#hes quiet and patient with them and crouches down like with this kid and as annoyed by her as he is hes still there for yuffie

[lecliss]

I know I obsessed over it on my last playthrough, but I'm once again fucking EMOTIONAL over the kid asking Vincent to avenge his parents deaths. Like just. The silence. The fact that Vincent crouches down to the kid's level to let the kid know he's listening. Getting up and walking away without a single word to the kid. The refusal to be a part of more vengeance. And denying the kid any opportunity to be aided in an attempt at it. Like Vincent is genuinely so bad at talking to people and doesn't want to talk either, but he doesn't have to say anything in that scene for the intention to be clear. The world doesn't need to keep perpetuating that cycle and Vincent's not about to be an accomplice in that for a literal child.

[astars-things]

omg jack would have a daughter who is so shy and quiet and just clings to jack and everyone is so quick to notice how soft he is toward her, maybe she was before covid so none of his friends has really seen much interaction between them and are very surprised

Jack Hughes x Daughter!reader 

The drive to the lake house was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of Y/N turning the pages of her picture book. I glanced in the rearview mirror, watching her small frame bundled up in her car seat, completely absorbed in the vibrant illustrations. Her world was a cocoon of safety and quiet. 

Y/N was born just a few months before the pandemic hit, and as the world shut down, our lives cocooned together. Her mother and I parted ways shortly after her birth, and since then, it had been just the two of us. I had gotten used to her soft-spoken nature, the way she’d cling to my leg when meeting new people, her whispers only meant for my ears. 

Arriving at the lake house brought a wave of nostalgia. This place had been our summer retreat since I was a kid. Now, it would be the backdrop for Y/N’s first real foray into the larger world of my friends and family. I parked the car and turned to face her. “Ready to meet Uncle Quinn and everyone else?” I asked, trying to mask my own apprehension. She nodded, her big eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of nervousness

Quinn was the first to greet us, his surprise evident when he saw Y/N shyly peeking from behind my legs. “Jack, hey! And this must be Y/N,” he said, crouching to her level. She pressed closer to me, her little hand gripping my jeans. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” I murmured, lifting her into my arms. “This is Uncle Quinn. He’s really nice, I promise.”

Over the next few days, the house filled with laughter and noise as more friends arrived. Each one of them took turns trying to engage with Y/N, but she’d always retreat to the safety of my arms or hide behind me. The guys seemed taken aback by how gentle and patient I was with her, a side of me they weren’t used to seeing.

“Man, Jack, you’ve really got the dad thing down,” Trevor remarked one evening as we sat by the fire pit. Y/N was nestled in my lap, her head resting against my chest as she dozed off. “I’ve never seen you like this. It’s kind of incredible.”

I smiled, looking down at my sleeping daughter. “She’s my world, Trev. Everything I do is for her. It’s different, but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Y/N began to open up, little by little. She’d sit by the water’s edge with Quinn, watching him skip stones, or quietly hand over her stuffed bunny for Luke to play with. My friends were patient, giving her space while gently encouraging her to join in.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped low, we all gathered for a barbecue. Y/N, to everyone’s surprise, walked over to Trevor and handed him a flower she had picked. “For you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crackling fire. Trevor’s eyes widened, and he accepted the flower with a beaming smile. “Thank you, Y/N. This is beautiful.”

[tojisun]

was struck suddenly by this thought

okay biker!simon but he's got his shit together and he's hubby and you have a kid (2yo?) with him

in India, bikes are the primary mode of transport everyone has one and lots of the kids love love going on rides. my 2nd cousin (?) (relations are diff there) he's 2 years old and he's the cutest thing in the world and he will not sleep at night until his dad takes him out for a spin on the bike. he comes back all smiley and sleepy it's so fucking cute omfg

IMAGINE THAT WITH SIMON

( bikes aren't seen as dangerous in India bc literally every household has one and people will carry their babies on the bike. ik it's different elsewhere but I just cannot stop thinking ab simon going for a spin with his baby :((( )

love you, drink water sunny 👊

ur cousin not sleeping till he gets a ride is so cute omg :((( such a cutie pie 🥺

but no absolutely!! i feel like biker!simon would spoil his kids sm that they get demanding when he doesn’t get to take them out on a ride

thinking about your little two year old girl waiting patiently in the living room while her dad washes up (simon closed the shop today), with her little helmet already strapped in. the tv is on for reruns of cartoons but she’s distracted, squirming at every drop of sound, thinking it’s simon finally out of the shower.

you chuckle as you rub her back, trying to make her calm down, but you guess her exhaustion and excitement are finally mixing, making one whiny baby. you pitch forward to press a kiss on her little fist.

that, at least, makes her look at you.

“excited, little pea?” you ask, brushing your thumb on the apple of her cheek.

“mhmm!” she says before turning back to her cartoons.

what a blessing she is.

simon pops out of the corner just then, crooning, “ready to go, peanut?”

your daughter squeals, scrambling to get off the couch to run towards simon. simon laughs, crouching down and opening his arms to embrace her, but she’s barrelling into him too fast, unable to stop, and it knocks her helmet against his chin.

“jesus–”

“daddy, go!” is all what your daughter says, so impatient and spoiled, and simon just coos again, finding no fault in her little demands.

“of course, of course.” he stands up. “let’s say bye to mommy?”

you stand then too, moving close to them carefully. your beloved angel turns at hearing simon’s words, her pudgy cheeks now rounder with her smile. “buh-bye!”

“bye bye, darlin’,” you reply, kissing her little fist again. “have fun with daddy, yeah? tell him to ride carefully because he’s got my whole world with him.” this you say to simon, playful and teasing.

simon scrunches his nose in reply—fatherhood looks so beautiful in him.

“don’t worry, love. y’know i’ll do everything to keep her safe,” he murmurs, pressing close to breathe you in. “we’ll be home in twenty. see you then.”

you kiss his jaw. “see you then, baby.”

your little angel waves her goodbyes again before they disappear to the garage, simon’s quiet murmurs filling up the space while your daughter hums in replies, still not yet ready for much words.

simon hefts himself up and places her in front of him, making sure that her helmet is secured and her jacket’s all zipped up. it is a quiet routine, one that simon completes with ferocious intensity. he’s never once skipped out on this, never once had been lazy with it, and it makes your heart warm.

he looks up after his final check, turning to you with one last wave, before he’s snapping his visor down and revving the engine. then they’re off.

later, simon will come back with a slumbering princess in his arms. you two make a quiet work on removing her helmet and her shoes, before simon takes her to sleep. then, he’ll slide in beside you, pull you in for cuddles, before recounting their little adventure to you.

-

IM SORRY THIS BECAME A RAMBLE AND ITS NOT EVEN ABOUT THE BIKE RIDE BUT ITS JUST :((( dad simon is so so precious

love you too vi and yes im gulping down rn as i type!!

[toecrust69]

Hi! I’m not sure if you’re still taking requests but if you are, can I ask for one, Batfam x vigilante!male!reader (or gn, idc) The reader is a teen (younger than Tim and older than Damian). He’s like super smart and knows martial arts and is a total badass. The bat family has been trying to catch him for a year now. The reader just stopped a drug dealing, near the docks and was about to go back to patrolling but nightwing and Robin show up. They fight for a bit and robin kicks the reader in the water. The reader is exhausted too and passes out. Nightwing sees the reader not coming back up and dives in and rescues him. They take him back to the bat cave, put him in like a cell and the batfam starts questioning him. They find out he’s a kid and a orphan and ALSO knows who they are, bruce decides to adopt him (the reader and Robin not wanting that) but Bruce says something like since the readers just a kid and he already knows their identity, might as well adopt him and keep a eye on him. Thank youuuuu, I hope you can do this! Sorry if it’s a bit much <3

Super Cool Title

Tw: profanity but honestly who cares, bad writing, bad fight scenes

Authors note: don't worry about it at all! I hope u enjoy <3 Also, the reader is gender-neutral so I'm gonna try my best to not use any pronouns. Please let me know if you find any mistakes and I will fix them as soon as possible. Also, I changed some stuff up, so I hope you don't mind.

Enjoy!

The harsh wind hit you as you jumped from rooftop to rooftop.

You'd occasionally go down if you ever heard a noise, but so far, you haven't.

It was a quiet night.

Quiet nights weren't common in Gotham, but every time there was one, something happened by the end of it.

You didn't know if it was some sort if curse put on Gotham but you honestly wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

You landed on a bridge overlooking a river, but you must be been too deep in thought to notice the loud thud behind you.

You did, however, hear the familiar voice of Robin behind you.

"ow," he hissed.

You whipped your head back to look at him and saw him there, on the ground, holding his knee to his chest.

You stifled a laugh as you crochet down in front of him, but still a few feet apart.

"What's wrong?" you began mockingly, "I thought Robins could fly, so why did you fall?".

"Fuck you," he hissed through gritted teeth.

You rolled your eyes and stared patiently at him, waiting for him to give up and ask for help.

He sensed your heavy gaze on him and glanced up at you.

"What" he demanded— rather aggressively might I add— but you decided to ignore it.

You pretended to pick at your nails then said; "oh, nothing much... Just waiting for you to swallow your pride and ask me for some much-needed help."

You smirked when his glare hardened, clearly annoyed.

He clearly wasn't giving up any time soon, so you decided to take manors into your own hands.

Standing up, you fished a mini med kit from your pockets and walked towards him.

He didn't seem to notice you until you were crouched down in front of him —closer this time— examining his seemingly hurt ankle.

He squirmed in your touch and yelled profanities at you as you tried to calm him down and keep him still.

"What do you think you're doing!? Let go of me you mo-"

"Shut up!" your voice was stern which seemed to help him follow your orders. "Stop moving so much— I can barely see what's wrong"

A quiet moment passed and soon you were bandaging his ankle.

"Why are you here, anyway?" you asked. "Still trying to catch me?" you teased with a smirk as you finished wrapping his ankle.

It wasn't a secret that Batman and his family had been trying to catch you for a little over a year now; there had been many articles written about the latest fight between you and Batman.

And, you guessed it, Batman never won.

*sigh*, you're just too cool for your own good...

A mischievous smirk graced his lips as he spoke, "Yes, was it too obvious?".

Before you could process what he was saying, he was launching himself at you and you were on the ground with him hovering only inches above you.

He raised his fists to punch you, but you caught it before it got the chance to.

Kicking him off of you, you stood up and watched as he struggled to do the same.

Your breaths were heavy and you brought your fists and guard down.

You couldn't help but feel bad for the kid. He was still young— younger than you. You know what it feels like to–

Suddenly, you were pushed to the ground, again, with somebody hovering atop you.

The fall was so hard that it knocked the air out of your lungs, but you still managed to crane your neck up to see who it was, only to have a hand planter on your head, twisting it back to where it once was.

"You good, Robin?" ah, you recognized that voice— it was Nightwing.

He nodded his head and pointed to his bandaged ankle. "Yes, I'm okay," he pointed at you, "This imbecile here helped me out".

With his other hand, Nightwing took both of your wrists and held them together as makeshift handcuffs.

Before you could speak, Nightwing beat you to it. "Oh, is that so?" he said mockingly, "I didn't know you had it in ya. Thanks for helping him out but we gotta take you back now."

You groaned. Not this shit again, you thought.

But you weren't going to go without a fight.

He stood up, picking you up in the process. He held you flush against his back and leaned down to whisper in your ear, "You won't escape this time".

You took this position to your advantage and turned your head to face him. Before he could react, you swept your tongue over his cheek.

He stumbled back in disgust and touched his cheek with his hand. He glanced down at his hand in disgust and you took the opportunity to high kick him in the face.

He stumbled back into the ground with a groan and held his now broken and bloody nose.

You turned to face Robin who was now standing up, ready to fight.

He launched himself at you once again but you punched him in the face before he could reach you.

Dumbass, you thought.

He fell to the ground, clearly embarrassed, and you circled him before speaking.

"Say, Robin, was you falling and getting hurt all part of your plan to —unsuccessfully— catch me again?" you taunted.

His glare hardened on you but then glanced behind you.

You didn't think much of it until you realized that he was starting at something behind you.

You couldn't even turn your head fully before you felt somebody hit your back, causing you to stumble forwards.

But you fought yourself before you could fall (again), and turned to face the culprit.

There you saw Nightwing again, in a fighting position.

Fuck not agai-

Your thoughts were quickly interrupted by another fight between both Nightwing and Robin.

You might've been strong when fighting with one of them, but not with two of them.

The whole thing was a blur, but all you know is that you somehow ended up tumbling down the bridge rather ungracefully.

Panting, Dick turned to Damian and saskef if he was okay.

"You good?"

"Yes", he responded through labored breaths. "Now all we have to do is bring them back and hope we don't end up getting our asses beat again".

"yeah, you gotta admit they're pretty good."

Damian nodded reluctantly in response. He glanced down at the water and then asked "Why haven't they come up yet?"

He shook his head mindlessly, still trying to catch his breath, when he realized–

"Holy shit where are they!?"

Dick frantically looked down at the water, Damian following suit.

They stared in horror as tiny air bubbles made their way up to the surface.

Before Damian could, Dick dove down into the water to get you.

The last thing you remember before blacking out was Robin— aka Damian— kicking you into the water with Nightwing— aka Dick— by his side.

Yeah, that's right, you know their identity.

You had to admit it took you a while to figure it out, but when you did, you honestly weren't that surprised.

What did surprise you, however, was how quickly you found Superman's identity.

That and how he hid it.

God, the people of Gotham can be so stupid sentimes

I mean— he had the money and the family, so why not?

Anyways, that's not important.

What is important, however, was for you to get out of here.

You had woken up about five minutes ago, but you made no move to show it.

You tried your best to gather some information on where and how you got here.

But that was easier said than done when you were put in the hospital room that was boarded off from the rest of what you assumed to be the Batcave.

Suddenly, the door opened and you heard two heavy footsteps enter the room, along with a light one.

"How do you find them?" a deep voice, who you assumed was Bruce, asked.

"This little demon spawn here kicked them into the water and they passed out", Dick explained.

"Hey!" Damian hissed. "I already said I was sorry", his voice sounded lower and a bit guilty than before.

Bruce only hummed, stepping closer to you and it took everything in you not to freak out.

He reached his hand out to brush a strand of hair from your face and you internally thanked him because that strand had been tickling and annoying you since you woke up.

"Well, they're something" he started plainly and they simply hummed in response.

The door opened and another set of step walked in.

"What did you find on them?" Bruce asked the mystery person.

"Well, they live in an orphanage not too far from here. Actually, its the same one Dick grew up in." his voice was tired, deep, and familiar... Ah! Tim, aka Red Robin

He continued, "Their mom and dad died a couple years ago in a car accident driving and left an inheritance of 3,000 dollars that they will get once they turn 18. Oh! And I think they know our identity"

What? How the fuck did he-

"How the fuck do you know that?!" Damian asked, earning a light slap from Bruce.

"Language!" he demanded and you could practically hear him rolling his eyes.

"Oh, because they've been awake this whole time and they have a whole Google slide about us."

Fuck.

Your eyes snapped open and everybody turned to look at you.

An awkward beat passed when Dick finally broke the this atmosphere.

"I knew that".

You stood in front of the Batcomputer, arms crossed over your chest, as you watched the chaos fold right in front of you.

You changed out the hospital gown and borrowed one of Tims's old shirts that fit you like a glove.

Everybody was screaming at one another and all you did was lean back and quietly munch away on one of alfreds cookies.

His cookies were delicious and you'd gladly sell your soul for the recipe.

Speaking of Alfred, he walked up beside you with a tiny metal tray holding more cookies and gestured at you to take some more.

You gladly accepted with a small 'thank you' and he was on his way.

Jason had arrived not that long ago when he heard that they finally caught you.

He was mainly arguing with Damian and Bruce but you honestly didn't care all that much.

All you could focus on were the damn cookies.

What did catch your attention, however, was Bruce's next words.

"Why don't I just adopt them!? They already know our identity and they'd make a great addition to the family and team!" he screamed.

"Hell no" you and Damian screeched at the same time while everybody else kept quiet.

You briefly glanced at Damian only for him to look around the now quite room.

They seemed to be considering it.

Damian let out a sarcastic and breathy laugh. "There's no fucking way you're actually considering this, Father", he muttered under his breath but still loud enough for everybody to hear.

His voice was almost as small as he felt.

"For once, I agree with him" you said, pointing at him.

"Aw, look, they're both already getting along like siblings." Jadon pointed at you, "I'm gonna call you demon spawn 2.0" Jason teased and smirked.

You and Damian both snapped your heads at him and gave him the coldest glare you could muster at the same time.

Usually, Jason wouldve cowered away in fear but he was too busy laughing his ass off at the resemblance.

You both rolled your eyes and turned back to face Bruce and the others. At the same time without realizing it.

Again.

Some of them were holding back laughter while the rest had their mouth open in shock.

Damian tilted his head and you asked, "What?".

They shook their heads and went back to what they were talking about.

"Well, I don't see why not" Cass started from her spot on the table. "They already know our identity —like you said —and we could always train them to be better".

Everybody else nodded in agreement except for you and Damian, who stared in shock.

"I can't belive this-!"

"You can't be serious-!"

You and Damian spoke at the same time, causing both of you to snap your head ad glare at one another before turning your head again.

Bruce brought up a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose and sighed in annoyance.

He muttered random words under his breath for a moment as everybody stared at him in confusion.

He eventually snapped his head up and finally spoke; "It's final," he pointed at you, "you're getting adopted," he pointed and Damian, "and you two are getting along"

You both stared at him for a brief second, disbelief written all over your face as you began protesting rather loudly.

Bruce finally snapped and turned to look at you both. "I said it's final! You can't change my mind!" His voice was stern, and a bit scary, so you stayed quiet.

He sighed in relief once you actually shut up.

He turned his back to face you, muttering to himself again.

You leaned over to Damian and whispered, "does he do that often?".

Damian leaned in a bit too and answered, "yeah, but don't worry, you'll get used to it".

You nodded absently and straightedge your back again when Bruce turned to look at you two again

"See!" He gestured at you two, "you're already getting along well. Jason was right, now stop whining." He began walking away.

They're already making me grow white hairs, he thought

Jason dramatically gasped at his words and followed behind him. "What was that!?"

Finally! Im done! I really hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I love writing this. I'm really proud of how this turned out and I'm honestly kinda surprised that I managed to finish this quickly

-toes<3

[ariseur]

My phone is on 2% so I'm gonna speed this ask but maybe some hcs about the cc trio (seph, gen and angeal) and a child!reader? Just some random kid somehow manages to find their way into shinra and now they have to babysit this kid until they find their parents? 🥹

Genesis probably just dresses them up in cute things and read them stories, Angeal is the only one actually babysitting them, and Sephiroth has absolutely no idea on how to care of a child, he just kind of, holds them awkwardly and asks them if they want a snack or something. Sephiroth would just sit besides them awkwardly silent without a clue on what to do 😭

✧˖° - KID IN A CANDY STORE !

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི₊ ⊹ - featuring ; ( platonic !! ) angeal hewley, genesis rhapsodos, sephiroth x reader

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི₊ ⊹ - synopsis ; the first class soldier trio will take anything that is thrown in their path with no problem!! .. until that thing so happens to be a child (,,꒪꒫꒪,,) . .

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི₊ ⊹ - word count ; 2.0k words, 10.5k characters

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི₊ ⊹ - cw ; platonic and friendly relationship with cc trio, sfw, gn!reader, ~7 headcanons for each SOLDIER, just them being awkward and slowly growing attached to you while trying their best to take care of you 😭

ᡣ𐭩ྀིྀི₊ ⊹ - notes ; patiently waiting for cxk to post ( patiently is a lie i am over here dying rewatching his old videos as i make this ples cory come back we miss u )

# now, when you think of SOLDIER — i��m sure you think of pretty [ tough ] guys with their bulky suits of armor heading off and working for shinra, either that or you think of a bunch of gays considering of how many ships there are between the organization 😭

# in terms of the spectrum of shock with these guys, i’d say ranging from most to least excited / surprised, it’d go: genesis, angeal, and sephiroth. seph being the lowest considering he wouldn’t really know how to act and would kind of just observe from afar. angeal being second because he’s pretty shocked but snaps out of it in search for your parents — and genesis being the highest because he just wants a little mini me lmfao.

# starting off with GENESIS, i can definitely see what this anon was going for considering how flamboyant and over the top genesis usually is, from his clothes to his speech. i think it’d also depend on what circumstances the trio had found you in. if it’s like how this ask described where you managed to wriggle your way into shinra then i think he might be a little more stressed considering even he knows that there’s things that mustn’t be touched by the chubby little fingers of a kid ( like control panels or weapons for instance ).

# but i do think that he’d be a little more lenient with you!! like, if you were to watch behind the glass and see the training simulation going on then he’d propose the idea of teaching you how to swing a sword . . to which he’d immediately get shot down by angeal, ( but i mean, he’d definitely seriously consider it for a bit before shaking his head and going back to his mundane duties, hearing your pitter patter meekly trail behind him ).

# god forbid that you have some sort of attachment to him, his ego will inflate tenfold if you decide to follow him around or peek around corners to see what he’s doing on. will definitely shove it in seph’s and angeal’s faces too, tilting his nose up at them when he walks by while his gloved hand rests on your hair who heels at his feet with a small smile.

# if you’re on the shyer end, he will revel in it even further. he’ll crouch down to pat your head, his eyes softening and UGHH i can just imagine you hiding behind him if you look at sephiroth ( who is intimidating no matter what considering he’s tall asf and brooding asf ) and he’ll just laugh and say, “ah, don’t worry about that scary, quiet man, he’s merely too foolish to speak.”

# however if you’re on the more brash end, he’ll admire your confident attitude which brings us back to his pleas to angeal to let him teach you how to use a sword considering how much you keep talking about how you’d totallyyyy beat him. if you were to ever pick up a sword ( or if you already knew how to use one ) then i feel like it’d be a hit or miss whether he’d let you win or beat you with ease just to prove a point.

# if you so happened to stay overnight or it got later and you needed a nap, you already know genesis is gonna bust out LOVELESS. i don’t see him being really touchy so i don’t think he’d have you lay on his lap ( maybe leaning on him at most ? ) but maybe he’ll scrounge up some blankets or rags to create some form of comfort for you as he sits by your side and picks out an epic to read. the poems may be a little weird to understand from the way they’re told but his voice is just so soothing?? you can’t help?? but shut your eyes?? and when he asks if you’re falling asleep you’ll be all, “no, i’m just resting my eyes” and then not even three minutes later you’ve passed out lol

# i don’t necessarily think he’d be super heartbroken when you left, especially if you were a handful. i think he’d just be a little sad that his twins gone off back home. he’ll give you one last pat on the head before walking back into the facility ( ? ) as you watch his cape flow behind him. if you were to cry at his exit, he would not know what to do — i’m pretty sure he’d just have angeal take care of it because when it comes to tantrums or tears, genesis and sephiroth have no clue on how to help

# with ANGEAL, i can definitely see him being the most responsible but more shocked. his face would soften, all stoicism melting away when he’d look at you — crouching down to meet your height as he questions you, although it might be a little intense, he’s just worried about who your parents are and where you came from. after all, it’s not everyday you find a little kid in shinra.

# unlike genesis, angeal is more of a worrier — he is well aware that there are things that are unsafe to touch / be exposed to, hence why he shoots down any bullshit from his friends. it might get a little frustrating how much he tries to control this little schedule the two ( or rather the four ) of you share, but it’s only because he wants to get you back to your family asap.

# if you grow an attachment to him, he won’t think much of it besides be a little surprised. it just makes him feel even more protective over you, especially if you’re super young. he understands feeling scared or homesick in a foreign area which make it all the more eager for angeal to find your home for you.

# in the meantime, he’d mainly keep to himself i think — not in the awkward sephiroth kind of way or in a way that he purposefully ignores you, i guess he’s just trying to make you feel more comfortable despite being in such an unfamiliar area. he’ll look for something for you to eat or try to find something for you to do, although it mainly keeps to nothing — shinra isn’t exactly a place for little kids to have fun.

# each member of the trio has their own little thing with you, genesis plays dress up and sephiroth will teach you about his stories and not to indulge in any of the paparazzi’s questions, but you’d find angeal in a little room polishing his buster sword — and it’d probably be scary asf because he just looks so ominous in a dark room with the tip of his weapon glinting in the light of the doorway but you’d just stand there and meekly ask if he could tell you a story and his whole heart just softened right there.

# regarding anon’s thoughts in request, i can def see genesis telling stories and reciting small epics he’s heard over the years but i can also see angeal sharing some with you too!! although, i feel like he’d tell you tales of his own life and use them as lessons that he’d only hope you’d use in your own life, as well. either that or he tells you his small share of lil fables he’s heard back in banora in his youth ^.^ ( i need him angeal pls i miss u come back )

# he’s relieved that you’ve been reunited with your parents although he is a little sad to have seen you go, i feel like angeal would’ve gotten more attached than you 😭 he sees childhood as such a precious time in someone’s life so he only hopes the best for you, and knows that it’s necessary for you to go back to your family so he bids you goodbye and watches you walk away, wishing your family well, too. ( genesis totes makes fun of him for getting a little teary as you give him a little wave before skipping along to hold your parent[s]’s hand ).

# and now for SEPHIROTH, poster child for shinra. i’d say he’s the least shocked — not because he doesn’t necessarily care? but mainly because he’s not quite sure how to take care of you so it kind of just slips his mind.

# he’d most likely be watching from afar or working on something else, but if you’re persistent enough then he’ll have no choice but to pay attention to you — especially if angeal and genesis aren’t around. i feel like it’d take some time at first though because you’d either be intrigued or scared considering this tall ass man with huge armor is just staring at you ( i feel like with kids it’s usually a mixture of both, though lol ). i’m sure at first he’d let you hang onto him while he tries to find the others but afterwards he just sighs and accepts that it’s his turn to take care of you.

# as per usual, his lips would curl into an amused smirk if he sees that, even with angeal and genesis around, you’d cling onto him more often. he really doesn’t mind hanging around you, he’s just quieter than the other two so it’s more like you’re just following him around. he won’t get mad at you if you start playing with his hair and sit on his lap and point at everything in the room asking what it is ( ugh i should write dad sephiroth i swearrr.. ) — and he’ll simply respond with a soft tone, eyes flickering to every which way that you look so that he can already prepare to respond.

# sephiroth isn’t really equipped with a mentality to treat kids.. like kids? i’m sure he’ll be much friendlier and he tries his best to come off as amiable as possible since he knows that he might look scary 😭 but i mean it in the sense that he won’t dumb anything down for you and will continue to talk formally, he’d probably treat you like an adult even if you babble about little kid stuff — either you’ll get curt answers or a really long, philosophical and formal answer.

# rather than genesis who is entertained by your challenge and asks angeal to pull out regular swords, sephiroth helps you make cardboard swords and helps teach you about basic stuff you should look out for in battle, even if you don’t plan on being out in the field.. until you accidentally swing too hard and faceplant into the floor. it’s like five seconds of pure silence as he just stares at your limp body on the floor before you start crying so he just walks out and looks until he finds angeal. once he does, he literally just monotonously says, “they’re crying” while angeals like “??? help them???”

# i feel like sephiroths the kind of guy where if you’d fall asleep on him he straight up wouldn’t breathe because he thinks it’ll feel more comfortable for you until he tries to quietly sneak a slow inhale but ends up choking on his own spit instead

# once it’s time for you to go home, he’ll feel a small emptiness for a bit — which he won’t understand because.. he’s just weird like that. but he will miss you, and i feel like he would keep the tiny cardboard sword and always think of you whenever he sees it. he, too, bids you goodbye along with angeal and genesis and wonders how you’re doing every so often; maybe even hoping for another sword battle one day ( ngl i can smell some angst with this idea but that’s for another time ). knowing the director though, he probably won’t let anymore children sneak into the organization anymore so that probably slims your chances of breaking into shinra 💔

𐙚 join my taglist ! ; @snoopicle @ch3rryfiles

𐙚 requests are closed — july twenty first, 2024 ( 5:33 pm )

[ejzah]

A/N: For @mashmaiden, who requested a kid fic with the grandmas. Sorry I’ve been so absent with my Fair shenanigans!

***

It All Comes Back Around Again

“Alright, here we are!” Deeks announced, pulling into Julia’s driveway. Roberta’s car was already parked to the right. He looked over the driver’s seat into the back where Caleb and Sofia were facing backwards, holding hands in the small space between their seats.

“You ready to see Gradma Deeks and Grandma Julia?” Kensi asked.

“Duwi!” Caleb shouted, his little legs kicking excitedly as Julia more quietly exclaimed, “Dama!”

In their mysterious twin toddler ways, Caleb and Sophia had simultaneously christened the grandmas with their own unique versions of their names. It wasn’t clear if the choices were merely based on convenience and ease of pronunciation, or some other reason adults would never be able to fathom.

“Tayeb out!” Caleb requested when Kensi opened his door, reaching for her. Sophia patiently waited while Deeks unbuckled her seat belt, helpfully lifting her arms so he could pick her up.

He didn’t set her down once she was out thought, having learned that she was a little escape artist, and would likely take off as soon as he let go.

“See doddy pease?” she asked, pointing towards the fenced in back yard.

“Yep, I bet Grandma Julia has Ginger outside,” Deeks replied. He tucked a light brown curl behind Sophia’s ear. “Remember, no sitting on the dog. Ok?”

“Tay.”

Following the sound of Roberta’s distinctive laugh, Kensi and Deeks walked to the backyard, free hands linked while they each held a kiddo in the other arm.

When they walked through the side gate, Julia and Roberta were sitting at the glass topped table with what looked like cocktails.

“Dama!” Sophia shouted excitedly, scrambling down from Deeks’ arms, and running as fast as her little legs could take her to Julia and Roberta. Caleb was a few steps behind, dragging Kensi along with him. In order to keep up, Kensi had to run at an awkward crouched jog.

“Oh, my babies!” Julia said, clasping her hands to her chest as the twins slammed into her and Roberta’s legs. Caleb hugged her legs, leaving a wet attempt at a kiss on her knee before moving.

“Get up here, kiddo,” Roberta said. Caleb bounced on his tiny sneakered feet until she picked him up.

“Me up?” Sophia asked, tugging at the hem of Julia’s cardigan.

“Of course, my beautiful Sophia. I missed you.” Sophia didn’t respond verbally, but seemed to get the gist of Julia’s words, hugging her around the neck.

Deeks watched them, heart nearly bursting at the sight of their moms so content. He saw Kensi with a similar gleam in her eyes.

“I remember when Kensi was this age,” Julia reminisced once they were all settled, fondness lighting every feature as she balanced Sophia on her thighs. “She would sneak into the kitchen where we kept little candies and treats in a drawer. I would catch her with a sucker or chocolate in her little hand and she’d put the whole thing, wrapper and all, in her mouth. Whenever it got quiet, I knew where I could find my Kensi.

“So-ee tandy!” Sophia announced, attention caught by one of her favorite things. When she didn’t see any evidence of candy or other sweets, she turned back to Julia with a little huff and started patting her cheeks.

“Ah, so not much has changed in 40 years,” Deeks teased, chin tipped up as he grinned at Kensi.

“Thanks so much, mom,” Kensk said wryly. “Alright, give me a baby Deeks story, Roberta. It’s only fair.”

Deeks made a noise of objection. “Oh, I think there are more than enough stories about me during my tender childhood years floating around.”

“Marty was a happy little baby. He loved to talk,” Roberta shared gladly. She nodded to Caleb, who was standing beside Julia’s chair now, speaking to Sophia in a mixture of English, Spanish, and baby jargon.

“You were saying,” Kensi drawled at Deeks.

“Fine, fine. I concede, we made mini-me’s.”

“When he was about a year and a half, I got a phone call that took longer then I expected. By the time I finished, I hear all this wailing coming from the bathroom,” Roberta continued, clearly relishing the story. Deeks bore it with a resigned sigh, having heard this one before.

“I think he was trying to sing. Anyway, I get in there and what do you think my little Martin’s doing? Washing the bath towels in the toilet.”

Kensi snorted and narrowly avoided spraying the table with a mouthful of seltzer. Sophia reached over to helpfully pat her on the back.

“Thanks, sweetie,” Kensi choked.

“Really, mama? You had to pick that story? You could have told about the time I made you a bouquet of dandelions or attempted to eat an entire carton of ice cream.”

“Aw, I think it was cute.” Kensi grinned up at him, rubbing his shoulder. “Now I know where your neat freak tendencies come from. Started when you were just a little baby. Though fortunately now you use the washing machine.

“You’re hilarious.”

“I love hearing all these stories,” Julia said.

***

A/N: That story about Kensi may or may not have been borrowed from my own life. Apparently I ate a lot of candy wrappers when I was a toddler.

[alittledoseofchaos]

Clone Colony pt 1

× Not mlb seasons 4-5 or special compliant. × Lore will be sprinkled throught the series, there will be a few things similar to other fics I'm working on (like Marinette and Adrien being trained by some heroes that I'm not gonna outright tell you just yet)

It had taken some time, but two years after Hawkmoth appeared, he was defeated. Adrien and Marinette had never gotten together, after so long pining they had moved on. Adrien was moving to somewhere in the US with his new guardians. Marinette's days now consisted of commissions, occasional patrols and making up for lost time with her friends. It was difficult to have spontaneous friend outings or last minute commissions with her hectic schedule, but she made it work.

Despite this, Marinette did have some free time. It was rare, short and occasionally used to catastrophize, but she did have some. That being said, using her free time over the past couple of months checking on and spending time with a girl a year younger than her was not the plan.

Slowly making more and more time for her was also not part of the plan, neither was starting to mentally call her 'lil sis'.

She had shiny black hair, and wide wonder-filled ocean-blue eyes. She was missing a tooth, but she smiled brightly and unashamedly. She always wore a blue hoodie that dwarfed her, as well as a red beanie. She was just a little too skinny, almost like she was barely having enough food every day. Her name was Ellie.

Ellie loved exploring and Marinette learned that she had moved around a lot. Marinette would patiently listen to Ellie ramble about the cultures, architecture, and people she'd seen. In turn Ellie listened to Marinette talk about fashion for hours on end. Hearing Ellie's stories inspired Marinette, and her rambles gave Ellie a new appreciation for different cultures' clothing.

That being said, finding her park buddy crying by their usual bench really worried Marinette...

Marinette carefully approached the shaking form of Ellie. She crouched in front of the crying girl.

"Ellie, it's me, Marinette." Her voice was quiet and soft, but Marinette saw Ellie stiffen. Marinette looked around the park, and noticed a few kids staring at them. "El, do you want to go somewhere private?"

Ellie peeked up at her. Her head bobbed up and down weakly. Marinette helped Ellie stand, and sent a reassuring smile at the worried kids. (And maybe a tiny glare at the ones laughing.) Marinette wrapped an arm around Ellie slowly, making sure she had plenty of time to pull away. Ellie tensed when she saw the arm; Marinette almost pulled away, until Ellie relaxed against Marinette.

"Do you want to go to Danny's Icecream Parlor, or my house?" Ellie flinched. She hugged Marinette tighter, and Marinette thanked the kwami that she spent so much time as Ladybug comforting people. (And so many akumas slowly having her lungs crushed)

"Your place please." Ellie whispered. They slowly made their way in through the back entrance of the bakery. Marinette led her to the living room. They sat in silence on the white couch for a minute. The sobbing lightened slowly.

"Did you want to talk about it or do you just want hugs?"

Ellie slowly shifted so she could see Marinette's face. After some time she began to talk again.

"I miss them."

"Miss who?" Marinette asked as she rubbed Ellie's shoulder.

"My brother and sister.....thei- our friends." She shut her eyes tightly. A few more tears leaked through her closed eyes. "-and, and I wish...."

Marinette sat patiently. Marinette calmly held Ellie as Ellie sorted through her thoughts. Ellie opened her eyes.

"I wish I had parents o-or a home to return to." The desperation in her voice and longing in her eyes broke Marinette. Ellie didn't stop, couldn't stop once she started. "I- I love traveling, but I hear these peoples' stories and so many of them include family and friends....I can't be near my siblings or friends because it's dangerous....and honestly? There are too many bad memories there."

Ellie took in a deep, shaky breath.

"And there are so many things I don't know or understand and I don't know who to go to. I don't know what to do." She cried in anguish and hugged Marinette harder.

🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻🐞👻

Thats where Sabine found them several hours later, Marinette tightly hugging a girl she'd never seen before. They slept soundly other than the occasional strained sound or snore from their sleeping bodies. Sabine carefully shook Marinette awake.

"Băobăo¹ who is this?" Sabine asked her sleepy daughter. Weakly, Marinette rose her head and blinked the sleep from her eyes. She looked around the room wearily before understanding lit up her eyes.

"Ellie, the girl from the park...." Marinette's eyes became misty and panicked as she looked up at Sabine. "She- she's homeless maman². She's so scared- and she has nobody! I- I didn't realize, why didn't I realize?"

Sabine placed a hand on Marinette's shoulder.

"Băobăo, breathe. Sometimes these things aren't obvious." Sabine soothed as she kneeled in front of Marinette and the still sleeping Ellie.

"But I'm-" Marinette started before trailing off.

'I'm Ladybug. I'm supposed to help people.' She thought forlornly.

"Just because you're her friend, doesn't mean you'll know everything." Sabine gently reminded her. Marinette sighed and swallowed thickly.

"I know, but how do I help? Do you think the Happyfeets will take in Ellie after they already took in Adrien?" Marinette asked. Sabine sighed.

"Marinette, I don't think the 'Happyfeets', as you put it, can take in every stray person you emotionally adopt as your own." Sabine lifted an eyebrow at Marinette. Sabine saw her daughter deflate and her heart broke. "We'll do everything we can to help her."

".....Can't we take her in?" Marinette asked hopefully. She sent pleading eyes towards Sabine. Sabine gave Marinette a sympathetic look.

"We don't have enough room, and you know it....we can let her stay on the couch for now, but she needs her own space and stability."

Sabine thought she'd gotten through to her daughter until a familiar determined spark lit up her bluebell eyes.

"We could share my room!" She declared. Sabine was baffled.

"You'd have to give up some of your space and privacy."

"Helping Ellie is more important." Marinette insisted, though there was a slight hesitation. Sabine huffed in exasperation. She turned towards Tom as he came up the stairs. She waved for him to come over.

"Tom, talk some sense into our daughter." After catching Tom up to speed, he couldn't help but agree with Marinette.

"YES!" Marinette shouted, wincing when Ellie shifted. Tom chuckled.

"Tom, are you sure this is best?" Sabine asked sternly. Tom's chuckles turned more awkward.

"We're always telling her to help others!" He defended. Sabine shook her head. Her mouth ticked upwards despite her slight displeasure.

"IF Ellie wants to, we can try." Marinette fist pumped and smiled gratefully at her maman. Tom cheered and picked Sabine up to twirl her around. Tom went silent when it began to look like Ellie was going to wake up. Gently, Tom pried Marinette away from Ellie.

"Thanks, papá³." Marinette whispered. Everyone turned back to Ellie when she whimpered and curled into a tight ball. An idea struck Marinette and she dashed upstairs. Tom and Sabine exchanged looks. When she returned she held a Ladybug doll that she placed between Ellie's arms.

"We should all go to sleep." Sabine suggested, before she turned to Marinette, "which means you aren't working on any commissions or anything else."

Marinette huffed. She reluctantly headed to bed after giving Tom and Sabine hugs goodnight.

"She sure is a load of trouble." Tom said with a grin as he wrapped an arm around Sabine.

"A load of trouble I'm proud of," Sabine said as she turned to her husband, "but she'd be a lot less trouble if you stopped siding with her..."

"I'm not taking anyone's side!" Sabine shook her head fondly. Husband and wife headed to bed, each mulling over the day's events.

¹Băobăo: baby in Mandarin can be used for one's children or romantic partner

²Maman: French for mom/mother.

³Papá: Italian for father

^(based on multiple sites, if wrong please correct me, this is going to be the case for all translations)

I just think Marinette knows random words/phrases/habits/customs from all the cultures she's been exposed to and researches her heritage when she actively thinks about it or how little she knows (which is rare because she is so busy and chaotic).

[nattyluvs]

CAFE CUTIE - chapter 12

a few days after the not-so-subtle tutoring promo, you're pulling up a house's driveway. a girl named hyein was the first one to contact you, saying she was in desperate need of help with her subjects.

being the kind person you are, you gave her a discount. shes still a child, the rules can bend a little bit. the house looked cozy, with a nice color contrast on the exterior.

you walked up the stairs, approaching the doorstep before pressing the doorbell button with your finger. you could hear two very faint voices since they were muffled by the walls of the house.

the last person you expected to see opened the door, jake sim, stood in the doorway looking like he had just seen a ghost. he looked way different than the typical 'neat' look he showed at school. his hair was disheveled, he had on grey sweatpants, and..his shirt was nowhere to be seen.

"sorry, you can come in just give me a moment." jake spoke before rushing over and up to what was probably the staircase, hopefully going to go put a shirt on.

the image of him shirtless, leaning over a little to close to you to close the front door will forever be burned in your mind. god, you knew he played soccer but never thought that he would've worked out outside of it.

you slipped off your shoes next to the door and were surprised to see a small figure in the distance running up to you, he was practically a mini version of jake running around, only about 4 or 5 years old.

"is ur name yn?" The kid asked, toy in hand while tilting his head to the side as if he was genuinely confused. he must've heard jake when he was at the door, but you don't remember jake mentioning your name.

"yes, it is...how did you know?" you asked, assuming it was okay to set down your bag in what is assumingly the living room. you sat down on the soft sofa, while 'mini jake' climbed onto the couch next to you.

"jaeyunnie told me there was this really pretty girl at school and he-smddnsk" his talking was interrupted by jake, who suddenly in the room and covered the little boy's mouth with his hand.

"im sorry if jun caused you any trouble, hyein will be " jake did a slight bow in order to send his sincerity, "hyein will be down in a moment." in the amount of time that jake disappeared into what was upstairs of the house, he had thrown on a white tank top, and some glasses.

you nodded, while jake turned to jun once again, "junnie, why don't we make some cookies for your sister yeah?" jake crouched down to his level and grabbed jun's hand. leading him into the kitchen.

you giggled a bit at the situation he was put in, silently scrolling on your phone, waiting for hyein to come down the stairs so you could start your tutoring session.

after a bit of waiting, she finally came down and you got to work. you helped her with some math problems and gave some advice on a previous essay she wrote. you both even joked around a bit, to lighten the mood.

even though your attention was supposed to be on hyein the entire time, you couldn't help but eavesdrop on jake and his little brothers' relationship. jake was gentle and patient with him, letting him have as much fun as possible. the two of them were never not smiling around each other.

"so, are you interested in jaeyun?" hyein suddenly speaks, keeping her voice down a bit. this startles you because you weren't aware of how long you were staring for.

"huh?? ah-no im just intrigued..."

"how so?" hyein questioned, taking her hands off of the laptop keyboard and putting her full attention on this conversation.

"it's like...he acts way different at school. he's more cocky, annoying, and loud. but here he's more quiet, reserved, and also caring" just

"huh...i mean we haven't been to the same school at the same time in a while so i wouldn't really know. in middle school he was pretty quiet at school, he got criticized for it a lot by his peers, so he started being louder and more social in high school i guess."

oh. you thought, not knowing how to respond to this sudden bomb of personal information dropped on you. "he wishes he could have had a better past, but i always tell him you can't change what already has happened, you just have to learn to live with it" hyein explained.

"i guess he's not the only one who wants to re-do their past, i honestly never thought i would relate to him" you answered, before being interrupted by another voice.

"ennie! wanna play with me, please? can we play?" jun's voice startled you both, while he jumped up in down in excitement. hyein glanced at you, while you assured it was okay for her to take a break since you both had been sitting for 2.5 hours. hyein began to say her last words before she got out of the chair.

"listen, jaeyun has good intentions...he looks up to you as a person and thinks you're a natural born leader, remember that"

"i see.."

"also, don't do anything outrageous in my kitchen...theres cameras"

"what-" this entire conversation was so...informative it felt like you had just revealed all of the hidden secrets of the world. still, in deep thought, you walked over to the kitchen counter, and sitting down on one of the stools.

"...are the cookies any good?" you asked, resting your head on your palm.

"you know they are! also, i heard you guys talking, hyein isnt very quiet," he confessed, while still trying to clean up the kitchen from him and jun's previous mees.

before you could say anything, he started to talk again, "it wasn't cool of her to just spill my past i was trying to erase like that. but, she was right...i do actually admire you, you're very social and outgoing. i actually look up to you a lot"

"i mean i can't take all the credit, I admire you too sometimes, like how you're very easy to talk to since you just carry the conversation, not a lot of people do that."

"you're also very caring...especially for your siblings, i mean, i do think of jungwon as a brother, but having a younger sibling would be nice."

jake moved from his spot around the counter to sit on one of the counter stools beside you. "i don't want jun to feel lonely or neglected while he's young, i have to take care of him. hyein too, she's getting older but she'll always be the annoying ten-year-old to me."

he laughed at the last bit of his sentence, while you joined him. it was weirdly comforting to genuinely laugh together. he wasn't being annoying or obnoxiously loud like he was at school. at home he's quiet and reserved, it feels weirdly domestic.

"just..do me a favor and don't tell anybody at school okay? not even yunjin, even though i know she wouldn't tell anybody." he pleads

"i wasn't planning to, but yeah. your secrets' safe with me," you assure, subconsciously putting your hand on top of his during the moment. you can tell his eyes are genuine, in the moment he asked you to stay quiet about it.

"anyways! let's go play with jun and hyein" he breaks the silence while hopping off of his chair.

"okay, jaeyunnie."

previous masterlist next

a/n: forget me saying any other chapter is my favorite THIS ONE is my favorite

taglist

@16luver @junebug032 @zuyairus @bluxjun @iadorethemskz @kwiwin @heartsforhyunjin

click here or send a note to be added

[timaeusterrored]

V bringing Johnny back was an adjustment. Kerry couldn’t tell if it was good or bad but he still couldn’t believe the man would just be.. sitting on couch when he got home. Every time he went to sit in V’s booth, Johnny was there and waiting. He was everywhere and Kerry didn’t know how to feel about it.

He knew that V knew that he was still adjusting to this ‘New Johnny’ as he called it. And like always was patient with him. Johnny was patient too, there were still many unresolved issues between the old friends. Just as he was getting over him and starting his new life with V, he walked into a dark Villa and a very bloody Vax and Johny on his floor, Johnny shaking and the two holding onto each other like they were trying to merge again.

There was lots of quiet after that. Johnny trying to get used to his new form and both of them getting used to being apart. And the only person allowed within five feet of them was Kerry. They barely allowed Vik at first, Kerry having to coax them into allowing someone else in their bubble.

Johnny hadn’t said a word since he had gotten back, but he watched. Kerry couldn’t move without feeling dark eyes on him at all times. V slept a lot, his body trying to catch up on all the rest he had missed and getting used to the new chip that was rebuilding his brain. And Kerry could only sit by and watch, feeling helpless.. and a bit jealous. But he didn’t tell them that. He just didn’t want Johnny taking away the last good thing he had.

Kerry had a meeting to go too, and V had told him to wake him before he left but he couldn’t. He looked so peaceful. Johnny was rested on top of him, as always, and Nibbles curled up at their feet. If it were under different circumstances, Kerry probably would have found it cute. But the pit in his gut grew as he got closer to kiss V goodbye.

It was light enough to not wake his lover, but a hand weakly gripped his wrist and he looked down to see Johnny looking up at him. Kerry crouched down, seeing what he could need in that moment. Johnny had never looked so.. gentle before.

“Muse..” he forced out after a moment of struggling and the nickname felt like a slap to the face. He hadn’t heard it from Johnny in so long. “Stay.” He was struggling to speak and Kerry could see the flash of irritation on his part to find words.

“I gotta go, I have a meeting.” Kerry checked the time, and Johnny tried to tighten his grip. “Come back.. my muse.” He whispered, and Kerry’s heart exploded. He had never, ever called Kerry his in such a way. It had always been ‘Muse’ or ‘Archangel.’ Never ‘My Muse.’ It had been Kerry’s dream once upon a time for Johnny to call him that, and honestly he only ever got archangel when Johnny was drunk and in his feelings.

“I’ll come back. I’m not leaving you two like this.” He said softly, looking up when V shifted a bit but fell stayed asleep. He really didn’t want to wake him up, or at least would like it if he moved them to his bed. The couch could not be comfortable like this.

“Promise?” Johnny whispered, not letting go of his wrist. But on his state, if Kerry really wanted too, he could shake Johnny off.

“Promise. I’ll be back in three hours.” He gave Johnny an exact time, just like he used to do for his kids when they were still around. Johnny nodded, using most of his strength to pull Kerry’s hand up and kiss his ring finger before his hand went limp against V’s stomach again.

“Sleep J.. I’ll be back when you wake up.”

[passerine-writes]

Silent Sparks - Volt 78

Warnings: Injury, talk of death, big trigger warning for angst, I didn’t want to get too into it so I kept it shorter, it gets a little depressing Word count: 2066

Notes: Italics - Tsukare signing Bold italics - Family member/friend signing 'Italics with apostrophes' - Thoughts

Masterlist

Volt 77 | Volt 79

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Fat Gum asked me one last time as we stood outside a mainly concrete building.

“I’m sure.” I told him, determined to see this through. This was our second stake out since the meeting, everyone was putting in their all to narrow down the location. I had to help.

“Okay, gimme a run down of the plan one more time so I know we’re on the same page.” He said, crouching down to meet me at eye level.

“The walkie talkie is connected with bluetooth to my hearings aids, if I see anything, radio back for further instruction. If not, then I check in every half hour. I follow the blue prints of the building and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Keep quiet and don’t get found, if I am, radio in and tell them we have a warrant. Code red is for an emergency and I need to get out quick, code black, there’s an explosive and we need to clear the area. Code yellow, there’s people in there, code blue we all need to leave, questions later. And if something happens to the radio, you guys have thermal lenses to have an eye on me.” Fat Gum nodded once and gave me a pat on my shoulder. “I’m ready.” I confirmed, cracking my knuckles.

Everyone watched with a baited breath as I climbed into the ventilation system. I knew this was also a test for me from Fat Gum, probably advised by my Dad to help me determine easier if I wanted to be an underground hero or not.

After I made my first turn, I heard the buzz of the radio fill my head.

“Testing, Sonus, can you hear us?” Fat Gum asked over the radio. I grabbed the walkie and took the flashlight out of my mouth.

“Loud and clear. Just made my first turn to go around the perimeter of the building.” I replied.

“Radio back in once you check the first room.”

“Copy that.” I told him, getting situated again while looking closely at the map. I followed thoroughly where to go until I came across a grated bottom ten feet in front of me. “Coming up on the room.” I said over the radio, moving slower as I approached the small opening. I scanned the room over for five minutes, noting everything I could until I came to the conclusion nobody was there. “First room is clear. There was a desk, a stack of papers, a few filing cabinets, the door was open, nothing stood out though.”

“Copy that, Sonus. Keep it up.” Fat Gum said.

I continued on the route I mapped out, stopping for five minutes at every room and ten minutes at every hallway corridor. After the third room, though, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach and stopped between rooms, just to ensure nobody would hear me outside of heroes.

“Fat Gum?”

“What do you see kid?”

“Nothing. That’s what’s making me so uneasy right now.” I mumbled, trying to wrap my brain around it. “Just, I know this sounds crazy, but it feels like everything is being staged. All three rooms I’ve looked at are carbon copies and we aren’t in an office building. I got a bad feeling.” I licked my lips nervously. “I have a request. You’re my superior. Do I have permission to walk around the building to get a closer look?” I asked delicately, not knowing how this would go. “By the looks of it, there’s nobody inside.” 

“Let me check in with Nighteye and let’s go from there.” Fat Gum responded. I waited patiently, not knowing if it would even be allowed. “Sonus.”

“What’s the verdict?”

“I got in touch with Nighteye. He said after you’ve cleared the area through the vents, you can check it out on foot. You’re only allowed in if nobody is there.”

“Copy that.” I told him cheerfully.

Well over an hour and a half passed of me checking through the vents and everything looked the same. All of the rooms exactly the same, the same desks, chairs, set up, filing cabinets. They were spitting images of the first one I saw.

“Last room is clear. I’m goin’ in. Cause now I’m determined to figure out why everything was staged.” I calmly said, my brain itching at figuring out what’s going on.

“Be safe, Sonus, and keep us updated.”

“Got it.” I took a deep breath and got everything situated, pocketing my flash light and map, putting the walkie back where it goes. Slowly and quietly, I removed the grate from the ceiling, testing my grip on the edge before lowering myself down. I landed with a soft thud and grabbed my radio and flashlight. “I’m in.”

“What do you see?” Fat Gum asked me over the radio.

“Okay on the desk, the paperwork is all blank. It’s all just loose leaf paper. And I’d be willing to bet all of the other desks are the exact same.”

“What about the filing cabinets?” I walked over to the nearest one and opened it, going through each drawer and feeling around for false bottoms.

“All the drawers are empty.” I told him in defeat. “I’m looking around more, nothings adding up. This has bad news written all over it.” I mumbled, making my way out of the room slowly. “Keep an eye on me with the thermal, just in case I miss something.”

“Gotcha.”

I took a steady breath and went down the hallway, keeping my eyes ready for any movement. The next room, everything was the same. And each room after.

“Sonus, I think this was a bust, let’s just keep eyes on the outside for now.” Fat told me over the walkie.

“Fat Gum, something isn’t making sense. I can’t put it together in words. I just, I need you to trust me. Please. This is gonna sound crazy, but when I have a gut feeling this strong, it’s rarely wrong. And if I can’t trust my gut, then I’m screwed. Somethings… holy shit.”

“What do you see?”

“Nothing. I- I see nothing and that’s the point. Where’s the best place to hide something? When you want something to get overlooked?” He paused for a minute, clearly letting my words sink in.

“You hide it in plain sight. Kid, I’m trusting your gut right now. Go find it.” I gave a small nod and grabbed a bag out of my pocket, grabbing a pen off the desk and tucking it away.

“I grabbed a pen just in case we can get a print. Someone had to set this up, so if they were careless enough to not wear gloves, we might just have a lead.”

“Good thinking kid.”

I took a deep breath and knocked on the wall of one of the rooms, a hollowed thud resounding through my hearing aids.

“It’s drywall.” I muttered, scrambling for the radio. “Fat, it’s single panel drywall.”

“What are you getting at?”

“It’s a trap.”

“Sonus, get out of there, now!” He called back. I felt the ground shake beneath me as I took off running.

“Code black!” I called back over the radio, running through the halls back to the room I came in from.

“Get out of there kid!” I ran as fast as I could back to the room, but the door was not shut and locked.

“Shit.” I said under my breath, running for the next room. I got on top of the desk but the grate wouldn’t move. “Fat, they trapped me in. I can’t get out.” I called into the radio. I watched as cracks formed across the floor. “Fat Gum. I’m not getting out of here. It’ll take too long to break a wall this thick and the whole building will crumble on me anyways. Get a team down here, I’m gonna be trapped for a while.” I said right before the floor gave way under me.

When I came to, everything was dark. A small gleam from the outside light came in and my whole body hurt. I let out a few painful coughs, my chest wheezing and heaving with every breath. I reached for the radio, pulling it to my face.

“Fat?” I said weakly, feeling light headed.

“I’m here kid.”

“How long have I been out?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Six minutes. It’s good to hear your voice.”

“Same to you.” I said meekly. I shuffled for my flashlight, finally finding it after a minute. I looked around, almost seeing nothing but the rubble. Then I saw my left arm pinched under some concrete. “Fat?”

“Yeah?”

“I need to ask you a favor.” I licked my lips and took a shallow breath. “Call U.A. please. Tell Nedzu what happened and get my family on the same frequency as us.” A stray tear slid down my cheek. “I’m not getting out of here.” 

“Don’t talk like that, Sonus. We’re getting you out.”

“Please?”

“Tsukabro?” I heard Kirishima’s voice cut in.

“Hey.”

“Don’t give up, man. We still need you. You’re one of my best friends.” I could hear the tears in his voice.

“I’m not giving up. We still have to hit the gym together so you can get a new PR.” He let out a weak laugh. 

“Fat’s calling your parents.”

“Thank you.” I mumbled, starting to struggle with keeping my eyes open.

“Onryo?” I heard Dad say after a while, another tear falling.

“Hi Dad. Are Pops and Toshi there?” I asked weakly.

“Hey little listener.”

“I’m here.” The two answered.

“I’m sorry.” I said, letting the tears fall willingly. “I don’t think I’m gonna be home in time for dinner.” I told them with a sad smile on my face even though they couldn’t see me.

“Don’t talk like that, we’re gonna get you out of there.” Dad said softly.

“There’s only one plan I can think of but it’ll take too much time.” I said, starting to chase my breath.

“Lay it on me.” Pops said.

“Uncle Higari and Kirishima. Maybe Tetsutetsu, too. Get a hole dug to me while those two get the rocks off my arm. It would take too long though.” I sniffled. “Look, I don’t think I’m gonna get out of here. I wanted to say I love you guys, and Dad, thank you for finding me that day.”

“I love you too, Onryo.”

“I love you, bro.”

“I love you little listener.”

“And in case I can’t make it to the party, Dad. Give ‘em hell for me. I’m sorry. I walked right into their trap, by the time I realized, it was too late for me to get out.” I said sadly, not even bothering to wipe my tears.

“You can give ‘em hell yourself. You’re making it to the mission. You signed on, you fought me for this, you’re gonna see it through to the end.”

“Can one of you tell Denki I said goodbye? And Izuku? And Mina and Sero and the rest of our class? And our aunts and uncles? And I guess my blood family?”

I started fading in and out of consciousness. I could hear my family talking here and there, the bits I heard I couldn’t make out. Just their voices. But that was all I needed.

I wasn’t scared.

I felt at peace almost.

Like I was floating around in the nothingness.

Then my thoughts turned.

To Dad and Pops and Hitoshi.

All my aunt’s and uncles.

Spots and Mittens.

The people I’ve saved.

Yoru and Nakami.

My class.

My friends.

Denki.

I was prepared to die. I have been for a while. But I never thought of what I would regret leaving behind. Of how much I would regret it.

I can’t leave them yet. This isn’t how I wanted it to happen.

I’m not ready yet.

I never thought this was something I’d want…

But I want more time.

I want to do more.

I want to save more people.

I don’t want to die.

I want to live.

[mconlight]

motherfucker

+ @idleds​

haneul can count all the times he’s been nervous on one hand if he stops to think about it. 

one: when he was four and learning taekwondo. he was in the middle of a skills test in order to advance to the next belt color— watching one by one as each kid in his class demonstrated what they learned in order to advance. he sat patiently, twirling his little white belt in his hands as the prospect of not only performing, but failing, filled his brain until his brain got too full and those worries filled his stomach instead. 

haneul received his yellow belt that day.

two: when he was seven and preparing his brother’s eulogy. his family told him he didn’t have to speak if he didn’t want to, but it felt wrong to have all this time with his brother and not say a final goodbye to him in this life. he tried this phrase and that— tried to explain how much his haru meant to him and how good of a brother he was to haneul even though haneul didn’t want to listen all the time like a good little brother would. he tried to tell a story about the time haneul got the flu and haru was so upset on his behalf that he cried while he hugged haneul tight. he tried to explain that he wasn’t sure if he was still a little brother if his haru wasn’t around anymore— how he wasn’t sure if he was a brother at all.

haneul didn’t end up speaking that day.

he didn’t end up speaking at all.

three: when haneul picked up seunggi on a sunday afternoon.

he’s asked seunggi to get ready that morning— much earlier than most of their hangouts— because he had something special he wanted seunggi to do with him. it isn’t necessarily important, but it’s special enough to haneul that he’s pretty sure seunggi agreed only because of the desperation in his voice when he asked. haneul asked him to dress up a little (important matters, of course) and to dress warmly, because the day was expected to be cold. haneul secretly wished it snowed.

he’s been quiet the entire ride and it’s not because he means to be, but because he has forgotten to be anything other than that. he forgets to ask seunggi how is day is going. he forgets to tell him that they don’t have to take long if seunggi doesn’t want them to or if he gets too cold. he forgets to tell seunggi that they’re almost there when they round the corner of the cemetery.

“i just... there’s someone i want you to meet,” he says quietly as the engine rumbles to a stop.

“he’s really important to me,” he says as he takes seunggi’s hand before they step on the cobblestone path.

“i want you to meet him before i die,” he doesn’t say as haneul leads them off the path and down a row of headstones. 

haneul stands with seunggi at haru’s grave, staring at the headstone while song haru engraved in stone stares back at him. it doesn’t feel right here, but that has nothing to do with the man holding his hand and everything to do with the fact that haneul knows undoubtedly that his brother isn’t here. but he can’t possibly share the haru in his memories to someone who has never had them. he can’t possibly share the belief that haru guides him every day to someone who has never met haru’s love and kindness.

meeting what’s left of him will just have to do.

“hi hyung,” he says to the grave. he doesn’t dare glance at seunggi even as he lets go of his hand to crouch close to the frozen ground. he expects seunggi to make a run for it, if he’s being honest, and he wouldn’t be able to find anything in him to blame him for it. “i’m twenty-five this year. and i... learned to paint with watercolors like i told you i would last time. and... i brought someone with me.”

now is when he glances to seunggi— partially to make sure he’s still there and partially... to make sure he’s still there.

“you don’t have to say anything,” haneul tells him, “i just... i wanted...”

haneul wanted to introduce seunggi to haru at the movie theater so that if things went wrong, they wouldn’t have to talk to each other. he wanted them to meet with the smell of butter in the air. he wanted them to decide on a movie to watch together and then if they liked each other, they’d all go to an arcade or something so haru could win haneul a prize. he wanted seunggi to get competitive so he could kiss the sulking right out of his pout.

he wanted seunggi to open up to haru about all the things he couldn’t open up to haneul about. he hoped that seunggi could see haru as someone who he could rely on the same way haneul thought of him all these years. he wanted them to have a special bond so that seunggi could feel less burdened, because haneul knows he fails at giving that to him.

haneul wanted haru to hear about their first kiss— how confused and delighted and confused all over again he was when it finally happened. he wanted seunggi to get suspicious looks over the dinner table the next time they all met together because while haneul and seunggi may have made amends, seunggi still had to make things right with haru too.

he wanted all these things. he wanted seunggi to see that someone really loved haneul once; haneul was capable of being loved once— worthy, even. there was something to love once.

but he stares back at the cold, hard stone that is supposed to be what’s left of his brother and all of his love and it doesn’t feel right. he wanted seunggi to meet haru but all he can do is have him meet what’s left of him. and what remains of song haru is cold and damp and everything that he wasn’t.

will song haneul, too, be remembered as loving and kind and sweet and gentle? will he be remembered as everything he wasn’t?

“—i-i wanted you to meet him.”

how silly. haneul wants seunggi to meet haru when haru isn’t here. what’s left of him isn’t him at all. 

and still, it’s the only choice haneul has.

it’s not fair.

“i just... really wanted you to meet him somehow.”

[notyetjae]

ʏᴏᴜɴɢ ɴ' ᴅᴜᴍʙ

Pairing: Young!vi x reader [Platonic.]

Warnings: Underage drinking, kids being dumb, Alcohol/Being intoxicated, reader is around the same age as the gang, if not a little older. [Same universe as my being friends with act 1 Vi!]

"Hurry up and grab it!" Mylo whispered yelled, him, and claggor were crouched on the stairs while Vi sat by the doorway keeping watch, you were crawling behind Vander's bar looking for a bottle of booze you knew he wouldn't notice went missing.

"Be patient for Pete's sake!" You yelled back in a hushed voice, fearing that Vander would hear the 2 of you squabbling, you ignored him while you examined the bottles.

"Got it!" You exclaimed a little too loud as you reached for a dark unlabeled bottle, the glass was scratched to hell and looked like it would shatter if someone looked at it weirdly.

The rest of the group hurried down the stairs, shushing each other loudly for being stomping a little too loudly down the rickety staircase, Vi swung the door open and you flew down the second flight of stairs and hopped onto the couch.

"What's In it?" The pinkette questioned,

"I dunno, there's no label"

You flipped the bottle upside down, through scratches you could see a date etched into the liquor bottle, "Jesus, this is older than powder"

"What? No shot" She snatched the bottle from you, you watched her expression change before she gently set the bottle down and mumbled something about alcohol poisoning.

"You gonna pop the cork or have a staring contest with it?" Mylo remarked, his face had that stupid smirk on it, "You're drinking last," you snapped back, pulling the old cork from the maroon bottle,

"My lady," You bowed your head and passed the bottle to Vi, she ruffled your hair and snatched the bottle, "You're an asshole,"

With no hesitation the pinkette took a big gulp, some of the booze dripped down her chin but she was quick to wipe it from her mouth and she coughed from the strong alcohol, her reaction made you nervous but you grabbed the bottle anyways.

You took a cautious sip, the dark liquor slid down your throat and left a harsh burning and sharp taste in your mouth, the bottle slammed against the oak table and you began violently coughing, you felt your eyes tearing up from the burning, God this is embarrassing.

The group roared in laughter, quickly hushed by violet, "Fine, fine, take another sip then, m'lady" You rasped, handing the bottle to her, she quickly snatched it with her bandaged hands, throwing her head back sharply. Once again, the bottle slammed against the oak table, the room was still and quiet, anticipating Violets reaction, he fingers still gripped the neck of the bottle tightly, the other hand grabbing the sofa ledge like her life depended on it, she face was completely neutral.

"So how's it-"

Vi's face instantly changed, as if she was using all her focus to keep still, her face contorted and she coughed loudly, way louder than you, Mylo hopped up to cover her mouth mumbling something about her snitching.

The sounds alerted powder, she cautiously poked her head from around the blanket covering the bottom bunk, the sight of Vi red in the face, violently coughing with tears running down her freckled face made the small girl gasp loudly. Your head turned to her, you didn't want her to be worried but you were also scared that if you didn't tell her what was really happening and have her accidently snitch to Vander, she is god awful at keeping secrets. Your mind swarmed with ideas, eventually you got up and kneeled by her bed, big bright blue eyes meeting yours, it looked like she was about to cry.

"Is she alright?" She quivered, arm wrapped around her stuffed bunny,

"Yeah of course! We're just.. having a contest..?" The words stumbling out of your mouth before you had the chance to stop them,

"Contest?" Her eyes softened, still frightfully awaiting your response.

"It's a uhm, a secret Contest to see who can drink this--" You paused, eyes scanning your surroundings before landing on poorly made drawing of a witch and cauldron, you glanced back to her.

"--To see who can drink the potion without coughing!" Smiling nervously, you looked over your shoulder back to the group, wide eyed and still like mannequins.

"I wanna try!"

"No!" You all shouted in unison, Powders eyebrows knitted together, she felt tears welling up in her eyes, your hand cupped her face in attempt to soothe her,

"You can't it's just, you have to be older, or else you'll get sick."

"Like botulism." Mylo chimed in.

"Mylo!" Vi smacked the boy in the chest, 'what?' he mouthed, dramaticly shrugging his shoulders.

"I'll tell you what, just go back to sleep and tomorrow I'll get a potion just for you, alright?" She excitedly nodded her head, tucking herself back into bed and holding her stuffed animal close.

You sighed, rising from the creaky floor and plopping yourself back on the cough, "Hand it back," Your hand open as you waited for the bottle, "I haven't even got a chance!" Mylo whisper shouted, a stern glance his way made him fumble as handed the bottle back to you.

The four of you passed the bottle around, slowly you got used the burning sensation, and found a new pet peeve, the after taste. Mylo still fake gagged at every sip while Violet took big sips like Vander. Claggor didn't drink as much, claiming he would be the caretaker of the night. A little over 45 minutes had passed, you didn't feel as woozy as you thought you would so you stood to make your way to the bathroom, the second you took a step your legs gave out and you nearly landed face first onto the floor.

"Y/N?" Called Vi,

You didn't move, only lifting up your head to look at her, the biggest, stupidest smile across your face, you laughed, slightly embarrassed at the action.

"What're you doing on the floor" Vi slurred, leaning over her chair to scoop you up, she lifted you with ease and threw you over her shoulder as she stood, the two of you now giggling like schoolgirls. "Don't drop me!" You shouted, one of her arms held your legs in place and the other supported your back, she let out a husky laugh, "Here we go!" She said In a sing-songy voice, wildly spinning the both of you around the room.

"Wait!" She paused, stumbling a bit as she stilled, "D-do you wanna have a spinning contest?" She was silent, peering over her shoulder to meet your dreary eyes, "hell yeah."

She dropped you a little too hard, causing you to fall right on your butt, still giggling as you lept to your feet. "Ready?" You nodded, she counted down, "Go!" You didn't decide any rules, before hand, not even a punishment or reward, just spinning while chuckling. Inevitably, you crashed into each other, and claggor dragged the both of you back to the couch.

☆☆☆

It was well into the night, the rampant undercity streets had calmed, only leaving the bright flickering neon lights to flood the streets, few remained in alleys either drunks or drug dealers. The four of you still remained in the last drops basement, Mylo eyes were glued to the window, claggor sat on the couch with his head in his hands as you and Vi attempted to slow dance and sing, you were stepping on each other's feet and slurring words. The bottle of alcohol was nearly empty, just a few sips left. Your whole body was fuzzy, like a vibrating guitar string, face hot and blushing, your legs were wobbly and felt heavy, it was a difficult task to keep yourself standing, you leaned the majory of your weight onto vi as you interlocked your fingers into hers.

Your head was spinning, or maybe it was the room? You couldn't quiet tell, it was like the spinning from earlier caught up to you, you leaned into the crook of Vi's neck, exhaling against her sweaty skin. She struggled to stand once more, guiding the two of you to the back of the couch so you could safely slouch your back against the back of the couch and sink into the floor.

Before you know it, she was fast asleep, her arms still wrapped around you as she snored loudly, her grip was surprisingly strong for being asleep. The only thing lulling you to sleep being the occasional car driving by, rattling the whole basement, and the sound of Vi snoring in your ear.

Morning light shone through the basement window, a beam of light rested right by your head, your eyes fluttered open, attempting to blink away the sleep haze, before you even had the chance to move your head throbbed, causing you to reach for your temples, that's when you noticed how your entire body also ached, it felt like you got jumped in your sleep. Vi was rested on top of your body still, cuddled in your lap like a scared child. You pushed her off, letting her body flop against the floor, she's a heavy sleeper. You noticed the trail of new and dried spit near your collarbone, you grimaced, and wiped it away.

Head still pouding, you glanced around the room; Claggor was awake, simply sitting quietly and bouncing his leg as he waited for the others to awake, Mylo was slumped against the couch underneath the window, hand still grabbing the windowsill. Powder was awake, you could see her shadow scribbling something in her notebook. And of course Vi was still asleep.

An idea popped into your achy head, you glanced down at Vi, drool running down her blushed face, she slept soundly. You reeled your leg back, kicking her right in the shin, she jolted awake, groaning and whispering profanities before rolling over and tripping on her own feet as she stood pulling her arms up, ready for a fight. "What-- what the hell!" She panted, realizing it was just you she grabbed her knees and caught her breath, heart beating like a humming bird.

You laughed, shutting yourself up with a groan when your head throbbed 10x harder. Vi did the same, when she realized how worn out body was, you opened your mouth to complain but immediately stopped when you heard heavy stomping coming down the steps, "Shit!" You blurted, reaching for the bottle, but it was far too late, the door shoved open, Vander's figure stood in the doorway, hands on his hips, "Good mornin' " He greeted, smirking like the devil himself.

Neither of you knew what to do, just frozen and wide eyed like when you comforted powder, you hand was still just above the bottle, you practically incriminated yourself.

"I seem to be missing a certain item this morning" He leisurely stepped down the stairs, arms now crossed.

You quickly corrected your position, clearing your throat anxiously.

"Have fun?" He teased, devilish smile still across his face. None of you, even claggor were brave enough or smart enough to speak up.

"Okay, here's what's gonna happen." He lost the smirk, and got closer to your level,

"You two eat, drink some water and drink the medicine upstairs, once Mylo's up, you're all on dish duty." He turned to claggor, "Even you Claggor."

"What!" He protested, throwing his arms up in defense

"You drank too!" Vi exclaimed,

"I don't even live here!" You added,

"Ah, ah, all of you" He placed a rough hand on Vi's shoulder, ushering her to go upstairs, she relented and grumbled as she walked up the stairs, claggor and you soon followed, and you looked back at Mylo one final time, laughing at his wacky position.

A/N: This was very goofy and fun to write, not to jinx anything but I just might be out of my writers block! Sorry if this is not accurate to being drunk lol, I've only been drunk a few times with close friends.

[rushipedia]

Aah hello!! Can i request albedo reacting to or finding out that his s/o received a windblume/valentine from someone else? If it isnt too complicated 👉👈

Stuck With Me

A/N: HEUEU right around the time for valentines day. Hope all of you snatch someone's heart this year...even if it's not Albedo's. WINKS AT @dimmydim WINKS WINKS WINKS WINKS WINKS

GN!Reader as always..enjoy hhehe

Pairing: Albedo x GN!Reader

Word Count: 753

Genre: Fluff!!very little tiny bit of angst just a sprinkle

Warnings: Uhhh jealous slightly possessive Albedo stuff- just how I usually write him!!! (i think he likes u bro) he's also kind of shy bc i felt like that was the mood. softbedo.

Today was the Windblume Festival, an event citizens and foreigners look forward to year-round in Monstadt. Even the Knights of Favonious were given the day off. You'd spent the early morning decorating your hair with flowers and putting up decorations. You'd been giving out flowers to the children around Monstadt when you suddenly heard a bunch of footsteps running towards you.

"Y/N!" You heard a voice call your name. You turn and see Klee running towards you, a group of children parading behind her. "Mr. Albedo wants to talk to you, Y/N!"

You adjusted a rather prominent Windwheel Aster in your hair, a Windblume gift you'd received from Kaeya long before many people in the town were even awake. Klee and the other children giggle as you set down your basket of flowers to crouch down to Klee's level.

"Where's Mr. Albedo, Klee? Why does he want to see me?" You smile, picking up a flower and handing it to her.

"He's at the Favonious headquarters... he's waiting for you." She says, bashfully.

"Oh, yeah?" You laugh. "Okay, lets go."

You take your flowers and Klee's hand in yours and walk to the headquarters. The other kids continue to parade behind you, and you didn't have half the mind to ruin their spirits and send them away.

"Albedo!" You called once you'd entered, the children still following after. He stepped out of his lab and gave you a close-eyed smile. That smile quickly turned to an expression of surprise as he noticed the trail of kids behind you.

"Ah, I didn't realize you'd bring company." He said in a joking tone. "Could we... talk in private, Y/N?"

He seemed rather bashful just like Klee as he asked you and you found it endearing. They really are just like siblings.

"Of course," You smile, handing your basket of flowers to Klee. "Give these to people, okay?"

She smiled and nodded, "Kay!"

"See you later, Mr. Albedo and Y/N!" She waved before running out with the rest of the children.

"You're rather good with her," He says, taking both your hands in his. "I'd say you're even more patient than I am."

You let out a small laugh, "I'm sure she likes you better, though. You're her biiiiig brother."

He looks at the Windwheel Aster in your hair and then looks away as you tease him.

"Who gave you that?" He asks, pulling you into his office so that he could get back to what he was doing.

"What- Ah..." You went quiet. You'd only now realized that Windblume gifts are sometimes romantic. "It's from Captain Kaeya. Ah... a congratulations on my promotion..."

You lied through your teeth to make him feel better. In reality, you had no interest in Captain Kaeya.

"On the very first day of the Windblume Festival? Surely he had other intentions." He said, flipping through the pages of a book that he'd laid out on his desk. He sounded cold now, in contrast to his sweet and joking tone from earlier.

"Well, I didn't want to deny his gift, It'd be rather rude..." You said nervously. "You know I wouldn't do that to hurt you, right?"

He sighs and closes the book.

"Yeah..." He mumbled, turning around. He doesn't look at you, though- an almost ashamed expression on his face. He reaches into a drawer and pulls out a flower unlike one you've ever seen. You've heard that Windblume gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but you weren't sure you'd ever pass this up for something else.

"I specially cultivated this flower for you. I wanted to be the first to give you a Windblume gift, but I guess I was too caught up in my personal studies today."

He tries to hand you the flower, but you stop him and guide his hand to your hair.

"Its only fair," You hum. He smiles and spends some time fixing the flower into your hair next to the flower Kaeya had given you, taking all the focus away from it's orange petals.

"Sorry, 'Bedo. You're stuck with me." You smile, giving him a kiss before grabbing his hand. His face is beginning to turn red, but you look away to save him the embarrassment as he composes himself.

"Wanna get something to eat?" You asked, and he nodded. For someone that is flustered so easily these days, he sure puts himself back together quickly.

"Its a shame that spiders aren't considered a delicacy in Monstadt."

"Albedo!"

rushipedia ☆ 2022

[sofiaaaaaaaa03]

Comms

Title: Comms

Pairing: Din Djarin x GN! Teen reader

Word Count: 2.6k

Rating: PG

Warning: Cursing, mention of wounds, blood, scared Mando.

Description: In an unexpected raid, Din finds himself unable to find his foundlings and searches for them.

Request: Hey! I love your stories and thought that I would submit a request myself. So this is about Din having a teen foundling/adopted child. They’ve known each other for a little over a year now and even if they don’t show it a lot they’ve grown attached to each other. So this particular story would be about the foundling nearly dying and Din being a scared Dad (I hope you get what I’m going for. Kind of a fluff/Angst story with comforting afterwards😅)

A/N: I'm so sorry this took forever to write, I've been travelling and my computer has been messing up so I have not had time to write at all. Anyways, here it is! I hope it's to your liking. It took me awhile for inspiration to hit but I am pretty happy with how it ended up. Enjoy!

....

“Okay kid, what do we do when we get in trouble?”

“Call for help and signal our location.”

Call for help and signal your location. That was all you were supposed to do, the one rule Din gave for you before he took you along with him anywhere outside of the safety of the Razor Crest. He considered himself lucky that you rarely wandered off without letting Din know where you were going, and that you always seemed to be able to handle most dangerous situations on your own. Maybe it was because you fretted to be too much of a bother for Din, seeing as he took you in almost a year ago when he could have easily left you. Din didn’t see it that way, if he was honest. You were valuable to the group, taking care of Grogu and the ship when Din could not, and he believed it his duty to protect all on the ship. Only once or twice did you call for him, and he was quick to come to your aid.

He did not think that today would be the day where his timing risked your life.

The Mandalorian found himself aiding a local trading village with a raider issue in exchange for information about a bounty he’d been pursuing. He’d led a group of men over to what they’d suspected to be the raider’s hideout and set up for an ambush. The Entrance of the cave’s dunes felt barren, and only after the mens’ legs grew sore from crouching and backs ached from huddling in the dark was it that Din began to suspect something was wrong. The quiet environment was abnormal behavior to the raiders he’d encountered before, no doubt this specific group would be any different.

“They’ll see you!”

Startling the men surrounding him, Din shot into the air and stalked the vicinity. The dunes’ walls stretched for meters long as he kept his piece raised, occasionally scanning weak spots for life forms or any piece of equipment. He paused, frowning a moment when his scanner detected nothing.

That was the first sign that things weren’t going as planned that day.

“...hiss…”

“...m..do... v.llage... here…”

There was the second.

Din raised his arm to speak into his comms.

“Y/N?” Nothing but static came back from the comms. Din fidgeted and smacked it a couple times before grunting in frustration.

Damn, comms were jammed.

Wait, they were jammed.

And in a moment of a horrible realization, Din was quick to grab the men and make their way back to the village. When they arrived they found the village in chaos- buildings were burning, villagers running, and materials and pieces and bodies strewn across the ground. For a moment, Din froze in fear and worried that you were on the ground as well, your comms still ringing static and Grogu taken from you, lost to the raiders, or worse, the Empire.

Din quickly made his way throughout the village, barely rounding the first corner when a group of raiders assaulted him. He threw punches at the first raider, using their momentum to kick them hard into another. After several dodges and shots from his blaster, most of them were dead aside from one that laid on the ground and clutched his blasted leg.

Din marched over and pressed his blaster against the wound. “Where are the hostages being held?”

As it turned out, the raiders had no plan of keeping hostages. When Din finally tracked the building where captives were supposedly held, he was unable to remain collected when he found that you and Grogu were nowhere to be found. Instead, he stood before raiders responsible for the attack, their blasters disturbingly put away as they argued amongst one another. Din didn’t bother listening, he looked around but saw no sign of his foundlings.

“Wrong door.” He said simply before taking out his blaster and shooting the raiders.

Pocketing his piece Din ran out of the stronghold and went outside, calling for you and Grogu. He thought about the worst possible scenarios that could have happened to you two as he took out the raiders pillaging the village, until all but one remained, the leader. He found him in the main courtyard of the village, his face hidden though his body seethed with labored breaths. He stood there for several moments before Din heard one last labored breath before the leader’s legs buckled beneath him and he slumped to the ground with a sickening crack of skull on stone. Hm? Din didn’t know what to make of this, and further stalked over, hand on blaster, examining the body. Upon closer look a blaster wound to the stomach was made more visible. So, someone got to the leader before Din could. That leaves the question… who?

A quick look around the area pointed out a trail of blood.

The Mandalorian followed this trail without any real reason behind it.

He found the remainder of the villagers at some point along the way. Sullen masses of faces mixed together, mourning the loss of their villages and lost ones but kept busy with treating the wounded. Women sat in huddles cooking with what food was salvaged and children sat quiet. One stood out apart from the rest in Din’s eyes, a large male leaning over a group of medics. Din recognized him as Cyrukee, the villager’s chief, who noticed the lone bounty hunter from the corner of his eye and stood up. In his arms was the most beautiful thing Din had seen all day, Grogu. The baby gurgled in joy as he walked up to the chief.

“There you are.” Din didn’t realize that he was holding his breath when he sighed in relief, taking Grogu into his arms.

“Sir.” Cryukee barely got a word out before Din turned to him.

“I’m looking for a youngling- my kid. Have you seen them?”

“Sir, please.”

“They’re this tall,” Din rears a hand near to your height, “they were with this little green baby. Your husband, he took them to the school. Where is he?” The Mandalorian made a full turn around to look for the red robed headman who was last responsible for your care. He reached for his comms and tried to reach you again. His voice rang back at him, and in a terrible moment of realization he realized that that was your comms.

“Where are they?”

“Sir, let me explain.” Cyrukee wore an exasperated expression and looked as though he was about to speak before one of the medics from the group he was with requested to speak with him. He spared a glance at Din as though he struggled whether or not to say something. And then, Din followed his arm towards the medics he was just with. Din didn’t know what to make of it, not able to recognize any of them. The Mandalorian took one last look at the chief, whose grave expression gave him reason to worry, and slowly walked towards the group of medics. He buzzed through the comms, trying to pinpoint your location. As he got closer he heard medics speak in soothing voices and their patient hyperventilating. Had it not been his own voice coming from the center of the personnel he would have moved on, instead he could not find the will to move. Grogu looked at him expectantly.

One medic in particular took notice of the beskar-armored man. He and some others quickly got up and pushed Din away before he could force his way through the medics to take a look at you.

“Hey, wait-wait-please.” Din grunted at the force and staggered several steps back. He took a moment to collect himself and Grogu sneezed in his arms. Dust must have gotten into his nose during the scuffle. “Please, my ward- my kid. That’s my kid.”

“Just a moment,” one of the bloodied nurses kept her hands on Din’s chestplate longer than he would have liked. He didn’t push her away though.

“I need to see my kid.” Din looked her in the eye, hoping that she could see his desperation through his helmet.

His kid. When Din looks back on this he would think about how he’s never referred to Y/N as his own before. He would have liked to think he said that so the nurses allowed him to pass easier. But deep down, he knew it was because of how much he cared for them.

“I understand but please let me explain. Sir, Sir!” Din retreated in defeat on his second attempt to get past her and the other nurses. She stared into his eyes and patted his shoulders, Din didn’t know whether she was trying to comfort him or control his movements. “They’re traumatized enough right now, and you moving around in that armor of yours will only make it worse.”

“What happened to them?”

“They had an encounter with Jetwal,” Din’s blood boiled at the recognition of the raider’s leader who’d died before him. “according to the children, your child was leading them to the outskirts when he found them. They killed him, he was threatening the children, and they shot him. Now, listen to me. They did get injured. Several blaster wounds to their limbs and upper torso- sir, listen please I cannot allow you to go to them just yet- they’re still panicking right now but I assure you their wounds are being treated right now. They’ll be fine, but disrupting our work will only inhibit us from treating them properly.”

She watched his gaze linger to the sound of your crying. “How much longer until I can see them?”

Din was not pleased to find that he was only allowed to see you when the nurse came for him herself. Reluctantly he walked a little farther away from the medics when asked to give them more space, and sat down with Grogu bouncing on his knee next to a young Twi’lek running their hands over their lekku to soothe themselves. Between glancing at the medics to keeping Grogu entertained, Din didn’t realize how much time had elapsed before noticing the nurse had come to his side to collect him.

She took a seat next to him. “They’re hurt very badly, but with time their injuries will heal. All they need to do is rest. You can see them now.”

Grogu giggled and played with the nurse’s finger that was threateningly wiggling on his little tummy. “Can you take him for a moment?”

Din stood up and gave Grogu a pat on his little head and rubbed his large ears out of habit. Something you used to do to calm the little green alien down after a terrible meltdown. Even under his helmet Din smiled at the alien before dredging towards you. You laid on a pile of fabrics that functioned as a makeshift cot, but you looked like you had a pile of fabrics on you with the amount of bandages that wrapped your body. You didn’t notice Din approaching you as you stared straight into the sky. Din wondered what you were thinking. What could you be thinking? From his knowledge, this was your first time dealing with major injuries from blasters. It must have made this whole ordeal so much more frightening to you.

Maybe Din was too light on his feet, recoiling instantly when you jolted at his touch and groaned in pain.

“It’s me, it’s me.” His voice was soothing, even more than normal which surprised him.

A sort of wheeze escaped your lips and you coughed. “Mando.”

“Hey kid.”

“I tried calling for you.” A gasp. “They jammed the frequencies.”

“Your message barely came through, kid. But it made us realize what was going on. We got here before more damage could be done because of you.”

Your form relaxed. “Good, good. Grogu?”

“With a nurse.” “The one with the sweet voice.”

“Yeah.”

“I liked her voice-” A cough. “Sounds like my mom’s. She was nice. She helped calm me down.” At this point Din had stared at you long enough to realize how puffy your eyes were from crying. He didn’t stop himself from reaching over to brush your H/C hair out of your face. You leaned into his touch.

“I’m pretty fucked up, huh?”

Your eyes were already locked onto his when he met your gaze. A tick passed, and Din’s eyes fell to the wounds you were referring to. He shook his head. “No, kid. That’s not what you are.”

“Feels like it.” Din scowled at your words.

“There are too many fucked up people in the galaxy, kid. You´re not one of them.” You look at him with a raised brow. “Y/N, you barely have any combat experience yet you took on Jetwal? What were you thinking?”

And you said something that surprised him.

“I was thinking of you.”

And Din couldn’t find any words. He cleared his throat and you continued, “We were alone and I had no idea when you’d come, I was scared something had happened to you because I couldn’t get a hold of you through the comms and that guy was coming at us and-” You inhaled sharply, wincing at what Din assumed was a jab in one of your wounds but he didn’t know how to help. You calmed a moment later, closing your eyes and furling your brows together. “I thought about what you would have done if you were there. You always looked like you knew what to do.”

To say that Din was proud of you would have been an understatement, he was beaming wonders underneath his helmet but realized that you couldn’t see through the beskar.

“I thought I’d lost you both.” Din admitted. “But I’m very proud of you. You saved lives, Y/N. That’s no easy feat for someone of your age.”

You grinned at him and laughed. “Did you do something like this when you were my age?”

“Yes, but I didn’t end up as fucked up as you did.” “Hey!” Din laughed and raised his forearm to block your playful hits.

A moment of silence falls between the two of you before you look at Din again. “Do you know how long we’ll be here for?”

“With your injuries, no clue. I’ll talk to the medics and Cyrukee to see what is to be done.”

“Okay.” You nodded, your fingers twitching involuntarily. Din’s hands find their way to your hair again. “Mando, I’m tired.”

“Rest. I’ll be here with you.” He watches you half-heartedly nod at his words and doze off in a matter of seconds. The injuries have taken a toll on your body, Din suspects, and he pulls a sheet over you. He sits with you, watching villagers talk amongst themselves, speaks with those who come by to thank him for his help, and accepts Grogu from the nurse when she comes over, thanking her for all she’d done for you. She told him that a thank you was not owed to her, and that if you were to need anything she was only a call away.

And when he was finally left alone, Mandalorian took one look to take account for his two foundlings. They slept soundly and with luck, heads full of dreams. Most importantly, they were safe in his care once again.

Din realized he’d been holding in a breath, and exhaled a sigh of relief.

.....

Taglist:

@kiara-is-gay @pcotato @sagedgeek

[dontfeeltoohot]

Sicktember Day 18 - Nausea/Vomiting - (Pre) Steddie - Paramedic/Nurse AU TW: Mentions of vomiting, nothing descriptive.

Steve has dealt with his fair share of vomiting patients, even dealt with Robin the time she got food poisoning. It’s not a big deal to him, not really. It’s gross of course, but he’s never understood sympathy pukers, the ones who get sick just because someone else has. He’s not sure he’s ever actually encountered anyone like that either, since being in the medical profession means dealing with vomit no matter who you are. 

Enter one Eddie Munson. 

By the time Steve finishes checking over vitals and asking questions to his own patient, Chrissy and Eddie are talking to Robin and Nancy. Making his way out and sliding the glass door shut, he smiles and leans against the counter next to then paramedic. 

“Having a good shift so far?” 

“Having a good shift so far?” 

“Yep! Not too many calls, but enough not to be bored. What about you Harrington? Any fun stories?” He shows his teeth for the smile, and Steve wants nothing more than to lean forward and kiss him. 

“Oh, ya know. Sick baby, woman with a broken femur. Lots of people terrified they’re poisoned by some kind of meat recall in another state.” 

“Don’t forget the woman who was convinced she had cut her vagina but she really just started her period after having her kid,” Robin chimes in, snorting. 

Eddie scrunches his face up, looking at them. Chrissy shakes her head. 

“Some people are idiots.” 

“Most, Chris, most people are idiots,” he corrects her. 

As they continue to talk, a woman comes up to them, her complexion grey. Eddie frowns and puts a hand on her shoulder to steady her, and Steve grabs a wheelchair quickly so she can sit. The paramedic crouches in front of her to ask what’s going on and this, Steve thinks, is the moment it went wrong. 

The woman gags, coughs, then gets sick, leaning forward. It hits Eddie directly, all over his chest, his legs, even his hands. Even though there’s noise all around them; machines beeping, phones ringing, it’s as if the room goes quiet. The long haired man stays frozen, and Steve can see him swallow, jaw clenched tight. There’s a change in his own complexion, going from pink and warm to white and almost clammy. 

“Oh shit, do you guys have a trash can?” Chrissy asks, and the urgency in her voice is almost startling. Steve’s never heard her speak with such intensity. He thinks it’s for the woman sitting in the wheelchair. 

Nancy holds one out to her and all three of them watch as she yanks Eddie up with surprising force, shoving the black bin under him before the paramedic is jerking forward, getting sick as well. 

“Holy shit!” Robin's eyes are wide, and Nancy makes a worried noise. Steve is frozen. 

“It’s a thing…when he says he can’t do puke, he means it. It’s like a visceral reaction, he can’t control it.” 

As the strawberry blonde rubs her partners back, all three nurses finally spring into action. Nancy takes the woman who’s currently looking mortified in the wheelchair. Robin grabs Eddie some tissues and water for when he’s done, and Steve makes his way to their supply closet. He finds a set of prepackaged scrubs that are supplied for times like these, and yanks the plastic off of them. They’re dark red, and the pants might be slightly too big, but they’ll have to do while Eddie gets his stuff washed. 

Going back to the nurses station, both Eddie and Chrissy are gone. Robin notices him and smiles, looking slightly surprised by it all. 

She took him to the showers so he can wash off. Probably should take those to them so he’s not naked, even though I’m sure you’d prefer that,” the woman teases. 

“Shut it,” Steve grumbles as he heads down to the area of the hospital usually used by doctors and long shift nurses so they can shower off. 

He sees Chrissy first, so he walks over, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Is he okay?” 

“Yeah, he’ll be fine. He’s mortified though, throwing up in front of you guys. I’ve seen it enough, it doesn’t phase me and he doesn’t care. But…” she trails off, fiddling with the bag that’s not holding Eddie’s soiled shirt and pants. 

“Do you need us to wash those? And he shouldn’t be mortified. Everyone throws up,” Steve shrugs, feeling bad that Eddie’s so embarrassed. 

“We have a washer back at the station, but thanks Steve. We’re out of rotation till Eddie’s back in uniform anyway.” 

Nodding, Steve sticks around with the scrubs, handing them off when a hand shoots out from behind the thin shower curtain shielding the paramedic. Once out, Steve squirms at the sight. Eddie’s all red faced from the hot water, his hair is towel dried and curling in a ridiculous pattern- it’s the first time he’s seen it down. The scrubs look amazing on him, even if the waist seems to be just an inch too big. 

“I’m so sorry Steve, I have this issue, a-“ 

“It’s fine, Eddie. Really. You can’t help it. It wasn’t gross,” Steve scrambles to reassure the guy standing in front of him, who looks smaller in just the scrubs than his usual official uniform. 

“Thanks, Stevie,” Eddie smiles, biting his lip. “God, that was in front of a patient, Jesus that was so unprofessional,” he groans. 

It’s the closest thing to actual whining Steve’s ever heard from the man, and it melts his heart a little. 

“You just said you couldn’t help it, Munson. She was too sick to really understand anyway. Now come on, you should go get your clothes cleaned up,” he offers another smile. Eddie nods, trudging back up to finally get back to the ambulance still parked outside. 

Eddie Munson is a sympathy puker. Just another tidbit for Steve to keep collected.

[citrinesparkles]

cat.

jason todd, eventually x gender neutral reader. 1,388 words. notes: this is part one of i don't even know how many and i cannot believe how wildly out of hand this got. this was a 500 word idea and it's gonna be at least three parts someone help (thanks to @angelz-dust for being so patient with me and encouraging on this!!! would never have made it out of the drafts without you <3) warnings: danger to kids, mention of a couple arguing, animal illness (spoiler alert: it'll be fine i Promise), a little (lot) different than my usual edit: part two here!

"let me be perfectly clear: if you even think about showing back up here, i will know, and i will make your life a living hell until i finally put you out of your misery. understood?"

"yes! yeah man i get it. understood."

"then i'd get going, if i were you." the man scrambled to his feet and bolted off across the playground, leaving jason to shout after him. "and warn any buddies you might have, too!"

he picked up the discarded knife and pocketed it. he then turned around slowly, hands visibly empty in a careful attempt not to scare the two kids behind him- well, careful not to make it worse, anyway. they, understandably, seemed a little shaken already.

"are you both alright?" he asked softly, slouching just a little to seem as harmless as possible.

probably would have been easier if they hadn't just watched him threaten someone.

the older kid- probably fifteen, if jason had to place a bet- nodded silently before glancing back at the little girl he was still hovering in front of protectively, who was just... staring.

she couldn't have been older than six.

"jazz?" the boy asked, voice tight. "are you hurt?"

he was ignored. "are you superman?"

the question, innocent and earnest and a little timid, made jason laugh. "not quite, kiddo."

she tilted her head like a curious puppy, furrowing her brow. "why are you wearing a jacket?"

jason glanced up at the boy, who seemed comforted by her mini interrogation. good.

talking was a good sign, too, so jason crouched down to meet her at eye level.

"because it gets cold out here!" he said, raising his hands up with a small wiggle of his fingers. "gloves, too."

"well, duh," jazz said with a giggle- a win, jason thought. "no fingerprints."

he nodded. "also helpful."

"and the hat to hide your face!" she said proudly, stepping forward a little to point at his helmet.

"wow, you've got the whole thing figured out, huh?"

"mhm! my friend ricky loves batman and his friends. he talks about batman and nightwing and spoiler and robin and red robin and red hood and batgirl all the time! they hide their faces like you, ricky thinks it's because of bad guys."

"they're kinda cool, huh?"

"nightwing's my favorite," she said firmly, as though it was something she had considered at great length and was fully prepared to defend.

"not red hood?" jason smacked a hand to his chest in mock hurt, shifting back dramatically. "i'm crushed, truly."

"no, ricky says red hood used to be an alien, but then got bored and now he annoys batman for fun instead. that sounds mean."

...well, okay, maybe he did annoy the big guy for fun a little. "that's an interesting theory, all right."

"ricky's got all kinds of theories. he thinks batman's a robot-" jason snorted- "and that nightwing was like pinochle."

"you mean pinocchio," the boy corrected quietly. "pinochle's what gramma plays."

"pinocchio!" she exlaimed, with a "ch" sound in the middle that made jason smile. "a doll that got turned human. that's how he does all the flips and stuff, he's got magic."

"hm, ricky seems like an interesting guy," jason said thoughtfully, making a big show of rubbing the chin of his helmet. "what do y-"

he was cut off by a loud, insistent meow, and jazz gasping even louder before taking off to the bushes.

"w- hey, don't rush off like that!" he said, shooting up off the ground as the boy sighed.

"there's this cat that she's been taking care of," he explained quietly. "the thing's got attitude for days but i think it's sick or something. jasmine's been bringing it little bits of tuna and chicken, but it's not like we can get it to a vet."

jason hummed. "why do you think it's sick?"

"it's thin, with its eyes all watery and sunk."

"might just be malnourished," he muttered.

"she's been trying to find it a home, y'know."

there was a wink-wink-nudge-nudge quality to the kid's voice that did not go unnoticed.

on one hand, it was good to hear something other than fear from him, but on the other... "what part of the tactical armor makes you think i'm an option?"

"the part where you just stuck around to check on us instead of running after that guy."

okay. maybe the quiet thing hadn't been so bad. the cocky 'amateur psychologist' thing was a little grating.

"you the real red hood?" the kid asked suddenly, shaking jason from his internal grumbling.

"what do you think?"

"i think you just saved our lives, and i wanna know who i'm thanking."

jason turned to him with a flourish. "red hood, baby saver extraordinaire. at your service."

"baby- dude, i'm seventeen!"

okay, so he would have lost his bet. "noted. still a baby, trust me."

"what are you under there, twenty something? whatever, grandpa."

jason chuckled, turning back to watch jasmine pet a small cat under one of the yellow lights littering the park. "you did well, looking out for her with that guy. you got a name?"

he scoffed. "would've been better if i'd kicked him between the legs right when he opened his mouth, instead of letting him get started on the whole 'what're you kids doing out so late?' bit," he muttered darkly, pausing for a moment before answering. "my name's jordan."

"well, jordan, what are you guys doing out so late?"

"mom works nights, and the neighbors were fighting. it was loud enough to wake jazz up, and it wasn't the kind of thing she needed to hear. i figured a trip to see her cat would be less awful than hearing them call each other things i wouldn't even call my friends." the breeze picked up, rustling the trees and catching on jason's jacket. "and then the asshole with the knife decided to make a bad night worse."

"is jazz your sister?"

"yeah, she's a good kid," jordan said, fond and warm. "sorry about the whole ricky thing, though. he's obsessed with those vigilante conspiracy videos and tells her all about them at school."

"no, no, it's fine. i can't wait to tell wing about his new origin story, he'll love that."

jasmine suddenly came bounding back towards them, grabbing their hands and yanking them to follow her. "c'mon, you need to meet cat!"

"you call it cat?"

jordan bristled subtly. "is there a problem with that, red?"

"no, no, it's an appropriate name. just making sure." jason waved his spare hand at his head. "helmet makes me hear things sometimes."

jordan opened his mouth, but his sister plowed right over whatever he was going to say, pulling on jason's hand again. "cat, meet... what's your name?"

"red hood."

"you can't be red hood!" she whirled around, indignantly putting her hands on her hips. "there's already a red hood in gotham. besides, you're not even wearing a hood, so it doesn't fit anyway."

jason turned his head to jordan, who was smiling- a good sign, but probably a bad omen for whatever he was about to say. "she's right, man. it's not a hood."

"tough crowd," jason muttered. "uh... then you can call me, uh-"

"bucket!" jasmine suggested happily, tapping his helmet. "because this looks like a bucket."

if there was one thing vigilantism had taught him, it was that sometimes you actually do need to pick your battles. this...

this was not worth fighting.

"sure, fine, whatever. hi, cat, i'm red bucket." he turned away from the kids- both of whom looked entirely too happy about the whole 'bucket' thing, he thought- and crouched down to finally look at the cat.

it did look a little sick, actually.

it was gray, and thin, and-

and now it was headbutting his knee like it was trying to push him over.

"cat likes you!" jazz cheered.

"sure does," jordan said pointedly. "isn't that interesting?"

jason opened his mouth, but his snarky comment died in his throat when the cat settled down right in front of him and blinked slowly up at him with a sweet tilt to its head.

...shit.

just- shit.

he sighed, standing up and looking back to jordan and his stupid, entirely-too-pleased-with-himself grin. "so, jazz," jason grumbled reluctantly, "where does cat live?"