#how branch is always in his fighting stance

[aesthetic-gamersnail]

Omg, the babies. Just look at them <3

Source: https://www.universalpictures.ch/micro/trolls-3

[iliketangerines]

Kuai Liang and Tomas with a reader who was sent by bi-han to assassinate them but reader is not intimidating AT ALL- like she’s small but has the perfect body for carrying a child. So both of them instantly are like “well time to put her to good use” basically both of them knock reader up and now reader is apart of the shirai ryu walking around carrying twins- like I imagine small reader in some Hanfu that’s white and yellow and is struggling to do stuff because of her stomach size. ((My breeding kink is going through the roof and all I can imagine is Tomas and kuai with a small reader sandwiched between them))

good use

a/n: god, i want to be sandwiched between them too

pairing: tomas vrbada x afab!reader x kuai liang

warnings: nsfw (MDNI), breeding kink, fingering, thigh riding

Kuai Liang and Tomas look at you with a quirked eyebrow

you’re small, about half a head shorter than the both of them, and you hold your weapon in one hand as you hold yourself in your stance

but they notice the hesitation in your steps, almost as if you didn’t want to hurt them, and Kuai Liang wonders where he’s seen you before

for a second, nothing happens between you two, but then you leap forward and the two are forced to defend themselves

you put up a much harder fight than either of them had anticipated, and it’s only when Kuai Liang finally recognizes you and calls your name do you flinch and let your guard down

which allows Tomas to come in with the attack that disarms you

you sit on your knees, hands tied behind your back and mask pulled down and eyes downcast as you await death while Kuai Liang and Tomas hold a quiet conversation

they come back toward you, and you bow your head forward, asking them to make it quick and clean so that you wouldn’t have to suffer

Kuai Liang instead offers an olive branch to you and asks if you would like to join the Shirai Ryu, and you look up at him in surprise

you take a few breaths as if contemplating your decision before you give a small nod, and Tomas unties you and helps you stand up

the next few weeks Kuai Liang stares at you from across the training grounds and has a foot soldier trail you to make sure you weren’t double crossing them

but you don’t do anything, you follow his orders, work hard in training, go to bed, and work your way up to sparring with Tomas and Kuai Liang

he remembers you from when he was a child, training alongside him despite your parent’s disapproval and had made a name for yourself in the Lin Kuei before disappearing for a few years

Kuai Liang remembers feeling sad, and Tomas had felt the same way as well

in the present, you spar with Tomas, and he pins you down, face smashed into the dirt and hands held behind your back

you concede, and Tomas lets go

you roll over onto your back and let your chest heave up and down in the air as you try to calm down from the rush of adrenaline from fighting

a sudden thought enters Kuai Liang’s head, the thought of you pinned down underneath him, hands gripping onto your wrists as he fucks into you

how sweet you would sound and how obedient you would be

Kuai Liang turns away and shakes the thoughts from his head, he cannot afford to be distracted by his own soldiers

and yet, he finds himself drawn to you ever since that day, and he notices Tomas shying away from you and growing flushed whenever you two spar

Kuai Liang talks with him, and Tomas rubs the back of his head and admits that he does like you and wants more with you

for a moment, Kuai Liang isn’t sure how to proceed, but he figures brothers should share

and so the two of them watch you carefully, and they notice how you lean in closer to their touch, how you flock to them easily, how much smaller you are to them

you’re not too short, just about half a head short

and yet, you still have to crane your head to look up at them, and Kuai Liang always has to turn his head away to not crack underneath the pressure and fuck you right then and there

and then one day, you finally pin down Kuai Liang in training, and you have the biggest smile and Kuai Liang can’t help himself and calls you beautiful

you freeze in place, and Kuai Liang watches you blush and get off him

you hold out a hand, head turned to the side to try and hide your blush, but he can still see the way your face flushes

Kuai Liang smiles and takes your hand to stand up, kissing the back of it softly when he gets up off the floor, and you let out a small squeak before bowing respectfully and scurrying off

the next few days, Tomas and Kuai Liang make moves on you, kissing the back of your hand, bringing you in closer, piling food onto your plate during mealtimes

and finally, at the end of the week, Tomas and Kuai Liang sit in the head office, going through papers and sorting all the information when they hear a knock on the door

they call for them to enter, and in you come in your sleepwear, a thing night robe that does nothing to hide your figure

Tomas and Kuai Liang immediately stop what they’re doing and ask you to come and sit down next to them, patting the space between them

you sit between the two of them and fiddle with the hem of your robe before asking if they’re actually making advancements on you, if you’re not imagining it?

because you like them too, but you don’t want to ruin their relationship or anything

and you start to ramble, and Tomas grabs your chin and brings you into his lap for a kiss

you let out a small yelp of surprise before melting into his arms and letting him support your weight as you deepen the kiss

Kuai Liang comes up behind you and kisses your neck, and you whine into Tomas’s mouth as Kuai Liang gropes you from behind

you start to grind into Tomas’s thigh, looking for some friction, and whimper into his mouth as he gropes your ass

Kuai Liang slips off the shoulder of your night robe and salivates at the realization that you’re not wearing a bra, and he wonders…

he slips a hand down the inside of your robe, and confirms his suspicions that you’re not wearing any underwear either

he grins at you and asks if you were looking for this in the first place, and you whine in Tomas’s mouth, turning warm as Kuai Liang slips off the rest of your robe from your body

he squeezes your chest, taking your sensitive nipples and rolling them between his heated fingers, and your bare cunt jerks against Tomas’s rough pants

Tomas groans into your mouth and grips onto your hips and slides them back and forth, making your head tilt back as you whine into the air

your clit drags against the rough material, and Tomas ducks his head down to suck hickeys into your neck as he drags you against his pants

Kuai Liang coos at your strained moans and continues to tease your nipples as your hands trail up and Tomas’s arms, not sure whether to let go of you or continue to tease you

you squirm in Tomas’s leg and let out a pant, asking them for more please in a desperate voice, and Kuai Liang coos at you

Tomas lets go of your hips and holds onto your shoulders, detaching his mouth from your neck to kiss you

Kuai Liang grabs onto your hips and drags them back towards him, so that you’re on your hands and knees between them

he can see the wet patch you’ve left on Tomas’s pants, and Kuai Liang chuckles at you and squeezes your plush ass between his calloused fingers

he runs his fingers through your folds and finds them soaking wet already

he chuckles at you, asking if you really got that wet just from Tomas letting you hump his thigh, and you place your face into Tomas’s neck and mumble something

Kuai Liang asks you to speak up, pinching your clit as he does so, and you whine loudly before telling them you had played with yourself earlier, needed them so bad that you fucked yourself open on a toy

Kuai Liang digs his nails into your ass, making you whimper and your hips buck backward, and he has to stop himself from imagining the thought of you fucking yourself desperately on some toy and moaning his and Tomas’s name

Tomas seems to find pleasure in the thought and bites into your neck, running his tongue over the mark, and he grips onto your shoulders tightly as if to control himself

you pant into Tomas’s shoulder, hips jerking as Kuai Liang slips his fingers into your wet pussy and slowly pumps them in and out of you

somehow, you’re still so tight around his fingers, and he decides you need to be stretched a little more if you want to take the both of them

Kuai Liang curls his fingers to try and find that little sweet spot that he knows that you have, and when your hips rock backward, and the top of your body collapses onto Tomas’s, Kuai Liang knows he’s found it

he massages his fingers into the spot, and he can feel your pussy growing wetter around him and dripping onto the floor as he continues to fuck you open on his fingers

you moan into Tomas’s shoulder, and the gray assassin coos at you and palms at his cock as he lavishes your neck with hickeys and bite marks

he groans into your skin as your hand wanders downward to take his cock out of his pants, and you pump Tomas, spreading the pre-cum all over his shaft

he grunts at the feeling and holds onto your wrist, simply holding on as he lets you stroke him

Kuai Liang continues to fuck you on his fingers, and he adds in a third finger, relishing in the sound of your high-pitched whine at the stretch

you pant and wiggle your hips around, and Kuai Liang has to grip onto your hips to hold you still for him

he fucks you on three of his fingers,and he feels your needy cunt clamp down on his fingers as you let out a loud keen and cum on his fingers

you thumb presses into Tomas’s slit, and the gray assassin bites your neck again to try and control himself from cumming

although that becomes increasingly harder with the way you quicken the pace of your hand, desperate to have him cum with you

Tomas takes your hand off of his cock, shushing you when you let out a small noise of complaint

Kuai Liang removes his fingers from your cunt and sticks them into his mouth, running his tongue over your taste and moaning at it

next time, he would have to taste you properly, but for now, he needed to fuck you and stretch you open on his cock

he slides your hips forward, and you straighten your back so that your chest presses flush against Tomas’s and Kuai’s chest presses into your back

Kuai Liang takes out his cock and slides it in between your folds, and you squirm as the head of his dick catches on your puffy clit

you moan for him to fuck you, please you need it, and Kuai Liang chuckles at you but concedes and slides into you

you grip onto Tomas’s shoulders, moaning at the stretch, and Kuai Liang isn’t much better, holding onto your hips tight enough to leave bruises as he tries not to cum

he thrusts into you shallowly, waiting for Tomas to slide his cock into you as well

the gray assassin takes his cock and notches it next to Kuai’s, and slowly slides in, kissing your face as a few tears slide down at the pain

you pant into the air but neither of them stop moving, fucking into you shallowly as you adjust to their size

Tomas groans at the sight of your stomach; he can see how their cocks bulge from your stomach, and his hips jerk harshly into you

you moan loudly, and the both of them take it as a cue to start fucking into you roughly

Kuai Liang brings his hand around to press a hand down on your stomach, and it makes you whine and throw your head back as you become jello in their arms

Tomas watches as the bulge disappears in and out of you, and he wants to see more, to see you big and round with their children, his children

he tells you so, telling you that you’d look so pretty with his children, all big and round and beautiful when you’re pregnant

it fills Kuai Liang’s head with thoughts of his children, and he can feel himself get harder at the thought of you pregnant and full of him

he holds onto your hips roughly as his hips grow erratic, thoughts of you leaking with his cum, stuffed with his heirs and so sensitive and pliable underneath his fingertips

Tomas isn’t much better, groaning as he holds onto your shoulder and tells you how pretty you look, how pretty you’ll look with their heirs

you whine and sob as your hands wander over Tomas’s arms and Kuai Liang’s hands, unsure of who to hold as you keen and cum on their cocks

they fuck into you harshly, chasing their own highs and cumming deep inside of you

they don’t slide out for a moment, taking a second to calm down before finally slipping out and letting you fall down and cuddle on Kuai Liang’s chest

Tomas watches as their cum drips out of you and onto the floor, and he takes his fingers and pushes it back into it, insistent on not wasting a single drop

Kuai Liang pets your hair as you whine, and he picks you up into his arms to take you to the hot springs and help you relax and clean up

he helps you clean up, and when he carries you back to your bed, Tomas has the bed made and helps moisturize you and dress you in some light clothes

they tuck you into bed and cuddle up next to you, a protective hand over you as you all fall asleep together

months later, Kuai Liang tuts at you and picks up something off the floor and hands it back to you, and you smile at him gratefully

you rub a hand over your round belly, baby kicking hard, Tomas comes over with a few fruit slices and kisses your forehead

you smile at the both of them, basking in the sun, happy that you had met the both of them again

[gothamcitycentral]

OH Oh oh, I would love to hear a Charlie canon vs fanon rant if you're up for sharing?

Ok ok mainly I was thinking of someone recently saying “Charlie represents a shallow christian view of redemption in which you just try really hard and don’t do drugs! you’ll be a good person that easy!” (paraphrased) and well. No. Definitely not.

What Charlie represents is the emotional idea of redemption.

Charlie’s chosen existence is based fully upon the idea that there is no category of “bad person” that excludes someone from being human. As such, everyone is capable of redemption because ‘there’s good in everyone deep down inside, she knows there is.’ People like to think this as naivety (which is. a whole other thing) but this is the stance the show takes every seriously. So many, and I mean so many, are under this impression that Charlie is at some point going to be proven wrong about redemption. That not everyone can actually be redeemed. But she just won’t be because the point is always that Charlie is right. With Angel, with Pentious, against Lucifer, against Adam and against Sera, she’s proven right.

“You build something nice, you invite people in and offer them everything and they just bring VIOLENCE and CHAOS to your doorstep. It doesn’t matter how well intentioned you are, they’ll always disappoint you.”

…He says, as the hotel crew work together to keep each other safe and out of harm’s way even at their own risk.

In any case, Charlie’s view of redemption is that of loving-

-and being loved.

This is what the series shows. Every fully realized character loves, and is loved by, someone.

No exceptions.

It’s a deliberate point of humanization because the show argues everyone has humanity. Which is what Charlie argues! The show is always in alignment with her values. As such, it doesn’t make sense to argue any of this is something she is meant to grow out of.

Now, where the above statement is drawn from is that she doesn’t have the practical understanding of redemption. Hence the parody of America’s famously ineffectual D.A.R.E program. This done because Charlie is very much throwing shit at the wall (done through looking at common behavior in hell and having her patrons do the opposite to appeal to Heaven) in very desperate hope something will work and Heaven will recognize her people… as people. Importantly, the significant thing of Angel Dust and Sir Pentious being the actors in this scene is that through understanding them Charlie learns a practical idea of redemption. That being as (and what the show properly conceptualizes redemption as) the correction of behavior that harms oneself or those around you. Which is why we go from:

To:

“Heavenly people, the porn star chose a night of debauchery, that’s not a soul worthy of being in Heaven!”

“Are you really telling me you haven’t had a drink with friends at the end of a hard day?”

She’s not bending over backwards to make Angel as appealing as possible to Heaven, she’s making a stance that disagrees with their perception of ‘bad behavior’, reminding them to acknowledge his hardships and what influences his behavior, and making it clear that these specific actions aren’t having a negative effect on anyone, and therefore doesn’t contradict her statement that Angel has improved.

Then people see the part of Charlie’s arc which is learning to have a damn backbone (to put it bluntly) and go and argue that the end point for Charlie’s character is to “stop being nice.” Well, first of all, Charlie being nice is the only reason everyone isn’t dead, so jot that down, and second, while yes Charlie fights against Adam, the ultimate result of that conflict is:

“He’s had enough.”

Charlie is always going to choose mercy. She is always going to extend humanity. She is always going to offer the olive branch. People think Charlie is going to come to some grand revelation about having to be cruel and that just, isn’t the point. Because the big thing is that people believe Charlie is defined by her naivety (and that eventually that naivety must be destroyed) but she isn’t.

The only moment I can really think that suggests Charlie being such is her singing in the pilot during the newsbroadcast despite being warned otherwise. Besides that, I just don’t see it as a major point of characterization. Because we see Charlie acknowledge not everyone wants to change, but she doesn’t get to deny any the opportunity, deny them the hotel. Because they were entitled to the opportunity to change and improve by process of being alive. “How can I turn him away? I can’t. It goes against everything I stand for.”

In general I think there’s a failure of people who view Charlie as just… naturally happy go lucky at factory default and miss that Charlie’s kindness is a choice.

Charlie was born into a broken world with a decomposing kingdom to her name. Her optimism is a developed coping mechanism because it’s the only way she can believe everything can maybe work out. Because Charlie has been surrounded by this constant death she felt powerless to stop and everyone has just! accepted it! This constant misery that she unavoidably bares witness to, and it feels like she’s the only one who cares.

So she has to be kind. She has to believe things can tangibly improve. She has to put the entire world and then some onto her own shoulders and live with every action she takes having millions of lives dependent on it. Charlie doesn’t even think she’s any sort of properly equipped to do any of this, but she’s the only person who’s bothering to try.

As Charlie deeply internalizes what people say about her. Hell’s clown, a joke, a fool chasing an impossible dream, destined to fail. Whenever anything goes wrong, Charlie directs that entirely at her own self. Adam is going to slaughter the hotel? What a horrible person she was to give the them false hope. Heaven decided to personally purge Charlie and her family because they dared to believe in their own personhood? Well she should have done a better job at convincing them otherwise.

Charlie doesn’t like herself.

So she masks it.

Sometimes the mask, the optimism, breaks.

I think Charlie’s optimism is as to Alastor’s cruelty, that’s why this scene compares them the way it does. Those aspects of them, they’re not fake exactly, but they are conjured to shield their fears. Charlie is afraid of failing everyone and Alastor is afraid of… being afraid in the first place frankly.

Because again, Charlie views everyone as her responsibility. She needs no reasoning beyond Hell being her people for her to dedicate her entire being to them. People seem to not acknowledge how closely she and Vaggie manifest their feelings of self loathing, even if they pretty much do it on opposite ends of the spectrum. Vaggie is a living extension to Charlie, Charlie is a living extension of Hell. The knight and the princess, both sworn to their own duties even at their own suffering. And the princess would burn herself to ash to warm her kingdom. Charlie is the self chosen sacrificial lamb.

[solbaby7]

Look What You Made Me Do

pairing: rhysand x reader

warnings: blood, violence, angst, swearing, some typos

summary: The High Lord leaves you no choice but to abandon all innocence in order to buy him just five more minutes.

—

“I’ll be right back.”

“Rhysand—“

Warm palms cup your cheeks, lips pressing against your forehead before he’s tilting your head up to him. “Five minutes, I’ll be right back.” His hand slips behind his back, producing a knife with a hilt carved so intricately you couldn’t stop staring at it.

He’s gone before you can answer, the weight of the metal in your grasp and something like fear tightens in your stomach as his towering frame disappeared beneath the cave.

This was a horrible idea; you should’ve fought it harder but Rhysand always had such a sway with you—always finding some way to ease all the worry until you didn’t know what you were upset about in the first place. But he knew how you felt about this—about killing. You’d thrown up your breakfast the first time he’d brought you hunting; a hobby he claimed didn’t have much time for anymore.

You didn’t kill a single thing and when Rhysand did, you cried.

Something snaps behind you, body freezing in place as all of your senses went into overdrive; every smell, every sound and shift in the air had the hairs on the back of your neck rising. You swallow thickly when you hear it once more mentally counting down the seconds until the High Lord’s five minutes were up and you could get out of here.

Another snap to the left, two more on the right and a final one behind you that was creeping in so slow you nearly didn’t pick up on it.

Rhys?

There’s no answer in the bond, no soft touches or that teasing voice; just silence.

Your fingers clench tightly around the knife, knuckles going pale under the strain as the creatures emerge from their hiding. Large wolves with jaws coated in dried blood, their bodies were brawny, thick muscles grown from miles and miles of running and careful hunting of prey much bigger than themselves, let alone you.

The thought of you stuck between those sharp teeth sent goosebumps up your spine, breath slow and choppy.

Rhysand. We need to get out of here.

You strain your ears for an answer, tugging and tugging when the timer runs out and the creatures still circling you, inching forward and it’s then you see more hiding in the trees; their low growls echoing throughout the area and anxiety swells from deep within.

“Please don’t make me do this,” You mumble past chapped lips like a mantra as your fingers twist the knife in your grasp, adjusting your grip and steadying your stance as you took them in. It wasn’t like all those times hunting with Rhysand had gone to waste; you’d watched intently as he showed you how to bait an animal with food, to fight and kill.

Sure, maybe then you’d actually had bait—a few spare chickens that wouldn’t be missed and this time you were the bait but the concept wasn’t too far off.

There's a moment of clarity, where the air went still and you could hear every shift of the branches that hung from the large trees above. The wild beating of your heart never falters, the consistent thumping becoming the only anchor to force yourself to relax—to assess the situation and fucking breathe.

But, you'd already ran out of time.

They attack in sync, three of them darting out for you at rapid speeds, teeth snapping so hard spit flew free and stuck to the fabric of your cloak. You silently thank Rhysand for insisting on such clothing; warm, fur lined long sleeves and socks so thick you could barely fit your feet in the boots he'd slid on over your pants. Stringy leather straps curl tight around your thighs, over the high points of your arms and it connected somewhere in the back—you hadn't been paying much attention to anything other than the teasing trail of Rhysand's fingers on your bare skin.

You hold onto that.

The soft moments that you'd always prayed would never come to an end but the worst crosses your mind when your knife slices through solid muscle, spraying blood so thick that the smell alone had you fighting back the urge to spill your guts.

They don’t stop and neither do you, arms burning with exertion but you’re too fearful to stop. Sharp claws swipe for your flesh and while most attempts don’t take, you’re vaguely aware of a persistent throb on your back but adrenaline dulls any real pain. Animal limbs hit the ground in chunks, your swings don’t discriminate; claiming heads and thick paws with claws longer than your fingers.

Bile raises in to your throat when the last body falls. The air smells of blood; metallic and harsh as it seeped into the fabric of your clothes. Your hands shake and genuine anger breaks free when Rhysand finally exits the cave, charming smile on his face. “See, I told you I’d be quick.”

“Quick?” Your voice is eerily calm and the High Lord goes still when he sees you, all the blood—all the bodies and their pieces scattered about in tufts of fur and crimson red. “You said five minutes. Where the hell were you?”

He doesn’t speak, too awed by the carnage, all of the red staining your face and hands and clothes. You don’t seem injured, give or take a wince when you threw the intricately made weapon to the ground. Anger radiated from your form as you begin the gather the scattered pieces, grunts and frustrated comments spew from your lips and you make your pile. “What happened?”

“They came out of the trees,” Your hands wipe against your clothes, trying to clean yourself but there’s no pure cloth, nothing not stained in blood and you cringe at the evidence of the lives you took; creature or not. “—I waited. I waited and called for you. I didn’t want to do it but,” Rhysand’s shoulders stiffen at the shake in your voice, the tremble of your hands as your tried to strike a match. “What the hell was so important that you don’t even respond to me when I call for you?”

“You called for me?”

“I was screaming across the bond so loud I thought I was actually yelling out loud.” A humorless laugh and the match finally takes, a harsh crackle before you toss it in the massive heap of limbs until the air smells less like fresh pine and more like the beginning of the end of your innocence—though you should’ve known most of that had dried out when being mated to the High Lord of the Night Court.

You supposed, maybe this was your life now.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this taken aback, so awestruck by the abilities you had but always kept away; eyes welling up with tears when he’d even tasked you with just skinning instead of the actual hunt. “You were paying attention.”

You’re brows furrow at the breathless words, fingers clenching into fists at your sides and you don’t shy away from the growing warmth that crackled before you; thick plumes of dark smoke leading a trail through the clouds. “That makes one of us.”

[kindasleepywriter]

Bird of Prey - Chapter 1 : The Hunt

Bird of Prey masterlist

Chapter summary: About to finish off your latest target, you are interrupted by a figure you haven't seen in centuries.

Rating: Mature - Minors DNI

Warnings: Story-typical violence, blood.

Word count: 0.8k

Next chapter

The wind assaulted your eyes and throat as you crossed frozen streams and jumped over fallen trees. You almost had him, you could almost smell his fear as you followed in his footprints. It had been days since you’d gotten a true moment of rest and you wouldn’t let it go to waste. The early morning rays shone through the high branches of the trees, guiding your steps towards your objective. He wouldn’t escape, not now.

Ice surrounded you, under your feet, covering the trees, and even pearling at your eyelashes. Oh, how you hated the cold. Had it been the Winter court you’d have kept quiet your inner monologue of constant complaining about the weather, but in the Night court this was just inconvenient. You already didn’t want to be here, the borders were too well guarded and the money was never worth the risk, but this evasive target had decided to jump from border to border hoping you would lose his scent. You didn’t of course, but the effort was admirable.

You slid under a rotting trunk, emerging into a small clearing. The ground was soft with snow, the air cold and biting, but the only thing on your mind was the figure ahead of you. A large boulder of a man, a logger they’d told you. More strength in one arm that you probably had in your entire body, but it was worthless. You didn’t need strength when you had speed and no one could ever outrun you. No one ever did.

He looked over his shoulder to gauge the distance between the two of you at the sound of your footsteps. His eyes widened and he hesitated, stumbling slightly. A mistake, and it would be his last. You gave a forceful push to catch up with him, using his temporary loss of balance to grapple directly onto his neck and try to force him to tumble to the side. You didn’t wish to break his neck but he sure seemed to think so, as he immediately tightened his entire torso and head, rolling forwards to try to shove you off him with his body weight. So he was strong and knew a thing or two about fighting. Interesting.

You let go and tucked yourself into a tight side roll to his left to avoid crushing the wings you held tightly against your back, and immediately leapt into a crouching position. He quickly got up as well, disoriented for a moment. Weeks of being stalked through the woods with absolutely no knowledge about surviving in the wilderness seemed to have taken a toll on him. While the wait made the entire situation longer than you deemed necessary, it did have its perks. Still, you preferred your usual method. Ambushing a target, doing a quick and clean job, leaving within a single moment. Just like a raptor captures a mouse, and it was always more satisfying. They didn’t call you the Bird of Prey for nothing.

The second the man got his bearings, he took a sloppy fighting stance and started sprinting in your direction, clearly intending to somehow overpower you with brute force. His arms almost flailed by his side as he wobbled on his feet. “When was the last time he even ate?”, you thought. No matter, just another detail that solidified your already guaranteed win.

He didn’t even get in reach of you before you were ducking behind him, solidly tripping him on the way and jumping knee first onto his back. The man went down with a wheezing “oomph”, but you didn’t let him take a single breath before you had his arms crossed and shoved under your knees, one hand keeping them still and the other bringing a blade to his throat. For a moment, stillness and almost perfect silence. The only soundtrack to his death would be the early morning birds and the crackling of thawing ice.

You didn’t play with your kills. You may be efficient at your job, but you were not cruel. As you went to finish the job, he let out a “WAIT!” that held your hand still. He didn’t struggle but opened his mouth to talk again. You cut him off.

“Anything you want to say?’, you said, “I urge you to consider your last words carefully – you only get to say them once, after all.”

Again, a beat of silence, only broken by the slow drip of blood from where you’d already made superficial contact with the skin.

You sighed, wanting to finally end this contract and go home, but a cold pressure at the nape of your neck, probably quite similar to what the logger underneath you felt at his throat at this very moment, gave you pause. Your peripheral vision swarmed in unnatural darkness as you inhaled a sharp breath.

A deep, smooth voice rang close to your right ear:

“How about you tell me yours?”

Tell me what you think, i always appreciate constructive criticism!

Fair warning that this is my second langage and I don't have a beta reader - I'm just trying my best. If you spot any mistakes/problems, I'd love to hear about it!

Chapters will be longer for the next couple of parts, theyre already in the works. This is just the set up to the start of the story, there's a long list of events they'll have to deal with, just you wait.

Banner created by the amazing @saradika!

Taglist: @sapphenaa

[crazyk-imagine]

Life from a New Perspective

Pairing: Edmund Pevensie x Fem!reader

Characters: Peter Pevensie, Susan Pevensie, Edmund Pevensie, Lucy Pevensie, Fem!reader, Reepicheep, Oreius

Warnings: Fluff, fighting, Narnia in another battle, this came out of nowhere, I don't know where this was really going but I went with it, stupid backstory for the storyline to make sense, Edmund needed to meet his match, this is oddly cute, I thought this was going to be cringey but I proved myself wrong lol, the title is 100% based on P!ATD song

Word Count: 784

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You stop, breathing hard with the prickling sensation of the people chasing you are getting closer. You spin around and see a familiar-

You furrow your brows, fighting stance barely weakening. "Reepicheep?

The brave mouse lowers his sword and calls out your name. "I thought you died?"

"When has anything ever taken me down?"

He nods, "I knew I chose you for a reason."

"You did no such thing."

"Uh- sorry but you two know each other?" You turn to the dark-haired man.

Your eye twitches. "Royalty?"

"He is the second king of old."

"The young man?"

"I prefer to be called by my name."

You close your eyes, not wanting to shout at someone with royal status. "What's your name?"

He furrows his brows, confused about how much yet so little you know about him. "You don't know?"

"I prefer not going into town."

He raises a brow, “that’s not concerning to hear.”

“People don’t like me.”

“I wonder why," he mumbles, not meaning for you to hear.

You scoff, “until next time, Reepicheep.” You jump over a log and tale off.

“Now, look what you’ve done,” says the mouse.

“Me? If anything, it was you.”

“I did nothing to run her off. I’m the reason she stayed but then you opened your big mouth.”

Edmund rolls his eyes, “whatever, let’s go.”

They take off, meeting with his siblings and a few of their warriors.

-

“What are we going to do now?” Susan asks.

“We can go to the river and see who will be willing to fight from there?” Peter offers, not entirely sure where else they can go to find more Narnians.

“We would have had a good swordsman had you not talked,” Reepicheep grumbles.

“What’d you say?” Lucy turns to him.

“His majesty ran off our only hope.”

“What’s he talking about?” Peter turns to Edmund and then the mouse. “What are you talking about?”

“The sarcastic decided to open his mouth and run off my apprentice.”

“Apprentice?” Lucy chimes in. “When did you have an apprentice?”

“Well-”

A group of bandits come up from behind the trees.

“Where did your apprentice go?” Peter shouts, kicking the bandit back.

“How am I supposed to-”

You jump the tree branch you were perched on and swing across the way, kicking the one sneaking up behind Edmund.

“There she is.”

You duck just in time, giving the mouse a bridge to climb and attack. “Looks like we meet again,” you nod to the third eldest Pevensie.

“Looks like we do.”

“Let’s see if you fight as good as you talk,” the corner of your lips twitch.

“Believe me, I’m good with a sword.”

“Care to make a wager?”

“Like?”

“If we make it out of here alive, we spar together?”

“You’ll lose.”

You shrug, “I’ve always wanted to be defeated by a king,” you wink and run to help Lucy.

“Look who’s decided to come out of the woodworks,” Oreius says.

“Guess who’s still in the woods,” you respond.

“You’re still not funny.”

“I disagree. I’m hilarious.”

“I think Edmund’s found his match,” Lucy whispers to his siblings.

“Were they flirting while we were fighting?” Peter asks, still baffled about it.

“They were,” Susan pats his arm. “Is everyone alright?”

“Well, if everyone’s fine. I’ll be off now,” you try to sneak away when your favorite mouse stops you.

“Hold on there.” He stands upon a rock. “You’re not leaving so fast. I haven’t seen you since that idiot got thrown out of town.”

“What?”

“Yeah, after you left, we found him stealing from everyone and threw him out.”

“No one believed me.”

“I did, that’s why he's gone.”

You smirk, “I knew there was a reason we met.”

That certainly quiets him down. “I believe there is someone else for you to meet.”

“I don’t like what you’re implying.”

He shrugs, giving the young king enough time to walk up to you. “You fought well.”

You slowly turn, “I didn’t need to save you nearly as times as I thought.”

“I didn’t need saving.”

“That’s what you say but who was the one to take down the bandit sneaking up behind you.”

“I had it handled.”

A smile dances across your lips, “I know. I just wanted to mess with you.”

He stares at the ground, trying to ignore the heat in his cheeks. “I- that was uncalled for.”

“Someone’s got to keep you on your toes.” You skip over to the other siblings and introduce yourself, throwing them off; on one hand, you can be deadly and fight and on the other, you can be as sweet as can be.

It intrigued Edmund a little too much for his comfort.

[cemeteryangel725]

My Good Omens fics

Hi, I'm CemeteryAngel725, and I write Good Omens fanfiction, mostly smutty, and mostly human AU, although I do branch out from time to time. I also make weird little collages. You can find me on AO3 here.

My completed works (updated 7/23/2024):

More of a Comment Than a Question (E, 1,381 words, 1/1 chapters): Dr. Aziraphale Fell and Dr. Anthony Crowley are both architectural historians in the same department. You would think they would have a lot in common, but it's the exact opposite - from the day they met, Crowley has done everything in his power to annoy Aziraphale. But now they're being forced to share a hotel room at an academic conference, and Aziraphale is worried. Will they survive the weekend?

Over the Rainbow (E, 10,259 words, 1/1 chapters): Fresh out of college, Aziraphale and Crowley are roommates, marching in NYC Pride with their best friends Eric and Beez. Aziraphale has had feelings for Crowley for a long time, but will he ever work up the courage to tell him?

Special Guest Stars (E, 7,668 words, 1/1 chapters): After the Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire finishes for the day, Crowley and Aziraphale meet a pair of Doctor Who cosplayers in a local tavern. They soon learn that they all have a lot in common.

Down to the River (E, 30,365 words, 8/8 chapters): Twenty-five years ago, Tony Crowley walked out of Azi’s life and broke both of their hearts. Since then, Azi has been living in suspended animation, working in the army/navy surplus booth he inherited from his dad and writing horror novels. Now Tony is back from the city, flush with success and wanting to catch up with Azi. Should Azi risk his heart and try to reclaim what they’ve lost? Or is it too late to start over?

Control (E, 2,142 words, 1/1 chapters): After a dismal opening weekend at their local Renaissance Faire, Crowley asks Aziraphale for some help with letting it all go. Aziraphale gives it to him in the best way he knows how.

Even Bound as We Are (E, 12,266 words, 2/2 chapters): Left on his own after the death of his mother, Aziraphale of Eastgate Hall is under the thumb of his cruel stepfather, Lord Gabriel. Alone in the forest one day, Aziraphale casts a spell to summon fae, taught to him by his mother. He’s not expecting it to work, but when a sarcastic, red-headed faery steps into the clearing before him, his life is changed forever.

Reviewing the Armies (E, 5,573 words, 1/1 chapters): It is May of 1865 and the war is over, or nearly over. Aziraphale has relocated to Washington, DC, and he is counting down the hours until he can be reunited with Anthony. When they meet again, sparks fly.

Folding the Laundry (E, 6,817 words, 1/1 chapters): Two single moms, one basket of laundry, and a bottle of wine. Azira and Toni have been best friends since middle school, but they’re about to find out that they don’t know every single thing about each other, at least not just yet.

After the Fight (E, 2,776 words, 1/1 chapters): In the wake of battle, Anthony returns to Aziraphale's tent completely distraught. Aziraphale is there to help him pick up the pieces.

Dough (E, 673 words, 1/1 chapters): Crowley and Aziraphale argue about how to knead pizza dough. Aziraphale shows Crowley how to do it properly.

Coming into Focus (E, 6,721 words, 1/1 chapters): It is the summer of 1864, and Aziraphale is an itinerant photographer set up behind Union lines outside Petersburg, Virginia. He’s no stranger to pleasure, but he has always protected his heart. But when the redheaded colonel of the 5th New Jersey walks into his tent, he begins to wonder whether it’s time to rethink his stance on love.

Of Fire and Falcons (E, 54,201 words, 15/15 chapters): Since they met at a Florida Renaissance faire a year and a half ago, fire spinner Crowley and falconer Aziraphale have been a great deal more than friends, but they've never quite admitted what they really feel about each other. Now Crowley has fallen in love, and he has five weeks at the Catskill Mountains Renaissance Faire during the most romantic season of the year to convince Aziraphale to see the light.

Hold the Lift (T, 5,621 words, 1/1 chapters): Crowley just wants to get to work on time, but when he gets stuck in a lift with new guy Aziraphale, he ends up with a lot more than he bargained for. See, Aziraphale has this list of 36 questions…

Beyond the Barricade (E, 29,854 words, 10/10 chapters): Az Eastgate and AJ Crowley are American college students in a production of Les Miserables. Will Az work up the courage to tell AJ how he feels about him?

Catching the Light (E, 3,994 words, 1/1 chapters): Azira Fell and Antoinette Crowley are American sculptors living their best lives in Rome in the 1860s. Toni has a commission to finish before Anathema’s wedding, and Azira offers to model for her.

Christmas is Definitely Not a Humbug (E, 3,071 words, 1/1 chapters): It is 1843, and Crowley brings home a brand-new copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as a gift for Aziraphale. Aziraphale shows his gratitude in the best way he knows how.

[arcadia-of-pluto]

Twist of Fate; Chapter Fourteen

Pairings; LADS OT4 x reader

Word count; 2.2k

Themes; isekai, eventual smut

Rating; 18+ for swearing and mature content

Notes; Hey guys! A little late on posting today, but it should be fine. Chapter fifteen will come out shortly after this and I'm pondering whether or not to post sixteen as well since it'll be a much longer chapter 🤔 and that'll be the beginning of my actual writing, straying away from the original story finally. Chapter fifteen marks the end of the original timeline! So, it'll be the end of Sylus's story in-game and I'll be able to branch apart and do my own thing. So I hope you're excited by what's to come.

Prev || Next

Masterlist

In the dim lighting of ‘your’ room, the crow brooch on your chest gleams a dark red reminiscent of wine. Finally, after a long fight, you got the brooch from Sylus. He kept his promise and agreed to help you obtain the aether core as long as you resonated with him– which you still weren’t sure just why he wanted to resonate with you, but it doesn’t matter at this point.

With an expensive, form fitting red dress and some dazzling earrings, your reflection in the mirror is strange yet sufficiently alluring. A slit runs up the side of the dress that just barely exposes the skin of your thighs, a pair of black stockings adorning them. The only uncomfortable thing would be the shoes, but you’d just have to deal with heels tonight. Your hair was pulled back, as to show off the jewelry best, and the scar over your right eye almost seemed like it fit the outfit, making you look like a femme fatale.

As you were checking yourself out in the mirror, you didn’t even notice Sylus stepping into the room until he speaks. “It suits you.”

You look up to meet his gaze in the mirror, noticing that he’s wearing a formal black shirt with a coat thrown over his shoulders, both having a kind of blood splatter type design to them, and a pair of black slacks. He always made the most simplistic of outfits look good.

Sylus leans lazily against the doorway, “No one can stay wary when there’s a beauty walking around.” A soft blush creeps across your cheeks as you clear your throat and turn around to look at him, “Hmmph, this beauty will bash your skull in sooner or later.” You take a few steps toward him as you fix the ends of your black gloves, “You’re just going to waltz right into a dangerous auction without a plan?”

“I like how you assume I didn’t make one,” Sylus raises a brow as he shifts his stance and rubs his middle finger and thumb together, “Find a way to make everyone lower their guard first. Then lure out the ones with ill intentions and get rid of them. Then, I’ll cover you when you fetch the aether core’s other half.”

“....That’s it?” You raise a brow, placing one hand on your hip. Sylus loops his thumbs through his pockets and looks down at you, “You won’t fail. Promise.” He gives you another once-over and you sigh, taking his outstretched hand and walk out the door with him. “You better not be a liability later,” You shake your head.

To deal with the real masterminds behind the auction, you can only ally yourself with someone deadlier than the enemy. All the information you have gathered has created an intricate web of conspiracies. Now, it’s time to tear it up.

The hotel is decorated rather elegantly, a card sitting on the counter reads “Myriad of Night”. There must be a dress code, seeing how Sylus generously gifted you the dress you’re wearing... As you step into the hotel, Sylus turns his head to look down at you, turning his body to face you and you suddenly feel way too overdressed– as if a fancy dress like this doesn’t fit you. Like it would be better on someone else, someone more pretty.

“It’s not too late to back out now if you want to,” The white haired man says and holds his arm up for you. “Focus on yourself first,” You retorted back, almost embarrassed that he caught you in a self-deprecating moment before you grab his arm, “It’s showtime.” You smile up at him as you step closer, intent on putting on a show.

As you both step further into the large room, you notice multiple encased podiums with protocores and their prices, along with hotel staff walking around with metal trays filled with glasses of alcohol. One, two, three guys…That’s quite the ambush. Three guards, so it’s not like you can steal anything. You’ll just have to buy whatever it is you want for now. “Sylus..” You turn your head to look up at him, “Are you sure they’ll bite?” “It depends on your performance,” He says, not turning his head to look at you, but you notice him stealing a glance at you from the corner of his eye. 

“Mr. Sylus, we’ve been expecting you,” A male server says as he walks up to you both and Sylus turns to face you, taking out an earpiece from his pocket. His fingers brush against the skin of your cheek before he puts it in your ear. “I assume you already know how to act as good bait,” He murmurs as he leans forward, playing the role of a boyfriend almost perfectly. He steps back, a smile tugging at his lips as he lets out an almost breathy chuckle, “I’ll be back soon. Have fun.” He lifts your hand up to kiss the back of it before he holds out a black card between two fingers. You happily pluck the card from his grasp.

After he leaves, you walk down the row of encased protocores, taking a look at each one. The majority of them are just ordinary protocores, good thing they aren’t bombs. 

Though you pause at one plumbob-shaped, reddish pink one, doing a double-take. It seems…off. Was it tampered with? It was labeled at $70,000 and you decide maybe you could use a good chunk of Sylus’ money. He must’ve handed you his black card for a reason. You move closer to the red protocore to take a better look and almost jump out of your skin when another server speaks to you. “Did anything catch your eye, Miss? There are even better ones on that side.”

You notice he has a tablet in his hands, so he must be one of the sales waiters. “The stuff you have is pretty mediocre,” You scoff, crossing your hands over your chest. This was probably the one and only time you’d be able to act all haughty and rich, so you were going to take advantage of it. A smirk tugging at your lips as you press the button on your earpiece, “Sylus, it’s okay for me to purchase a few items with your card, right?”

“Don’t bother me with such trivial matters,” He responds quickly, sounding like he’s in the middle of something. “Got it,” You muse before glancing back at the waiter, “Mmh, I’ll take this one for one million. Please, wrap it up for me.” “Five million.” Comes a voice from your earpiece and you hold back the urge to laugh. “Why?” You respond to the earpiece and Sylus scoffs, “You offer will make people think I’m broke. Wouldn’t want that, sweetie.”

“Actually, I changed my mind. Put it down for ten million,” You say to the waiter, twirling the black card around between your fingers. “Also, are these all the protocores you got? I’ll buy everything for four times the price.” You smile as you hear Sylus speak in the earpiece again, “Pompous.” “I’ve always wanted to say that at least once,” You whisper into the earpiece.

As Sylus stops responding, you decide to hand the card over so the server can ring everything up. You pocket the card after it’s all done and go to lean against a wall, taking a sip of the fruity alcohol you were given as you try to listen to what’s going on on the other side of the earpiece.

You assume since Sylus can hear what’s going on on your end, you should be able to hear what’s going on with him. “Mr. Sylus.” You hear a man before hearing the sound of Sylus’ evol and a few grunts, the man sounded as if he were choking. You assume Sylus was trying to intimidate him with his evol. “My time is limited, so let’s cut to the chase,” You hear Sylus say and you imagine he looks nonchalant in front of the others.

“No…I didn’t betray you..” The other man says and you hide your smirk behind your glass. That’s probably Sherman and, if memory serves, he’s the main suspect behind your family’s death.

“Oh, I know. You’re too much of a coward to do it on your own. But the people who said they’d help you replace me must have made an offer only an idiot would refuse.” You hear Sylus say and you raise a brow.

Oh? So he was doing this on someone else’s orders. Then, the feed goes silent for a few minutes and you take out the earpiece to make sure it’s still on, your eyebrows furrowing. You shrug and put it back in your ear. Sylus is probably using his right eye on the guy. “I see. Their method of buying traitors is as old school and uncreative as ever.” You finally hear Sylus and you hum to yourself, wondering just what is going on.

Though, maybe it’s better if you didn’t know. It would be easier to stay safe if you really knew nothing. “Sylus…! Don’t think…with them around, you won’t be cocky for long!” That man must really have a death wish. You take another sip of your drink, watching the light pink liquid swirl around in the glass. “Since you chose betrayal…My only option is to make you pay in advance.” Sylus says before you hear static. You wince, pulling the earpiece out to rub your ear. 

Guess Sylus knew you were listening in, but didn’t want you to hear him taking care of the guy.

After a few minutes, you decide you’ll meet Sylus in the banquet hall since he’s done with his part. You walk through the tall double doors and take in the banquet hall. Black flooring with a red carpet leading from the double doors all the way to a wooden, circular lacquer floor in the middle and black columns with small circular tables all around.

The banquet hall really was fancy, it almost felt like you were transported back to renaissance times where they regularly had balls. You felt countless eyes checking you out, both opening and from the shadows. You subconsciously fiddle with the protocores you bought.

There are traces of other protocurves. These were modified.

You turn around to look around and several pairs of eyes immediately look away. You take this opportunity to speak in a hushed voice into the earpiece, “Sylus, you done on your end?”

“Miss,” you hear a rather annoying voice of another man, “That brooch you’re wearing is rather exquisite. May I buy it from you?” You look the man up and down with an annoyed expression on your face. He was wearing a suit and was blocking your way, holding out his hand as he smiles. You notice a faint, blue electric current flashing from his wrist cuff and you scoff to yourself, like you’d fall for such an amateur trick like that.

You quickly steel your expression, taking a step back as you raise your chin, “Not interested. Excuse me.” The man doesn’t budge and instead takes another step toward you. “How does ten hightowers sound? Ah, the banquet is about the start. Would you like to dance?”

Maybe most normal men are ugly to you now compared to the four men you’ve seen on the regular…but either way, this man was getting on your last nerve.

“What are hightowers?” You ask, not lowering your chin as you kept your pokerface before a smile spreads across your lips as you spot a familiar face walking up.

“They’re special weapons made from high-grade protocores. A single Hightower can obliterate this entire hotel,” Sylus says as he walks closer…and closer. You feel his hand wind around your waist before he pulls you toward him. A soft gasp slips from your lips and you rest your left hand against his chest. “Sorry, the brooch is a gift from me,” Sylus barely gives the man his time of day and you felt relieved before he turns his head to look down at you, “You wanted to sell it?”

“Who knows if you were coming back or not,” You hum and notice he has a teasing glint in his eyes, “Are you disappointed?” You hold back the urge to say something else and instead run your hand up his chest as you lean closer, almost resting your cheek against it, “He was going to spend a fortune so he could dance with me. What about you? Shouldn’t you make an offer as well?” You glance over at the other man, who quickly makes his exit after realizing there was no room between you both.

You pull back a tad once he leaves and look up at Sylus as he speaks, “The aether core’s location.” “You know where it is?” You raise a brow, trying your best not to look so excited. “You’ll find out…” Sylus takes a few steps back from you and holds his hand out, “After this dance.”

“How are you so sure I’ll listen to you?” You ask, taking his hand anyways and he steps back close to you, “Refuse me all you want.” You feel the warmth of his hand against your back, resting your free hand on his shoulder as the white haired man guides you into a dance.

I hope you guys don't mind the short paragraphs, I'm trying to space them out more to make the chapters seem longer! I'll probably post chapter fifteen in a few hours?

Anyway, my Sylus's one-shot little voting thing still has a day on it, so you can go there if you wanna participate in choosing what I write! I feel like it's funny that the one– that I said I wasn't sure on, is the one in the lead 😭 but, because of that, if it wins...I've decided to merge a few ideas together, so I'll actually be able to write it with a good idea in mind!

So...I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are excited for what'll happen in sixteen! (I've been hyping it up so much, I hope it doesn't fall flat)

Taglist; @orphicmeliora , @yoongi-tunes , @mitzkooni , @hiqhkey, @tanspostsblog

[bellaxgiornata]

Forbidden Love [Part One: Encounters]

Pairing: Vampire Henry x Fem!Werewolf!Reader Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings/tags: Smut, blood, biting (I mean...that's a given), bit of enemies to lovers, maybe some angst and fluff

Summary: After awhile you'd grown used to the vampire who often lurked around the woods you hunted in. Though that didn't mean his irritating presence didn't bother you, or that you didn't wonder why he often seemed to be waiting for you–especially since your kinds weren't meant to intermingle.

a/n: This is just a short little mini series in honor of spooky season for Henry. Because how am I supposed to resist a hairy vampire Charlie character? Not sure where I'm going with this besides some smut, I'll be honest. But enjoy and feedback is always appreciated! The installment list for this mini series can be found here.

Tag List: @mattmurdocks6thscaleapartment

The nearly full moon hung heavy and low in the sky, just barely brushing the treetops. A light, misty rain had been sneaking its way through the cover of them ever since the sun had set, a refreshing autumn breeze accompanying it as the wind rustled the dried leaves still clinging to the branches around you. Paws racing across the cold and damp dirt, your keen eyes noticed every flicker of moonlight along the forest floor as the clouds trailed their way back and forth across the moon.

It was liberating running loose like this. Weaving your way among the tree trunks and leaping over the trees felled by lightning or rot. There weren’t many in your pack that still enjoyed the freedom that the wolf allotted them–not quite like you. But as a full-blooded werewolf, you’d been born human and wolf, and you certainly embraced both sides of yourself. Which was why you often spent your evenings alone, reveling in the hunt and pushing your limits out in this forest where you were allowed to unleash that other side of yourself.

Because these were your hunting grounds.

Though as you easily hurdled another fallen tree, that familiar and unwelcome smell met your nose. Muzzle wrinkling at the scent, you immediately recognized it. Your pace instantly slowed, your eyes surveying the trees around you. That damn vampire was back again, you could tell by that smell that always accompanied him. Your hair bristled along your back, the scent of blood and death and cologne mingling together in the air. Ears twitching on alert, you listened closely for any sign of movement as you caught your breath.

The faintest sound of leaves crunching underfoot came from nearby and your head snapped sharply in the direction of it, eyes narrowing. Another set of eyes met yours in return, the inhumanly silver gleam an easy tell that the man stepping out from behind the tree wasn’t human. Lips curling back into a sneer, you barred your teeth at the vampire. 

“Straight to the threats again this time?” he asked, amused. 

Hackles raising further, you widened your stance and kept your eyes trained on his every movement. The vampire lifted his hands by his chest as if he meant no harm, taking a few cautious steps forward towards you. A rumbling growl vibrated in your throat, your muscles tensed and ready for a fight. 

You’d stumbled on this vampire a handful of times out here over the past few weeks now, but you had absolutely no idea why he kept appearing. Though the first time you saw him and he’d spotted you, it was almost as if he was in awe of you. On a more recent encounter he’d mentioned that it’d been quite some time since he’d seen one of your kind–one of the few things he’d said to you so far. And that had made sense, considering vampires and werewolves didn’t mix. Your kinds were supposed to abhor each other; each one considering the other an abomination in their own right. 

Yet for some reason, it was like he kept intentionally seeking you out.

“Why don’t you shift back this time?” that smooth voice of his questioned. 

Another rumbling growl tore its way up your throat, ending on a warning bark as you took a step closer. He’d never hurt you before, but why would you let your guard down with him this time? Why would you trust a vampire ? Especially one who seemed determined to get you to shift into a weaker form for him. What was his game?

“You know I don’t speak dog,” he teased, a sly grin slipping onto his lips. “And I don’t quite enjoy the scent of a wet one, either.”

Then fuck off , you thought.

You growled again in irritation, teeth still barred. He only chuckled lightly, his hands still raised as he stood there in his pristine and outdated navy suit. 

“You have my word,” he promised, “’m’not going to hurt you. I only want to talk, I assure you. Nothing more.”

Continuing to stay where you were, hackles raised and lips still curled back in a silent snarl, you carefully surveyed the vampire. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t curious as to why he kept showing up here, always watching you. Always so goddamned curious about you himself. But as you sniffed the air when another breeze blew past, you noticed that the scent of blood on him was yet again something animal–fox this time. It was always animal blood that you smelled on him, never human.

Your head tilted in confusion to the side, eyes narrowing further at him. An almost questioning rumble vibrated in your chest at the scent. Why did he only ever smell like he’d just drank from an animal?

His hands dropped back to his sides as he nodded, taking another step towards you. “I take it you noticed that I don’t feed on humans,” he said as if he somehow knew what you’d picked up on. “Used to be one. Call me sentimental, I s’pose.”

Gradually the tension eased a bit from your muscles at his reply. That was unusual, you had to admit. Though you still kept your guard up, keeping a close watch on him as he stood not too far from you. You still didn’t exactly trust him. 

He hummed out an approving noise when he noticed your change in demeanor, offering you a smile that was somehow both cheeky and reassuring. You didn’t quite know what to make of that, either. But admittedly you also hadn’t run into another vampire before, so you didn’t really know what to make of them in general. Especially this strange one. You’d only known the things you’d been told your entire life–which was that they were vile, dangerous, and untrustworthy. 

Though this one was…interesting. Intriguing. And, truthfully, you quite liked the look of him. His face was handsome and appealing, there was no denying that. You liked that full, thick beard he had and the way his buttoned up dress shirt was open at the top with his ascot messily undone, revealing a trail of dark hair that you assumed continued down his chest. If he’d been a human or an unmated member of your pack, you’d have been drawn straight to him. 

But he wasn’t any of those things. 

Yet still, your curiosity eventually won out. Deciding you’d shift and hopefully get some answers, you hesitantly began to take a few steps backwards, your eyes still fixed on him in front of you as you moved. The vampire’s head tilted just a bit to the side, his eyes continuing to reflect that inhuman silver color at you through the darkness as he watched you in return. 

You took a few more steps backwards before you ducked behind a nearby tree. Pausing for a moment, you listened and made sure he hadn’t followed after you. He hadn’t though, instead having remained perfectly still right where you’d left him. Uncertain if you were making a grave mistake right now, you closed your eyes and shifted back. 

Shifting now wasn’t like what it had been when you first learned to do it. It wasn’t nearly as painful and difficult anymore, and now you’d grown so used to it that it was as natural as breathing. It took you barely any time at all to switch forms, which would prove in your favor if this vampire decided to attack you, thinking he’d outsmarted you by asking you to shift in the first place.

But as you slowly rose back up to your feet, the large tree trunk still blocking the vampire from your view, you had become very aware of your nakedness. It wasn’t as if you could shift back fully dressed, and you’d long since learned to strip out of your clothing when you shifted to avoid destroying the entirety of your wardrobe. So when you came out here to hunt at night, you always kept your clothing hidden under a rock, ensuring you had something to change back into. It wasn’t like you ever wanted to trek back home in nothing.

Though right now you felt quite vulnerable and exposed as the autumn wind nipped at your bare, damp skin.

Cautiously you stepped around the trunk of the tree, one hand lingering against the rough bark as you moved. The vampire hadn’t left his spot, but you could see his reflective silver eyes roaming over your bare form once you’d appeared again. His gaze and the cold droplets of rain on your skin drew forth goosebumps almost instantly. Despite your weakened vision in the dark in this form, you could still see that cheeky, sly smile drawing itself across his lips once again. 

“Ahh, and now finally we meet,” he said, breaking the silence. “My name is Henry. What would yours be, darling?”

Lip curling back, you pulled a face. “Why do you even want to know that?” you shot at him. “And why should I even tell you to begin with?”

“Would you care for some incentive?” he asked, dark brows raising onto his forehead. “Alright then. One moment.”

He was gone in a blur, your mouth falling open as you gaped at his speed. You’d known vampires were fast, but you hadn’t known they were that fast. 

Mere seconds later he was standing in the exact same place you’d watched him disappear from. It took you a moment to realize why he’d disappeared in the first place, too busy admiring his handsome face that was now looking rather pleased and smug. But then your eyes dropped down, realizing he’d been holding something in his hands–your clothes. Eyes widening in shock, they darted back up towards his face. Henry chuckled softly at your reaction, holding your clothes up even higher for you to see them.

“Incentive enough?” he asked.

“Are you serious?” you snapped at him. “Give me my clothes back!”

He tsk’ed lightly, shaking his head as he lowered the bundle in his hands back to his side. “I’ll only give them back if you give me your name,” he told you. “Though I’ll admit, I’d almost much prefer you didn’t just so I could keep you like that.”

Lips parting in surprise, you felt heat creep its way up your neck and to your cheeks despite the chill of the evening. Was he flirting with you? How absolutely absurd considering what you both were. Your kinds didn’t mix, and they certainly didn’t have relations .

“Why have you been watching me?” you demanded. “What do you want from me?”

Henry’s head tilted a bit to the side as he eyed you. “I believe the deal was for you to tell me your name in exchange for the return of your clothing,” he replied slowly, “but if you’d much prefer I keep your clothes and answer your questions, I’d certainly oblige.”

Teeth clamping down on your lip in irritation, you stood there glaring back at him. What an infuriating, pompous asshole. You’d rather him give you your clothes and leave, never to return back to your hunting grounds without giving up your name to him at all. But as your hand curled into a fist against the tree trunk, you found yourself telling him it in the hopes that he’d finally disappear.

“Pretty name,” he mused.

You scoffed, still glaring back at him. “I could care less whether you find it pretty or not,” you snarled, your left hand extending out towards him. “Give me my clothes and leave .”

“Mmm,” he hummed out, stepping nearer to you. “Thought you wanted to know why I was here?”

Pressing your lips firmly together and squaring your shoulders despite the chill threatening to send a shiver through you, you watched him cautiously approach. He was taking his steps slow and careful as he moved, walking slower than one normally would. Considering how fast you’d just seen him retrieve your clothes, you knew he was doing it on purpose. Probably so he didn’t startle you, you figured.

Eventually he came to a stop just before you, practically invading your personal space with his proximity as the moonlight slipped through the trees and illuminated his features. His eyes were a beautiful hazel color and you were surprised to find nothing terrifying about them besides the mischief lurking inside of them. Inevitably your eyes dropped down to his lips. They were plush and curled into the ghost of an amused smile, though at this distance you could see the faint bit of dried blood at the corner of them from having just fed. Unable to stop yourself at the scent of the fox blood, your eyes lingered at the speck of red as your tongue darted out, licking your lips hungrily.

Henry’s soft laugh drew you out of your thoughts, your heart jumping in your chest at the abrupt sound that had startled you out of your near trance. Your gaze darted back up to his, noticing that he was smirking down at you now, amusement openly glistening in his eyes. A moment later you felt the fabric of your clothes brushing against your bare chest and you gasped lightly, head snapping downwards.

“I believe these belong to you,” he murmured.

Swallowing thickly as your heart hammered in your ears, your hands hesitantly reached out and accepted the bundle of your clothes from him. Gradually your eyes rose back up towards his, fingers tightening around the damp fabric. Brows drawing together, you were confused as to why he was smiling at you like that. Unless he’d mistaken your body’s reaction to him for something else, something it didn’t mean. 

Because it absolutely did not mean what that self-assured smile seemed to think it meant.

“‘M’sure I’ll be seeing you again real soon,” he whispered.

He said your name so softly that you’d have missed it among the dry rustling of leaves if it wasn’t for your heightened sense of hearing. But before you could even respond or yet again ask him why he kept appearing in your forest, he disappeared in a blur, leaving you with more questions than answers as you stood there naked and confused in the rain.

[tanema123]

Managed to finish one drawing for now. Here we got dark fairy Zestial and Human Carmilla au.... I also wrote a short story.

Lost and found

Why has this happened to her?

Carmilla has been running frantically through the tangled tree branches. The trees surrounding her were as ominous and untamed as the place itself. The dark forest.

She should have known this might happen when she moved here. Her daughters have ventured somewhere, inside the forest.

The house she stayed at was just at the edge, too tempting and alluring for her young ones, who are as curious as any children were. Clara and Odette.

She shouted out their names in now strained voice. She has been calling out to them for hours, hoping to receive some sign, some sound, some hope.

Just as she was about to lose her hope completely, she noticed a light in the distance and some soft whispers. Thinking, it was her daughter, she ran to it.

She came upon a strange sight. There. In the middle of a dark forest... Was a green clearing of soft grass. The air was cleaner as well, making it easier for her tired lungs to breathe. Though the atmosphere itself was intriguing, it wasn't as much as what stood in the middle of it all.

An old tree, almost as big as a castle was rising up to the sky, getting lost in the clouds. How come no one ever noticed this? This should be visible from even beyond the forest? What kind of magic spell was this? Even more, are her children here?

She ignores her confusion and worry to continue the search. She gotta find her kids. She pushed her feet forward onto the grass, towards the tree while calling out their names.

As she inspected the giant tree, she noticed a huge hole, surrounded by dark green vines. Just as she took a step forward to inspect the hole, a purple light came from it.

A purple mass collected in the middle of it and started to spread across the opening, till a portal was formed. Carmilla could only stare in wonder at what was occurring, confused beyond belief, that is, until something came through.

A dark figure emerged. He was taller than her, with a coat dropped over his shoulders that covered his skinny, skeleton-like body. His head resembled a skull with a massive jaw tattered with teeth. But, the most ominous thing wasn't any of that... It was his eyes, 2 pairs of luminescent green, glowing in the night.

Carmilla's eyes widened at the sight. She knew who he was. She was warned about him when they moved here, but thought it was just a fairy tale spread by the local village.

There is a dark creature that resides in a forest. The dark fae. He wasn't always like that. That is until a hunter came and took his wings. Hunter has not been seen since and the creature has decided that all of humanity is doomed. Anyone who ever entered after the incident into his domain, disappeared without a trace.

Have her daughters come here? Were they taken? She has to get them back! Glaring at the creature she took a fighting stance, memories from her knight days sinking in.

The creature turned it's head to the side in a confusing manner. It's eyes seemed to soften as he scanned Carmilla standing nearby. He opened his mouth and surprisingly, english words started to pour out.

"Holla th're, fair maiden. What hast hath brought thee h're to mine own domain"

Carmilla's eyes widened in a bit of surprise. His voice was deep, husky, but he didn't sound dangerous. What is going on here? Shouldn't he have already attacked?

She lowered her stance, but stayed on alert. She wouldn't answer this question. This creature's intent is still unknown. Instead she glared, assessing him down once more.

The creature looks at her even more curiously now. He really is confusing.

"Wherefore aren't thee afeard?", he asked while tilting his head even more. She raised her eyebrow at him. What kind of Dark Fae was this? Carmilla barely responded due to weirdness of this situation, "Huh?".

"Nay math'r. Art thee looking f'r the girls?", he said while lowering his head towards her slightly. Why is he sounding more and more like a small puppy?

Carmilla decided he is not a threat for now. He does seem frightening on the outside, but... His stance, his manners, his speech... This creature is not what he seems.

She answers truthfully, as she needs to know about the girls. "Yes... Have you seen them?"

He smiled, she thinks, as his jaw does rise on the sides, as he re-enters the portal. Just a few seconds later, he emerges, holding two sleeping girls in his arms. Carmilla sighed in relief knowing her daughters were safe.

The creature took a couple of steps before lowering them to the ground. Their sleeping forms snuggled together immediately upon contact to the ground.

He retreated back to the portal quickly. Seems like the fae knew Carmilla isn't comfortable being too close to him. He does seem to have some experience with humans.

Carmilla quickly rushed to her daughters, easily picking Clar and Odette in her arms. Little 8 year old twins were just coddling up to their mother, their slumber unbroken. Camilla smiled at the sight of her daughters, kissing each stop of their blond heads.

She went to thank the Fae, but... He was already gone. With him the purple portal disappeared as well, leaving only the empty hole in its wake.

Carmilla couldn't do anything else but go home, so she did. She stumbled through the dark forest, slowly with her daughters in her arms.

Somehow, the trip home was extremely short, just a couple of mere minutes. As she entered her home, and put her daughters in their own beds she wondered if it was his doing...

The mysterious dark Fae that everyone warned her about... Yet has helped her so graciously and easily. She signed as she sat on her bed, pondering over the previous events.

How come he helped her?

Was it just a coincidence? Or was it an attempt of some kind? A deceit to get her to trust him? But... If that was the case, he would have already made a move.

Fae are powerful creatures. Stories describing them always mention how tricky and cunning they are. Powers they hold are unknown, but anyone that gets on their bad end never lives to see another day.

She finally laid down fully, exhaustion hitting her hard. The last thing she thought of, before her eyes fully closed, were of the Fae that helped her... Would she ever see him again?

[mysticwolfshadows]

Taken - Zutara - Part 29

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Zuko should have known. He had been wary of the swamp for years, and should have known they were getting close to it.

He had never told his uncle the full story about how he ended up walking into a river with a catgator, but his crew had come out with a few stories of their own. Jee had mentioned seeing what he thought was his son running through trees, Taka had been beside himself when he thought he'd seen his deceased mother sitting by the water, and Umi still cried when she talked about seeing her little brother slumped on the ground. His uncle had tried to talk to Zuko about what he had seen, but he had always ended the conversation quickly.

Now, in a flailing free fall through the air, Zuko wondered if maybe he should have actually talked to his uncle about it.

He could see Katara, just a bit to his left, and he reached for her. He'd seen visions of her once before in this swamp. He couldn't risk losing her and being unable to tell vision from reality. Thankfully, she noticed his desperate reach, and quickly did the same, grasping his hand.

"Hold on," he heard her shout over the wind as she tugged herself closer. Her free arm spun, hand twisting and gripping in the air. Suddenly, open air became dense foliage, branches and leaves whizing by. Just as quickly, Zuko felt his back hit water, a sharp chill and clinging wet soaking through his clothes.

His hand slipped, and he scrambled up, his head breaking water. Sucking in air, he looked around, finding Katara, Sokka, and Aang all getting to their feet. He couldn't really hear what they were saying, just saw their mouths moving and heard a roaring of blood in his ears. Taking deep breaths, he slowly moved forward, grounding himself. The illusion of Katara before hadn't talked. These three were talking. They had to be real.

He stood close to Katara as Sokka and Aang argued about cutting vines. They bickered, all while Zuko watched the trees. Did he see someone moving behind the vines?

They made camp for the night when it became clear they wouldn't be making it out anytime soon.

"I'll take first watch," Zuko said, his voice sounding far off even to his own ears.

Katara turned to look at him, frowning. "You've been acting weird since we got here. Are you worried about another catgator attack?"

"No," he said, eyeing the growing darkness around them. "I'll take first watch."

"Okay... Wake me up in a few hours. I'll take second."

He nodded, but he probably wouldn't. Katara might be a master bender, but she doesn't know the true dangers of the swamp. He's sure the veil between the physical and spirit worlds is thin here. Something will happen, and he's terrified of what it is.

Only, one second he's staring out into the dark, the next he's hearing screams and feeling his body being dragged into the fog.

"Katara!" He shouts, flaring his hands with fire. He burns away vines, thrashing and kicking. When he's free, he scrambles to his feet, in a fighting stance, and eyes the swamp wearily. "Katara? Sokka? Aang?"

There's no reply.

Okay, he thinks, starting to walk. Okay. Just find the others. In a creepy swamp. That shows people illusions.

He's tempted to keep his eyes closed.

It could have been minutes or hours later, but he sees a figure moving ahead of him. Long dark hair, elegant red robes, the Fire Lady's crown holding up a top knot. His breath catches, unable to think, as he bolts forward. The woman, because it's definitely a woman in her 20's, turns to look at him.

He stumbles, his knees hitting the ground, as he stares into those deep ocean eyes. This specter of Katara, because it can only be her, smiles at him.

"You trust me," she says, hands tucked neatly in her sleeves. "Don't you?"

"Yes," he breaths. "Always."

She smiles, soft and gentle. He stares, mind racing. Is this a vision of a future Katara? Will she become Fire Lady? Will she become his Fire Lady? His heart leaps at the thought, his face heating.

And then she's moving, turning to walk away.

"Wait!" He calls, scrambling up to his feet. "Wait!"

He chases after her, always just to far behind, but always within sight. He pushes himself, lungs burning and chest tight, trying to catch up. There was a flash of movement to his right and suddenly he was tumbling to the ground again. He continued to roll, hitting something else, and in a mess of limbs, they finally came to a stop.

Zuko pulled himself away from they flailing mess of limbs, breathing heavily and looking around wildly. Katara, Sokka, and Aang were all tangled together, each looking various shades of haunted. Aang was looking around, trying to find something unseen. Sokka was tense, ready to swing his machete, his other hand wrapped around Katara's arm. Katara, in turn, was staring at Zuko with wide eyes.

"Where were you?" Sokka demanded, his hand squeezing Katara's arm. "I was looking for you and-"

Zuko wasn't sure if Sokka cut himself off, or if he stopped when he felt Zuko's unnaturally warm hand wrap painfully around his wrist.

Katara pulled her arm free, snapping at her brother. "I was wandering around looking for all of you!"

Aang blinked. "I was chasing after some girl."

Surprised, Zuko turned to look at the avatar, dropping Sokka's wrist. "What?"

"I don't know. I heard giggling, and then saw some girl in a fancy dress."

"Whoop-de-doo," Sokka grumbled. "Someone is having a tea party. Well, we weren't invited, so who cares. Let's just... get out of here."

Zuko nodded, about to agree, but then Aang started talking about spiritual stuff again, and then there was a swamp monster.

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[keldjinfae]

Snippet Sunday

I have been tagged by @dear-massacre and @renmackree, and one of them happens to be my artist for the Sterek Reverse Bang, so... here's some of what I've written for it, thus far (no actual Sterek content yet):

They heard the City of Bones long before it came into view, faint voices and music reaching them as they approached from the forest. Derek picked up on it first by only the span of a few breaths, and he glanced over the rest of the werewolves in his pack without breaking his stride. While they were no strangers to the annual bazaar held every winter at the end of the harvest season, none of them were ever able to brace themselves for the unsettling feeling of magic steeped into the moonstone walls of Lunafell.

Tension pulled Erica’s mouth into a sneer, made more prominent by her red-stained lips against the paleness of her face, and her brown eyes narrowed, searching through the thick branches and brambles ahead for the earliest glimpse of the city, as well as the marketplace sprawling out in front of it. Her hand almost unwittingly sought out Boyd’s, reaching out to close the short distance between them so their fingers automatically intertwined to ground each other. Boyd’s free hand settled over the hilt of his sword like he was toying with a worry stone, his dark thumb stroking over polished ivory, but the rest of him exuded a practiced show of calm.

To their right, Isaac’s blue eyes darted between the rest of the pack before looking forward again. The slight frown drawing down his eyebrows made him appear more severe in the muted light peeking through the forest canopy. “I always forget how loud it is out here,” he said, breaking through the quiet that had settled between them. His arms folded in front of him, one hand settling over his elbow in a practiced display of nerves, while also putting himself in a better position to wield the massive hammer strapped to his back.

“It’s only going to get louder once the gates are open,” Jackson pointed out with a dismissive sniff from slightly behind his alpha’s other side, his own unease making him even more acerbic than he usually was. “I still say Peter should’ve been here for this instead, if he’s going to flinch every time someone laughs too loud,” he addressed Derek, angling a venomous glance towards Isaac before tilting his head upward in a show of superiority, even as the corners of his mouth and eyes grew taut.

Out of all of Derek’s pack, Jackson was the one who’d spent the most time within the City of Bones, having lived there before becoming a werewolf—he was also the one who would draw the most scrutiny, after the alpha himself. “Why are we leaving so much of the—” Isaac’s voice dropped to a lower pitch, casting a quick glance around them “—negotiations to him, again?” he asked with a jerk of his head in Jackson’s direction.

“He knows his way around the city more than any one of us,” Derek repeated the decision he’d made before leaving for the festival. “He’ll also have a better idea of how to handle the city guard.”

“Not much of a feat, considering he used to be one of them,” Boyd remarked wryly, but he still released his loose hold on his sword to plant it on Isaac’s shoulder. They may have been of a similar height, but where Isaac was long and lean, Boyd was solid, corded muscle, jostling his packmate so Isaac had to drop his fighting stance in order to remain upright. “And because he used to be one of them, he knows that the Argents will never take him back—not without killing him.” The wide smile he leveled at Jackson was all teeth, starkly white against his dark skin.

As I'm currently drastically out of touch with who is working on what (outside of the RB as crunch time looms ever closer), if you would like to share a snippet of what you're writing, consider yourself tagged. Otherwise, absolutely zero pressure tags for @nerdherderette @ephemeronidwrites @oldefashioned @greyhavenisback @vmures

[dira333]

Unwavering VI - Ibiki x Reader

this is for @snuggleboots

Warnings: Reader is dealing with psychological aspects of her work and she's having trouble with alcoholism. Please do not read if this triggers you.

Masterlist - Part V

The Finale!!!

Newcomers

Two days after Ino’s ninth birthday you’re called on a mission that’s going to intercept Ibiki’s ongoing mission.

He learns about it through a messenger hawk, knows that you will probably ask Ino to take over feeding Neko and her little brother Yuu. The small black cat they adopted shortly after moving together - officially - is as stubborn and charming as you are and Ino’s head over heels in love with him.

You’re late.

Raido’s stoking the fire, wise enough not to talk to him now that he’s anxiously stalking around their small campsite.

You’re not one to be late, not on a mission. What if something happened to you?

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Raido points out eventually, the other man one of the last ones of their friend group to have realized that there was something between Ibiki and you. Something other than hatred, that is.

“Well, if she’s fine, she should-” Ibiki breaks off when the rustling of leaves changes. Someone’s approaching.

He’s immediately in fighting stance, only to relax moments later when he takes in the Hitai Ate with the Konoha signature glistening in the sun light.

“You’re late.” He announces the moment your feet hit the ground before him.

“Thanks.” You huff back. “I know.”

“It was partly my fault.” The young man next to you blunders out. Ibiki knows him only by sight. He made Jonin recently.

“Explain yourself!” The guy flinches back and you send Ibiki a glare.

“Chill. We’re here. You’re okay.”

“That is no excuse-”

“Raido!” You dare to cut Ibiki off. “I’ll take a walk with your team lead and discuss the strategy. Fill in Tamatora for me.”

“Will do.” Raido does a mock salute as you grab Ibiki’s elbow and pull him with you into the surrounding forest. He allows it, if only to get a moment to talk to you alone.

Behind him, he can hear Tamatora whisper to Raido: “Is Ibiki always this scary?”

“Always.” Raido answers loudly. “Don’t worry about it. He just doesn’t like other people.”

-

You only speak when you’re out of earshot of your respective partners.

“I threw up.” You explain quietly. “Only once but that slowed us down in the first bit. Then Tamatora thought he’d seen something and forced me to investigate only for it to be a wild boar. I’m sorry we’re late. We were racing through the last part to catch up.”

“Why did you throw up?” Ibiki’s not one to be deterred by a story. You flinch.

“Promise not to freak out, okay?”

“If it’s something serious…”

“Promise.” You hold up your pinky and he rolls his eyes but links his pinky with yours. “I promise not to freak out. I will stay perfectly calm until you’ve told me.”

“I’m pregnant.”

“WHAT?!” Above him, a murder of crows rises from the tree branches, cawing loudly. 

You stare back at him, unimpressed.

“Wow, Ibiki, Honey, this is you not freaking out? Glad I made you promise.”

“What’s possessed you to go on a mission in that state?” He’s going to foam at the mouth any second, he can feel it.

“I was on a physical right before that and I’m only in my first month. We caught it by accident. If I was any other Shinobi, you wouldn’t blink an eye at this. This isn’t even a high risk mission. It’s just gathering Intel. There will be no Kunais flying.”

“As far as we know now! You’re going to turn back-” You interrupt him again.

“I will do no such thing!” You stare him down and it’s impressive how much of an effect that still has on him, even three years into your relationship. Even after all that time he’d been crushing on you before he allowed himself to make a move.

You soften under his gaze, attuned to his feelings now to the point where you can read his mind through his eyes. Not to mention that you can actually read his mind if you want to.

“I am not taking this lightly, okay. You know I’ve dreamed about being a mother ever since I’ve held Ino for the first time. I’ll be extra careful and no harm will come to these two.”

“Two?” His voice breaks oddly. You nod and take his hand, press it to your still flat belly. 

“Two heartbeats. We’re going to have twins.”

It feels like his heart is beating in his hand right now, pressed against your skin. Or maybe he can feel the heartbeat of those growing beneath his fingertips. So small, so precious.

“Do you trust me?” You ask and he nods, unable to speak.

“Good. I will not let anything or anyone harm me. Now we’ll talk about the mission, circle back to Raido and keep an eye on Tamatora. He’s a bit too eager to prove himself for my taste.”

“Leave him to me.” His voice comes out gruff. He likes how it makes you shudder. 

“What kind of lipstick are you wearing?” He asks, pulling you into him.

“Not transfer proof, sorry.” You whisper. “It’s the shitty one you bought me last month.”

“I said I’m sorry.” He grumbles as you giggle and hide your face against his chest. 

This is how he likes you best, at ease with him, daring to step on his toes to get a rise out of him. You’re just like the cat you picked, a daredevil that likes to be loved, not questioned.

-

Saying Goodbye

The knocking on the door is gentle, almost hesitant.

“I’m getting it.” Ibiki gets up from the floor, gestures at Takara to stay with her brother Takumi. 

To his surprise, it’s Ino, all her weight on the shoulders of a boy he barely knows. 

“Yes?” He asks, voice wary.

“My name is Sai.” The boy introduces himself. “I’ve found her at the ‘Dull Kunai’. She wasn’t able to get home herself but she insisted on coming here.”

“I’m fine.” Ino insists at that, moving to stand on wobbly legs. She smells like alcohol, it wafts off her like she’s bathed in it. “You didn’t have to carry me.” She glares at Sai before noticing Ibiki, paling at his sight.

“Uncle, I-”

“You come here, smelling like this?” His voice is cold, words sharp like Senbon.

“Hey!” Sai steps in front of Ino, hands up like he’s trying to tame a beast. “Ino’s not doing so good.”

“That I understand. But that is no reason to endanger her aunt-”

“Ibiki!” He stiffens at your voice behind him. He’d left you to take a nap half an hour ago, but you’ve always been able to sniff out anything potentially dangerous.

He steps aside, knows better than to speak. You take one look at Ino and open your arms for her. She falls into them, sobbing uncontrollably.

“Oh, Baby.” You mumble into her hair before locking your eyes onto Sai. “Come in.”

“I really shouldn’t.”

“You will.” If he’d been ready to step into Ibiki’s path before, he seems unwilling to do so when it comes to you. 

Sai hangs his head and follows Ibiki in.

Neko, half-blind and too old too walk most of the time, but still too curious for her own good, immediately comes over to inspect the guests. She rubs herself against Ibiki’s legs, purrs up at him.

Yuu’s a little more direct, immediately starts climbing up Sai’s leg and digs his little face into the pockets of his trousers in search of snacks.

“Don’t do that, Yuu.” Takara picks the cat up with ease. She’s got her father’s temper, his eagerness to cut to the chase. She’s also as strikingly beautiful as her mother, but he’ll worry about that when she gets older.

“Who are you?” She asks, dark brown eyes peering up at Sai. “What are you doing with Aunty Ino?”

“Yeah!” Takumi asks from the floor. “And why do you smile so creepily?”

“Be nice.” Ibiki hears himself say even though he wants to say the opposite thing himself. “I’ll make tea for our guest.”

“You can sit with Takumi.” Takara offers and plops Yuu down on her brothers lap.

“I’m painting my nails.” Takumi explains. “Do you want some?” 

Sai eyes the bottle of black nailpolish.

“Why?”

“Because it’s pretty.” Takumi sniffs arrogantly. “And because you can hide poisons in your nail polish if you know how to do it.”

“Do you have any other colors?” Sai asks, suddenly interested. Takumi nods eagerly. “Of course. I’m not a savage.”

…

When you come back into the living room, your cheeks are wet and your eyes are red-rimmed, but you smile openly when Ibiki asks if you’re okay.

“Ino’s asleep.” You explain softly and take a seat at the table, accept the cup of tea Ibiki offers with a quiet thanks.

“I’m painting Sai’s nails.” Takumi explains, rolling into his mother easily. He’s always been more of a cuddler than his sister, taking more after his mother than Ibiki.

“I see. Good work.” You praise him, card your fingers through his silver hair before you lock your eyes onto Sai. 

“What were you doing at the ‘Dull Kunai’ today, Sai?”

“I was just walking past.” He offers with the same fake smile he’d been wearing when he came to the door.

“Were you really now? Ino mentioned that you’ve been meeting there every day these past weeks.”

The smile slips from Sai’s lips like it had never been there before.

Ibiki straightens immediately and Takara copies his posture like everything he does.

But he trusts you to go about this the right way, holds his daughter - and himself - back with the simple gesture of a hand on her knee.

“What were you really doing there?”

“I…” Sai stops, swallows thickly before looking down on his freshly painted nails. “I’m not really good with emotions.” He offers quietly without making eye contact. “Or other people.” 

Silence follows his admission. No one speaks, even though Takumi looks like he really wants to. 

Eventually, Sai’s lips pull into a thin line. “Ino always seems to be happy. Or angry. But mostly happy. When her Sensei died, she told everyone she was fine, but she didn’t look fine. So I followed her, just in case… I know the ‘Dull Kunai’ from some old missions. It’s not a good place to be alone, even less when you’re drunk. I didn’t want her to get harmed. So I just stayed with her until she was ready to go home.”

“What about today?” You ask, your voice softer now. 

Sai shrugs, rubs his palms over his thighs. “She didn’t want to go home.”

“May I touch you?” His eyes open wide at your question. You offer your hand, palm sideways. Sai eyes it warily.

“You’re a Yamanaka, right?” He asks, voice as wary as his look. “As a former member of Root-”

“I’m not going to read your thoughts.” You explain. “I just want to say thank you.”

“Oh,” He hesitates for a second before taking your hand, shaking it awkwardly. “Anytime.”

“Welcome to the family.” Ibiki rasps out gruffly, seconds before Takumi flings himself at Sai. “Aunty Ino is my favorite.” The boy declares. “Thank you for saving her.”

“Anytime.” Sai repeats a little stunned and Ibiki might imagine it, but it looks like there’s a real smile playing along his lips.

-

Not done yet

He wakes from a nightmare filled with pain.

Your arms are tight around his body, rocking him softly.

“Shhh… You’re okay. You’re alive. You’re with me.” You whisper until he calms down enough.

He’s in his bedroom, you’re by his side. He’s alive, his body no longer the only thing between a Summoning Seal and the terror it unleashes. 

“The kids?” He manages to break out and you hum softly, relax your hold on him.

“They’re asleep. They’re fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” Your head knocks into his as you nod. “I am. We’re all here.” 

As if to emphasize your words, Kyou beings to cry and you huff.

“I’ll be back in a second.”

He has just enough time to sit up when you’re back again with your five month old daughter.

“You should sleep.” You insist even as you let him pull you into his arms. 

Ibiki doesn’t answer right away, content to watch Kyou drink eagerly. 

The last weeks have been harrowing. 

He might have survived Pain’s Assault on Konoha thanks to Katsuyu, but it has left his mind scarred. He’d not noticed it until now, too swamped with work, with keeping the village and, more importantly, his family safe. But now that he has room to breathe the memories come back with vengeance.

“I should have been there with you.” You tell him quietly over the sound of Kyou drinking. He freezes immediately.

“Absolutely not.” That’s the only thing that keeps him sane this days. Knowing that you’re safe, that you will never have to experience this level of pain.

“Ibiki.” He hushes you softly, kisses you until Kyou reminds you with whimpers that she’s not done drinking yet. You switch her to the other side, rest your head on his shoulder. 

“Listen to me.” You tell him through kiss-bruised lips. “I am a capable Shinobi. I am like a mother lion. You will not get to my children.”

“Remember when I pushed you out of the way? That one mission with Ebisu?”

Your eyes move to his head and you nod without speaking.

“It was never about the scars.” He admits, the truth spilling out of him now, over a decade later. “I just couldn’t bear the thought of you going through that pain. I… Isn’t that what love is like? To carry the pain of those you love so they walk without it?”

You press a kiss to the underside of his jaw.

“I love you.” You tell him quietly. “But that mission made me start drinking.”

He freezes again, cold hands of fear gripping tightly onto his heart.

“I don’t think you can carry all our pain, nor do I think you should.” Kyou lets go of you with a soft sigh and you lift her up and over your shoulder, rub her back until she burps. Without the need to read his thoughts you place your youngest child into his waiting arms, watch as he cradles her close. 

Kyou falls asleep immediately. She fears nothing in her fathers arms.

“Sometimes..” You start, haltingly, “Watching others suffer from a pain you could have shared… is worse.”

…

There is no easy solution to this. 

He cannot ignore the scars on his mind like he could ignore the scars on his head. Not when his family depends on him.

It’s a slow process, the undoing of beliefs he’s gained over decades. 

It’s slowed down even more by political unrest and a literal war.

The twins are not yet Genin and he can’t even feel bad that he’s glad about it. They will not have to fight in this war. He knows them safe with you, promises his own safety with as much fervour as he can manage.

But he returns home, mind forever altered by the images of the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

It’s only at night, in the safety of your shared bedroom, that you rest your heads together and link your minds, that he realizes…

Your deepest desires, brought to light by a Ninjutsu, are one and the same. 

To come home after a day of work to a home filled with laughter. To hear Kyou’s first word, watch the twins graduate, fall in love, make their way into the world. To have Idate close and Ino closer. To see Inoichi alive and well again.

There’s only one difference in your dream and Ibiki has to break away laughing when he realizes.

“Really?” He asks, still chuckling helplessly. “You still cannot stop thinking about the brown dress?”

You pout and he allows himself to kiss you, knows he’ll be able to do it again and again and again, never growing tired of it.

“I should have bought it.” You admit, not the least bit ashamed of your desires, no matter how small. “It would have looked so good on me. And it really was the color of your eyes.”

“You always look good.” Ibiki pulls you close. “But if you want this dress that bad, we’ll get it for you.”

"Really?" You sound surprised.

“Anything for you. Just promise to stay with me.”

“That’s easy.” You cuddle into him. 

If he strains his ears he can hear the quiet breathing of his children from down the hall. 

Life might not make it easy for him, but with you by his side, it is.

taglist: @snuggleboots @missalienqueen

[breathlesslink]

Chapter Eight — First Encounter

[chapter warnings: self doubt (what’s new), violence]

t.o.c ; << | >>

Link came back a few hours later, stocked up on potions and weapons. He didn't stay long, antsy to make it to Ploymus Mountain and into the Divine Beast by nightfall. He left with a small hug and reassurance that he'd be fine, but it did little to console you.

You knew that you'd agreed to let him handle the Ganon-related things, but it didn't stop you from worrying. This guy just woke up a few weeks ago out of a hundred-year sleep, was he really ready to face something that killed his teammates?

You had to hope for the best.

Kodah stayed by your side often, checking your leg and making sure everything was fine. It was— the healing potions did wonders on physical health.

Mentally? Not so much.

You wanted to beat yourself up.

You're traveling with the Hylian Champion of Hyrule. Appointed by Princess Zelda herself, destined to seal away Calamity Ganon once and for all.

And you got taken out by a Lizalfos with a shock arrow. How embarrassing.

Embarrassed was putting it lightly, actually. You were mad. Mad enough that when Kodah and her husband went to bed for the night you grabbed your weapons and snuck out, heading out to Ralis pond.

A blue Hinox was there— you overheard two travelers talking about it at the last stable. A real opponent would help you regain your skills, right?

You wanted to cringe as the gross monster came into view. It slept peacefully next to the pond, it's one eye closed and unaware of its surroundings. You analyzed the monster quickly— the eye would definitely be a weak spot. If you could blind it, then defeating it would be much easier—

"You just gonna stand and stare?"

"Motherfu-"

You whipped around, hearing the voice from behind you. Nothing was there.

"Hush, you're gonna wake it up."

There it was again. You turned around, eyeing the Hinox. Still asleep.

"Above you." The voice got sassy. "You're supposed to be the smart one, what happened to that?"

"What?"

You tilted your head up and in the branches of the trees above you sat a shadowy figure. It blended in with the darkness of the night and shadows of the trees, but you'd recognize the stance from anywhere. Your throat clenched.

Yiga.

"We've been looking for you, you know."

"Okay, and?" You rolled your eyes. You did not have time for this, especially when a large monster was on the precipice of waking up at any second. "I'm not going back."

"That's a shame," The Footsoldier chuckled, "You were always our favorite. So strong. It was a devastating blow when you took your siblings and ran. They weren't half as good as you, but they had so much potential."

"Don't talk about them."

"Awe, why not?" He was teasing you— trying to get a reaction. Trying to make you lose your cool. "That littlest one— Kimi, was it? Always such a sweetheart. Hiro was a bit much to deal with, such a bad attitude. Where are they now?"

"None of your business."

"I think it is my business, considering we know where Hiro is."

"What?”

"Oops! I've said too much. Say, why don't you go and show me how the wonderful protégé of Master Kohga fights?"

Without even giving you a second to think, the soldier took out his bow and fired an arrow towards the Hinox, striking it right in the arm. Its eye snapped open and it let out a roar loud enough to make the ground rumble. It spotted you.

"You asshole!" You turned back to the solider, but he was nowhere to be found.

The Hinox was standing up now, its hands gripping a large rock that it had picked up off the ground. You grabbed your bow and notched an arrow. Time to fight.

You barely had time to dodge the rock being hurled towards you, but muscle memory kicked in just in time. You rolled to the left, aiming an arrow at the monster and letting go.

The arrow didn't penetrate its eye, however. The Hinox seemed to anticipate your movements, using its large hand to cover its eye whenever you were ready to shoot your arrow. You looked around for another plan, and that was when you remembered what you'd read about them back in Gerudo Town.

Red Hinoxes were the easiest to defeat, having little strategy skills or defenses. Its only thoughts were to kill. Next were Blue Hinoxes, much like the one you were fighting against now. It was much more defensive and resourceful, and packed a larger punch. Lastly was a Black Hinox, considered the most powerful of the three. It was a guaranteed death at your strength if it were to hit you, and you were lucky you were only having to deal with the 2nd variation of the nasty monster.

Its shin-guards were made of wood, unlike the Black Hinox that may have steel ones. It would be an easy distraction if you just—

Notching a fire arrow, you aimed at the monster again. It covered its eye once more, prepared for another direct attack, but it never came. Instead, you quickly aimed downwards at its shin-guards. The Hinox looked down and noticing its armor was on fire, began batting at it in an attempt to extinguish the flame.

That was when you took initiative, drawing another arrow and hitting it directly in the eye. The Hinox fell over, groaning in pain, and you took the opportunity to pull out your Windcleaver.

It would be much more durable, able to easily cut through the Hinox's thick skin.

You jumped on its arm and made your way up to the Hinox's throat, putting all of your strength into slicing a clear cut through its throat. The Hinox yelled out again, loud enough that you instinctively covered your ears and slipped off of its body as the area around you rumbled.

And then, in a cloud of dust, it was gone.

Guts and weapons surrounded you, but you weren't too interested in them save for another bow.

Your pride felt a bit more established— at least you could still think on your feet pretty well. Your leg, however, didn't feel as good. The wound had most definitely opened back up, and you weren't looking forward to the chiding you would be getting from Kodah in the morning.

You decided then, you'd have another potion tonight while she slept, and hopefully would heal enough the rest of the night to avoid any questions.

You also decided that looking all over Hyrule for Hiro may not be the best route. As much as you hated to admit it, but you'd have to go back and face the one thing you prayed to never face again.

The Yiga.

———

You woke up late the next morning, choosing to forego breakfast in favor of a few extra hours of shut-eye. Fighting monsters at 1 in the morning takes a lot out of a girl. You blamed it on being tired from the injury. Not a complete lie.

Kodah dragged you out of bed at noon, claiming that you "couldn't waste the day away waiting for Link to come back".

You argued that you could, and would.

Instead, she took you to the pools behind the stairs of the throne room where the Zora children swam. You dipped your legs in the water, sitting on the edge as you both watched the kids with some of the other mothers.

"Aren't they just the cutest!" Kodah gushed, "Finley says he's too big to play with the little ones at the pool now. He wants to go out and explore outside, but he can't when it's so dangerous out there."

"It is." You agreed, "Hopefully, when Link is finished it will be much safer."

"Ah, the hero!" She turned to you, "How did such a lucky girl like you get to travel with the Champion of Hyrule?"

"It's not an interesting story, I promise." You smiled bashfully, "We just met in Kakariko Village. We were going the same route across Hyrule, so we figured it would be easy to travel together."

"That's it? You're telling me there's nothing else going on?"

"Uh, yes?" Your cheeks felt hot at her implications. "There's nothing else. We haven't known each other for very long, so there can't be anything else. That's not how that works."

"Wrong, little fish!" Her enthusiasm was beginning to freak you out, and you worried about how this conversation was going to go. "It can happen at any time, anywhere. Love at first sight is a real thing— it happened when I met Kayden."

"I'm sure it is, but I don't think it's the case here—"

"Just you wait. Before you know it, you'll be watching your own little ones run around."

You didn't respond, choosing to watch the Zora children instead. Kodah was right, and you did believe in love at first sight, but did you even deserve it? Especially with someone like Link?

You did grow up being taught that you were supposed to kill him. It felt like a betrayal on both sides for you to even be friends with him, much less eventually be with him.

After the life you've led, would you even want a spouse or kids? Or are you just too messed up for that to ever be a possibility?

And there it is again— it all leads back fo the Yiga. Every little thing. Even out of it, they seem to have an iron grip over your life, preventing you from truly living. From being totally free.

Would Link look at you differently if he knew? Would he trust you the same, knowing that your sole purpose up until a few years ago was to actively work against him and your home kingdom?

He has to know eventually. It would be better to tell him than to let him find out another way.

The thought of that made you nauseous.

"Do you think we should cook a big dinner tonight? He should be coming back soon, right?"

You'd never been more thankful for Kodah's talkativeness. "Yes! That would be perfect. He loves anything with riceballs, so maybe like a spicy fish riceball or something?"

"I have the perfect idea, let's go!"

[cluelessatthispoint]

Whos your favorite EB character?

I gotta say, it would be cool to see the big yandere heavy obsessing over a reader trying to fight him

Oh, my goodness! it was a really tough choice because all of the Emesis Blue characters are so unique, and they all have their idiosyncratic qualities that make them special! If I had to choose one....it would definitely be either Pyro or the two Conagher brothers.

They are just so scary and I really like that...idk why :)

~~~~~~~~

Yandere Emesis Blue Heavy x Fighting Obsessed Reader

Walking through the remains of what used to be the Conagher Slaughterhouse you noticed two things very quickly on. One; whatever happened here was disastrous, the second thing was that Mann Co was definitely up to something that was no good. Being a modern "ruin explorer" as you liked to call yourself you have never seen a building quite as disturbing as this. This was the second time that you've explored the Slaughterhouse and it just seemed to get creepier than the first time. The first time you explored it the smell of rotting and decaying flesh filled your senses, and you got lost in all the twists and turns that the base had.

It always felt like something. Or somebody was watching you. Something big always lurked in the corner of your eyes...but whenever you turned to look. There would be nothing. That was when you saw your first ever dead body....bodies. Remembering how you tried to call the police and get someone over here to check things out was a bust. When the officer arrived, they looked high and low and found nothing. It was like whatever was there was moved in only a span of mere hours. Your crying and distressed voice on the phone apparently made you seem "hysterical", and the officer asked you if you had any medications that you were currently taking.

Shaking your head of the negative thoughts you smiled grimly. Today you would finally bring back some proof. The camera strap that hung from your neck dug slightly into your skin. Its weight felt grounding and secure. You have with you a camera, a flashlight and a small tube of pepper spray. You felt ready for anything. Walking into the building you could smell....not something rotting....but something...burning? Scrunching your face in thought up you tried to place that smell. Somethings that was burnt? Something currently burning? Sighing softly, you force yourself deeper into the ruins; taking pictures along the way.

"Alright, now it's flashlight time.." Your soft voice echoed through the base, cutting the silence like a knife.

"I'm not scared, I am armed, I'm not scared I am armed." You repeated this like a mantra. The more you said it, the more you desperately wanted to believe it.

Walking down a long corridor with branching sides; you almost didn't see the hulking mass you passed by. Almost. Stopping dead in your tracks you turn your head slowly and stare. Eyes widening as you finally connect the dots. You can feel your breath becoming shallower, your palms sweaty and numb. Letting out a soft "Oh" sound you stared at the hulking behemoth that was so close to you. Trailing your eyes up you noticed that the large man was staring right back at you. His wide eyes gleaming in the darkness. A jolt of fear ran down your spine.

"Oh."

"Oh, no."

Ohhh, no, no, no."

"Whoa no."

You could feel your hairs standing on end and your limbs growing heavier. There was no doubt in your mind that this was the person who moved the corpses earlier. You gulped audibly, and subconsciously curled into yourself. In a moment of panic, you did the only thing you could think of on the top of your head.

"Hey! come on! you and me! let's go! come on! yeah! come on! fight me!"

You put your hands in front of your face and lowered your stance. You felt so scared and so angry at the same time right now that you didn't think of anything else other than "throwing hands".

Heavy widened his eyes at seeing your display. Smiling softly behind his mask he tilted his head downwards and stared at you. How funny it was to him seeing how you tried to stand and challenge him to a fight. He felt so renewed at seeing such a vibrant individual filled with such life and vigor. How he wanted to fight you and win. How he wanted to see you explore all the things that life had to offer. Feeling a series of emotions well up in his chest he took a step towards you. Smiling wider to himself as he sees you scramble to take a step back. You looked so cute. So small.

"....."

Watching as you removed your camera from your neck slowly, he felt himself take another step forward. Without a moment's hesitation you threw the camera with all you had at his chest. Tilting his head confusedly at your actions was all the response you received. Watching as your face willed with panic and rage he watched amusedly as you closed the gap between yourself, and his large body and you start flailing your fists. Punching and kicking him he truly noticed how small you are compared to him.

"Aarrrgh!"

"Not fair! Not fair! The police think I'm crazy because of you!"

"Say something!"

Your attacks felt like nothing to him. Letting this go on for however long you deemed necessary he waited for you to get tired. Which didn't take very long at all. After a few minutes he let you tire yourself out and stepped even closer. Wrapping his arms around your upper body he picked you up and carried you back further into the base. Your panicked and enraged screams filled the silence and he smiled.

"No! No! No! No! Let go!"

"Damn it! Let go!"

The way you kicked and swung your arms and legs signaled you finally had your second wind, or that adrenaline was finally kicking in. Letting out a deep resounding chuckle he held you close. How tired you would be after this flashed across his mind. He finally had somebody to take care of. Someone who could keep him company. Someone who he could protect.... No matter how long it takes he would be making sure that your feisty attitude dies down.

"Somebody help me!"

~~~~~

Sorry about the long wait, finals is kicking my butt. Yandere Heavy is for sure what I needed to get inspired! I hope that you enjoyed this and feel free to leave any more emesis blue asks/requests. I live off of them.

:)

[specialagentlokitty]

Saul Silva x Male!Student!reader - confidence

Hey, can you write a Saul Silva Student Reader? About a shy specialist student who lacks the confidence to try new techniques. So everyone knows how to defeat R immediately. And Silva notices it and tries to give him courage? - Anon💜

Silva was walking around, checking on all his students and he stopped by the patch of grass you were training on against someone.

He watched as you got slammed to the ground and he winced a little.

You stood back up and you were again easily blocked and thrown to the ground.

He frowned a little, and decided to watch.

You had the same movements each time, sometimes your partner would let you think you were winning but then he’d slam you to the ground again.

This time you tapped out and your partner pulled you up.

“You need to change it up man.” He said.

With that he walked away and you sighed, heading to your water bottle to grab a drink.

“(Y/N), you and me, training.”

You looked at your headmaster and nodded your head and stood in front of him, both of you circling one another.

You threw a punch and he blocked it, you threw another he blocked it, you tricked to kick him, and he blocked it.

After watching you training for a few minutes Silva knew exactly what you were going to do and he knew how to bring you down.

He grabbed your fist and looked at you.

“You use the same routine.” He said.

He lowered your hand and stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You need to try new things, explore, practice different techniques and stances.”

“I like the way I train..” you mumbled.

Silva sighed.

“I understand that’s your comfort zone, but I watched you for a few minutes and I know your pattern. I assume everyone else does?”

You nodded your head at him and sat down on the grass to take a small breath and he looked at you.

“You’ve been watching what I’ve been showing right?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then why don’t you practice them? Implement them into the fighting style you’re used to. If you use the same moves and stances you’ll be easily picked out.”

You sighed, and hugged your knees to your chest.

“Maybe I shouldn’t be a specialist then..” you muttered.

Silva crouched down, resting his arms on his knees as he shook his head.

“Hey, that doesn’t mean you have to quit. You just need to explore a little bit, try new things, test things out and see what works for you.”

You looked at him and he offered you a small smile.

“You know I wasn’t always that good at what I do. I struggle breaking the patterns I knew.”

“Really?”

Silva nodded his head.

“Yeah, it’s hard to break out your comfort zone and that’s okay, it’s good to have a comfort zone, but sometimes we need to take a step outside of this zone.”

Silva pushed himself back up at you and held his hand out towards you and you looked up at him.

“Let me help you.”

You didn’t do anything and he gave you a smile.

“It’ll be alright. I promise you (Y/N) we’ll do this, together.”

You reached up, letting him pull you up and he smiled.

“You’re following the same routine we learned at the start of the year, branch out a little, trying different things. Here, just follow me.”

Silva slowly moved, showing you what he wanted you to do and you watched him still a little unsure with yourself.

He noticed this and stopped.

“Would you feel more comfortable if we trained without other students looking?”

“I… maybe?”

“Alright, we’ll training finishes in a few minutes so you hang about here.”

You nodded and sat back down, just waiting but you began to feel unsure again.

You didn’t know if you could do it, you didn’t know if you have the confidence inside of you to do what he wanted you to do. Be the person they were training you to be.

So you grabbed your sword and bottle and you quietly slipped away.

Silva made sure everyone was leaving and turned back to where he’d left you sitting and he sighed when he realised you were gone.

He left the training grounds as well and waited for the following day.

You were there again, sitting on the sidelines.

“You left.”

“Sorry… I panicked..”

He sat down with you.

“I can help you build your confidence (Y/N), I think once you’re confident in yourself you have what it takes to be really good.”

“I dunno…”

“Give it a try, if not for yourself then for me? Humour me a bit.”

He flicked your gaze to the headmaster.

“Okay sir.”

“Thank you, now if you leave again I will find you.”

He left you sitting there again and this time he kept an eye on you to make sure you didn’t slip away again and you didn’t.

He gestured for you to come over once the students had left and you pushed yourself up and walked over to him.

“Let’s start with something small, come at me with everything you’ve got, and I’ll redirect moves I think you can change.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m absolutely sure.”

You slowly nodded and he waited for you to start attacking him.

He would block your attacks, never once did Silva try to attack you once.

Just like he said, he would stop you, and he would show you a different technique to try and get you to start it again.

Silva realised this was how you were more comfortable doing it, using your normal routine but implementing new things slowly.

So after a while he stopped and you stopped as well.

“That’s brilliant (Y/N), well done. I’m proud of you.”

You didn’t say anything.

“We’ll keep at this for a couple of weeks, and once you’re comfortable we’ll try some new fighting styles I think you could learn, does that sound okay?”

“Yes sir.”

He smiled and nodded his head, clasping a hand on your shoulder.

“You did really well, go get some rest.”

You nodded and left and he watched you go.

It was going to be a long journey, and he knew that, but he wasn’t going to give up on you. You just needed some more confidence and he was going to help you build that