitation, now.

Nothing could compare to the warmth that spread through her body at the mere semblance of a smile upon their lips. She didn't even mind if it was her they were laughing at anymore, she just wanted to hear them laugh again.

She'd make a fool of herself, if she had to.

She'd never felt so..ravenous for such a thing, but just the briefest glimpse was addictive.

She simply couldn't help herself from striding across the room and clasping their free hand in her own, her smile wide enough to unnerve as she leaned her weight onto the bed. For a moment, she considered pulling away at the way they startled, but her mind was made up by then – there was no going back.

"Again."

[possamble]

What are your headcanons about Marcille's mom if you have any? It's interesting that what drew Donato to her was cause she lived the history he studied, or that was said somewhere at least. She must've had an interesting life.

so this was going to be just a normal answer but then I realized I have a Lot of Things To Say. so here goes, a compilation of what we know for a fact from the canon, what I've extrapolated from the visual cues and details, and my theories based on all of that.

Things we know for a fact about Marcille's mother because they were explicitly stated in the manga and supplemental materials:

She was a court mage for a Tall-man kingdom at the southern part of the Northern Continent

Donato, a court historian, fell in love with her because she had lived through the history he was studying, and he courted her for 17 years (age 15 to 32) before getting married

She was a cheerful person who rarely showed extreme emotion and took things as they came

She always cooked a huge meal for Marcille on her birthdays

She remarried a gnome after Donato's death and a short distance away from Marcille's childhood home

Pipi, Marcille's pet bird, was actually older than Marcille and originally belonged to her mother (bird died at 62)

She was extremely heartbroken when Donato died and ultimately ended up instilling a deep fear of mortality in Marcille with her words

the only time she showed extreme emotion in front of her family was when Donato could no longer eat his favourite dish near the end of his life.

She scolded Marcille for being cruel to ants (implying she can have a stern side when needed)

Things that are explicitly shown but mostly through visual cues

She has a very distinctive style of dress always involving a ribbon choker (mirroring Marcille's habit of always wearing a matching choker with any of her outfits that don't cover her neck)

She was almost stereotypically good at housekeeping and traditionally "wifely" things (very frequently depicted wearing an apron or doing some domestic chore when not at work, seems to have been an avid cook).

She knits? (also, note the affectionate smile as she's looking at Donato and Marcille reading a book together in the full panel)

She was as excited for Marcille's milestones as Donato was.

She didn't tell Marcille much about elven food

(there are a couple things that this panel in particular implies:

She lived a good deal of her life (if not being born and raised) in a mainly elven country in the West, implied by her knowing enough of an elven region's cuisine to prefer Tall-man food over it

seems to have a pretty carefree and casual demeanour overall, if this is how she replied to Marcille asking her about it (sounds like she never gave her culinary preferences that much thought to begin with)

slightly related to number 2, it seems like she and Marcille had a fairly casual parent-child dynamic (especially in comparison to the Toudens' memory of their father)

(local elf tastes Italian food once and never goes back))

However, she seems a lot more... serious in most of the other times we see her? Almost like the very stereotypical archetype of a graceful elf.

Subsequent conclusions about her personality:

Usually pretty carefree and cheerful at home, has been a loving and attentive parent throughout Marcille's childhood (while not being so doting that she didn't discipline Marcille).

Slightly more conjectural theories on her personality:

Had a much more graceful and professional personality at work, which would explain the more serious portraits we see of her.

Given that both she and Donato had positions at the royal court, it seems a little odd that she'd go out of her way to do all the housework herself, so maybe she just enjoyed doing it?

Now taping all the evidence together and toeing the line between analysis and fanfiction:

It's clear that she loved Donato very much and was utterly devastated by losing him. But there's one thing that really stuck out to me in what little we see of her:

Doesn't she seem... angry? The way she's gritting her teeth, clutching the tablecloth, and how this is the first and only time we see her eyes opened that wide. In the following panel, you see her being quiet and dejected after her initial outburst. She's still crying very intensely, but her brows are furrowed, and she's not really responding to Donato's affection in her body language.

We're not told the details of how she felt about losing Donato other than that it upset her. But this, to me, implies that she was angry and resented that he was aging, that the end of his life was approaching. An "it's not fair" type of preemptive grief. And if this was the first and last time she cried like this in front of her family, she was either very good at coping in private... or very bad at letting herself feel unpleasant emotions until they become unavoidable and end up overwhelming her.

It's not too remarkable a detail on the surface. It's even reminiscent of what the audience has seen of Marcille. But... when it comes to the big picture, you'd think an elf who voluntarily chose to marry a tall-man and have a half-elf child would have been better prepared for this.

It kind of recontextualizes her cheerfulness to me.

"I'm sure everything's gonna be okay!" (or some variation thereof, depending on what translation you have).

And this is stated to contrast her extreme grief when finally confronting Donato's failing body and eventual death. But I'm wondering if... maybe this optimism was why she was so upset. What if she went into all of it thinking "everything's gonna be okay"? What if she was a little young by elven standards, and just followed her heart thinking that her own resilience would get her through anything?

Of course, only to get completely overwhelmed when she actually loses Donato. She turns into a completely different person. And that's heartbreaking on its own-- but what the audience sees is the effect it had on Marcille. Can you imagine being her, watching your invincible and upbeat mother suddenly lose all the light in her eyes in one go?

I've already made a huge post about how I think Marcille models her "work persona" off her mother, but another thing that stuck with me as I was looking for more details in the manga was this:

copy pasting from the other post i made about it lmao it's like... the second she resigns herself to lifelong pain and terror, there's another portrait of her mother facing her like this. with their heads bowed, in mirrored body language of resignation and despair and sorrow. Except it's posed like Marcille is still looking at her mother but her mother is looking away.

It took me a second to realize, but I think that it's a visual metaphor for the fact that Marcille's mother was the only long-lived role model she had-- and she failed to model healthy grief for her daughter. I don't say this as an accusation or to disparage her as a character, but just as a matter of fact. In her, Marcille was seeing herself older and losing a short-lived spouse or loved one of her own, and all she saw was hopelessness.

But her mother didn't mean to instill hopelessness and terror in her. She wasn't really thinking of how it would truly affect Marcille at all (at least, that's how I'm interpreting her looking down and away from Marcille in the metaphor), she was just sad. And she, in her own way, was trying to protect her daughter and help her prepare for future losses.

What she meant was "loss is inevitable, and you have to learn how to be in pain but live on anyway." What Marcille heard was "loss is inevitable, and you will be scared and hurt for the rest of your life."

Again. Marcille's mother doesn't feature explicitly in the story the way her father does -- but in so many ways, her shadow, her silhouette, her reflection is always hanging over Marcille.

All that to say... headcanon-wise (everything from here on is 100% without evidence lmao), I'd like to think that she matured and realized that she failed Marcille. I imagine her being regretful about it, wanting a chance to fix it but never finding a way to insert herself back into Marcille's life when Marcille is so so so busy becoming the most accomplished mage possible. I imagine her being herself again, now, so many years after her loss and after remarrying -- but with her cheerfulness tempered with a lot more wisdom and the pain of having gone through loss like that. I think the second Marcille actually tells her what happened in the dungeon, she'd want to go running to her daughter again -- if Marcille tells her the full truth instead of just being embarrassed she let things get that far. (oh, the tragedy of her wanting to be more like her mother and an accomplished adult who doesn't need to be babied... being embarrassed to actually tell her mother how much she fucked up...)

There's also the tension of her having remarried -- I know that there's at least a little bit of resentment that Marcille harbours about that, because she's childish like that at heart even if she makes an effort not to externalize it. I think that her mother would be aware of that, potentially adding to her sense of guilt and apprehension at trying to reappear/intrude on Marcille's life. I honestly don't think Marcille has met her stepfather -- or even considers him a stepfather rather than "mama's new husband" and kind of a total stranger. I think she and her mother actively don't talk about it in their correspondence, like an elephant in the room.

but, ultimately, I think her mother is on her side no matter what. Ancient magic? Dark necromancy? Sure, she'll feel guilty and like she was partially responsible for setting Marcille down such a painful path, but she wouldn't care. that's her daughter!! she would've moved back west and been petitioning for her at the court, buying a house right next to the Canaries barracks and visiting her every day that she wasn't on a mission. And if her husband had opinions on Marcille becoming a "dark arts user," he either gets over it or it's divorce with him. Yes, she might have had her optimism completely humbled by losing Donato like that -- but she's still headstrong and self-assured and she doesn't care what people think of her. It's her way or the highway and she's always going to be in Marcille's corner.

(She also needs a name lol. I went with Juno, just to be cute about "Marcille"s closest real life equivalent being Marcella, which is the female version of Marcellus, which in turn is a diminutive of Marcus, which was derived from Mars. Absolutely in love with Marcille potentially being named after Ares/Mars the fucking god of war btw)

[hussyknee]

cant put my finger on it, but Taylor Swift feels like walking racial microaggression

[cassyapper]

Really love your answers so far especially regarding Jotaro (he's a sore loser & I love him for that. Can't comment on la squadra since I haven't fully read part 5 and not following part 5 fandom yet). And yeah, I love hajnarus' art but sometimes her self-indulgent art didn't sit right with the facts that canon gave to me. Today is hater day! 9, 12 and 14 please!

ask game

LMAOOO THANK YOU SO MUCH i wouldnt blame anyone at all for like, Not agreeing with my answers since well theyre subjective as hell, but im glad ppl see where im coming from thank u for hearing me out <3

ANYWAY as for ur questions <3:

9: worst part of canon

100 percent the misogyny like the handling of trish (doesnt get to participate in her own story re her own FATHER), holly (too woman to have a stand), anne (sexually assaulted by an APE* and exists to annoy the crusaders with being an unashamed young girl/crush on jotaro), lisa lisa (does not get to participate in her own fucking fight at fucking all), etc pisses me off SO FUCKING BAD. araki does get better as he goes like jolyne/hermes/foo were handled really well for the most part but like he still slips up majorly like some of those scenes with lucy steel like GOD DUDE. it pisses me off bad

12: the unpopular character that you actually like and why more people should like them

WILLIAM ZEPPELIIII please he's such a flop he's so funny and he's so important to jonathan. me when i accidentally sned forth a mask of vampirism into europe and decide to abandon my family to go train in tibet about it. the way he helps jonathan and is more of a father to her than george EVER was btw. oh it warms my heart. also the class commentary he accidentally adds re his interactions with speedwagon AUGHHH. attacks frogs as demonstration. wine bitch. i wish we got to see more of him he's so funny please guys

14: that one thing you see in fics all the time

I PREFACE THIS WITH THE FACT IT'S NOT A BAD THING AT ALL but i see a looot of kakyoin and jotaro going to the same school which i just think is funny. could you fucking imagine

[martyrbat]

the man who falls – secret origins (1989)

[ID: Two cropped comic pages of Bruce Wayne as a child after falling into a cave and being ambushed by a swarm of bats. There's multiple narration boxes over the pages:

Page One: a three panel sequence of Bruce being rescued by his father. In the first panel, Bruce is screaming with his eyes squeezed shut in fear. He has his fists clenched in front of him and is wearing a reddish pink turtleneck sweater. The narration says, ‘Again, he shrieked — not in terror, but in despair...’ In the second panel, Thomas Wayne is shown from behind in a low angle. He's wearing a red sweater similar to Bruce and is holding a flashlight as he jerks Bruce into him. Above them is bats surrounding them and the broken wood floors that Bruce fell through. The narration continues, ‘The arm curled around him, muffling his voice, and his cheek rubbed against the rough wool of his father's jacket... He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to be away from here—’. In the third panel, they're standing outside. The narration reads, ‘When he opened them, he was in the area behind the mansion, in the pale light of the autumn afternoon, and his father's words pounded at him—’. Thomas is kneeling down in front of Bruce in front of the hole he fell in. He's gripping the child's shoulders as he scolds him, “Idiot! I told you never, never to go off alone. Didn't I? Didn't I?” Martha Wayne is behind them with her hand on the side of her face as she looks at them with relief that Bruce is okay.

Page Two: Martha is defending Bruce as Bruce has his head down. Thomas is still squeezing Bruce's shoulders as Martha tells him, “Thomas, he's frightened.” Thomas replies, “He damn well ought to be. He could have been killed.” Martha replaces Thomas's spot in front of Bruce, kneeling to gently place a hand on his upper arm and using a handkerchief to wipe his forehead. Bruce is standing with his fist still clenched and grimacing as Thomas angrily says, “He's got to learn.” Bruce is shown in a low angle, looking up at his mother with wide eyes. The narration continues, ‘He listened to his father's boots crushing the dead grass, and when he could no longer hear them, he dared to ask:’ “Mommy, was I in hell?” Martha soothes, “No, baby, that was just some old cave. You're safe now,” as she hugs him. His cheek is pressed against hers and she has her eyes closed as Bruce still looks uncertain. END ID]

[asyipyip]

jesus christ episode 5 of arcane was so fucking good

[faebriel]

hgs brainrot has returned due to tbosas .. speaking of hgs here’s an ask abt the hgs au: if things were totally different, and Wilbur were to be a 12 victor, what do you think a possible mentor-tribute dynamic would look like between him & Niki? I feel like it would be similar to Snow & Lucy in the way that he’s just going out of his way to cheat n help her

anon u have in fact struck jackpot because this is a concept i was spinning some thoughts abt before bee mentioned avoxes and we went OOOOH at that!!! so yes i have considered rainduo as a mentor-tribute dynamic and would love to talk about that concept too :]

so for this concept i think wilbur and niki would be close friends throughout childhood from 12, and then in their teens wilbur is reaped and, well, no one has particularly high hopes (he's a writer and a musician at heart, not a fighter) but through sheer trickery and dumb luck, he makes it to the end of the games. wilbur pulled some pretty fucked up tricks to win - when you can't use brute force, you have to use your brain - and partly due to the trauma of the games, partly due to his shame and survivor's guilt, he sinks into the capitol and relishes a new life there as a socialite. to him, the old wilbur died in the games and the new one has taken his place - to niki, and to his other friends in 12, whatever the games did to him made him into every vapid heartless capitol victor there is.

or. niki has her doubts. they all saw how horrible the games were, but surely there is some part of him left, some part that's hurting, even if it's buried deep?

anyway.

like og spin of the au, niki is reaped and this sucks - this time she does expect wilbur as her mentor on the train, and she expects some kind of warm welcome (maybe even an apology for leaving them so suddenly and silently? an explanation?) but she gets jack shit. wilbur is jaded and cruel and unrecognisable and niki entirely hates it. this is the part where i REALLY WISH we got some time of those two beefing with each other directly in canon (or at least interactions while niki was So Mad at him) but it's okay we fly blind. niki feels abandoned, lonely, thrown off of her kilter - she expected an ally in this place, but she doesn't recognise the person wilbur has become. she doesn't recognise his shallowness (...much), his ruthless advice for the arena, the way he doesn't seem to care for anything. she's scared and now she's lonely and it pisses her off - their mentorship is fraught. here are some thoughts from discord on that:

i tend to think of niki as a bit naïve before l'manberg or even doomsday - i think this is an au where this streak would come out real strong, and niki is stubborn that she can get through the games without losing herself. stubborn that she can stop things, that she can protect people. i don't think wilbur is cold enough (or, really, can bear to say aloud) to say that her odds in the arena are slim enough as it is, but he definitely tells her that she's making enemies and that her odds of survival dwindle with the more trouble she causes.

beyond that... hm. niki's trust in wilbur is almost unshakeable until nov 16, even when she outright says she doesn't recognise him anymore. i think she'd reluctantly listen re: don't burn down any buildings, but she would grow bolder each day she had to stay in the capitol. she gets more honest in front of the cameras. she makes more friends in training, and not the ones wilbur recommends. she throws barbs at him every time he makes one of those callous, cold-hearted comments about other tributes and rankings and odds. and besides, she's going in the arena this time, not him. she needs to practice her bravery.

it's like... she hasn't given up on him. she thinks the old wilbur is in there somewhere. (she is wrong. that is not how trauma works.) but she won't hold her tongue just because she

for extra angst points could definitely play up the whole 'feeling abandoned' angle between them as niki goes into the arena - probably due to how fraught their friendship gets leading up to the games. niki wants to focus on them and their friendship, wilbur has stringently cut off (almost) everything from 12 and refuses to let her in; he tells her to behave for the cameras, she tells him she never will. i think the last point in that screenshot would also make for a super tasty argument where niki feels wilbur has gone astray, that he's abandoned 12, and that he'll probably do nothing but sit on his ass and watch her die and he can't even bring himself to care about her anymore, can he? just more fodder for the arena. and honestly, i think wilbur would passively agree with most of that - he values niki's opinion, after all, even now, and if she says he's rapidly descending into a lost cause then she must be right. and it's niki, so she will be fine, and he goes to his bedroom that night and tries to pretend he is sleeping perfectly fine instead of feeling paralysed with fear.

okay now onto the games - YES HE SO WOULD. or at least i think he would go out of his way to help. as for cheating - he's a recent victor for 12 and i think he would value tommy (no doubt a link to him... i think they'd be in touch in this au also) too much to risk the punishment falling onto him as well. i get the vibes this is a games closer to 74th than 10th, so there are far fewer opportunities to cheat and the consequences of getting caught are higher. but schmoozing up sponsors? making stupid ass radio interviews or whatever to talk up niki's odds? sharing anecdotes from their childhood - some real, some entirely fabricated - across capitol airwaves to stoke their sympathy? 100%. with less to lose in this au, i think niki would be far less inclined to play nice for the cameras - i hope you starve, she spits at one of them, and wilbur appears on a talkshow two days later as she scrambles for survival in the arena to talk up how she always saved loaves from the bakery for the poorest mothers and children in 12. he borrows and begs and swindles to the point where it feels like cheating. but hey, this new wilbur is capitol-branded. he knows how to play the game.

if anything he probably sinks into the game a little too much. self-preservation is not his forte. probably wracks up a few heavy debts and favours to owe, but those are not priority until niki is out of the arena, alive. as long as she wins, and as long as the family he has isn't in danger, he will manage. wow it would suck if at some point those two goals became impossible to co-achieve. anyway

i kind of see niki's victory in the arena being similar to the one in the main au - if only because planning out an entire games is hard for meee >-< . she walks in bolder and braver for sure, and with a less strategic pick of allies, but they all get picked off and she spends a few weeks so terrified she can barely sleep and then she ruptures some fuel line and sets the arena alight with a fire that burns brighter and more ravenously than it should. but she wins, and she's airlifted out of a filthy, muddy creek she had resigned herself to die in, and wilbur barges his way through as many peacekeepers so that he can actually see her with her burnt skin and hair and unfocused eyes and trust that what was on the screens wasn't a fluke, and that they made it. and then it's just a matter of surviving the after.

i'm sure there are some other random quirks or tidbits i can think of re: this take on a c!rainduo hunger games au but these are my base thoughts!!

[pupkou]

i’m literally going to **** ******