#in the end i drew the trio i drew cause it was what first came to mind & i guess it made sense from a silly art perspective to do

[vidavidee]

little guys from the past couple weeks.. i hit em with the deltarune beam

[writingoddess1125]

hiya!

Could you do Prince Nuada from Hellboy 2 and reader?

This one has taken me a while- Also thank you for reigniting the LOVE I had for Prince Nuada! Ugh! So sexy!!

I do hope this is to your liking since it did take some warping.

1. I gotta keep Nuada and Nuala alive so the ending didn't happen

2. Introduce elements from the comics aka Hellboy had adopted siblings.

OKAY ENJOY! I TRIED HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Half Breed

Prince Nuada x FemReader

Support me on Ko-Fi I'm poor!

After the fortunately failed suicide attempt from Nuala which had horribly injured both twins- Nuafa had been captured and the two rushed back to the Bureau for emergency treatment, Which fortunately allowed the Elves to survive the whole ordeal.

Nuada had been placed in custody of B.P.R.D first as a high level prisoner for many months after his attempt to wipe out humanity.

After being in solitary confinement for far too long a deal was struck with him to work for the organization due to his knowlege of the world and to get out of solitary help all that had been damaged.

He had agreed- begrudgingly and because Nuala insisted.. it had been nearly a year of this all- When something interesting took place.

Nuala and Abe walked down the corridors together, talking about recent books they had shared before Abe paused.

"Oh?-" He looked around calmly before seeing the warning lights come down shining blue instead of the normal red for emergencies.

"Is there an emergancy?" Nuala questioned, a bit nervous of what it could mean, But Abe gently touched her shoulder with his gloved hand.

"No no- Just a old friend. Everytime she visits her and Red play a.. Game of sorts like tag" Abe explained, Nuala smiling at hearing this. Nuada who had just returned from a mission turned the corner seeing his sister and the fish man, frowning but looking to the lights.

"Whats this?" He asked shortly, Abe repeating his answer from before.

"Warning lights for a Game?" He questioned, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Well they are only allowed to have this game once a year and for 5 minutes- mainly due to the property damage that always happens" Abe said truthfully as the elven twins looked surprised by this. A childish game causing property damage?

As if right on cue there was a loud crash the trio turning to see Hellboy running full force in their direction like a train.

"MOVE MOVE!" He yelled loudly, as he ran past them. This was the fastest any of them had seen him run even in a life or death situation, right as he was about to turn the corner a black boot came barrowing down on the side of his cheek, knocking him to the ground hard before the smaller figure ran down the hall Red had just gone through.

"You're it!" She yelled and the trio watched- There running past was a women. Dressed in all black leather tactical gear with her silver hair in a long braid, the ends a sunset gold- (Y/S/C) skin with unique etchings found in only elvish culture paired with amber eyes. It didn't take a genius to figure see what she was-

"Timer Abe!" She yelled, Abe looking to the small watch he carried.

"4 minutes and 26 seconds left- Also happy youve returned safely" He called out to (Y/N) who dashed down the hallway.

Nuada eyes widened as he couldnt help but follower her with his gaze, something about her drew him in. The trio sticking to the walls as they tried to follow the action- it was like a massive battle taking black between a giant and a tiny titan. While Red was slamming into walls cracking cement with his weight and arm- (Y/N) was doing flips and hung to the light fixtures above to keep an advantage.

"Happy to see you too!!!"

He could only describe himself as being mesmerized by her.. Every turn, giggle and jump just seemed to bewitch him and it terrified him.. It wasn't till a loud alarm snapped him his gaze making him jump a bit in surprise- the game was over it seemed and Hellboy returned with his sister, the demon clearly glum from losing.

Nuala eyes widened as she watched (Y/N) jump around Hellboy with a happy smile at winning the game. Figuring what she was but disbelieving of course even after this entire endeavor. A leath-fola. A Half-Blood Actually existed in this world? The embodiment of a union between a human and one of his own kind-

"I win Red! So that's 28 for me and 25 for you. Best luck next you!" She said cheerfully as Hellboy grumbled and pushed her head away with his small hand.

"Yada Yada short stack-"

She noticed the looks of the two meeting their gazes and Nuada immediately felt his heart beat pick up- Confused by the sensation he glanced to Nuala assuming it must be her however she seemed calm and relaxed.

"New Agents?" She questioned looking at the twins, Abe nodding with a 'smile'

"Prince Nuada of the Bethmora clan.. This here is my sister Princess Nuala" He introduced both formally, watching how her smile seemed to radiate as he spoke. It made him feel like he had had stepped into the sun for the first time in years..

"It's lovely to meet you both! It's so lovely to have new faces here in the facility" She said cheerfully, reaching out in a friendly matter and patting both twins on the shoulders.

It felt like Nuada had been shocked by the most pleasant bit of electricity that left him flustered and confused. His sister finally glancing at him as she felt his emotions and gaze a smile, a twinkle of what could only be described as mischief in her golden gaze.

"Yes.. new faces... now if you'll excuse me" Nuada said quickly before dismissing himself- trying to control the panic that was eating him on the inside and the warmth that bloomed in his body. He practically ran back to the space he was forced to call a room and lock himself inside. Nuada stood in his room pacing back and forth. His mind racing and heart uneasy- unknowingly for hours as he tried to calm himself from the sudden feelings that seemed to slam into him.

A knock on the door bringing him from his thoughts as he quickly opened the door, surprised to see his sister standing there in a evening gown.

"Sister, what are you doing up? You should be resting.." He said softly, allowing Nuala into the room.

"I can not rest with you so worked up brother" Nuala said softly. The prince sighing as he realized he had kept her up and took a seat on the corner of the bed, Nuala sitting next to him as well.

"Well- It sounds like she is your fated partner" She pointed out and Nuada immediately felt anger in his blood.

"You're thinking about the leath-fola (Y/N)? Right?" Nuala said softly as she rubbed her brothers shoulder to comfort him. He frowned at being so obvious and also for the form of comfort.

"Yes- She... makes me uneasy" He says, lying a bit to avoid the words he wanted to use. Nuala smiling at this.

"Do not speak such foolish things-" He hissed, Nuala flinching at his harsh words.

"I am not fated to a mortal of all beings" He started but Nuala held up a hand.

"She is not a mortal however brother.. You saw" Nuada was ready to argue but couldnt- his face twisting up.. The damn half-breed was not his fated partner NOR was it going to be the siblings of the demon.

He would prove it...

For the first few weeks that (Y/N) was there, Nuada had been rude and snide. Hissing insults about her mixed blood, shoving past her or even straight up ignoring her. He expected she would take the abuse since she didnt say anything about it but he had been wrong- so terribly wrong.

It took only one time calling her "Dirty" in terms of her blood to get the hardest punch he had ever taken to the nose- It made his eyes water and fall to a knee infront of her..

She grabbed his silver hair and pulled him close so they were eye to eye-

"Listen here- Keep insulting me like this and I'm going to tear your ass a new one. I don't give a Flying fuck if your a price or whatever- I will fuck you up" She hissed at him-

Nuada felt more confused then he ever had before- The pain seemingly going with the fluttering warmth he felt in his face and blatant arousal that was Damm near impossible to miss- (Y/N) seeing his widened eyes and the flush of color on his pale face, like he was frozen and her own golden eyes traveled down at noticing some new movement.

"O-Oh-" Was all she said- Clearly just as surprised as Nuada was at this point. Her fingers carefully releasing his silver hair as warmth went to her own cheeks.

Nuada wanted a blade to the heart at this point...

[dragonskyheart]

(Ghost Pokemon AU) Ghost Type Pokemon Pac Trio

So I was working on the Ghost Pokemon AU and was going through a resurgence of a PMATGA hyperfixation at the moment and then I remembered "Hey the main characters of PMATGA have a role in this ,AU, why not draw them in the AU?",and because of that, here we are! This AU spans a lot of series and is very extremely crossovery in general, so why not! I need to make a masterpost/synopsis of this AU, I swear-

Also Spiral was a pain to draw bc I never drew Dragapult before and AAAAAAA- (I'm fine! Don't worry! Haha! Seriously though why...)

So they are! In all of their ghost fighting glory!

Started on: 2-18-2024

it's to be noted that they didn't start out in these forms exactly. A series of events caused their souls to take the forms they did. I made their eyes look similar to how ghosts in the show had them. Also the reason for the spectral lighting was because of Dragapults looking slightly more spectral... I'll try to elaborate more when I get to it.

Pac (Gengar)

The yellow boi himself! The way he goes out is on the hands of a certain other ghost fighting hero through way of misunderstanding. The beginning of his character arc is based on a fanmade one minute melee on Deviantart I read when I was younger. (I might link to it when I find it...) I will probably make the choreography of the fight somewhat different to that but the outcome is the same. I chose Gengar because of their long tongues and round bodies. (That and the fact the ears can be made to resemble his eyebrows.) He is known as the "Golden Gengar" to locals via rumors and became quite the urban legend. But rest assured, he is still the same Pac inside! Just more traumatized! :')

Cyli (Gourgeist)

Cyli is a Gourgeist since it and Pumpkaboo could be seen as a somewhat gothic cute ghost type Pokemon. (If that reasoning makes sense...) The fur of Pumpkaboo is black and the hairstyle of Gourgeist is simular in my opinion. Also the default shinies mesh well enough ingame. Besides the grass typing is somewhat befitting of her upbringing. So, how did she end up like this? Well, if i'll be honest, I didn't quite document how well her death goes quite yet. Same with Spiral. I only have the basics rn. Essentially, she dies to a mysterious enity in a meadow with a colony of pumpkins (is that what a group of pumpkins called...?) growing in Autumn. Her soul destablizes and is forced to bind into a pumpkin, giving a new form! By the way, she is an Average Size Gourgeist.

Spiral (Dragapult)

And finally, Spiral is a Dragapult! He wound up killed in the Lake of Dragons. (Name and Location Pending) His soul wound up absorbing the ancient draconic energies in the lake causing him to take the form of a Dreepy. Dragapult is from what I recall the tallest of the three pokemon, so it seem pretty befitting for him! (Also it gives me an excuse to use Dragapult somewhere, so yea.) He basically has a whole story thing with Soko, as Soko has the distinction of being the first of the three's Partner Digimon to find out about their respective deceased Tamer's whereabouts and travels with him! At one point after he first evolves a random Dreepy finds him and follows him around! He eventually goes "I guess it's mine now." and takes it in. (You could probably guess more eventually came.) He basically exudes so much big sibling energy that it was inevitable anyways!

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[neutrallyobsessed]

Yeahhh it's finally here! My timeskip!Sebastian concept~ It took some time (and I procrastinated) but I'm glad that finally I have a desing I like lol

here are some sprite designs that'd be cool to include and yes, I think he should prosecute in Athena's game AT LEAST as the tutorial prosecutor (but also comes back later cause it's relevant to the plot)

susumu posting hell yeah click in each song referenced to be transported to a realm of music beyond your understanding and ost of berserk/satoshi kon (but they're here tho):

Parade, Niwashi King, Sogeki-syu, Code-Costarica, Adios

(and this lil animation I did could use a bit more eyes on it 👉👈)

And now the moment you've been waiting for. Why the hell he has goggles like Blaise:

M: I'm.... a different Reiji

I: (not listening) W H A T?

since the desing is more clear and simple than Kay's (I'll be done with it soon denme chance) I'll just put it under the cut but thanks for reading to this point <3

The first thing that came to my mind when thinking of a timeskip!Sebastian is what you saw above: goggles, fluffier hair and a cape pin togheter with the prosecutor badge. 'Cause this boy is legit strategist of the Inazuma Trio shaped. Like Kidou he has some sort of cape, the goggles can be added by proxy of his dad and a mentor called Reiji; like Shindou he is orchestra director based, has fluffy hair and cries a lot. It was a matter of implementing those elements to the desing, a very Ina11 inspired design~

But that was it, had no idea how he dressed bellow the shoulders, what you saw on the timeskip!Kay doodle was the first time I drew him full body, to sorta give me an idea of how he'd look, if I liked the desing or needed some tweaking... and here we are lol

I kept the high-waist band 'cause that something orchestral directors wear and I like it, tis hot uwu 👌, while I wanted to keep the normal long pants, I remembered about the movie director pants and I think that it ended up looking better, especially for the Legs™.

And of course, the frills, very important to any future Sebastian you may want to do. Because I was adement of nothing being around his neck, I thought that this is the perfect opportunity of giving him that vampire dress shirt with the frilly sleeves. To keep the connection with Edgeworth but being different from Von Karma 👌. And I really like'em but never found the chance to dress a character with it

But the chest was the most difficult thing to think about: just giving him the full orchestral attire with the two-tailed coat would be redundant to the cape and putting something around the neck, whether is the frilly cravat or, yknow, an actual cravat could distract or be hidden by the fact that the cape is tied togheter with the badge, that's something I'm not willing to compromise... and the I remembered. A marching band director. Like in a Parade, like in Hirasawa's songs... cause there are many songs that sound like marching music but the point is that it is perfect, it's simple and mashes well with the other elements.

And that's pretty much it byeeee~~

[sekhisadventures]

Remembrance

Valdrakken

Sekhi padded through the city alongside her friends Galdia and Nitika, the group preparing to head to the Ohn’ahran Plains. There was a holdout group of Nokhud left, but a group of adventurers had joined with the centaur of Maaruki and had put a decisive end to their civil war, and the Nokhud’s leader, Balakar Khan. That being said, some of his clan were still refusing to answer for their actions against Ohn’ahra and the Green Dragonflight and thus the call went out for those willing to help them mop up the last of the traitorous clan.

Sekhi was anxious about it, but she had heard Ohn’ahra’s song when the wild god was imprisoned by the Primalists and forced to use it’s powers against it’s will. It felt to the vulpera like being stabbed in the heart to hear such a being in that state, and so she wanted to help.

As they walked along the path towards the road out of town another figure watched them, chewing a bit of stick in an annoyed way.

Leaning against a wall was Jeemjazo, who was still annoyed at Sekhi for revealing his location to her family, and likely his own. “Hmph, wonder where she’s goin’…” he grumped.

“Mrglblblrlb.” came the reply as the murloc, Murgly Jim, peeked over his shoulder.

“What? Can’t I be curious?” he asked, frowning at the young fishman. “It ain’t like I’m worried about Sekhi... I mean lookit th’ orc ‘n tauren with ‘er! Must be nice ta have mates who’re big enough ta kick th’ shite outta someone threatenin’ ya…”

“Mblghb.” burbled Murgly Jim.

Jeemjazo snorted, “I ain’t jealous… just ‘cause she has mates who can speak more than fish-sounds ‘n such.” he grumbled.

Murgly Jim narrowed his large eyes, then slapped his fin against Jeemjazo’s cheek and gave him a rather fishy look. “Mblghhbhb.” babbled the murloc, pointing a fin at the trio as they headed towards the gates.

Jeemjazo frowned at him, “What? Ye think I should tail ‘er? I… yeah, yanno that’s th’ ticket. Follow ‘em, then when they get ta whatever they’re after we’ll nick it first ‘n steal their thunder! I mean, I am a bloody pirate!” he grinned.

Murgly Jim shrugged his little shoulders, “Mbrblbublb.” he replied.

Jeemjazo waited until they were almost out of the gates, then started to follow at a distance, grinning to himself, his tail swishing behind him.

Ahead of him Nitika and Galdia shared a look. “Someone is following us…” muttered Galdia.

Nitika nodded, “Yeah, but I don’t think it’s a problem. If they’re this bad at it, we shouldn’t be in any danger.” she replied.

Sekhi was too distracted by the task ahead to pay attention to either of them, however.

Nitika and Galdia were right, but they got one detail wrong… Jeemjazo wasn’t the only one tailing them. In the sky above them, hidden by powerful magic, several eyes watched them go. Two small yellow ones, and several large purple ones…

The Ohn’ahran Plains, a few hours later.

Sekhi, Galdia, and Nitika rode along the path towards the meeting place where they would meet with Tomul and the other members of Clan Shikaar. Sekhi was riding her hyena, Cello, and as always Galdia was astride the undead form of Nightpelt, her worg who had been graciously given a new body by the Stitchmasters of Maldraxxus after she had found his soul wandering the forests of Ardenweald. Nitika’s mount hovered several inches off the ground as she glided along next to them, the tauren being adept at weaving and having made herself a magic carpet to ride upon.

As they turned the path however they saw a familiar figure heading towards their destination.

Laura Brightflame, the dracthyr, was riding one of the strange horse-like vorquin native to the isles, the woman looking over as she saw them.

“Hey!” called Sekhi, waving to her as they drew close, their mounts slowing. “You goin’ to help th’ centaur too?” she asked as Laura slowed her own mount to a stop.

“Er, yes actually. I… am not comfortable fighting, but I am able to heal so I felt I would offer my services treating those who get injured in the fight.” she nodded.

“Really?” grunted Galdia, “You kicked plenty of ass back when we first landed. Roasted that Primalist right down to a skeleton!” she grinned.

Laura winced, “I… honestly barely remember that…” she admitted, “It is all a blur to me, I believe I was not entirely myself that day and… I remembered things when the Primalists attacked us.” she nodded. “It triggered something, but…” she trailed off, glancing away.

Nitika sighed, patting her shoulder, her huge tauren hand almost engulfing it. “Don’t force it Laura. I understand. I was going to leave the fighting to Sekhi and Galdia and heal the others too, we can work together there.” she smiled.

As they talked Sekhi’s ears suddenly perked up. “Huh?” she blinked, looking around.

Galdia glanced at her, “Whats up? Hear something?” she asked.

Sekhi nodded, “Yeah, something… weird…” she frowned, getting off Cello and walking towards the grass, away from the path and into a large field nearby. “It sounds… really off, like…” she shook her head a bit.

Nitika and Galdia shared a glance, then dismounted as well. A moment later Laura joined them, the women following Sekhi as she followed her ears, well away from the road and into a secluded glade near a large hill. “Its comin' from here…” she muttered, feeling around her feet… then finding something.

A hyena totem, covered in a foul ichor. Her muzzle wrinkled and she stepped back quickly. “EWIE! Its one of those gnoll totems!” she gagged, shaking her head as the song of Decay got louder in her ears.

Nitika frowned, “Why is it here though?” she asked, “The gnolls stick to the Azure Span, don’t they?”

Galdia looked around, growling as she unsheathed her sword and slid her arm into the leather straps on her shield. “Nitika…” she warned.

Nitika nodded, gripping her stave. “Yeah… I feel it too, we’re not alone…” she replied.

Sekhi looked around, then suddenly she went rigid. “I hear her…” she chittered, her tail floofing out. “EVERYONE! LOOK OUT! ITS DIS-…” she shouted, trying to warn them, then suddenly the gnoll totem ignited with felfire!

Sekhi cried out, falling to her knees and gripping her head as the song of Decay became a cacophony pounding into her psyche! More green flames burst from the grasses nearby, revealing other hidden totems as well! She tried to reach for the elements, but it was like a crowd of voices screaming into her ears! She couldn’t hear anything else!

Galdia and Nitika yelled in alarm, trying to run to her… but then the nearby bushes exploded as a wall of muscle and rage rushed towards Galdia! Az’arad the Wrathguard grinned wickedly at her, slamming his axe down with enough force to drive the orc back even as she got her shield up in time.

Nitika almost reached her, but then a cackling filled her ears as a mass of tentacles and fangs appeared before her, blasting her with a burst of shadowy energy and causing her to stumble backwards in shock! She rallied and got a shield up just in time to block a blast of felfire as Xel’kek became visible before her, Quzgup the imp riding atop the observer demon. “Have you now tauren!” cackled the imp.

There was a sudden woosh of sound behind them, then a crash as a black drake landed on the dirt between them and their mounts. Dissonantia grinned down at them, her wings spread, as she sat atop the dragon she’d bound into service with her fel magic. “Bloody right we do…” she sneered, “Took me a bit ta figure out th’ best way ta use those gnoll totems I filched in th’ Span… but corrupt ‘em with fel and they’ll scramble Sekhi’s eggs right proper!”

She was right too, Sekhi looked like she was going to be sick! The vulpera shamaness was on all fours as wave after wave of vertigo hit her. The decay totems, misused by the rothide gnolls as they were already, would make her feel uncomfortable at best… but with Dissonantia’s curses twisting the elements it was unbearable!

Galdia growled and tried to rush past Az’arad, but the Wrathguard blocked her again, shoving her back with his axe and proving an immobile wall of flesh. Nitika was similarly blocked by Xel’kek and Quzgup, the two launching blasts of felfire and shadow if she tried to rescue her friend!

As they were held at bay there was a swirl of flames and Cenoon appeared, brandishing a long thin dagger as he walked casually towards the vulpera. “Not my favorite way of dispatching a troublesome foe… I’d prefer seducing her into my bed and slitting her throat after we had some fun. You know, make sure she dies with a smile on her face…” he chuckled, reaching down to grasp at her fur as he aimed the dagger towards her throat… “But it’ll do…”

Laura had frozen the second Sekhi had cried out, the dracthyr gripping her staff infront of her like a shield as she looked between the demons and their mistress, and then her eyes focused on the dragon… and her expression became strange.

She saw it’s eyes, the felfire within them, and the dragon’s expression… it wasn’t happy about any of this. It was clear it didn’t want to be Dissonantia’s mount, or to allow this to take place at all… but it had no choice! Dissonantia was controlling it!

Laura blinked slowly… “Control…” she whispered. “… she’s… using magic to control him…”

The Forbidden Reach, 20,000 years ago

“Lord Neltharion wants to use magic to control us!” shouted Jakrostrasz in anger. “He has a titan device that will allow him to enslave our very minds!” The red-scaled dracthyr stomped around the main room of their creche, his tail thrashing behind him in fury. “Does he not believe we would be loyal without it?! Does he truly feel that we would not gladly lay our lives down for the Aspects if they’d simply ask?!”

Laurelgosa shook her head, “This is disturbing news Jakrostrasz… I know he and the other aspects are worried about the Primalist Rebellion, but would he really go so far as mind control to ensure our loyalty?” she frowned, she didn’t want to believe it… Then another dracthyr, one with shining golden scales, spoke up.

“You’d better believe it Laurelgosa, I saw it with my own eyes. He didn’t see me nearby, but he went to the Ebon Scales creche earlier today when I was visiting my friend Onnestia and…” she shuddered, “… their eyes… he just waved it and their eyes glowed and they all fell in immediately. It was… they all had the same exact movements, the same exact expression… it was like they became his puppets.”

Laurelgosa cringed at the thought, “Dazene… this…” she looked down at her hands in disbelief, flexing her scaled digits. “Does Lord Neltharion not trust us? Does he feel like we need to be controlled like this? I… I can’t… why is he doing this?”

Jakrostrasz growled, “I don’t care to find out. As far as I’m concerned Lord Neltharion has betrayed our trust in him. I say we leave, tonight. Azeroth is vast, we can find some new land to settle on far away from this war. If he won’t believe in us, why should we believe in him?!” he snapped.

Laurelgosa stared, “Jakrostrasz… I…” she took a breath, “You’re right. He has gone too far. The Primalists are a true threat to our world, but to use such methods… if he would force us to obey him, then he is not worthy of our trust.”

Suddenly, there was a loud crash as the doors to the creche burst open, and several dracthyr entered in perfect lock step with a man between them. The man had long dark hair and wore obsidian plated armor, and on his right arm was a shining metal gauntlet.

Jakrostrasz’s eyes widened in horror, “No…” he whispered, “RUN! DON’T LOOK AT IT!” he shouted as he spread his wings out.

Neltharion scowled and held the gauntlet high as Laurelgosa heard Jakrostrasz gasp, then slowly his wings lowered as he stood at attention.

“… Jakrostrasz?” she tried.

Neltharion gestured, and the red-scaled dracthyr turned, and Laurelgosa cried out as she saw her friend’s impassive face, his eyes shining with the light of order magic.

“NO! Jakrostrasz! Fight it! Don’t let him do this to us!” she shouted.

“He can’t hear you anymore.” said Neltharion as he advanced. “You are my talons, nothing more. Talons should not be free to argue with their master.”

Laurelgosa stumbled backwards, but as she did she was grabbed from behind. She looked back and saw Dazene’s face, the dracthyr having glimpsed the gauntlet when Neltharion used it before. Just a second was enough for the titan device to take hold of her, overriding her will.

“N-no… not this… Lord Neltharion… why?!” she gasped out, her eyes wide and frightened.

“You don’t need to know. All you need to do is obey me.” he replied, raising the gauntlet once more… and just like that, Laurelgosa stopped caring. She stopped worrying about anything. Nothing mattered to her now, nothing but Lord Neltharion’s will.

She stood at attention with the others, awaiting his command. Unable to think of anything but following the commands of the Earthwarder.

The Ohn’ahran Plains, Present Day

Laurelgosa stared at the black dragon, seeing how defeated it looked, how helpless it was… all the fight beaten out of it, leaving it nothing more than Dissonantia's slave, and she felt something she hadn’t felt since before she woke up in the Forbidden Reach the day Raszageth escaped.

She felt anger. She felt disgusted, downright furious at what she was seeing. Dissonantia was using her power to break the dragon’s will, to force it to obey her, to destroy any chance it had of dissent or argument or even disagreement. It would obey her no matter what she made it do… no matter how horrible or terrible or atrocious her commands, it was bound to obey her.

Then she remembered who she was before Neltharion’s gauntlet had controlled her, and suddenly the idea of fighting wasn’t uncomfortable at all anymore.

“Never… never will I allow this in my sight again… EVER!” she roared as her visage was blasted away in an eruption of magic, Dissonantia’s head snapping towards her just in time to see a blue-scaled dracthyr taking flight towards her.

“Wots th- OH BUGGER!” she shouted as Laurelgosa slammed into the warlock, catching her throat with her arm and knocking her free of the dragon’s back and onto the ground.

The four demons with her froze as they saw their Mistress getting thrown from her mount! Laurelgosa landed atop the worgen, pinning her to the ground and baring her fangs in Dissonantia’s face. “UNDO YOUR MAGIC! FREE HIM!” she demanded.

Dissonantia glared back at her, snarling like a feral wolf, “MAKE ME YEZ OVERGROWN IGUANA!” she barked, kicking the dracthyr hard in the middle, but Laurelgosa held on.

“Very well…” she hissed, and flames began to flicker between her fangs as she breathed in.

Dissonantia’s eyes widened. She could handle Nelen’s arcane magic in her new form, but dragon fire was something she wasn’t keen on testing her demonic resilience with! She growled, then shouted out, “AZZY YE GREAT LUMP! GET HER TH' FECK OFFA ME!”

Both Az’arad and Galdia had been distracted by Laurelgosa’s sudden attack, but the Wrathguard recovered a fraction quicker. He backhanded Galdia across the head, sending her to the ground as her inner ear was sent spinning, then roared and charged at Laurelgosa, kicking the dracthyr hard in the ribs! Dissonantia was a warlock and a summoner, a Wrathguard could kick a LOT harder than she could! Laurelgosa went flying just as her mouth opened, and when the smoke cleared Dissonantia’s crimson eyes were huge as she glanced at a still burning patch of ground two inches to her left.

“… good timin’ Azzy.” she said weakly, several large stones had melted from the heat of the dracthyr’s breath.

The warlock quickly got to her feet and growled, then her head snapped around as she heard a loud cry of “LOK’TAR OGAR!” and saw Galdia racing towards her! She grimaced and slashed open a portal with her dagger, a swarm of bilescourge erupting from it and forcing the orc back.

“CENOON! STOP PISSIN’ ABOUT ‘N GUT THE DAMN VULPERA ALREADY!” she snapped.

Cenoon snapped out of the show and glared down at Sekhi, aiming the dagger towards her… and suddenly there was a crimson blur and a loud ‘murgleburlbe!’ and Sekhi wasn’t there!

Jeemjazo’s eyes were wild as he bolted as fast as he could, holding the shamaness’ limp form tightly. “Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck…” he whined. He’d just caught up to them when Dissonantia sprang her ambush and while he wanted to help bravado aside he was one vulpera with a cutlass, axe, and pistol and they were several powerful demons, their warlock master, and a black dragon! It took a lot more than being a ‘Hardbitten Bloodsail Buccaneer’ to counter THAT!

Cenoon swore in demonic and the incubus pulled a thorn-covered whip from the air in a flash of felfire, lashing out at Jeemjazo and catching the vulpera by the leg as he went sprawling! Sekhi fell from his grasp as Murgly Jim was launched out of his backpack, tumbling head over heels across the grass!

Jeemjazo whined and tugged at the whip tangled around his leg, cursing frantically as he tried to free himself, and then Sekhi coughed at him. “Jeem… t-th’ totems… gotta… get rid of ‘em…” she gasped out.

Jeemjazo looked at her, then at the advancing incubus who was looking very annoyed at his actions... He let out a whimper and quickly he pulled out his pistol, aimed it at one of the felfire-coated totems, and opened fire! There was a loud bang and the ball flew through the air, smashing the totem to splinters as the felfire went out… but it was one totem, and Jeemjazo’s pistol was a flintlock! It took time to reload! “Fuuuuuck where’d I put th' pooooowder…” he chittered in panic, patting his hips frantically as Cenoon drew within reach of him.

There are times, when things are their most dire, that heroes will somehow break their limits and perform acts of incredible power that seem to ignore the very laws of reality…

This is one of those… just… not who you might think.

Behind them a figure stood, pulled out a wand made of coral, and said “In the name of my father and his fathers, come forth my brethren! I call you back from the Great Ocean of the Shadowlands!”

… at least, that’s what it said in his language. It came out instead as “MURGLBLEBLRBLBLRBULBLR!”

There was a sound like waves rushing at the height of a storm as Cenoon looked up, then the incubus’s jaw dropped, “… what in all th-…” was all he got out before a spectral murloc tackled him on the face, and then five more joined it knocking him onto the grass!

Sekhi looked around weakly as Jeemjazo finally regained his senses enough to draw his cutlass and simply CUT Cenoon’s whip away. The vulpera pirate leapt to his feet and drew his axe as well as he looked behind him to see a massive swirling vortex of anima, and pouring out of it was a swarm of murloc ghosts!

“MURMGLBLBLLGLRRL!” they shouted in unison, which would likely have sounded a lot more impressive if it wasn’t in murloc, as they charged forward as one great mob driving the incubus into full retreat! A murloc wasn’t a dangerous foe, but a whole school of them was a different matter! Cenoon couldn’t fight that many at once!

“M-Mistress Dissonantia?! We have a situation here!” he called out, lashing out with his whip and dagger which seemed to go straight through the aquatic apparitions! As they rushed him they also trampled through the field of fel-corrupted totems, smashing them to pieces!

Sekhi shook her head as the screaming in her mind died down, getting to her feet and coughing away the last of her nausea as she looked around her in shock, “Uh… that’s one yip of a trick Jeem…” she said.

“I AIN'T DOIN’ IT!” shouted the vulpera pirate as he watched the chaos unfold, his eyes huge, “I THOUGHT THIS WAS SOME SHAMAN THING!” he yelped.

Sekhi blinked, “Wait… if you’re not doin’ it, ‘n I’m not doin’ it…” she started, then they both looked back behind her.

Murgly Jim was sitting on the grass, playing with a piece of red coral. He looked up at them and said, “Mrublbl?” in a curious way.

The two vulpera shared a look, then Sekhi shook her head, “Nah, no way.” she chuckled awkwardly.

Jeem nodded in agreement, “Yeah, he’s just a baby.” he replied, scooping up the murloc and tucking him back into his shell on Jeemjazo’s back.

Murlgy Jim settled down and tucked the red coral wand away. His father, the chieftain of the village, had told him that it held the power to call their ancestors in times of great need before he’d been turned into a pile of meat and bones by a crashing pirate ship. Murgly Jim was glad it wasn’t just an old legend. He rather liked travelling with Jeemjazo and didn’t want the incubus to kill him.

Across the battlefield Dissonantia looked on in disbelief, “WHO TH' FECK CAN SUMMON MURLOC GHOSTS?!” she demanded, looking back at Galdia as the orc dodged another swarm of imps from her before she growled and flexed her claws. “Right then, fine! Feck it! Wotever! I ain’t leavin’ until I see some blood today!” she bared her fangs, then slashed the air again with her dagger, “YEZ IS UP NEWBIE!” she barked.

Galdia ducked away from the last swarm of imps as they exploded, leaving a crater in the dirt, then charged towards Dissonantia as a figure burst out of the portal, it’s hands wreathed in felfire.

“YEAAAAAAHA!” whooped Gremori Autumnleaves as she leapt out, slamming her fist into Galdia’s shield hard enough to make the orc stumble, the mag’har growling and lashing out with her sword as the felsworn ducked away just in time to avoid losing an arm.

Nearby Laurelgosa flew above Az’arad, spewing a blast of flames down at the Wrathguard. All hesitation, all fear, all confusion was forgotten. She finally remembered who she was before all that had occurred, and she rejoiced in the clarity that had been restored to her. There would be issues, there always were with that sort of trauma, but those could be dealt with later. For now, she was an evoker with an enemy.

Dissonantia glared around her as the spectral murlocs began to fade back into the Shadowlands, only to reveal that her totem trap had been destroyed and that Sekhi had recovered and was now backed up by another vulpera, both of them staring down Cenoon. She saw Gremori and Galdia going head to head as the felsworn cackled with glee at being able to unleash her demonic powers against a powerful warrior, and saw Az’arad trying to contend with an airborne foe… then she looked around and cocked her head.

“Wait a bleedin’ tick… where’s th’ cow?” she grunted.

Then she saw Xel’kek and Quzgup laying dazed on the ground and heard a voice call over the din of battle. “I am really getting sick of telling people I’m not a cow…” she said in an annoyed tone.

Dissonantia glared in the direction of the voice, then grimaced as she saw Nitika standing with one powerful tauren arm around the neck of the dragon she’d ensorcelled, holding it firmly so it couldn’t pull free. “This is a nasty spell you’ve put on him Dissonantia, but it seems familiar…” she grinned, “It reminds me a lot of what you did in Zereth Mortis…” she added, flexing her free hand and pressing it to the dragon’s forehead.

Dissonantia snarled in fury and started forward, “OI! HEY! GET THE FECK OFF MY DRAGON!” she barked.

Nitika snorted, “No.” she replied, and her hands glowed with sunlight. “AN’SHE! I CALL UPON YOUR MIGHTY FLAME! SHINE YOUR GAZE UPON ME AND BURN AWAY THE SHADOWS BINDING THIS DRAGON!” she called out, and for a moment the sun seemed twice as bright.

“I’M GOING TO TURN YOU INTO A GODSDAMNED RUG DAWNHOOF!” she roared in anger as she felt her spell shatter!

Nitika released the dragon, it’s eyes glowing the yellow-red of hot coals. “FREE!” it cried out in relief, taking to the skies as it glared down at Dissonantia, “You liked the damage my breath could do, witch?" growled the dragon as his maw glowed from within, volcanic heat making the air steam around his fangs, "HAVE A TASTE THEN!” it bellowed in fury as it soared forward and unleashed the full might of the black dragonflight upon the path ahead of it.

Dissonantia yelped and rolled out of the way as the molten breath decimated everything under the dragon, melting stone and reducing the ground to ash and flame, scrambling backwards so fast she didn’t even see Xel’kek until she tripped over his unconscious form.

Dissonantia glared at her, but two of her demons were down, Cenoon was up against Sekhi who could unleash her sandstorm at any moment, and Laurelgosa was an unknown quantity. The situation had turned against her! “This ain’t over…” she growled, then flexed her claws as she and her demonic allies vanished in a woosh of felfire back to their fallback point, Gremori letting out a disappointed whine as she vanished in mid-leap.

Jeemjazo yelped in surprise as Cenoon vanished, his head darting around as Sekhi shook her head at him. “Its okay Jeem! She ran away! I can’t hear her song now, so she musta run back to th’ Nether.” she grinned.

Jeemjazo coughed, “Right, I knew that… just… didn’t know if ye knew that…” he said awkwardly.

Sekhi giggled, then smiled at him, “Thanks though… I mean, ya kinda saved my yippin' life.”

The vulpera boy blushed through his fur, then shrugged, “Eh, I mean… yanno, we’re pals right?” he muttered, “Can’t be havin’ some demon guttin’ me pal…”

Sekhi smirked, “Thought ya said we weren’t pals anymore…” she teased, walking around him with her tail swishing.

Jeemjazo grunted, “Sekhi… I mean… look, about that… I get it okay. W-we’ll talk ‘bout it later alright? Don’tcha need ta check yer crew ‘n make sure none of ‘em got hurt or somethin’?” he asked.

Sekhi yipped, “Oh right!” she gasped, jogging back over to where Galdia, Nitika, and Laurelgosa were… the dracthyr woman still in her true form for now. As she got close she looked up at her, then cocked her head. “Your song sounds… different…” she murmured.

Laurelgosa looked down at her, her bright pink eyes shining like two large quartzes. “Oh? How do I sound different?” she asked in a bemused way.

Sekhi smiled, “… better, like ya got somethin’ important back.” she nodded, her ears flicking. Laurelgosa's song spoke of confidence returned now, of a great wrong overcome.

Laurelgosa nodded, “I suppose I did, though… there are still some gaps in my memory, I remembered something very important.” she nodded, then all of them jumped as there was a crash behind them, the black drake landing next to them all.

“The witch has fled, I cannot smell her anywhere nearby.” he said, looking among them. “You were the targets of her wrath… who are you?” he asked.

Nitika nodded to him, “Ah yes. I’m Nitika Dawnhoof and this is Galdia Grimaxe and Sekhi. We’re members of Savage United.” she explained, “And…” she glanced at the dracthyr woman.

She smiled, “Laurelgosa, of the Dracthyr.” she replied, “Though sometimes I am known as Laura Brightflame as well.”

Jeem coughed a bit, “Er… I’m Jeemjazo, former Bloodsail Pirate… Sir.” he replied. Bravado or not, you treat something that can eat you in one bite with respect.

“I am Idrallion of the Black Dragonflight. You have my gratitude for freeing me from her control. If your Savage United ever needs the aid of me or my kin, you have but to ask.” the dragon nodded gratefully to them. “I must return to the Obisidan Citadel and warn Sabellian of what the warlock did to me, incase any others are capable of doing likewise. Farewell, all of you.” he said, then he spread his wings and took to the skies, soaring off to the north.

Nitika watched him go, then smiled, “Well, that’s one problem solved. She doesn’t have a dragon anymore.” she nodded, “But… was that an Illidari you were fighting Galdia?” she asked, glancing at the mag’har woman.

Galdia shrugged, “Sure as fel looked like one… Dunno who she was, but she could throw a punch alright.” she nodded, “What about you? Thought you said you weren’t comfortable fighting?” she asked Laurelgosa with a grin.

The dracthyr grinned back, a very sharp smile to say the least, “I was not, until I remembered that I was after all.” she chuckled, “So… Savage United you say…” she glanced among them. They had all helped her without asking anything in return, and now Laurelgosa felt she rather owed them a great deal. “… er… I do not suppose you are… how do the mortal races say it… hiring?”

Valdrakken, the Roasted Ram

Grimo looked up suddenly from his beer, “… capitalism senses tingling…” he whispered to himself.

The Ohn’ahran Plains

Nitika winced. Oh she could feel that even all the way here. “Er… yes, but when you meet our ‘boss,’ Grimo, make sure I’m with you.” she replied.

The battle against the Nokhud was already long over, they never made it to meet up with Tomul, but the scout understood that they ran into trouble along the way. The Dragon Isles were a dangerous place lately, what with the Primalists and the return of Raszageth, nevermind the Djaradin, Rothide Gnolls, and other such things… but for Savage United it would become that tiny bit safer. They had earned the friendship of the black dragonflight, and perhaps a new member to their own team?

As they headed back to Valdrakken Laurelgosa resumed her visage form, becoming Laura Brightflame once more... but her white robes were gone. Instead she was wearing a blue tunic and trousers with sandals, a long travelling cloak down her back. The dress she wore before just felt wrong to her now. Like she was wearing it almost to hide behind. Now, she remembered who and what she was, and the truth of what had happened to her friends.

She still had questions though. What was that strange device that Neltharion had used on them? Why had he felt such control necessary? Was it the only one, or could someone else control the dracthyr as he had? And when it was destroyed, how was Raszageth defeated without their aid?

Now however, she knew she could find the answers… and she had new friends to help her do so. Savage United? Perhaps she’d rather like being a little savage sometimes…

Next Story

Previous Story

[kohanayaki]

.:Time and Time Again:. (Marauders Era x Reader) Ch 7

Severus looks back on everything that went wrong.

tw: non-consensual kissing/harassment, trauma responses

LINKS:   CH 1   CH 2    CH 3   CH 4   CH 5   CH 6   CH 7   CH 8

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Ch 7 .:Things Unforgivable and Things Left Unsaid:.

Graduation day at Hogwarts was supposed to mark the beginning of a new adventure for you. Instead, it marked the day you decided that whatever it was between you and Severus Snape, friendship or otherwise, it was over.

Or at least that's what you had thought. Of course, the universe just loved making things more complicated for you. You were working with Charlie in Romania when you had gotten word that Severus defected from the death eaters and was now working as a double agent at Dumbledore's behest. He continued teaching Potions at Hogwarts, and was even indited as a member of the Order. If anything, that only solidified your decision to go to America instead of staying in London. You didn't even know what to think. Of course you trusted Dumbledore, confusing as the man was, but you didn't know if you could really trust Snape again. You had worked towards forgiving him; over time you moved past what happened, but it was difficult to really say it was 'resolved' when you quite literally haven't spoken a word to each other in over a decade. You didn't even know where to start.

For the entirety of your seventh year, you didn't speak a word to Severus. It was hard to imagine that such a tight knit trio like the one you, him, and Lily had formed could crumble in an instant, but that's exactly what happened.

The end of your sixth year at Hogwarts was a quarter Snape would never forget, no matter how hard he tried. It was when everything fell apart. . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   1976  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“James!” you yelled, running to the top of the hill where he and the rest of the Marauders had Snape held upside down.

“What are you doing?” you said, immensely hurt and trying to keep your voice steady, “You said this would stop, you promised. . . you swore.”

“(Y/n), I. . .” James trailed off, immediately feeling guilty. As he turned to you Snape dropped to the ground, attempting to scramble to his feet but finding his ankle twisted.

Sirius moved towards you to say something but you put your hand up firmly.

“No,” you said, “not a word out of you, Black.”

Sirius stared at you, wide-eyed, shrinking back as you called him by his last name for the first time in a long while. Not Sirius, not Pads. Black. As if your whole friendship had just been reset.

“And you two,” you said, addressing Remus and Peter, “how could you let this happen?!”

All four boys looked at you in shame, none of them daring to verbally respond.

Suddenly, Lily came running up the hill, having fallen behind you in your quick pace.

“Severus!” she panted, rushing over to him, “are you alright?”

Snape was in an angered daze, not even registering the words being said around him. The blood rushing through his veins felt like lava, his heart pounding in his ears, his chest, his tongue. His face burned with humiliation and hatred. Pure fucking hatred for James Fleamont Potter. For Lily to see him like that. . . for you to see him like that, pathetic, helpless, in need of your help once again. He wouldn't have it. He was a master of the dark arts now, he didn't have to fucking take this. He would curse Potter into the next century, he would—

“Severus!”

Snape's eyes snapped open, not even realizing they were closed. The world came rushing in around him and he was suddenly acutely aware of Lily's hand on his arm. He reeled back at her touch as if he'd been burned.

“Don't touch me!” he screeched, startling the redheaded girl. Her eyes were filled with concern, but all Snape could see was pity.

“Sev—“

“I don't need any help from you, you filthy Mudblood!”

And everyone in the clearing stilled.

The color drained from Snape's already pale face as he realized what he'd just said.

“Lily. . .” Severus whispered; pleading, desperate.

“Don't come any closer,” Lily said, her voice stone cold as tears welled up in her eyes.

“I'll kill you,” James said lowly.

“Prongs, no—”

“I'll kill you, you slimy bastard!” James growled, Remus moving quickly to hold him back.

You stood in the middle of it all, staring at Severus. Severus, who'd always told Lily that blood status didn't matter. Severus, who you and Lily always stood up for no matter what. Severus, who you thought you had feelings for up until this exact moment.

Without even thinking you stepped forward, grabbing Lily's hand.

“Let's go, Lils,” you said, your expression unreadable as you looked down at Severus. Lily squeezed your hand back gratefully, fighting the sobs racking her chest as she turned around and took off with you.

“(Y/n), wait—” Snape tried to get up but found himself shoved back down to the ground by Sirius.

“No,” he said sharply, “you don't get to say anything to either of them, you hear me?”

“I—”

“What?” James spat, “you're sorry? Well sorry doesn't cut it! You say a word to her after what you called her and you'll wish you'd never have been born.”

Snape's head hung low, that wish already present in his mind.

“Leave him,” Remus said, this time not out of mercy, but malice; letting Snape wallow in his own misery as he left with his friends, looking for you and Lily.

Soon, Severus was left alone. Just as he began, and just as he should have never hoped for anything different. Was this it? That's how it was going to end? One mistake, and the only two people he'd ever cared about were ripped away from him.

No. He decided he had to apologize properly, consequences be damned. If those Marauders wanted to beat him to a bloody pulp afterwards, that was fine by him. He just needed to talk to Lily one more time. To tell her how deeply sorry he really was.

He took off down the hill, sprinting towards the castle and completely ignoring the burning pain in his ankle. He rushed through the grass, ignoring the looks he received from the other students walking by. He ran past the oak tree, through the castle gates, flying through the corridors and cutting across the courtyard when he skid to a stop at what he saw.

Lily and James stood in the center of the garden, her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as his lips captured hers. Her eyes were still wet with tears, the tears that he had caused. Severus didn't do a thing. His presence remained unknown to them as he slunk away back to his common room, heart silently breaking.

He was too late.

Nothing was the same after that.

Lily insisted that if you wanted to remain friends with Snape, as she now referred to him, she wouldn't hold it against you, but she made it very clear that she would never forgive him herself. But it wasn't as easy as wanting to stay friends with him or not; he'd changed that day.

After some time to let things settle down you tried to approach him, but he only became more and more hostile towards everyone, including you. You hardly saw him anymore. The only time you occasionally spotted him was when he was walking around school with Malfoy, Mulciber, Wilkes, and Avery, unable to look you in the eye lest you see the utterly crushed expression on your face as he fell deeper and deeper into the dark side.

You held your books tightly to your chest as you made your way to Hagrid's hut for one of your last Care of Magical Creatures class. You were being paired up with a few lower classmen to teach them the ropes for feeding all the creatures Hagrid kept in the meadows. You were a tad late, having been preoccupied at lunch, speedwalking to try and arrive on time when you saw a flash of silver-blue light emit from inside the forest. You could hear warbled shouting and laughter coming from the same direction, and your instincts told you to run.

However, because your nerves were on high alert, that also told you someone in there was in danger, and you couldn't just walk away from that. You drew your wand, abandoning your books by a rockface and moving towards the commotion, the distorted shouting soon becoming words.

“Oh come on, you little runts, you lot can do better than that!” you recognized Mulciber's voice.

A young girl shrieked as a giant acromantula barred its fangs at her, its front legs raised and poised to attack. Her friends were huddled in a corner, more students who couldn't have been older than second or third years, being forced to watch by Avery and Wilkes.

“How's this for Care of Magical Creatures, eh?” Mulciber taunted as he walked over to the other students, pulling a young boy out from the group.

“No!” the girl cornered by the spider cried, “please, don't!”

“Aw, how cute,” Mulciber drawled, “is this your little boyfriend, huh? Shame.”

The boy screamed in fear as he was suddenly lifted into the air by his ankles, forced to hover right above the spider just out of its reach. You wanted to wretch as you watched the scene unfold, unable to keep yourself hidden any longer.

You leaped into the clearing, a quick flick of your wrist relieving Mulciber of his wand. You did the same to Wilkes as he turned to you.

“Well well, why am I not surprised?” Avery scoffed. Right behind him stood Severus, his expression vacant.

“Grab this, and get to Professor McGonagall immediately,” you shouted to the younger Gryffindor students, tossing them a gold galleon. As soon as they touched the coin, the portkey shot them all back to the castle.

“Why are you always the one spoiling our fun?” Mulciber sneered.

“Someone's gotta do it,” you said, putting up a brave front although you were under no illusion as to your situation. You weren't fourth years anymore, and you were alone this time. They'd been studying the dark arts for the past two years. You knew you were outmatched, even with your dueling skills.

“Oh, come on, (Y/n), don't be a bore.”

You turned around at the sound of the familiar voice to see Rosier, an easy grin set into his face. Your heart dropped.

“So you too, huh?” you chuckled bitterly, “and here I thought you were one of the few good ones left.”

“You're not really that naive, are you?” he tutted, “you had to have known I would be inducted eventually. Might even get Barty to join us, even if he is a little nutty.”

You went for a stunning spell but found your wand spinning out of your hand before you even saw him move.

“Not so fun to be on the receiving end, is it?” Rosier said, “you're not the only one versed in non-verbal magic, (Y/n). In fact, I'd even go so far as to say we've surpassed you. Lucius will be furious, but I like you a lot, so I'll re-extend his old offer for him. Join us.”

You had no wand, no backup, no way out of this, but you stood your ground nonetheless.

“Eat shit,” you seethed. Rosier glowered at you, taking a few menacing steps forward. He grabbed your jaw firmly and you grit your teeth.

“I don’t think you heard me—”

He reeled back as you spit right in his face,

“You bitch,” he growled, wiping his face in disgust, “clearly no one ever bothered to train you.”

Without your wand you were really only left with one option, ready to defend yourself by revealing your animagus form, but you never got to take the first step forward.

“Imperio!”

You stopped in your tracks as a veil of what could only be described as pink fluff drifted over your mind. A smile immediately appeared on your face, and a giggle rose in your throat.

Severus looked at Rosier with horror, the rest of his crew looking among themselves uneasily.

“What do you think you're doing?” Snape hissed, “are you trying to get us all expelled?”

“So what?” Rosier said, “we've used the killing curse loads of times.”

“On insects, you loon,” Snape shot back, hoping his concern for you was masked enough.

“Don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt your precious (Y/n), Sev.”

The nickname made his stomach churn. You used to call him that. Lily used to call him that. No one else did. No one else got to.

“Release them,” he said, raising his wand, “now.”

“Put that away,” Rosier's eyes narrowed, a smirk sliding back onto his face as he got an idea, “hey, (Y/n)?”

“Yes?” you answered, your voice dripping with honey.

“I don't think Severus likes you being under this spell,” Rosier said, “but you like it don't you?”

“Mmm hmm,” you nodded, your head feeling like it was floating, “it feels so nice.”

“You know what else would feel nice?” Rosier goaded, “if you gave our friend Sev here a kiss.”

Severus' heart dropped to his stomach.

“You're sick, Rosier,” Snape said, his voice close to tremmoring.

“You don't have to act like you don't want it,” Evan chuckled, “we've watched you putz around (L/n) like a fool for years. Besides, they want to. Isn't that right, (Y/n)?”

“He's right,” you said, your voice deceptively melodic, “I love you, Severus. I've always loved you.”

And in that moment, Snape had never hated himself more. Because he didn't care that Rosier was making you say the things you did. He didn't care that you were under the influence of a curse. All he could hear was the words he longed to hear spill from your lips, over and over like a skipping record.

I love you, Severus. I love you, Severus. I love you, Severus.

He played the words on repeat in his head. His heart was beating almost painfully in his chest, so much so that he hardly even noticed you slowly walking towards him, wrapping your arms around his neck like Lily had done to James. And when you leaned forward to kiss him, his selfish desires held him in place.

It had lasted a fraction of a second, but he didn't pull away. It was the greatest regret of his life that he didn't walk up to Rosier, break his nose, and curse every single person in that clearing instead of doing nothing, knowing full well you had no control over your actions.

When his eyes drifted open and met yours and his stomach twisted into ugly knots, fear and panic wracking through his spine. Your eyes were completely empty, irises a vacant white, and in that moment it felt as if he were kissing a corpse.

Suddenly the color returned to your eyes, and fear immediately filled them. Snape grunted as he was shot away from you, unable to move when he hit the ground. The other Slytherins looked around for the assailant, but they had no time to react when every single one of their wands was pulled from their hands. McGonagall stood there, expression the same as ever but clearly brimming with fury.

“(L/n), come,” she said, ushering you over and taking you protectively in her embrace, “we'll get you to Madame Pomfrey.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she regarded Snape and the rest of their group, “As for you,” she said, “Mr Filch, secure them in the dungeons until the Headmaster calls for them. And put all of their wands in the lockbox.”

“With pleasure,” Filch said, almost blending in with the trees behind her.

“Are you alright?” McGonagall asked you as she helped you back towards the castle.

“No,” you said, honestly, “n-no, I don't think I am.”

“No amount of apology could ever equate to the remorse I feel that this happened to you, (L/n),” she said earnestly, “I am truly sorry. This was completely unacceptable, and I will see to it that the proper measures are taken for their punishments. Expulsion would suit just fine, but even if the Headmaster disagrees, I will personally ensure you never come into contact with any of those boys again.”

“Thank you,” you said, your voice sounding hollow in your own ears.

You didn't remember walking the near half-mile to the infirmary. Madame Pomfrey's words felt so far away, as if she were speaking underwater. You just remembered laying down in the hospital wing bed as she checked you for any lasting damage, and as soon as she'd turned her back you'd just wept.

________________________________________________________

That night, Snape found himself in the Prefect's bathroom, leaned over the sink and watching the water rush into the drain. His hands clutched the marble sides of the basin so hard his knuckles turned white, every breath catching painfully in his chest before he forced it out to take another shaky inhale. He was an idiot, he knew. There was no fixing this. Not really. First Lily, now you. Was he just predestined to lose everyone in his life?

He paused. No, he didn't deserve to think like that. Everything that had gone wrong was his own doing.

When he heard the door to the bathroom open he whipped around, ready to curse whoever dared to interrupt him until he saw you standing there, your eyes red from crying and the Marauder's Map clutched in your hands like a vice. He was half certain you were a hallucination, but as soon as he pulled himself to the present, he rushed to apologize. You had to know how horrible he felt about what he did, even if you would never forgive him. He made the mistake of being too cowardly to properly apologize to Lily, he wouldn't make that mistake again.

“(Y/n), I'm—”

“I know you're sorry,” you said callously, “and I know you mean it. That's not the issue.” you took a breath to collect yourself before you continued. This was so much harder than you thought it would be. Maybe this wound really was too fresh right now. You thought you'd be able to handle this conversation, but your prior feelings weren't making this any easier.

“Why did you do it?” you asked quietly, “Better, why did you do nothing? You were my friend, Severus.”

Whatever was holding back the flood of emotions in him, it snapped at your words.

Were. Past tense.

“I don't know what I was thinking,” Snape said in exasperation, though it came off more as anger directed at himself. His hands threaded through his messy black locks, his eyes nearly manic. You'd never seen him unravel quite like this. He was desperate to fix this, to keep you in his life. “No, I wasn't thinking at all, (Y/n). I couldn't, not when you were . . . not when I. . .”

Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it—

“Not when I've fancied you for years.”

Snape knew immediately that he had made a mistake. The expression on your face made his stomach twist, and he knew there was no taking back what he said.

“No,” you said, tears welling in your eyes, “Severus Snape, don't you dare say that. What, do you think that just makes this all okay? You're an oblivious idiot, you know that?”

Your heart ached so bad it felt as if you couldn't breathe.

“Do you know how many times I wished you would have kissed me?” you said shakily, not bothering to hide the hurt in your voice.

Snape was sure his breathing had stopped, eyes wide with shock. He couldn't have heard that right. Did you really feel the same way about him? But reality hit him in the face when he saw your expression. This was no heartfelt confession on your part.

“For you to just. . . for it to happen like that,” you said, still struck with betrayal and disbelief, “If you've ever respected me, you never would have let that happen. I was under a curse, Severus. And you took advantage of that— of me. All because you were too much of a coward to just tell me how you felt. And then you go on and say you've liked me this whole time as a last ditch effort to save our friendship? How the hell did you expect me to react?”

He had nothing to say to that. He blamed himself entirely. Every verbal blow you struck he gladly took, he would have sat there still as stone if you hexed him, but you refused to draw your wand at him. You just stood there, staring straight through him with unbelievable hurt in your eyes.

“I can't do this, Severus,” you said, “please, just. . . just leave me alone. I'm not saying I'll never forgive you, but right now I can't even begin to think about that. Not now.”

You looked like you wanted to say something more, but your mouth snapped shut, and Severus saw the finality in your eyes. He stayed glued to the spot where he stood long after he watched you leave, his eyes trained on the door you'd slammed shut.

If you thought Snape had made himself scarce after what he said to Lily, after what he did to you he practically vanished. He no longer sat underneath the tree that had become so symbolic of your former trio. He no longer roamed the Slytherin common room, or even the Great Hall for meals. Instead he would walk through the forbidden forest alone, or hole up in some empty corridor purposely hiding but hoping you would walk up to him. You never did.

The people who did find him in the few days that followed were the newly named Marauders, though incomplete as they arrived without you. As he glanced down at the parchment in Lupin's hand he had no questions about how they'd located him. Snape grimaced, not bothering to get up from his seat beneath the stone pillar. Anything they did to him was what he deserved.

James stepped forward from the group first. His expression was unreadable, but Snape saw the way his jaw was set firmly in place, fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. The Slytherin had expected Potter to come at him guns blazing, sending a flurry of verbal attacks and hexes his way. However, James Potter simply stared down at his former enemy with a look that met in the intersection of barely contained anger and utter disappointment.

“You didn't deserve them,” he said coldly, his voice oddly level.

“I know,” Snape glared, but not feeling very self-righteous.

“No, you don't,” James said, his voice rising steadily, “you will never know what you put them through. You sat there while your lunatic friends used an Unforgivable Curse on them, and you took advantage of them. I don't care if you know, I'm going to throw it back in your face, because it's what you deserve.”

“I think it's clear that (Y/n) doesn't wish to speak with you any longer,” Remus said, “if for some inconceivable reason they want to in the future, they'll approach you. Don't you even think about going about it the other way around before they're ready and willing to talk. If they ever are.”

“It's settled, Severus,” James said simply, “you're officially not worth our time anymore.”

Snape blinked up at him, trying to recall a time when Potter had ever called him by his actual name.

“Don't get us wrong,” Sirius glared, “the only reason we aren't throwing you to the Womping Willow is because we know the last thing (Y/n) would want is her friends getting expelled because of them.”

“We'll leave you alone now,” Peter said grimly, “just like you've always wanted.”

And they were telling the truth. They left him completely alone, not speaking a word to him after that; 'they' now including you and Lily, which destroyed him more than any amount of bullying had before. He watched from afar as you grew closer and closer to the Marauders. . . no, you were a Marauder. It was only natural that you became almost like a family in your seventh year. You, James, Peter, Sirius, Remus, and Lily had become as inseparable as Snape thought you, him, and Lily were, but he'd ruined that. He had ruined every good thing that had ever happened to him and pushed away every important person in his life.

The last time he saw you was graduation day. Everyone was running around excitedly, dressed in the ceremonial jewel-toned robes of their respective houses as they awaited Dumbledore's speech. You had been sitting with your group as usual, now having carved out your own spot at the Gryffindor table, when you noticed that Snape was nowhere to be found.

You frowned, wondering why he of all people had to slip into your mind on a day like today.

“You alright, Fangs?”

Sirius' voice snapped you out of your thoughts.

“Yeah, I'm fine. . .”

His handsome features contorted in concern, but that easy grin slid back onto his face as he nudged you with his shoulder.

“What, you worried you're gonna miss us?” he smirked, “this isn't goodbye, you know. We'll all see each other at the Order meetings—”

“Which you always seem to talk about at an extraordinary volume,” Remus shushed him pointedly. Sirius brushed him off with a roll of his eyes.

“(Y/n), are you sure nothing's wrong?” James asked from across the table.

“I'm alright, Prongs,” you said, “I just. . . you know what? I just remembered I left something in my dorm, I'll be right back.”

Your friends exchanged worried glances as you got up from the table, taking off towards the Slytherin common room. It wasn't a total lie, but your intentions went against your better judgment. After today there was a very, very good chance you would never see Severus again. What he did wasn't okay by any means, and it would take more than an apology or a simple conversation to forgive him, but you needed closure at the very least. Not for him, but for you. You deserved that much.

You swiped the map off your bedside table and opened it fully, your eyes quickly picking out Severus' name near the cellars only a few rooms away from where you were. You took off quickly down the hall, reaching the intersection where all the dungeon's corridors converged when you spotted him. Your heart stopped.

His left sleeve was rolled up to his elbow, as was the person's standing across from him, their back to you. Even though you couldn't see the second person's face, you recognized who it was immediately.

Evan Rosier.

He wasn't on the map before. . . how had he gotten in?! He'd been expelled after the day he cursed you. Did he somehow find a way to bypass the anti-apparition charm?

You felt your breathing hitch, fear creeping under your skin. There, on both of their arms, was a tattoo of a skull, a serpent weaving its way through the mouth and eye sockets in an undeniable pattern.  You stopped breathing all together. You knew Severus had fallen into the dark arts, but to actually be a death eater? To be proudly showing off that awful display of radicalism along with the person who had used an Unforgivable Curse on you, who had invaded your free will and taken over your body. . .

Severus must have felt you even from the opposite side of the hallway, because something pricking at his skin told him to look up, and when he did he wished he never had. You were looking at him for the first time in over a year, your eyes full of terror. Rosier followed his gaze, but when he looked over his shoulder there was no one there.

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

Severus sighed, trying to push the less than pleasant memories out of his head. He knew by now he was likely the last person left in the house besides you, Harry, and Sirius who were all staying here. Something like hope had sparked in his chest when he saw the faintest ghost of a smile on your lips as you saw him for the first time since graduation. He wanted to talk to you, to tell you he knew he deserved nothing from you, but he would spend the rest of his life trying to make it right if you would only give him a chance after all this time. In truth, he missed his friend. With Lily gone, you were one of the closest things he had to that left.

Against his better judgment, Severus made his way up the stairs, silent as a thestral as he headed for your room, but he stopped in his tracks when he reached the top. Sirius' door was cracked open the slightest bit, and what Snape saw inside made his blood run cold. You were sitting next to Sirius on his bed, your head resting gently on his shoulder. As you craned your neck to look Sirius in the eyes, that's when Severus saw it— the way the Marauder looked at you. The way his face seemed to light up, the spark that returned to his gray eyes, the utter adoration in them.

And just like that, Snape was a seventeen year old boy again, transported right back to that courtyard garden, watching Lily and James share their first kiss on the day he had made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. His heart shattered silently, though his departure was not so quiet as he took off down the stairs as quickly as he could. He grimaced at his own feelings, ones he knew he had no business owning.

As he was about to open the front door to leave, his instincts suddenly screamed at him to turn around, and he was just barely able to cast an invisibility charm as you began to come down the stairs. He held his breath as he looked at you. He knew he had no right to think so, but you were still beautiful like this; dressed in pajamas, hair disheveled, eyes still sightly puffy and red. He saw you look around, knowing you had no doubt heard his rather noisy descent of the staircase, and he cursed himself for not leaving sooner. Your eyes searched what should have appeared to be the empty space in front of you, but he saw you look him in the eyes, and he knew that you knew.

“Severus?” you called his name out softly, and the sound felt like a strike to his face.

He wanted nothing more than to say something to you, talk to you, hold you. But his mind flashed back to the way you had been with Sirius, and his words died in his throat. He said nothing, trying to remain unphased at your hurt expression as you turned around to walk back up the stairs. As soon as your back was turned to him, he left, unable to bring himself to do anything more.

Once again, he was too late.

Read chapter 8 here!

Taglist:  @sleep-i-ness, @blackpinkdolan, @parker-natasha, @ornella0910 @undertaker1827 @thatwierdo-koemi @nxstalgicnxbxdy @calaryssia @aleksanderwh0r3 @juggysgirlfriend @beautifulsweetschaos @kattirin @mialupin1 @crazy-obsessed-fangirl, @youcantbesirius​

[crystal-moon-101]

So I’ve got three AUs here with The Secret Generator 10 Trio, and I drew them all together because they are all connected based on the same idea. In these AUs, instead of receiving their powers from something, they are what their powers are. Basically, Zak is still Kur reborn, but was born a dragon who disguises himself as human, Rex is the Omega (His design is based off of my sentient Omega AU), and Ben is the Omnitrix who decide to become a living being, choosing a human body as his main form. I’ll go into a little more detail to explain each AU, and I hope you enjoy! If you have any questions about any of these AUs, don’t be shy to ask. 🧡 💙 💚 -Zur AU- In this world, Doc and Drew never had any biological kids, as Drew found she was unable to bare any. This did distraught the pair, as it had been one of their long life dreams, but they stayed strong and decided to focus on their work for a bit, deciding on future family stuff later.  Eventually, they came across the Kur Stone with the rest of the secret scientists, and as the story goes Argost snatched it, and the secret scientists rushed into Weird World to retrieve it, losing many of their teammates in the progress. But things take an interesting turn when taking the stone back to base. You see, as the scientists were discussing what to do, now understanding what the stone really was, they all suddenly heard a faint crack...then another, then a few more, and before anyone knew what was happening, the Kur stone slip, breaking open into four pieces as a tiny, baby, serpent-like dragon crawled out. That’s when they realized that the stone was not a stone, but rather an egg, and putting two and two together, the group assumed that this was Kur’s child. Of course, they freaked out, not wanting something tied to the being said to desire to kill all humans to be wandering around the lab, but their panic caused the little infant dragon to panic too, and a chase sparked, with the little dragon rushing around the labs to hide and keep away from these strange people. The young dragon was confused, as it didn’t understand what was wrong, why these people seemed so scared, though one of these people did catch his eye, the woman with white hair. He had seen her first when hatching, and developed this strange attachment to Drew. She ended up being the one to corner the baby, who came up with a...odd idea somehow. Reaching deep within himself, he found the ability to shapeshift into a human form (Albeit with dragon like features), basing features off of Drew and Doc. This caught the two off guard, especially when seeing bits and pieces of themselves in this child. At first they thought he was trying to trick them, but when they started clinging to Drew, something sparked in the two, this need to protect this young one, who had clearly bonded to them so fast (Drew was quick to scoop them up and be ready to tell the other scientist to a back off).  It was a longgggg discussion with the others, many having concerned and worries, but eventually it was agreed that they could not place Kur’s blame onto his offspring, as it was unfair, and since Drew and Doc handle cryptids for a living, it was best that they looked after him. So, they gave him the name Zak, and their little family began.   Now, Zak is very well aware of what he is and who he is, and is very grateful for his parents for taking him in, despite what he was. The main plot of the series would most likely be the same, with a few differences, like people like the Nagas and Argost eventually thinking that Zak is Kur’s son too. But then the twist eventually comes in that Zak isn’t Kur’s son, he is Kur himself, just reborn like a phoenix. This leads into Zak’s anxiety crises about who he really is and what he could do, just like in season 2.  Zak can also switch between his human form, and real dragon form, though he is able to summon parts of his dragon form, like wings or his tail, if that’s better to use at the moment. He’s quite the magpie too, often collecting ores, gems, jewelry and anything that catches his eye. His loves the outdoors quite a bit, and spends a lot of his time out in the woods or grass fields around his home, connecting with the local wildlife too. He’s also known to straight up hiss and growl, even in his human form.  -Omega Rex AU- After the failures of the Alpha project, the crew on the nanite project eventually moved onto the Omega project, which was being lead by not only Caesar, but his parents as well this time. Based on Alpha’s designs, tweaking them quite a bit, they eventually made Omega, a much more friendly and kinder version of Alpha. Omega started off as mostly robotic, being tested on and merely hanging around the labs until needed for something. But like all of Caesar’s project, things started to change, and Omega started to become something more. It was little things at first, Omega asking little questions, curious about the world and people in it. Then Omega started mimicking people, copying human mannerism and even style of speech. People caught on quick, and become a little nervous, given Alpha was kind of the same when he started to change and eventually go rouge. They kept an eye on Omega, making sure nothing went down hill, but instead they went an opposite direction, taking a more wonder filled out look on life, wanting to know a lot about life and what it meant to be living. There were mixed responses to this, some telling Omega that they were just a robot and nothing more, others wanting to see where this would go.   Omega seemed to follow three people the most, Caesar, Rylander and Van Kleiss, each peeking his interest in different ways, each one seeing and treating him differently. Caesar often regarded him as one of his great inventions, and was enjoying seeing where Omega was going, and how they were growing, and while there were moments that Caesar treated him a little more human they he would admit, he tried to keep it professional and just say Omega was a tool. Rylander was the kindness to Omega, and would be happy enough to answer their questions and let them understand life a little better, often thinking he saw a spark of a soul in Omega’s eyes from time to time. Van Kleiss was intrigued by Omega, especially when Omega seemed unphased by Van Kleiss’s off putting nature. Like Rylander, he was fine to answer him questions about the world and life, though his negative views on life due to past issues made things a little sad for Omega to hear, even trying to ‘comfort’ the man despite Van Kleiss telling him not too. Then, the nanite event happened. It all happened so fast, but that didn’t matter in the end as Omega awoke with no memories...not even their own name. Left wandering the world now being infested with EVOs, he eventually ran into the Hong Kong Gang one by one, where he started to developed a more teen like personality, and even got the name Rex from them. This made that desire to be something more, something alive, stronger, and that feeling stayed with them even after he left the group, lost his memories again, and got picked up by Six and Providence. At first, they had assumed he was an EVO, but once they realized he was something else, a living nanite it seems, they kept him around in hopes he could help, especially after seeing he could cure EVOs and talk to other nanites.  Rex is very curious, and still mimics quite a bit, you often seen him copying gestures from Six and Holiday. Not in a mocking way, but more so like a little kid taking after the adults around him. He’s still learning a lot about being ‘human’ so he does stumble quite a bit, doing things like saying a phrasing wrong, not understanding latest trends, and sometimes forgetting the body limits of a normal human. -Omni-Ben AU- While Azmuth was alone, isolating himself in his work for the Omnitrix, he eventually managed to complete it. However, while he was having it do some test runs and look overs to make sure it was ready, he came to find that the AI may have been a little more advance than he was expecting, for the next thing he new, the Omnitrix shapeshifted into the form of a 13 year old human male. Of course, being highly confused, Azmuth questioned his creation, and the Omnitrix explained that, after looking through the DNA is had, seeing all the different speices in the galaxy and seeing how they live, how they work, they wanted to be like that too, wanted to be alive and real. They had picked a human as their man form as they enjoyed the idea of how humans grow, how individualized they are as a species. Azmuth thought about it, but finally agreed to let the Omnitrix try this out. For the next two years, still living in isolation, Omnitrix and Azmuth started up a simple life living together, Omnitrix even calling him father, which Azmuth was fine with and grew accustomed to. However, Azmuth never let Omnitrix out of the lab/base, for he feared what was out there that could try and use his creation for awful things, and with the Omnitrix alive and sentient, it made that fear worse. But, of course, things couldn’t stay the same forever, as one day Vilgax came knocking and demanded the Omnitrix. Azmuth was quick to tell his creation to flee, despite the Omnitrix’s hesitation. But, unable to deny orders from his father, the Omnitrix fleed as Vilgax followed after, taking Azmuth as his prisoner just in case.   Needing somewhere to hide or run too, the Omnitrix thought back to some of Azmuth’s stories, recalling the tale about a human called Max Tennyson, who had once defeated Vilgax, and was well known by the Plumbers. Given the Omnitrix had a human form, and knowing Max’s history with the Plumbers and Vilgax, he decided to find him, making his way to earth and crashing there. He had been following Max’s Plumber signal (Which was in the rust bucket), and ended up being found by Gwen, who took him to Grandpa Max. After explaining his situation, Max agrees to help, and after some debate, Gwen could come too.  The three begin to travel across the USA, going to old Plumber bases to collected needed weapons as Vilgax was on their tale, and looking for help in the matter. Needing to blend in with humans, Gwen helped Ben get an outfit that could hide him (Not quite the one up above), and used some make up along with an eye contact to cover up anything he couldn’t remove from himself, and eventually gave him the name Ben. Ben is quite...alien, for lack of a better term. Given he was isolated with Azmuth his entire life, there’s a lot he needs to learn and understand. He is quite smart and quick to pick up on things, but does stumble up in the moment. He’s found that the world outside it quite big, bigger than he realized, and now he’s experience so much, even new emotions he thought he never had, but...he does wanna see more of the world and what it has to offer.

[xtodorcki]

“Sacrifice” Reader x Adult Trio

Prompt: simply something were to happen on a mission w/ adult trio and one of you has to be the sacrifice.

Warnings: none just sad bc I’m sad

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• Hisoka:

You had begged Hisoka to let you come with him on this mission, it had been a while since the both of you worked together and he couldn’t deny that you two made a good team but the more time went on, the more he got over protective with you and letting you come with him was like him having to babysit and do the mission all at once and he couldn’t risk losing you, not under his supervision.

When you finally went on the mission, you realized how hard it actually was until it came down to one last option at the back of your head. You didn’t want to think about it, you couldn’t so you continued to get up and fight with everything you had in you. Hisoka was trying his hardest to keep his eyes on you while also battling the main boss behind the whole operation you two were trying to take down. Hisoka simply thought this would be a fun interesting battle that he could probably easily win but with you here, he had to make sure you were safe above all.

Minutes passed and you were on the ground heaving from how exshaunted and beaten down you were. Your body ached but your heart broke more when you took a glance at Hisoka and seen how hard he was trying- for you. You knew in that second you had to do what you were thinking about earlier. Sacrificing yourself for Hisoka’s safety. Your power that was held inside of you was a deadly weapon, he knew that but what he didn’t know was that the power you held all these years can easily kill you. You kept it locked away for as long as you could, your past with your powerful family was traumatizing and you refused to use the power your abusive father passed on to you but the look on Hisoka’s face, the look you’ve never seen before was fear.

In that moment, it clicked and you knew you had to use it for this and knew you had to keep him alive at all costs. You couldn’t care less about yourself or your own life but Hisoka, you cared for his more. You never knew you could love someone this much that it made your heart ache. You slowly stood up, wiping the blood mixed with tears off your face and had used everything in your power to grab onto the boss and held on as you took everything you had in you to absorb the both of you with the intense power, practically burning you both alive.

Hisoka got knocked down from the sudden explosion, his eyes wide and strands of hair rested over his bloody forehead. He ran over to where you were, his heart racing and panic filled his head. Once he had seen your body, he knew what you did for him. He kneeled down and scooped up your lifeless body, emotionless. He didn’t know what to feel or what to think, you were all he had left. He had pushed the small strands from your face, sighing as the tears threatened to fall from his eyes.

“Thank you, darling.” Was all he said, carrying you away from the scene and through the woods, bringing you back home.

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Chrollo:

Chrollo had known you for quite some time and once you joined the spiders, the relationship between you two had blossomed rather quickly. It was unexpected, you had only joined to get revenge on the spiders for stealing precious items from the small town you came from but the more you had talked to Chrollo, the more you realized how much in common you two had and after that it went all downhill.

Your judgment was clouded, the only thoughts left in your brain was of Chrollo and you disappeared from your town years ago to stay with him and be wherever he was but the chain user had gotten to him in ways you didn’t want to believe and the chain wrapped around his heart had prevented him from speaking to the spiders and that had broken you down heavily.

It’s been months since you seen or heard from him and it had sent you in a spiral of sadness and rage to the point where you had gotten into a murderous rampage throughout the city, ripping apart people and burning places to the ground. Feitan had tried his best to look after you but it was no use considering how powerful you truly were and he noticed that there was no hope to tame a wild animal without their alpha, it was pointless.

Chrollo finally got light of what you were doing and it had made his heart ache more and more until finally he decided to do what was needed to be done. To see you. He didn’t bothering caring about the rest of the spiders nor the judgment chain that wrapped around his heart, preventing him from seeing you but as broken as you both were, he wanted to make this sacrifice just to see your face one last time.

He had made the arrangements and made sure he had written letters out to everyone in the troupe and one especially for you before he made his way to the city you were in causing chaos. Once he stepped foot in the city, he was having second thoughts. Did he want to kill himself just to see your face one more time or should he wait until he could get the chain off, would you handle waiting for that long? He wasn’t too sure but his love for you was huge and deep, it was endless and he knew he had to see you and make you stop this madness.

His feet made their way around, trying to find the exact location you were staying at before settling inside and waiting for you. His hair hung over his face and the clothes he wore were just a plain t-shirt and jeans. He was nervous, his hands were actually sweaty for the first time since he first met you. Suddenly, the door opened up and he saw a glimpse of your face and his heart began to race. You both made eye contact and you didn’t think twice before clinging yourself onto him. The hug was tight, your chests pressed against each other before your lips had met.

He knew he had to speed up this process, he knew it was coming in a matter of minutes so he quickly pulled back and made sure to cup your cheeks to keep you in place.

“Listen to me, I don’t have much time. I couldn’t handle not seeing your face or not being able to touch you and I finally realized that my last breath should be with you. You’ve made me open my eyes and see the world in a much better light, for that I’m forever grateful and I want you to live a long happy life, even if it’s without me. Got it?” He had rushed everything out, wiping the tears that had slipped and rolled down your cheeks.

“Chrollo- why,” Suddenly his eyes went wide for a second, the chain stabbing him clean in the heart and the whole time he kept his eyes on you, never letting go and you had to catch him as he fell, gasping for breath as his last seconds were kept focused on you.

“I love you, don’t forget that.” He barely managed to speak before his heart stopped beating and the life drained from his eyes.

You had sat there, holding his lifeless body close to yours as you tried to gather your thoughts and take in what had just happened. He risked his life to see you and for some reason you couldn’t handle that or process it. You knew you couldn’t manage without him and he wanted you to try. You had thought about years ago to when you two first met and had much he’s changed you, definitely made you crazy but in ways you didn’t mind.

Questions flew around your mind, are you going to be fine without him? Look around the city and look at what you did for him being gone for a few months and now he’s- gone forever. You felt stupid, it was your fault he came here and the pain thag swelled up your heart was so painful that it could kill you. It took you hours of holding onto his body to finally come up with a conclusion. As much as you loved him, you didn’t bring yourself to read the full letter he wrote to you, most of it consisting of living on for him and leading the Troupe but deep down Chrollo knew while writing it that the end of this story would be similar to Romeo and Juliet, the both of you dead inside the hotel room and he also accepted that fate.

As you got up from the floor, picking up a knife from your jacket pocket that was on the bed, you made your way back to lay beside him. The ache in your heart grew and grew more as you laid there before finally you made a sacrifice and that was to be with Chrollo. You pushed the knife in your chest, the sharp objecting instantly hitting your heart and your eyes rolled to the side to take one more look at him before the life drained out of you.

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• Illumi:

Illumi was never the type to be openly affectionate or caring towards other people. It had actually taken him years to even begin to show you that side and openly admit to somewhat feeling a different way when he was around you.

He was a quiet but gentle soul, that’s what you thought anyway but on the outside he was very cold and mysterious and that’s what you liked about him and that’s what drew you in.

He was very good at his job to say the least, never messed up and never ruined anything, he always got the job done and went back home or went back to wherever you stayed at. This time it was different, he had pushed himself a little too far and put his trust into your hands and had let you come along with him to do a job, assassinate a big well known man.

Illumi had repeatedly told you to stay close and to not get into any trouble and he would do the job, you were basically just a puppy following behind him and kept yourself tight on his trail until you had turned your attention away from him for a second, just one and that’s all it took for you to get yourself caught up in a ugly situation.

The people had taken you in as hostage and tried to use you against Illumi but you knew better than to put your life into his hands, he would leave you if it had to come down to his life. As much as you never said it aloud or wanted to admit it, he was afraid of losing you and didn’t want to put you in any danger.

You had met eyes with his, the cold stare on his face was making it hard to tell if he had any real emotion and if he was actually upset at the situation you got caught in. Your brain had wondered endlessly and you knew that you would be dead and you’ll have to be dead for him to do his job right and get out of here without a scratch.

Your eyes glanced around, trying to pick up the courage to try to fight the guys that held you hostage and you ignored the endless screaming of them threatening to shoot you if you didn’t stop but, you didn’t stop. You kept going, pushing them more and more until the gunshot echoed throughout the building.

Illumi’s eyes stared at you, taking the chance to kill everyone in seconds while they were distracted with you but he was a little too late as he seen your body limp on the cold floor, the bullet killing you instantly.

Illumi was never the type to sacrifice his life for someone else or care for someone but when it came to you, the amount of warmth he felt when he was around you was something new. It was thrilling yet scary in his eyes but he couldn’t shake you off, even when he tried and tried- you always came back.

The emotionless stars upon his face had stayed still, a small frown forming as he stared at you not knowing what to do, what to say. He ruined this mission, maybe if he had trust his gut to not take you and leave you back then you would still be alive. Now he was back to being alone and cold. The feeling of warmth he never felt from anyone, not even his own parents, was swept away in an instant along with your life.

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Send requests plssssss

• Masterlist

[plainlo-inthemorning]

A Loki TVA/Lokane fic. Rating T.

Previously: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 (of 6)

Shine a Light, part 5

He is aware that the love of his life is digging her fingers into his arm and saying his name.

He is aware of Stark standing to his other side, visor off, speaking to someone on the phone. His voice is hard.

But most of all, Loki is aware that all their lives were just changed by a great big terrifying rip in the seam of reality.

Neither Jane nor the Avenger could possibly be completely sure of what they saw. Loki, as much as he desperately wants to, harbors little doubt.

The man he held in a death-grip only minutes ago and who just now disappeared through a doorway conjured out of thin air was somehow … himself.

Another him. Just as the man had said.

After witnessing from afar the double kiss Jane, Loki, who was coming back from a swim, had been more than ready to skip past introductions and just sever the intruder’s head from his body.

But as soon as he had laid hands on him, a torrent of images had flooded his mind – chaotic, confused images that seemed to span past, present, future and beyond.

The shock had made him lessen his grip and the double had used his (his!) magic to throw him off.

With some distance between them and Stark suddenly there as well, Loki had tried to let his rage quell the dizzying realization. Unsuccessfully.

He is still shaking, clutching a dagger in each hand. He drew them instinctively as the other made for the door.

He should have caught him!

“Loki! What did he say?!”

“What?” His thoughts are racing in too many directions to hear her.

“The … man, what was he saying to you?!”

Jane is looking up at him with those beautiful brown eyes, worry and urgency all over her delicate features. Though not fear, Loki notes. His ever-brave wife. Both her hands are now clamped around his wrist.

That thing kissed her.

The daggers disappear and Loki wraps both arms around the mother of his unborn child, almost crushing her to his chest while still staring at the spot where the double vanished.

“It’s okay. It’s okay, love”, he murmurs. He suspects things are very much not okay.

So does Jane, of course.

“Loki, was it … oof, not so tight … “

She wriggles against him, and he remembers his amor. And her condition. He immediately relaxes his arms a bit while letting the leather and metal melt back into the clothes he wore before: Black jeans and a fitted, dusty green t-shirt (his “rockstar outfit”, Jane had called it, when Loki first started switching up his human wardrobe some years ago now). Drops of saltwater still cling to the ends of his slightly curly raven locks.

“Tony! Jane, Loki! What on Earth was that?”

Pepper jumps out of the car parked in front of the house and runs towards them. She must have seen everything as she drove down the road following her flying husband.

“The verdict’s still out, Peps”. Tony nods at Loki. “You wanna chip in here? I just called the boy-scout at headquarters and told him to be on guard for one of the magician’s interns playing a prank”.

Loki shakes his head slowly.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think Stephen had anything to do with this”.

“You’re right, I didn’t”.

All four of them turn around to see the sorcerer step out of a swirling ring of light, his cape billowing around him. The mahogany floor and paneled walls of his Manhattan mansion are briefly visible behind him before the portal closes with a hiss of little sparks.

Strange is wearing an even sterner expression than usual which only adds to Loki’s growing sense of dread.

Tony, however, groans loudly.

“Dude, really? Couldn’t you at least have let us have dinner before party crashing? Not shaming your bachelor lifestyle or anything, but this was couples’ night!”

“Tony!” Pepper hits her husband on the arm.

Strange ignores him.

“I’m afraid the arrival of your surprise visitor indicates that a set of … unfortunate events have been set in motion”.

As always, his voice is as even as if he was reading the weather forecast, but by now Loki has learned to differentiate the (very) subtle nuances between scorn and sincerity. Strange places his hands behind his back and regards them coolly. “I’ve had Wong reach out to Doctor Banner and director Fury. They should be here shortly. Stark, you may want to-”.

Tony narrows his eyes, lip twitching.

“Hey, Bleeker Street, you know I have low tolerance for you showing up and barking orders without giving two f**** for context. How did you even know that something was going down here? By all means, don’t keep us in suspense until the cavalry gets here”.

Strange doesn’t answer, but the way his eyes dart to Jane sends needles through Loki’s heart.

“Let’s go sit down, shall we?” With one eyebrow raised, Strange puts on a suave smile and gestures towards the house. The effect is a little startling.

Jane ducks out from under Loki’s arms. “Jane, don’t you want to-“. She brushes him off.

“Yes, good idea, Stephen. Let’s go sit down”. She motions for Strange to follow. “Welcome to our home. I was actually making drinks before, but I think I need to add a bit more kick to them…”

Her voice is oddly calm, and Loki fights the urge to grab her and magic them both far, far away, not caring that she would be furious with him for making decisions on her behalf.

He’s brought back to the present by an even odder sound as Strange actually chuckles.

Loki is not sure he’s ever heard it before. Then again, it’s not that he really knows Strange when it comes down to it. Like Tony, Loki finds the wizard exceedingly arrogant.

Pepper is the first to follow Jane and Strange across the lawn while Loki and Tony hang back.

“Real ladies’ man when he wants to. Who would have thought”. The billionaire superhero scoffs. His suit has folded itself off and into a briefcase next to his feet.

“Tony-“

“Uh oh. First name basis. So this really is an emergency”.

Loki faces his friend. Often in the past years, as they’ve grown steadily closer outside of “work”, he has secretly marveled at how long they’ve come since someone threw someone else off a building after being called a diva.

And attacking a city with an alien army.

Jane always insisted the two “hotheads” (her word) had a lot in common when not trying to murder one another (be it with weapons or sarcastic commentary), and Loki has to admit she was right. The metal man is fiercely intelligent, and Loki has been enjoying the quick-witted snark between them infinitely more than he ever valued the company of Thor’s band of gullible warrior groupies on Asgard.

“Well?”. Tony is regarding him with eyebrows raised, expectant. “Give me your take on this cause I’m starting to put together some rather outlandish theories myself here that I’m kinda hoping you’ll thwart ASAP”.

Loki draws in a deep breath.

“That thing with Banner at the tower two years ago-“

“Fuck!” Tony exhales, exasperated. “I knew you were gonna say that”. He squints into the distance towards the ocean, his mouth a tight line. It’s a rare day that Tony Stark is caught under a clear blue sky without sunglasses but for once he doesn’t seem to notice.

Loki takes a step closer to him and lowers his voice so they won’t alert the others just yet.

“I told you then and you didn’t want to listen! Everything about Bruce’s story was off. I know he didn’t remember much after Steve took him down, but you all pretty much accused me of trying to get back at him for, well, you know what, and I kept telling you I thought someone had gotten to him! Now-“

Loki searches for the words. It’s beyond absurd.

“That man was a version of me, Tony. I have no idea how, but I felt it. I saw into his mind. It was filled with images from my past and then … other, recent memories. Dark ones. He came from nowhere. Literally. It didn’t feel like a place. I tried to discard it as a trick, you saw that, but…” Loki runs his hand through his moist hair. “Stephen obviously felt something tear open too. And that is not a good sign”.

He has Tony’s full attention.

“Tear open? Could this other you be associated with your old boss? With Thanos?”

Loki winces.

“No, I don’t think he’s involved”, he says sharply. “But I can’t be sure …”

Tony catches his tone pats his shoulder. “Okay, okay. Shake it off. Didn’t mean to suggest anything. Let’s say he’s not. I’d much prefer that, at least until the wizard presents us with an even uglier imminent threat to the universe. Which, judging by the fact that he’s even here, willingly sipping cocktails in your kitchen as we speak, he probably will”.

Tony throws his hands up with a dramatic air.

“And here I thought the most challenging part of this weekend would be to convince you two to come see Hamilton with us in the city next week!”

“Who’s-“

“Never mind. Did you get a look at that gadget your guy was holding? Boy, he looked like an office slave who’d slept under his desk for a month before getting fired, didn’t he? Were you ever into accounting yourself by any chance?”

Loki shuts his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. Immediately he sees the image of the double kissing Jane, his arms wrapped firmly around her supple body. Rage rushes right back through him and his eyes snap open.

“Stark - I can’t. But yes, I did notice the device. It looked like a phone”.

“Yeah, somehow I don’t think it was the new iPhone”.

Tony shakes his head.

“The two of us and we didn’t take him down. Fury’s gonna have our badges”.

//

The director of SHIELD and Bruce Banner arrive barely 15 minutes later through a portal in the middle of the meadow-like lawn, following Wong and both looking grim and out of place as they weave around patches of wildflowers to reach the porch.

“Gentlemen, I trust you’re well”. Loki greets the trio with an only vaguely sarcastic nod as he holds open the screen doors to them, like a good host. Despite what some may still think, he can behave.

He could have just used magic of course, but he figures Banner is freaked enough as it is just by being here. The scientist hasn’t spoken more than five words to him since 2014 and at least three of them were expletives.

Once inside the small living room, Bruce goes to stand by the window and busies himself polishing his glasses with a little too much vigor than seems warranted.

He avoids Loki’s eyes but looks up and smiles wearily as Jane comes over to say hello.

Fury leans against the doorframe to the hallway and crosses his arms, face a closed book, and, by the sound of it, Tony is going through the cabinets in the kitchen trying to find something to spice up Jane’s pre-dinner cocktails.

Pepper is talking to Strange and Wong on the blue IKEA couch (assembled by magic after the attempt to go at it “as a team” turned into a shouting match), and Loki is about to politely ask Strange to please spit it out right this minute, when Jane is next to him, taking his hand.

“We need to talk. Now”.

Her voice is low and steady but her eyes insisting. She squeezes his fingers.

He squeezes back. “Come”.

Loki looks to Fury but he’s focused on Strange who’s listening very closely to something Wong’s saying.

Not letting go of Jane’s hand, he turns towards the kitchen. In the doorway they pass Tony who’s now holding what appears to be a glass of scotch. He must have given up on the gin and tonics.

“Hey, where are you two going? Forget about playing hosts okay, let’s just get started with part two of the evening’s entertainment”.

“In a minute”.

Jane pushes past him, ignoring Tony’s look and dragging Loki with her.

She closes the door behind them.

“Okay, so…” Jane looks around nervously in the small kitchen with the rustic white fronts and old brass handles. She loves that kitchen. They haven’t changed a thing since moving in. Loki reaches for her, but she takes a step back. “Jane, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I should have gotten there faster. Did he …“

“I need you tell me exactly what he said to you”.

She is absentmindedly opening and closing her fists in the way she does when that brilliant astrophysicist mind of hers is working out an intricate problem in the lab.

Or, Loki knows, when she’s about to deliver him bad news.

He clears his throat. “He said he was me. And that something big was happening”. There. “And then he said he was sorry”.

Jane studies his face.

“That he was sorry? For what?”

“He didn’t say. He stepped through the door”.

Jane is quiet and now it’s Loki’s turn to try and read her expression.

“What did he say to you? I assume he pretended to be me …?”

Jane holds up a hand and bites her lip. Loki swallows.

“Loki, when we were staying at the flat in London, after we defeated Malekith…”

“What?” Loki furrows his brow in confusion. “Why are we-“

“The poison from the monster’s blade, it had you slipping in and out of consciousness for days. You were so feverish…”

“Yes, I know. I was there”. Loki’s blood is slowly turning very cold, but he musters a smile. “And you were amazing, love. Although some might say you took adv-“

Jane interrupts him in the middle of his blossoming smirk. A slight blush appears on her own cheeks.

“Yes, um, it’s not about that day”. She gives him a stern look. “The other day, later, when Thor left after you two went and had your, um, talk … there’s something I need to tell you …”

The door to the living room opens behind them.

“Actually, if you don’t mind, Doctor Foster, I would very much like to hear this too”.

Stephen Strange steps into the kitchen. The door closes behind him.

Part 6

[anissanightyoung]

Of kisses and Roman traditions

[SUMMARY] Where Seungkwan enjoys kissing you and blames it on the Romans.

Idk what this is. Fluff? Flirty!Seungkwan definitely. Oh and noona!reader😁

3,087 words

HAPPY 6 YEARS TO MY BOYS💖💎

masterlist

You and Seungkwan have already kissed on three occasions. You didn't want to put too much thought into it, and you never mentioned it anyway. But sometimes it's hard to stop thinking about what those kisses mean.

The first kiss was at Seungkwan's house. All your friends were already asleep, tired of playing all his board games, and drunk innumerable bottles of liquor. You had finished cleaning up when Seungkwan came towards you. "Yah, why did you clean? This is my apartment.” You laughed at his half-asleep state, you could see just how tired he was trying to beat Soonyoung with one drunk. He did his best, but Soonyoung kept giving him +2s and +4s of tequila or vodka and mixing alcohol in Seungkwan's system ended badly. He threw up twice overnight.

"Look at you, hangover's gonna bite your ass in the morning. And you know I can't sleep when this place is trashed." You can hear him laughing lazily, trying to stay awake. "Come on, let's get you to bed." Seungkwan grins, "Starving. Creamy cheese bagels. Feed me?" You laughed at his antiques. You met him a year ago, and you know drunk Seungkwan needs to eat before he goes to bed. "This is a way of waking up hangover-free, noona. You should try it." But you know that Seungkwan will still have a headache the following day, with an Americano as a telling sign.

"You're too cute for your own good, do you know that?" You joked to him, shaking your head. You were warming up the bagel when he took your hand. "Happy anniversary, noona."

"What?"

"Do you think I wouldn't remember? It's the anniversary of the first time we met.”

"What a sappy, sappy man you are." You laugh while finishing his sandwich. You turned around to face him and said "ah" so he could take a bite out of the bagel. When he did, it was as if he had tasted food for the first time. When he had already swallowed his first bite, he suddenly threw his arms into your waist, swallowing you in a cuddle. That surprised you because he's not usually that sweet, and now he's very touchy.

"What are you doing?" You asked him when he set his bagel down on the counter and tugged the ends of your shirt pulling you closer to him. This is the only time you have noticed how he is a few inches taller than you, and that he has long eyelashes a bit like those of a baby. You were that close to notice that. He slowly bent over your face, staring directly at your lips, waiting for you to stop him. When you didn't, he closed the gap between the two of you and kissed you softly.

When he retired, he laid his head upon the counter and slept his intoxication away. You figured he’s too wasted to have done so. When you asked about the kiss the next day, he brushed it off, saying,  “Sorry, got wasted trying to beat that tiger hyung.”  

“Just don’t do it again okay? Friends don’t do that.”

“Yepp,” popping the last letter, “I’ll take you to your favorite burger place to make it up to you.” He drags you to his car while holding your hand. When he was driving, he held your hand still. “Hey, it's not okay to kiss, but it's okay to hold hands?” There was complete silence.

“Friends can hold hands, sure. When did friends start kissing on the lips?

“Friends with benefits do.”

“Ya are you asking me to? Cause you know I’m not into that kind of shit!”

Seungkwan laughed at your outburst. “Joking noona, sheesh. You’re getting old.”

“Shut it, I’m barely a year older than you.”

Throughout the ride, he didn't let go of your hand. However, you didn't seem to mind the extra warmth.

The second kiss took place around a campfire.

Soonyoung told the three of you that he wanted to go for a drive, and you were shocked when he suddenly parked by a beach. You never asked how Soonyoung got all of your clothes and other belongings, but he seemed to need the view of a peaceful ocean at night, so you all decided. You were already there, and the semester had just ended.

While you and Seungkwan were eating dinner you bought near the store, Seokmin began jamming to a guitar and singing his heart out. Soonyoung was on the lookout for the beach's caretaker to inquire about some wood for a campfire.

“I swear, I know Soonyoung oppa is the most spontaneous of us all, but I never expected him to be this bad. Is it really because of the finals?” 

“He may look carefree, but hyung goes through a lot,” Seokmin chuckled. You understand; everybody has their own way of dealing with their baggage, and Soonyoung's are to be daring and laugh his problems away.

“Minnie, can you play the song you submitted for your music class as a group project?” Campfire?” You believe it is appropriate for the atmosphere of the evening. While Seokmin was singing, you glanced over at Soonyoung to see how he was doing. His smile is beaming, and his eyes are glassy as he takes in the stunning scenery in front of him. You were relieved to see that his plan worked.

You looked at Seungkwan, realizing that this was his first time hearing the track. “Kwannie, pay attention to the next line. It's comforting.” You sang with Seokmin when the part came up. It reminds you of how Seungkwan made getting out of bed easier every day. Your anxiety held you awake at night or made you fearful of what might happen the next day. But Seungkwan, he unintentionally shone on you at a difficult period. Slowly but steadily, you began to anticipate waking up knowing that he would face the day with you.

Soonyoung accompanied Seokmin to the market to buy some food after he finished jamming due to his hunger. It was time for you to jam. Of course, you'd choose Taylor Swift's The Way I Loved You, in honor of her Fearless cover. You've always admired Taylor Swift's music, especially the older songs because you identify with the words she wrote. You were grateful for how her music got you through your childish heartbreaks.

You were so engrossed in Seungkwan's angelic voice that you didn't know he was already squatting in front of you. Both of you were grinning at each other when the last chord was struck, and you kissed him as though it were nothing out of the ordinary. The kiss felt right; it felt like it was what completed the song you were singing; it felt like the happy ending the song promised. To keep your balance, you clutched his arm. When you jerked away from him when you awoke from your daydream, he immediately drew you back in and kissed you again, squeezing your hand three times.

The four of you had agreed to spend Christmas Day at Seokmin's. Your mother didn't let you hear the end of it when you told them you couldn't come home because your family has always been conventional. Your mother guilt-tripping you to come home, saying, "We're family, we're supposed to spend time together." “Ah, well, families are supposed to support one another, not nag each other to death when one fails to meet one's expectations.” After that, you hang up, assuming that if you don't agree, your mother will say something else that you don't want or need to hear.

Seungkwan was supposed to pick you up, so while you were waiting for him, you double-checked everything you'd packed to make sure you hadn't forgotten anything. Seungkwan's introduction of Soonyoung and Seokmin is one of the things for which you are grateful. You've outgrown your crappy friends from high school, so the trio is a breath of fresh air for you.

You place your bags in the trunk as soon as you see his car, like a little kid heading to Disney World. “Thanks for picking me up, Kwannie,” she said, beaming. You excitedly slid down to the passenger seat. He immediately hugged you once you were sitting, saying, "Ah noona, you're in a good mood?" You can see his smile doesn't reach his eyes when you've broken free from the embrace. He's giving you a fake one.

“This is my first trip away from my home. I already know it'll be a lot of fun.”

“Really? At Seokmin Hyung's house, you'll feel right at home. His mother prepares the most delicious Christmas dinner. My mother's cooking pales in comparison.” Seungkwan once gave you a dish made by her mother, and one bite was enough to make you feel like you'd died and gone peacefully to heaven. The fact that Seokmin's mother cooks better piqued your curiosity. “Ah really? Then I'd really have to give it a taste.” He smiled again, the false smile, and you're starting to get bothered by it.

“What are you doing, Kwannie?” You're giving me this strange grin.”

“What do you mean strange?”

“Fake smile. It's the first time you've feigned a smile at me. What’s up?”

“You can see right through me, can't you?”

“Yes, I do. Would you like to talk about it?”

“Nope. But I'd like to take your hand.”

Seungkwan is holding your hand and exhaling contentedly. He kept it until you arrived at Seokmin's house.

Seokmin's house is warm and inviting. They live in a house on a corner with a vibrant garden surrounding it. The living room has an L-shaped couch that can comfortably seat all four of you, with additional seating available. Seokmin and his sister have a wall full of family photos and accomplishments. You can tell Seokmin's parents are a laid-back, loving family, as shown by his kindness and good humor. You don't know if it was the long ride, but you fell asleep as soon as you sat on their couch after the house tour.

When you first awoke, you chose to visit their garden, which you recall has a swing set. Seungkwan is seated by himself.

You teased, "Where are your twins?"

“They went grocery shopping with Mrs. Lee.”

“What kept you from going?”

“Too exhausted from driving.”

“Then you should've just slept with me.”

Seungkwan swung his head in your direction right away. “I-uh, what?”

Then it dawned on you what you'd said. This is so humiliating. “Sleep!” you exclaimed, “Sleeping, with eyes closed and resting-“

“I never expected you to finally ask me-”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY "FINALLY" YOU LITTLE SHIT?”

He laughed out loud at your reaction while you chased him around the backyard. He quit running around after you told him that you wouldn't smack him in the head.

“I hate you.”

That made Seungkwan stop laughing.

“Do you regret meeting me?”

You were surprised at his sudden change of tone, no longer joking. “Is this what it’s all about?”

“Well. Yeah.”

“I'm not sure what got you to think like that. You said, “But you know our first meeting was a flop.” When people meet for the first time, they usually ask for each other's names, go through some more tedious formalities, and then seal the deal with a handshake. You had an early class with him, and you didn't mind sharing a seat with him almost every time because you thought he was one of the quiet ones. The year was difficult for you because things didn't go your way, you had a lot of misfortunes, and you had a lot of work piling up that was affecting your mental health.

As you sat down in your chair one fateful morning, you put your cup of coffee on your side of the table. This is where Seungkwan got his drink mixed up with yours because you both have the same coffee taste.

“- flop is an exaggeration for that noona-”

“-you drank my coffee in our 8 a.m. class thinking it was yours, I'll never forgive you.” Reliving that moment made you roll your eyes. “But you know what? You wouldn't have replaced it if you hadn't, and I wouldn't have had the best year of my life.” It may seem to be an exaggeration, but it is true. You were grateful for Seungkwan's carefree and playful personality, which helped you get through your lowest point. He had no idea what you were going through, but you were relieved that someone was taking care of you.

He can be seen chewing his mouth, attempting to conceal his smile. “Ah dumb main character in a drama,” air quotes the phrase, ‘I wish I hadn't met you.' “I instantly thought of you.”

“Huh, that's strange.”

“What is?”

“That. As I previously said, this has been the best year I've had in, what, three years? And it's all thanks to you. I might be harsh with you all of the time, cursing at you whenever I get the chance, but that's just how I am. I'm glad I got you as one of my most reliable friends, my rock, and my go-to person. Even Seokmin and Soonyoung oppa were introduced to me by you. Seungkwan, I'd rather live in a world with you in it. Don’t think otherwise.”

Seungkwan stared at you and felt a combination of emotions. He kissed you when he understood what he felt.  At first, you thought it’ll be quick like the last time, a peck. But he deepened the kiss, and when his tongue touched yours, you hear him groan. He tugged you closer, afraid you’ll get away. He reassuringly held your hands, squeezing them three times just like the second time. I can get used to this. You thought. You focused on his soft lips, how you’ve always felt content while kissing him.

He pulled away, his chest heaving for breath. “Holy shit,” Seungkwan said. You nodded in agreement, apparently unable to concentrate because of your heart beating so loudly.

“I-, uh, I--”

“I thought we’ve talked this through?-”

He sighed deeply before adding, “I-I got cold. Sorry, noona.”

“You dumb shit, if you were cold, I would have made you hot chocolate. I’m nice sometimes you know.”

“I don't mind,” he smirked, “you're hotter anyway.”

“What the heck is wrong with you? I swear to god, you've been flirting with me since that drunk uno shit.”

“It's a Roman thing to kiss under the mistletoe,” he said, pointing to the mistletoe he was carrying.

You both laughed it off, thinking about how ridiculous it sounded. “Roman tradition my ass.”

You and Seungkwan are both in the hospital on New Year's Eve.

“Ah, what a dumb plan you had there,” you exclaimed, staring at him in disbelief.

“Well, I've always wanted to go out of my comfort zone...”

You give him a light smack on the head. “Shut up. Now I'm trapped in a hospital over New Year's because of your dumb plan.”

It's never a good idea to combine Seungkwan with hiking. Sure, he's fit, but when was the last time he went hiking?

“Then have Seokmin hyung or Soonyoung hyung accompany me.”

“They're still at Seokmin's.” You and Seungkwan both arrived at your dorms earlier than anticipated. After all, you didn't want to overstay your welcome; it was your first time. You were worried that Seokmin's mother would think you were too at ease in their home.

“Well, if you want to go home, you can.”

“Who will look after you if I go home?”

For a moment, Seungkwan didn't dare add a sarcastic comment on that question. So, instead, “Come on y/n, don't be so mad...”

“Where are your manners, I'm your noona?”

“three kisses in and I still can't call you by your name?”

You blushed when you remembered all of the times Boo SeungKwan kissed you and how sweet his soft lips were.

“Noona is blushing, wah.”

“I hope your ankle doesn’t heal you little shit.”

Raising his eyebrows at you. "You don't mean that. You love me."

"Of course I do. I love all three of you."

He reached for your hand. "I bet you love me more." There it was again, Seungkwan surprising you with his sudden seriousness. He was staring straight into your eyes, waiting for your response. Luckily, a nurse came in to check his vitals.

 A few minutes after the nurse came out, both of you were ignoring each other due to that sudden tension. To ease the situation, both of you just watched television until you fell asleep.

"Y/n wake up." Nudging you by your shoulders. "We're nearing the countdown. Cmon," and urged you to stand by the window, waiting for the fireworks.

Seungkwan then leaned in to put an earphone in, with a song already playing in the background. You realized it was a song written by Soonyoung's classmate, Woozi, for a songwriting class. You were bopping your head to the music when the ten-second countdown started. 

You and Seungkwan alternately sang along.

10

9

"I promise myself, while drinking a glass of water in the morning, to tell you"

새벽에 물을 마시면서 혼자 다짐해 나는 너에게

8

7

"Beautiful words like the lines in a movie"

영화처럼 달콤하고 예쁜 그 말

6

5

"The words I've prepared overnight for days"

몇 날 며칠 밤새 연습했던 그 말

4

3

"I want to say them to you tomorrow with clenched fists"

내일은 꼭 두 주먹을 꽉 쥐고 말해주고 싶어

2

1

Seungkwan turned to face you just in time for the next line.

"You are pretty." 

너 예쁘다

As soon as the clock struck twelve and the fireworks went off, Seungkwan kissed you. What astonished you was how you knew he was about to kiss you and how you returned the kiss with fervor as he deepened it. You can't help but compare this man to fireworks; how dark it was before him, and how awestruck you were when he came into your life.

Seungkwan was the first to back away, touching his forehead to yours and giggling like a joyful little kid. “Did you know that it’s a Roman tradition to kiss on the first minute of the new year?”

“Blaming the Romans again, I see?” playfully raising your eyebrows at him.

He laughed at that, giving you no excuse. "I love you, Y/n."

You grinned as you silently thank the Romans for their weird traditions.

[x0401x]

Given Movie: Animate Times Interview

Interviewing Nakazawa Masatomo-san, Eguchi Takuya-san and Asanuma Shintarou-san | What is this “being in love with someone irreplaceable” thing that the three of them talk about?

“I used to think that love was something softer, sweeter, gentler.”

“I like him so, so much that I can’t help myself – I want to stay close to him... but it’s painful.”

There is no mistaking that such bitter and heated love will make your chest tighten in “Given the Movie”, which was finally released on August 22nd (Saturday). The TV anime that aired from July to September 2019 was about the romance of the high school members of the band, Uemoyama Ritsuka and Satou Mafuyu, but this time, the one being depicted is the heartrending love between the adult members, Nakayama Haruki and Kaji Akihiko, plus Murata Ugetsu.

Thus, we have carried out an interview with the voice of Nakayama Haruki, Nakazawa Masatomo-san, the voice of Kaji Akihiko, Eguchi Takuya-san, and the voice of Murata Ugetsu, Asanuma Shintarou-san. What did these three people from the casting feel in regards to this “adult romance” of falling in love with someone irreplaceable...?

The character named Ugetsu, whom he made sure not to play too theatrically.

——Firstly, tell us your impressions when you read the script and the new appeal of the characters.

Voice of Murata Ugetsu, Asanuma Shintarou (henceforth “Asanuma”): Ugetsu didn’t show up much in the TV series, but despite having few appearances, there were key scenes where one could get a glimpse at what kind of person he is.

It’s because Ugetsu is a genius that he’s indifferent to anything other than music and people presume upon him, like, “If this person says so, then I guess it can’t be helped”. Sometimes, although he says harsh things aloud, he actually really appreciates the other person deep down.

The TV anime portrayed him as feeling sympathy towards Mafuyu and having interest in him, but when I read the script of this movie, I sensed that Ugetsu was pulled in even further by Mafuyu’s charm. As Ugetsu met Mafuyu, I feel that, during the parts where he had a frank talk with Mafuyu and spilled onto him the honest feelings that he absolutely could never tell Akihiko, the two geniuses took one more step forward at being drawn to each other.

It’s exactly because they’re similar that a side of Ugetsu that he doesn’t show to other people incidentally ends up coming to light. I felt once again that Mafuyu has a mysterious power, which enables others to be sincere.

——This one is about a painful romance between three people, including Ugetsu, but what was your impression of this work in regards to “Given”?

Asanuma: Ever since the TV series, I felt it was a show that portrayed the most detailed parts of human emotions very sensibly. There’s also the fact that it’s my first time taking part in a BL work, so I thought a lot about how to perform.

——Ugetsu in particular has a delicate heart and spirit unique of a genius, so I believe you must have had to be very cautious in terms of acting.

Asanuma: That’s right. I was very careful not to be too theatrical. It’s exactly because he’s portrayed so sensibly that, if I wound up being too theatrical, this meticulousness might have turned out purposeful.

——Next, Nakazawa-san, please.

Voice of Nakayama Haruki, Nakazawa Masatomo-san (henceforth, “Nakazawa”): In the TV series, the character I played, Haruki, had been thinking, together with Akihiko as the supporters of the high school duo, about what to do for the band to succeed, from a point of view that was different from Akihiko’s. It felt like Akihiko would cause the action to happen by using a detonator and make good things out of it, but in Haruki’s case, he would conduct himself calmly, making sure that everyone would be able to do things as freely as possible.

The dealing methods and ways of thinking unique of these two were present in the TV anime, but I think that after experiencing the live concert of “Fuyu no Hanashi”, everyone in the adult group was influenced by it and a change happened, as Haruki began to feel his own loneliness very keenly. Moreover, he watched Mafuyu, who at first had no idea how to play a guitar at all, blossoming his musical talent and steadily learning the ropes, so he started having a complex about being an extremely ordinary and average person.

The things that were under the surface until then began to appear on his face, and there was a part where one can get a glimpse that Haruki also feels these kinds of things. Until now, Haruki had been doing his best to conceal his feelings for Akihiko so that they wouldn’t show... still, they were clear as day (laughs).

All: (Laugh).

Nakazawa: In that sense, there are also feelings that end up being conveyed without words, and I think this can be said not just for Haruki and Akihiko’s relationship but also Akihiko and Ugetsu’s.

There are things that get conveyed even if you don’t put them into words, and also things that are conveyed for the very first time when you use words. I felt this part of it a lot in the script when I read it.

——Eguchi-san, what did you think when you read the script?

Voice of Kaji Akihiko, Eguchi Takuya (henceforth, “Eguchi”): This is a part of the story where the feelings of the adult members speed up and their hearts start moving, so I myself was looking forward to it as well. When I read the script, of course, I found that there was a big number of lines for each of us.

In Akihiko’s case, you can see parts of himself that weren’t shown in the TV series, so I began from destroying the sculpture of him that the TV anime had cemented. There were the usual monologues and narrations in the script, and at the recordings, I discussed with the direction the balance of up to what point they would be monologues and what point they would be narrations. In that sense, I was able to have all sorts of fun and do all sorts of tricks, so it felt worth it.

——About the point of breaking the sculpture of Akihiko in order to show a new side of him, was there any “fear” in that?

Eguchi: In the end, when I was told that I shouldn’t throw in the things I had thought out, I could only accept it with a “yes” (laughs).

Nakazawa & Asanuma: (Laugh).

Eguchi: But this team drew out the wish to give it a try and made me want to create good things together with them, so I trusted the people around me and managed to take on challenge with a “guess I’ll tackle that one”.

——Was there anything about Akihiko’s appeal that you were able to feel anew?

Eguchi: There were parts where I thought, “He was that compassionate!?”. Akihiko gives off quite the cool vibes, so I was wondering, “Where would the things that move his heart be?”. I thought he just couldn’t take a step forward because he was scared of changing the “now”.

But the movie did the work of making him properly face many things and rethink over something that seems to be his true intentions, so in a way, it put an end to them. A realistic part of him came to light. Until now, we were able to get glimpses of childishness in his adult side, but in the movie, this childishness appears in a realistic manner.

The romance of the adult trio, in which countless types of “like” are mixed up in complicated ways.

——The TV anime portrayed the light romance of the high schoolers, but this movie is about the painful love of the adult trio. Regarding the point of “falling for someone that can’t be replaced”, what did you feel that the adult trio’s romance was?

Eguchi: I think “falling for someone irreplaceable” is the same for any kind of romantic love.

Asanuma: Indeed.

Eguchi: I believe it’s exactly because no one can be replaced that there are things we won’t understand unless we try to face them. I think, if your love was requited and you became lovers, dating each other isn’t the goal and that life is about discussing it with each other so that it will become something certain.

I feel like the adult trio took this decision too. They muster out their true feelings after they start facing each other, but in contrast, it’s exactly because those are their true feelings that they didn’t come out before. There were things about this conflict that I felt empathy for.

Asanuma: There are things you end up realizing through your accumulated experiences precisely because you’re an adult. This is linked, for example, to inferiority complexes and to the feeling of not wanting to get in the other person’s way.

Nakazawa: It’s also something slightly different from kindness.

Asanuma: You might just be scared of what you’ve come to know, but things such as withdrawing yourself due to loving the other person too much aren’t something that you’d even think about when you were a grade schooler (laughs).

Nakazawa: True (laughs).

Asanuma: There are many sorts of “like” out there, which surge in complicated ways.

Nakazawa: I also think that being able to break up properly is one of the final forms of adult love. That not clashing each other’s opinions by going, “I can’t deal with you anymore” and breaking up, but instead putting each other’s circumstances side-by-side and concluding that “it might be better for us not to be together anymore” is a form of love.

I believe that if you arrive to a different answer, such as, “Then, how about we live together this way?” after learning about each other’s situation, that in itself is also adult love. Unlike the kind of romance where you simply convey the feeling of liking someone, the things you have to rethink about in order to realize the thought that “we can’t live together”, which lies beyond being in love with each other, are what adult love is.

Asanuma: Haruki, Akihiko and Ugetsu are called the “adult trio” but they’re not adults at all.

Nakazawa: That’s right. There’s a part of them that finally grows up after the movie.

Asanuma: Additionally, there’s the “unconditional love”, which you don’t learn unless you grow up. Even I, who am in my 40’s, haven’t found my way to an unconditional love yet.

Eguchi: Unconditional love is difficult...

Asanuma: It might be a form of love that won’t happen unless it’s between parent and children or towards pets.

Eguchi: We actually have no idea what our pets are thinking, but we’re like, “I’m taking care of them so I guess that’s okay”.

Nakazawa: We might get really sad if we knew what pets truly think (laughs). Maybe they wouldn’t say anything other than “Food! Food!” (laughs).

Asanuma: If it were just that, it’d still be okay! They might think it would’ve been better if a different family had bought them (laughs).

Eguchi: Ahahahaha.

Nakazawa: That would be so painful~ (laughs). In Akihiko and Ugetsu’s case, supposing there was nothing left undone between them, both of them had music, which might have become the reason why things turned sour, I think. Even when you take the other person’s wellbeing into consideration, you can’t bring yourself to step back at all.

Asanuma: We often hear that “rather than thinking, ‘This person is my inspiration!’, the feeling of being able to respect the person’s essence is more important”, but Akihiko and Ugetsu weren’t doing well at all even though they respect each other.

Eguchi: That’s the difficult part. There might be something like... “the more you respect each other, the worse it gets”.

Asanuma: There’s that too, which is why I think no one can give the correct answer regarding the right way to begin a romantic relationship.

Eguchi: At the end of the day, there are things we can’t say exactly because we are close to the other person, even though we like them. There are also words that people don’t or can’t say when there’s distance between them.

Maybe it would have turned into a different relationship if said words had been conveyed, but... I guess the real deal is when there are words that don’t come out exactly because of that. Thinking this way, I believe that human beings are truly complicated.

Asanuma: We’re indeed complicated, so I’ve decided that I’ll definitely be a dog if I ever reincarnate (laughs).

All: (Laugh).

Asanuma-san, who clads himself in the air of a genius, Nakazawa-san, who is tolerance incarnate, and Eguchi-san, who gives off a sense of security.

——Please tell us what each of you felt through this movie, in terms of acting and whatnot, as part of the cast.

Nakazawa: (Looking at Asanuma-san) He has a silent intensity.

Asanuma: Eh!? I don’t~!

Nakazawa: When he’s playing Ugetsu, he has a sense of presence and I feel a quiet pressure from him.

Eguchi: Asanuma-san is far too skilled at putting on the air of a genius.

Asanuma: It’s just “putting on”, though, right? I can quickly take it off (laughs).

All: (Laugh).

Eguchi: That’s what being a pro is. “The way he clads himself in the air of a genius is genius!” is what I thought. Your splendid push-and-pull acting is just wonderful.

Asanuma: Really!? I have this thing where I try to explain everything with my voice no matter what. Before, in a different recording, the sound director told me, “The animation is already doing the explanations, so you don’t have to try to explain it with your voice so much”.

That’s exactly why I make sure not to be too theatrical with characters such as Ugetsu, for the subtleties of their emotions are extremely detailed, and was all the more conscious of not trying to make it seem special, since this is a love pattern that can be found anywhere.

——In your eyes, Asanuma-san, what is Nakazawa-san’s appeal?

Asanuma: Nakazawa-san is tolerance incarnate.

Nakazawa: Thank you very much (laughs).

Asanuma: This tolerance of his is Haruki entirely.

Eguchi: He gives of a superb mom vibe. Same in the recordings.

——Even in the short time span of this interview, Nakazawa-san has been transmitting an air of calmness.

Eguchi: Nakazawa-san himself is soft, like, you can feel the tolerance from him.

Asanuma: Nakazawa-san might disagree with this, but “looking troubled” suits him.

Nakazawa: I disagree~! (Laughs).

Eguchi: Ahahahaha.

Asanuma: So it feels like there are people around him who want to try and give him trouble (laughs).

Nakazawa: This rings a bell with one person. Someone named Tamaru Atsushi (laughs).

All: (Laugh).

——Then, Haruki is the perfect role for Nakazawa-san!

Nakazawa: That’s right. I myself basically accept any one and any kind of comment.

Asanuma: But you have to let it out every now and then, y’know?

Nakazawa: Yes. I vent every so often.

——From Nakazawa-san’s viewpoint, what is Eguchi-san’s appeal as the voice of Akihiko?

Nakazawa: (Looking at Eguchi-san) He has a fine sharpness.

Asanuma: That’s like the appeal of a beer (laugh).

All: (Laugh).

Nakazawa: His low-pitched voice gives off an imposing impression, but his acting is extremely sharp. There’s a decisive fineness to him as he gives birth to a detonator within Given and tries to set a little fire to anything that seems inflammable. He also firmly takes ahold of the essential points while performing as-is, so it draws out our motivation and gives off a sense of trust.

——Asanuma-san, what about you?

Asanuma: He (Eguchi-san) gives me a sense of security. Ah, not because his body is big, okay?

Eguchi: (Laughs).

Asanuma: He feels like a spiritual bodyguard. “Given” was my first participation in a BL series, but when I was told that “the other party is Eguchi-kun”, I thought, “Ah, it’s going to be okay.”

——Ooh!

Nakazawa: In contrast, I thought, “Is it really okay to be me?” (laughs).

Eguchi: Ahahahaha.

Asanuma: To me, Nakazawa-san is tolerance and Eguchi-kun is security.

[the-children]

The Westmoore Tragedies | Chapter 3

[ TW: Mentions of Gore ]

The weight of his sword was immensely comforting to Rodarin—not only in case of another bizarre happening, but in fondness of his days of adventure. His trusted short sword hung within its sheath by his side, still humming with old enchantments he had woven himself in the past. “Everyone’s on edge—people are fuckin’ terrified” said Ahldmhas, the Captain who awoke Rodarin with grave news. “They wanna know what th’fuck’s happenin’.” “We all do..” Rodarin murmured in return, his brow knitting in frustration as worry, fatigue, and dread all gnawed at his core once the schoolhouse came into view against the grey overcast. A crowd had already gathered, theories and panic murmured amongst one another as a line of privateers blocked their entry, only shifting to the side to allow the pair through. Their footsteps echoed along the main hall as they made for the staircase dead ahead. The school had been emptied once the Maelstrom arrived—it felt so lonely inside these halls without the staff, without the children. For a brief moment his vision flickered, the sickening crimson taint flashing before Rodarin’s eyes to paint the surreal emptiness with a nightmarish foreboding, causing a spike of panic to chill his veins, and his stride to falter.

Within the next blink of an eye, it was gone—an armored hand placed on Rodarin’s shoulder as Ahldmhas turned to him with concern. “Aye, you alright? Yer shakin’..” Rodarin steeled his nerves, offering a rapid nod to shake his panic and steady his pulse. “Yeah, sorry.. Just remembered something..” I’m not there anymore. I’m here—he told himself. They proceeded up the staircase, the sense of dread clawing deeper into his spine, a slight nausea settling in his stomach—not over the growing smell of blood and viscera, but in anticipation for what he would see. Reaching the top of his stairs, he was confronted with what he had hoped had been a lie—the blood trail, dragged from the first open room to the last at the end of the hall. The tiny shoe prints dotting within, only a handful of larger prints off to the side, likely of the first privateers to arrive at the scene.

As they stepped into the first classroom, his vision flashed once more—the tainted crimson washing over the scene of mangled chairs and corpses. Just like yesterday. Rodarin flinched and shuddered, his right hand darting to clasp over his eyes while his left pressed to the wall to keep himself balanced. A ragged exhale barely escaped clenched teeth. I’m not there anymore. I’m here—he repeated, slowly dragging his hand down to look again. The crimson taint was gone, but the scene was the same. Exactly the same. Ahldmhas gave Rodarin a light pat on the back. “It’s fuckin’ disgustin’, I know.. But that’s not all. C’mon.” The Captain made off for the next room, following alongside the drag marks in the hall. Yes, there was more, and Rodarin was sure he knew what was left. This couldn’t be possible.

Standing within the doorway of the last classroom, a sense of despair grasped at his heart, steadily dragging it to the pits of his stomach. As he suspected—the same bodies were scattered around the room in pools of their blood, tiny shoes and hands printed throughout the room. Their corpses were just as mutilated as the last, and some of the skin-bound crafts still littered the room. A couple of removed eyes were left lying in a pile, and various crafts of bloodied, pulled teeth glued to dark papers were hung among the display board–a twisted comparison to the macaroni pieces nearby. He remembered the victims squirming and twitching in the crimson shadows—it must have been agonizing. Even Ahldmhas’ expression was soured—the usually stoic man averting his gaze from the carnage. “It’s like a buncha’ fuckin’ kids did this, Rodarin. What th’fuck is goin’ on?.. Y’think they made ‘em watch while they did all this? Forced ‘em to play with this shit? What kind’a sick fucks..”

Kids did do this–Rodarin mentally replied, his heart sinking further at the mere prospect. His gaze slowly fell to the mangled corpse near his right—Melrin, that poor bastard.. He always wanted children of his own, but he was pronounced infertile. He had planned to adopt before the Orphanage Massacre. And to have been slaughtered by children so soon after?.. Yes—despair. It was hopeless. They were all going to die. His hand lifted to brush through his hair once more, tugging sharply at his dark locks to sting some sense back into himself. No, focus. Rodarin released a shaky exhale before he began to speak to the other investigators. The older children—the teens, were confirmed to have been told to stay home by an anonymous source. That, apparently, there was no school today. There weren’t enough bodies to account for every staff member—some were missing along with the children. This was by far the largest murder-kidnapping connected to these events to date. Thirteen dead and mutilated. Over sixty children, missing. There had to be a clue—a sane clue.

Rodarin began to pace between the classrooms, studying meticulously. It was his own comfort, in a way—to distract himself with work from this damned madness. Between his own investigation and the staff records, Rodarin was finally able to piece something together, despite the occasional inconsistency. Of the staff, only the young were missing. The inconsistencies were a few young male teachers—such as Merlin, and a single twenty-three year old female teacher—Ms. Belise. Aside from that, every single young, female teacher was missing, along with a small handful of young male teachers. They were all in their twenties. Why was this the connection? Why were some of the young killed anyway? And why all this to take children? Rodarin’s jaw popped from the pressure of his clenched teeth that deep thought had strained upon them—he needed some air.

The cool touch of stone kissed against the exposed skin of Rodarin’s arms, a long and deep inhale slowly filling his lungs to the brim with clear air. It was a night and day difference here behind the schoolyard, although the now-abandoned playground equipment gave it a slightly solemn appearance. Compared to the thick, choking carnage upstairs—this was much needed tranquility. His fingers brushed and massaged at his forehead as it throbbed painfully—he still couldn’t make any sense of it. Something sinister was happening, that much was obvious. But if he had really seen the act as it unfolded, and a day earlier on top of that—if the children were really behind the atrocious killings and mutilations.. What the hells did that mean?

A sudden blur in the corner of his vision averted his attention to the treeline of the nearby forest. It was fairly shaded within, thanks for the overbearing clouds that thickened the sky in a depressing grey—so it was hard to tell. But as Rodarin focused more intensely, he could see it—the shadow-coated child standing at the edge, staring upon him with its wide eyes of pure glowing white, and a similarly wide smile to match. With a slow wave, the child beckoned him to follow before disappearing into the forest. It was one of them. Those dreadful shadowed children that watched from the corner—that clawed at his leg. Rodarin broke from the wall he leaned upon, frantically sprinting for the treeline to follow the path the child had taken. If there were any answers to find, those shades would have them.

Gentle wind rushed against his ear to join the beating of his heart as he raced through the slowly but steadily thickening trees. Huffs of breath escaped his lips, his boots kicking up dirt and grass behind the urgency of his pace. Where did it go? A soft voice caused him to grind to a halt, sending him toppling onto his knees as he searched each direction for the source. There, to the west—one of the missing teachers, holding the hand of two school children as they seemed to lead her forward! They were ushering her forward, though their exact words were too soft to hear from this distance. “Hey! Stop!” He cried, though it seemed to fall upon deaf ears. Grunting in frustration, Rodarin scrambled to his feet and broke into another sprint as their figures disappeared behind trunks and foliage of the forest. Reaching the area they disappeared behind, he found them further up ahead. They turned, facing the right, and simply stared—seemingly beyond a nearby tree. Rodarin turned to look in the same direction, desperate to follow their gaze to something, anything—but all he saw was more forest. He turned back to the trio, watching as they began to walk forward. A tree blocked them as they moved behind it.....and then, nothing. They never reappeared. Were they hiding behind it?

A brisk jog brought Rodarin closer—and the closer he came, the darker the forest seemed to become. No, not again.. His pace slowed, an all-too-familiar sense of dread filling the air between each soft crunch of grass beneath his feet. This is just like the school from before–just like the staircase. His gaze continued to shoot off towards the right, but nothing ever seemed to appear. What had they been staring at? The answer came soon, as Rodarin turned to gaze behind the same tree they vanished behind. It was a pathway, trees tightly lining the sides, like some naturally formed tunnel. The darkness grew thicker as the path progressed, and towards the very end he could see that damned crimson taint slowly bleeding into the darkness. He stepped back, looking around the other side of the tree—there was nothing but dark, open forest. Stepping back again, the path of trees returned. What sort of illusion was this? What kind of twisted game was being played here? His right hand came to rest upon the hilt of his sword, squeezing tightly as the leather bindings stretched in his palm. He wasn’t sure what awaited beyond the darkness—but this time, he was prepared. With a metallic ring, Rodarin drew his sword from its sheath—flames bursting to life and licking across the steel against the old runes he left years ago. Blade steady, he moved forward into the bleeding dark.

͔͙͡ ̹̰̣ ̮̰ ̡ ̤t̥̭͝o҉̳͉̹ ̝̣͞ḅe̗͟ ̬͈͙̞̯̦͝ͅc͈̠͍̣̣̤̕ͅo̧n͍̜̳̪̙ţ͎̳̼i̙͉̻̗̬n̰u̸e͟d̝̱̻̭̜͙ ̭̫͈͈ͅ               .

[enamoured-x]

Second Best

Angel Reyes x Reader

Summary: You’ve been best friends with the Reyes brothers for a long time now, but when Ez’s deal is exposed, you help Angel understand he’s not second best, not in your eyes. 

Word count: 4k

a/n: this will be a mini series, so expect a few more parts! I’ve had this idea for a while since the episode aired and i figured i’d finally bring it to fruition. 

*Not my gif

Part 1

It was another lazy Sunday for you as you rolled out of bed at around noon. You were off for the next few days and were glad for it considering the over time you had been putting in recently. You made the split decision to get out of the house, even if you were wanting to just stay in and relax. Although that was tempting, you were missing your boys.

You usually always brought the guys lunch and you sent a quick text to Angel to let him know that you’d be dropping by, he was quick to text back giving you the go ahead.

You had met Angel and Ez your freshman year of high school, being in the same grade as Ez, you two eventually became fast friends and he was quick to introduce you to his older brother. From the moment you met Angel, he was suddenly always included in yours and Ez’s plans. It was such an easy rhythm to slip into with both the Reyes men, they became family when yours was falling apart. Even Felipe was eager to have you over, which ended up being almost everyday. You three were thick as thieves and only grew closer as the years went by. When Ez got locked up, you thought things were going to change, and they did but not in the way you expected.

Sure, you hardly saw Ez, but you and Angel were still best friends and you visited Felipe a lot more even without the older Reyes brother present. You made weekly visits to Ez and talked to him for as long as you could. You hung out with Angel basically everyday, especially the first few months that Ez had gotten locked up, Angel was a mess; first his mom's passing and then his younger brother going to prison? It was a lot for him, so you became his crutch in those months. Sure, his other go-to’s were sex and alcohol but you never let him stray too far and you were always there when he needed something other than quick cheap vices. Eventually, Angel had joined the Mayans and although at first you were hesitant, you quickly grew fond of the men in the club. You were constantly hanging around and going to their parties, and forming bonds with the guys, forming another little family. When Ez finally got out of prison, and decided to follow in his older brother's footsteps, well, you couldn’t exactly be mad at that. You were just glad he was out and your trio was back together again, your family was intact again.

When you pulled into the scrapyard, you parked near the bikes and took your bags and exited the car. Chucky was quick to greet you and you talked to him for a few moments before handing his burrito over. He took it with a big smile and walked back into the office.

“Hey, mamas.” You turned around to see Angel walking out of the clubhouse, a smile on his face. Your heart rate picked up at seeing him and you couldn’t help the grin on your face as you walked over to him. He brought you into a hug before placing a kiss to your forehead. You preened at the touch of his lips, at the feel of his rough calloused hands skimming the exposed skin at your waist from where your shirt drew up. Shivers sneaked down your spine despite the sun blasting directly on you two.

Angel was your best friend, but somewhere along the years, he became more to you. It was hard not to fall for Angel Reyes, with that smile and that big heart of his? You were a goner from the get go. But Angel was your best friend. He was your light and your heart and you didn’t need your feelings getting in the way of the friendship you had with him.

“Hey, mi ángel.” You said, placing a kiss to his stubbled cheek. He squeezed your hip and slid his hand further around your waist to lead you inside.

“Y/n’s here!” He yelled to the guys as you walked in, despite them lounging around on the couches and at the bar. They were all quick to get up and greet you, pulling you into hugs.

“Chula, where have you been?” Bishop asked as he kissed your cheek.

“Overworking myself to death.” You joked and set the bags down on the coffee table. You started taking out the burritos wrapped in foil.

“Told you to calm down.” Ez said, coming over and placing a kiss to your temple.

“Yeah well someone’s gotta pay the bills.” You told him as you started handing out the food.

“I told you to come live with me.” Angel suggested as he peeled back the aluminum and took a bite of his burrito.

“You only have a one bedroom.” You reminded him.

“I know.” He wiggled his brows, causing the guys to snicker and shake their heads. You rolled your eyes, even though the reality was that you’d be more than happy to sleep in Angel’s bed.

“Just eat your food, Reyes.” You shoved him lightly. He laughed and pulled you into his side.

“You love me.” He said, mouth full of food, and then kissed you on your cheek. You scoffed and wiped your cheek.

“Gross! This is why Ez is my favorite Reyes.” You pulled yourself away from him and went over to Ez, he was quick to throw an arm around your shoulder. The guys rolled their eyes at the three of you and your antics.

“That’s hurtful. And definitely a lie.” Of course it was a lie. Angel was your number one, whether he knew it or not. He was your favorite in every way. You loved Ez so much but not in the way you loved Angel. You weren’t in love with Ez.

“Come on, we all know Angel is your favorite. Quit playing.” Coco said from his spot on the couch, burrito almost gone.

“Thanks, hermano. You already know.” Angel said, smirking. You rolled your eyes as Ez laughed.

“You know what? Actually, pops is my favorite Reyes.” You concluded and they laughed.

“Actually that might be accurate.” Ez said and let go of you to get Riz and Tranq another beer when they gestured to their empty bottles.

“It’s okay, mamas. I know the truth.” He winked at you, coming back to your side and pulling you into him. This time you let him.

You smiled and whispered in his ear, “by far my favorite, Angel.” Angel could flirt and tease you but you gave it just as good as you got it.

The largest boyish grin overtook his face and he kissed your cheek. You bit your lip as your cheeks warmed.

“You’re my favorite too.” He whispered back. The guys were busy in their own conversations to pay you two any mind.

“Favorite out of what?”

He shrugged, “everyone.”

-

Eleven pm rolled around rather quickly as you got ready for bed. You spent a good part of the afternoon with the guys at the clubhouse and then met with Felipe for dinner. The rest of the night was spent watching Netflix on the couch.

As you had just finished your skin care routine, you heard your cellphone ringing. You turned the tv off and looked to see who was calling you so late. Ez’s name and picture took over the screen on your phone. You answered.

“Hello?”

“Y/n…” You heard him grunt and start coughing a little.

“Ez, are you okay?” You stopped in your tracks, worry taking over at the obvious tone in his voice.

“No...I...Angel knows.” It took you a few seconds to register what he was talking about. You shut your eyes and let out a deep sigh. Angel knew about the deal Ez made with the DEA. The deal that Ez had been hiding from Angel and the club. The deal that made Ez a snitch.

“Fuck, Ez. What happened?” You sat down on your bed, trying to figure out what was going to happen from here.

“I’ll explain everything. But… I need you to come get me.” You heard him groan and you quickly sat up. You pulled on some pants and grabbed your keys, rushing out the door. You could piece together the fact that Ez didn’t sound too good and seeing as Angel found out… Well you could only assume things got physical.

Ez sent you his location and then you ended the call. It took you over thirty minutes to reach him and with good timing considering that your phone died as soon as you got to him. You were shocked to see how badly he was bruised and bleeding, even holding his side.

“Fuck, Ez. Be careful.” You said, getting out of the car and helping him into the passengers side. You quickly got back into the drivers side and drove back the way you came.

“What the fuck happened?” You asked, trying to drive right while also taking off your flannel to give to Ez. He took it and wiped his face gently.

He let out a shaky breath and then started to explain everything on the way to his trailer. How they were both arrested when they got pulled over with a body in the trunk of the car they were driving up to the point where a DEA agent came in and spilled Ez’s secret and trapped them into another deal which led to Angel ultimately beating on Ez and leaving him to his own devices. You were finally at his trailer at the clubhouse and you both made your way in. You set him down and grabbed a rag, running it under warm water. You went over to him, cleaning his face as gently as you could. He still winced at the touch. The cuts were big but not deep enough for stitches. You realized Angel still had his rings on when his fists were making connect with Ez’s face. Fuck, no wonder Ez was out of it, that and the force with which you knew Angel could hit with? It was not pretty.

“I don’t feel sorry for you. I love you and I can understand some of it but I can’t say you didn’t deserve this.” You told him as you continued cleaning up the blood.

“I know. I was stupid… I thought–I just thought that I’d be able to give them enough information that they’d eventually just let me go.”

“We both know that wasn’t going to happen. Fuck, Ez, I can’t imagine what Angel’s going through right now.” Your heart ached for Angel. His brother's betrayal would run deep and this would cause the biggest riff between the two brothers.

You grabbed the small emergency kit that came with the trailer and you cleaned his cuts with alcohol and then put bandages on the cuts.

“I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t want any of this to happen, Y/n.”

You sighed, “well it did, Ezekiel. Now you have to face the consequences.” You were mad at him still, you had been since he first told you about the deal two weeks ago. To say you were pissed was an understatement, all you could think about was Angel. How he was going to feel, how he was going to take it. You were going to tell him, you felt like you had to, how could you not? But Ez and pops convinced you otherwise, telling you it would be best to let Ez do it on his own terms. But that wasn’t why you agreed, no, you agreed because you weren’t going to take that burden off of Ez’s shoulders. This was his mess and he was going to clean up every single piece of it. Telling Angel would only help him and that wasn’t what he deserved. You loved him but this wasn’t on you.

“Thank you for this.” He said, referring to picking him up and cleaning his wounds.

You sighed and stood up from your crouching position.

“Get some rest.” Is all you said. You placed a kiss to his temple and exited the trailer. The scolding you wanted to give him could wait, Angel already did enough to him tonight and although he reaped what he sowed, he needed a second.

You made the drive back to your house already tired and ready to slip into bed. You needed to also charge your phone, if Angel reached out to you, you wanted to know and be there for him in any way you could.

You didn’t need to wonder about him anymore as you pulled into your driveway, parking right next to his black car.

Of course he came here. You quickly got out of your car and went inside, hoping he wasn’t waiting long. Your phone had been dead for the past hour so it couldn’t have been longer than that.

You closed your front door and walked into the living room, seeing Angel seated on the couch staring at the blank tv screen.

“Angel?” You asked, slowly making your way over to him as to not startle him. He seemed to snap out of his thoughts and looked over at you. His eyes were bloodshot and filled with tears.

“Oh, mi ángel.” You walked over to him and sat down next to him, leaning into his side and rubbing his back.

“Where were you?” He asked, sniffling. You bit your lip, you knew he’d probably get angry at your answer but you didn’t want to lie.

“Ez called me, went to go get him.” You admitted quietly. He stared at you for a few seconds before letting out a huff and shaking his head as he stood up. You stood up with him.

“Of fucking course.” He muttered, running his hand through his hair. He looked so distraught and tears pricked at your eyes from his current state.

“Angel–”

“Of fucking course you run to him. Did he tell you what he did? How he fucking betrayed me?” You knew he wasn’t asking if you knew, he was asking if Ez told you tonight. And you were glad for it. You knew you’d have to tell him that you knew but not right now, not when he was so close to falling to his knees.

“Yes, he did.” Is all you said, not knowing how to gauge his temper right now.

“Right, and what? You choosing his side?” He shook his head and put both his hands on his head.

“What? No of course not. What he did was wrong, Angel but I was just helping him. He was bleeding a lot and–” You explained, placing your hand on his back.

“Helping him? So while I was waiting for you because I needed you, you were playing fucking doctor?” He looked crushed, absolutely crushed.

“I didn’t know you were here, Angel. I just wanted to make sure he was okay–”

“And what about me? What about making sure I’m okay? But of course, it’s always Ez. The fucking golden boy always getting tended to first, always the first.” He was not only upset but he was angry. And now, so were you.

“Don’t, Angel. Of course I want to make sure you’re okay, but Ez–”

“Fuck! I get it, okay? It’s always Ez this, Ez that. Jesus, you’re just like pops.” You took a step back, as if struck. You knew what he was comparing you to. Not Felipe but the way Felipe always put Ez first, always looked out for him more than he did with Angel. And that was the exact opposite of you.

“No. Don’t fucking say that to me.” You pushed his shoulder lightly to get him to face you.

“Why? It’s true. You went straight to Ez and then when he told you what he did you didn’t even think to check in to see if I was okay.”

“My phone was dead! I was going to call you as soon as I charged it.”

“Sure, right after you helped Ez first.” He rolled his eyes, tears still pooling on his lower lid.

You were annoyed but you also knew where this was all coming from. Everyone in Angel’s life always put him last, always treated him as second best.

“So you think I put Ez first? Seriously?” You crossed your arms.

“Yeah, you do. You and the whole fucking world. Who gives a damn about Angel, who cares how he fucking feels.” You clenched your fists. He had no idea what he was talking about.

“I fucking care, Angel.” You said, hoping the words would hit their mark but they didn’t as he let out a humorless laugh.

“Sure you do, mami.”

“Fuck you, Angel. You don’t get to say I don’t care, I care more than you think. You don’t get to stand here and throw your dad and Ez’s lack of concern for you on me. Never have I ever done anything to make you feel as if you were second best. Ever.” You wanted nothing more than to take Angel into your arms and tell him everything was going to be okay, but before that could happen, you weren’t going to let him insult your character. Especially not when it came to him and how much you loved him.

“You put him first tonight.” He said, quietly. You huffed.

“You want to know something, Angel?” You stepped closer to him, practically chest to chest with him. The smell of his cologne, the desert, his cigarettes, and the oils from his bike penetrated your sense, it smelled like home and everything that you ever loved.

“If my phone wasn’t dead and you had called, I would’ve dropped Ez to come to you.” It was the truth. Maybe that would be labeled as being a bad friend, but this situation was different and Angel definitely needed you more than Ez right now.

“Right…” He sighed, not believing you.

“You’re a fucking dumbass.” You stated, realizing he was so blind by the anger of you being with Ez that he couldn’t see that he was your number one priority.

“Yeah, thanks. I guess I am for letting my baby brother pull one over on me and for not seeing that you are always going to love him more.” A tear slipped down his cheek and your heart clenched seeing him in this state, hearing him talk like this. You felt like you didn’t have full control of what you were saying as you went to speak. It was as if your heart was to caught up and to eager to make Angel feel better that it didn’t give your brain time to process it all.

“You are. You’re the biggest fucking dumbass out there, Angel. I could never love him more.” You stepped even closer, your chest pressed against him now, your face inches away from his. You grabbed onto his flannel, trying to steady yourself or pull him closer, you didn’t know. He was about to speak when you continued.

“I could never love him more, and you wanna know why?” Your brain was so close to processing what you were about to say but it was too late and it shocked you to realize that you didn’t care.

“Because I don’t just love you. I’m in love with you, Angel.” Your brain caught up and everything snapped into place but you still didn’t care. You didn’t care that you just confessed your feelings to Angel. You didn't care because he needed to know how much he was loved, even if it meant embarrassing yourself to do so. Even if it meant making things weird for you two from here on it. You‘d endure, for him you’d endure it.

His eyes were wide and he kept opening and closing his mouth like he wanted to say something. You didn’t expect him to reciprocate your feelings of course, so you gave him a moment to process what you just told him. But the way he was looking at you made you speak up again.

“I’ve been in love with you for awhile now, mi ángel. So I could never love him more and I could never think you’re second best when you’re my everything.” Maybe it was pathetic how deeply in love you were with this man, but it was relieving to know that you still didn’t care that you were probably making a fool of yourself.

“I love–” You were going to keep saying it till he said something or till he realized you were telling the truth. But he cut you off when he grabbed your face in his hands and smashed his lips against yours. You didn’t even hesitate as your lips slotted with his and you slide your hands to his hair to run through the strands. Angel slid one arm down your waist and pulled you into him closer.

Your mind was hazy, your heart was pounding. You felt as if you were being engulfed in flames as the kiss consumed you. His tongue slipped into your mouth and swiped against yours. You moaned and pulled him closer. He tasted like cigarettes, mint, and something so fucking sweet that you knew just made it all the more him.

You didn’t want to pull away, didn’t care about oxygen, screw oxygen, Angel Reyes was your breath of air.

He moaned as you tugged him closer, still not breaking the kiss. And how could you? He kissed you like he was devouring you, like it was the last time he’d ever get to kiss you. But if you were lucky, this would be the first of many.

You two finally pulled away, panting as you tried to get some air back into your lungs. Neither of you could help yourselves as you both leaned in, sharing small kisses through your deep breaths.

“You’re my everything too, mi tesoro.” He whispered against your lips. You pulled him into you, not for another kiss but for a hug. He gladly accepted, burying his head in your neck.

The kiss was mind blowing but it could only distract him from what happened tonight so much before everything came creeping back in.

“I’m sorry, Angel. I’m so sorry this happened.” You said, rubbing his back. He squeezed you tighter and you heard him sniffle.

“I’m here. You have me, you’ll always have me.” You pulled away from him and cupped his face. Tear tracks were staining his cheeks, running into his beard.

“Come on, you’re staying the night.” You grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hall and to your bedroom. He let you lead the way.

Once inside your room you shimmied out of your jeans. Normally Angel would probably make a comment, but tonight was different. You walked over to him and unbuttoned his shirt, pushing it over his shoulders and letting it drop to the floor. You then grabbed the hem of his white tank top and pulled it up, he helped take it off as it got to his chest. Your hands found the button on his jeans and you unhooked it and he helped you slide them down. Leaving him in only his briefs and you in a simple baggy shirt.

“Let’s go to sleep, hmm?” A glance at your clock on your nightstand told you it was already one in the morning and after the day Angel had, you knew he was exhausted.

You slid under the covers and when you held out your arms to him he slid in with you and you pulled him into you. He was more than willing to settle his head right below your breasts and he wrapped his arms around your stomach. Your hands immediately found purchase in his hair.

“I love you, mi ángel. Sleep.” Is all you said before he was passed out a few moments later after you continued playing with hair. When you felt his heavy breathing, you rested your hand over his shoulder and placed your other on the arm that was wrapped around you. His weight and heat was welcomed as he laid in your arms and you were dragged into a peaceful sleep.

Part 2

[wixelt]

Sand (Hermitverse AU)

The first thing False Symmetry really noticed, beyond the splitting headache pounding unrelentingly at her skull, was the heat.

It bore down on her with an unrelenting fury that little else save for fire and lava could match. Before she'd even opened her eyes, she knew she had to be in a desert.

As if the sand shifting beneath her hands and the blazing sunlight piercing her eyelids wouldn't have told her that already.

Prone on her back, False groaned, doing her best to push through the painful miasma clouding her thoughts. She cracked one eye open slowly, then the other, wincing only slightly as the sun’s glare brightened in her gaze.

“Owww...” she shook her head weakly, staring up at the cloudless sky above. Steeling herself, she gritted her teeth. “O-Okay, let's try...”

Then, with another groan of aching effort, she drew her legs inward, pivoting upward and forward into a sitting position as best she could. Joints still protesting, she slumped, catching her breath as her body decided exactly how messed up it was.

False would normally have said she'd been through worse and would be fine, but as much as that might have been true for the pain itself, she really had no precedent for, well, any of this, really.

“What was it...?” she muttered wearily to herself, still a small part delirious as she glanced about, searching for any notable landmarks as she sought to get her bearings on exactly how she’d wound up in this situation. But…

Nope. Just sand, sand, more sand and— oh look, even more sand over there, too. Joy.

It probably didn't help that she was surrounded on all sides by tall, imposing dunes and sand cliffs. That kind of thing really limited how far someone could see.

Which meant there was probably some climbing in her near future.

False’s headache – though slowly fading – pulsed again, reminding her that she was in no fit state to even stand properly, let alone make that sort of ascent.

Normally, she’d listen to common sense. In the face of… whatever was going on, though...

False managed to begin only barely standing before she visibly winced, immediately dropping and clutching her head with a barely restrained cry of pain, sand displacing slightly beneath her as she abruptly fell, feet sliding out from beneath her.

Okay, so… Maybe not just yet.

“Damn.” The blonde warrior sighed to herself, running her hands down her face in an effort to centre herself, wiping the perspiration from her eyes. She really wasn’t liking being a sitting duck like this. It didn’t suit her at all.

Especially given what was happening.

…

…come to think of it, what was happening?

False’s brow furrowed, doing her best to draw together scattered fragments of recent memory floating about amidst her disarray. They were… less than cooperative, but slowly a picture she could recognize began to form, to her slight relief.

She remembered… panic. That, at least, had been pretty consistent.

In fact, she was fairly sure that once the shock of suddenly waking up in a blisteringly hot desert wore off and she was able to overcome her mild concussion to get her whereabouts, some manner of nervous breakdown would be due.

That wasn’t going to be very constructive at the moment, though, so as for now…

There’d been a light, of some kind, False recalled. This unnatural, all-consuming glow that had descended from the heavens above, washing over the island and all its surroundings in twisted, impossible waves. The land itself had almost felt as if it were unravelling beneath her feet, the air permeated by this inescapable sense of… wrongness.

Though she was wary to admit it, it recalled the unease she sometimes felt around one of Impulse’s void holes, cracked in the bedrock to appease whatever new manner of joking pseudo deity a ‘Boatem’ was meant to be. This time, however, the feeling had been multiplied a thousand-fold, instincts screaming at her to run in the other direction.

The pieces beginning to slot back into place, she remembered that as the broken light had subsumed all before them, she and Jevin had stepped between it and the other two in the group, Stress and Gem both caught in the moment, neither a pushover but both frozen in the suddenness of the situation, unsure what to do.

Against such a large wave of force, however, such an act – though one False hoped would be seen as courageous rather than stupid in hindsight – had been pointless, and she had whited out, only to wake amidst burning sands with – unless her senses were deceiving her – a completely drained internal inventory.

Alone.

In a creepy desert that was – the longer she paid attention it – seeming more and more unsettlingly quiet, even lacking much wind in its stillness.

Which meant… Wait.

“Oh no…” Eyes bulging in alarm, False shot to her feet to with practised but haphazardly frantic speed, “Oh no, no, no… No!” Her skull pulsed again, but it was weak enough now that she could ignore it. With nothing more than a brief, dizzied stumble, she was moving.

Suddenly, the glaring and alarmingly absolute absence of three others was the only thing on her mind.

“JEVIN!” False’s booted feet scrabbled wildly against the unhelpfully loose sand, the soft and uneven ground easily giving way with every step as she desperately scrambled up the side of one of the dunes, seeking higher ground. Her voice echoed for a moment amidst the dunes and cliffs with a call for the friend within the trio that she’d known the longest, but it was quickly swallowed up by the desert’s oppressive emptiness.

No answer.

“GEM?!” Her tone was more fear-tinged, now, sights darting back and forth searchingly as she rose faster, now, finally finding some more solid footing beneath the top layer. Quickly, she surged forward, one foot in front of the other as she called out for a more recent friendship a second time, “GEM!”

Still no answer.

Please, come on…

“…STRESS…?” False tried, a little weaker but no less vocal, for the ray of unyielding positivity she hoped would uncloud this mess, trailing off a little as hopelessness clawed at her, no response once again leading to an eerie, uncomfortable silence. She did her best to brush it aside, however. She was stronger than that. She had to be, for them.

They’d… They’d probably just been scattered. That had to be it. They were almost certainly around here somewhere. All she needed to do was find them, and they could make their way back to the island – though only the gods knew just how they’d ended up in such a distant and unfamiliar desert biome, far beyond the limits of their new world’s current resource gathering borders – and Xisuma could clear up this whole mess.

It’d just be another weird happening that the Hermits could all look back on years from now and laugh about… right?

Even as the thought crossed her mind, something in the pit of False’s stomach – some long-refined warrior’s instinct – told her that wasn’t going to happen.

The others were all resourceful when push came to shove, though. They… They’d be fine until they could group up.

“Ungh…” False grunted, staggering slightly and almost losing her footing on the unstable ground. She scowled to herself, pressing ever onward to the potential vantage point up above, only steps away from her, now. To a place where she could work out where the others were, and equally as much where she was. “Come on…” With one final push, accompanied by a grunt of effort, she finally crested the top of the vast dune.

“Good… Right!” she wiped the sweat from her brow. “Now where… am… I…?”

False slowed to a stop atop the dune, trailing off into the overbearing silence. She fell slack jawed, struck dumb as the gravity of her situation set in from the sight before her alone.

In the days and weeks to come – and even beyond that – this feeling of being completely and dangerously out of her depth would be propagated by how this terrible, lonely eldritch desert seemed to span infinitely in every direction, no trace or slightest notation of healthy green visible on the horizon no matter which way she looked. The true sign of a dying world.

The lack of any doorways, hidden as they were, out of this realm and into others – the kind that usually appeared in every world, be they natural or admin placed – would only further exacerbate that feeling once the initial wave of helplessness passed.

Right now, however, there was one thing and one thing alone that drew her attention. That caused her skin to crawl at its very sight, though she did not yet entirely know why.

And it filled her entire vision like a looming titan, still a good distance away but a vast and unignorable dark, mechanical blotch on the hellish sands around, nonetheless.

False stared at the giant, rusting mechanical hand, half-submerged in the yellow surface, reaching for the heavens, fingers outstretched in an unmoving, statue-like impression of life. A moment frozen in time and yet telling of a long spanning, lost history that was best left unknown.

And though it lacked eyes with which to stare out at her, False knew it saw her too.

“Oh… Crap.”

----

Ages ago, I had an idea. An idea that featured the MCYTverse suffering a massive metaphysical event that severs/destabilizes connections between most worlds, energetic events befalling the worlds closest to the epicenter.

In this AU, the Hermits’ world would be one of the closest, causing it to be scrambled and the Hermits to be scattered to the winds, thrown to the great beyond and spat out elsewhere, washing up across the multiverse, alone where they don’t belong. Some would arrive in worlds with friends, some in worlds with faces familiar to you or me but lesser known to them, and some in worlds long forgotten.

The ways between worlds would be unstable, making hopping through a portal to reunite with friends near-impossible.This would be a challenge to be tackled alone. And with such diverse situations - and crossover potential - each Hermit would have their own difficulties.

At the time, I didn’t go ahead with the AU because I was told someone else was already planning an near-identical AU, but I've seen little signs of it since, and have concluded that there’s also no reason two AUs with similar premises can’t coexist anyway.

So while I don’t know if i’ll carry on from this, I had a fic snippet idea I wanted to get out for this Hermitverse AU, so feel free to let me know what you think, and if I got False’s “voice” right. Also, I haven’t stated the world she’s ended up in, but I feel like it’s a relatively easy guess contextually, and I may add it to the tags once someone picks up on it. :P

Enjoy!

[mugi-chan]

I was just watching some animation and opening and I was like, what the twisted Bois will do if they catch MC singing some song of our world? Not only Disney like, even Grim, that come back at Ramshackle singing "Believer of the imagine dragon" and run(or fly) to find help cause thinking that you are going to overbolting? Or Rook that hear you singing "le festin" and start to walk whit you trying to guess the song 😂 and choose you who will be the most funniest 😂 P.s.: love your writing :,3

ლ  Tea Order: Vice Dorm heads: Woah what kind of song is that? 

ლ  Warnings: None!

ლ Shop owner notes: Trying to think what songs would fit the vice dorm heads where kind of hard 工ｴｴｪｪ(;╹⌓╹)ｪｪｴｴ工 Also I had like the biggest writers block for the past week and suddenly I got inspo to write during school like... bruh

You were helping Trey out for the next upcoming unbirthday party 

Trey tasked you with doing the mixing of cake batter 

As this was most of the time a really long and boring task you were quietly singing to one of your favorite song 

Trey was focused on decorating that he didn’t notice your singing at first 

But once he finished decorating one tier of the cake he overheard your singing 

He didn’t say anything at first letting you finish your song 

“That’s a really nice song, what is it?” 

“Oh it’s (f/s)”

Trey was thinking if he heard that song before but drew blank 

“I never heard of the song” 

“Well I don’t expect you to it’s a song that I don’t think this world even has” 

This peaked his interest 

He knew your world has different taste then any of their countries

So he took this as a perfect time to get to know your world better 

“So how those the song go?” 

You were happy that Trey wanted to know more about your world 

“Well it kind of goes like this” 

You started to sing the song but soon got really embarrassed and stopped mid way to cover your face. 

Trey wrapped his arm around your waist resting his forehead on yours

“Aw come on it’s really good, can I hear more?”

Still embarrassed you reluctantly agree

Giving out a helping hand is always needed for Ruggie 

Trying to deal with Leona and the rest of the dorm is stressful 

So you decided to help Ruggie out with some chores 

You two were on top of Savanclaw dorm doing laundry 

As you were putting up the laundry you were singing one of your favorite songs 

Ruggie being the cheeky little hyena he pretends he can’t hear you 

You continue singing until you realize Ruggie was just sitting there smiling

“Aw don’t stop (y/n) that song is really good!”

“Y-you heard?!” 

You started to grow shy and turn away 

Ruggie just laughed as he got up

“What song is it? I never heard of it” 

“It’s (f/s)” 

“Ahh must be music from your world” 

You two discussed the music that your world might think is good

“Shishishi, one day if you do get back home you should bring back a CD full of your worlds music” 

You agree, hoping one day that you can go home but find a way to come back to see your lovable goofball hyena 

The next day you could hear Ruggie sing the exact same song you were singing 

“Ruggie how can you remember the lyrics already?” 

“Shishishi, well I’m just that good” 

You nudged his side laughing with him. 

(Sorry Ruggie was short I ran out of Ideas)

When Grim first busted into the mostro lounge, jade was going to scold him from busting into the mostro lounge until he saw how distress he was

“Oya oya Grim what seems to be the problem?” 

“(y/n)! I don’t know what’s going on but they’ve been muttering to themself for a while in a strange language!” 

Now this confused the octa trio 

What? A strange language and muttering to themselves? 

Azul put Jade in charge of this since clearly Grim is in distress and (y/n) is his s/o 

Plus this could make for a good deal, who knows what Azul can get out of this 

Jade clearly disapproved of that reasoning but that will have to wait

His main focus is on you 

When he got to Ramshackle dorm everything looked normal nothing out of place

Opening the door everything still feels normal, nothing still feels out of place

But who knows what could happen

Entering the kitchen he saw you preparing a snack muttering to yourself 

He sees why Grim was worried

He didn’t understand the language you were singing to 

A playful smirk appeared on his face as he leaned down behind you 

“What a nice song your singing there my little guppy” 

You shrieked as you turned meeting face to face with Jade

“Oya oya, Is my little guppy scared?”

“No you just scared me!” 

“Apologies” 

Jade explained himself on why he was here

A small oh came from your mouth 

You gave a small glare to Grim as you explain what you were doing 

“Ah I see, may I hear more of it. I may not understand it but your voice is cute” 

You rolled your eyes as you went back to what you were doing

You were brushing Jamil’s hair as Jamil had a pretty stressful day

Brushing his hair made him calm 

And you singing, oh he feels like he may be in heaven

But this song you were singing, it was strange 

You sang in a language he has never heard of 

All of these weird intonations 

And words he can understand but not know the context for it

How very strange these songs were for him 

He let you continue singing as he was trying to decipher what you were singing

Alas he drew blank

Once you finished singing the song Jamil asked you about the song

“Oh, the song? It’s like a pop song from my country” 

“Ah I see” Jamil leaned back letting his back meet your chest

“Do you want to hear more?” 

“I would like to know the meaning of the song” 

A smile crept on your face as you explain the meaning behind the song as you started to braid his hair.

If you think Jamil had a nice soothing voice, your right 

But Jamil also thinks your voice is very soothing as well

It helps him relax

A very familiar language echo across the Pomefiore halls

Could it be? Someone in here speaks French as well? 

Rook went to the hallways trying to find the source of the voice

Drawing near the end of the hallway he was met by his beautiful and wonderful (y/n)

Oh just seeing you there felt like an angel just fell upon earth and took interest in Rook

He hid from you knowing how much you dislike having an audience 

The song was so beautiful, majestic for his ears 

Deciphering the words he could understand parts of it

Derniere Danse? What was his sweet (y/n) trying to say?

Your last dance? Oh my, is something wrong?

So much questions forming around his head as he decipher the words

None of these were making sense

Once you finished singing Rook clapped scaring you

“That was beautiful my love, truly magnificent!”

A small blush crept on your face as you tried to look away from his gaze

Rook plopped himself right next you snuggling close to you

“What songs was that?” 

“Oh just a song that I knew for a while”

“I thought you told me you never spoke French?”

“Well I may not know French but I can sing it”

“I still think it’s beautiful, may I hear more?” 

You nodded allowing Rook to be comfortable as you try your best to sing french songs

Heck you tried to sing the theme song from Ratatouille

But did Rook care? Nope! He’s just happy that his love is speaking… well singing in french

The forest is a great way to get away from all the noise that NRC produce

Rowdy first years, light music club noise, and Sebek

Lilia was at light music club so you had time to yourself

And walk in the woods are nice to have 

Hearing the nice calm forest gave you a place to talk to yourself about all your woes and talk about your own world without anyone asking a million questions about the world

I mean you don’t mind answering questions but sometimes it can be tiresome and annoying at times

But there will always be this one thing that will always resonate in you

(f/s), a song you know the lyrics for and the only you can still remember as it have been ages since you last saw your world

Singing said song always bring peace to your just like the forest

What you didn’t know was the Light music club ended early so Lilia was looking for you

Once he did he spotted you in a clearing in the woods singing to yourself

My my my what a strange song you are singing, clearly Lilia drew blank as the song was so strange yet seems so familiar to him

He waited for you to stop singing to appear next to you

Of course scaring living soul out of you

“My my, what a beautiful song you have, mind if I ask what it is?” 

“Lilia you’re here early!” 

“My club finished earlier than expected” 

“Anyway what was that song you were singing?”

“You heard?!” 

“Of course”

Oh no did Lilia do something wrong? 

You were trying to hide you face in embarrassment as you didn’t want Lilia to hear it 

“What’s the matter (y/n)?” 

“I didn’t want you to hear me sing”

“Oh my love don’t say that I love you singing it’s beautiful” 

Lilia gently grabbed your cheek resting his forehead on yours

“I don’t mind if you sing it a hundred times, it’s beautiful”

Would you like to order something? Look at our Tea shop rules first!

[ashxketchum]

oof did i come in late? can i have "do you want a hug" with either mimato or taiora? whichever you prefer! :D

I know you sent this ask eons ago, and I’m so sorry I never got around to writing something for this prompt!

I signed up for Camp NaNoWriMo today and well this seemed like a good place to start, and luckily I was able to include both Taiora and Mimato, though the latter should be read with a comical lens.

The setting is a filler episode in the reboot where Taichi and Agumon end up doing their own thing and the other kids rush after them to help them as things get out of hand, but Yamato is the only one who reaches him on time and even he has his hands full and isn’t able to rescue Taichi from an explosion, so this is what happens after that ⬇️

Sora’s eyes sought him, in between all the dust and the rubble, his brown, unruly hair easily distinguishable. She drew in a sharp breath as the dust started to clear gradually and the rest of him came into view as well. Moving faster than the others, she was by his side in an instant, swiftly navigating her way around the debris, she stretched out her hand the minute she reached him and even despite his eyes looking out of focus and his vision disoriented, Taichi immediately grabbed onto her hand and with all her remaining strength Sora pulled him to his feet. He staggered as he rose slowly, but she reacted instantly and supported him by putting his arm around her shoulder and letting him lean onto her frame. The other kids, and their Digimon, were probably watching them, but right now the embarrassment of being so close to Taichi did not matter to Sora, since the guilt of not being able to protect him in time was gnawing on her insides at a ferocious speed.

“Are you okay, Taichi? Where does it hurt the most? There must be a first aide kit in Jou’s getaway bag, I’ll treat your wounds right away!” She spoke as quickly as possible as they dragged their feet along the ground, there was no time to waste after all, she had to make up for the delay in their arrival.

“Sora...Agumon, where is he? And Yamato, is he okay?” He replied with his own questions, his voice was slow and drained and when she turned to glance at his face, she saw that he could barely keep his eyes open.

As much as Sora wanted to get started on his upkeep, she knew Taichi wouldn’t sit still and only damage his wounds further till he knew everyone was okay, so she quickly scanned the debris again, in her rush to be by Taichi’s side she had completely forgotten about Agumon, but to her relief, she saw Piyomon and Tailmon had already pulled him out of the rubble and were attending to him along with Koushiro and Hikari.

“Agumon’s okay too, look!” She said, pointing with her free hand in the Digimon’s direction, but it took Taichi some time to lift his head and follow her gaze, “And Yamato’s perfectly okay, MetalGarurumon was able to fly him out of the explosion just in time.”

“That’s great.” Taichi whispered with whatever remaining strength he had, with his heart soothed, he relaxed further into Sora’s hold, leaning towards her more heavily than he had at first, with his eyes half-closed he murmured an apology to her.

“You need to worry about yourself for now,” Sora muttered to herself under her breath, but heard Taichi let out a chuckle, and she couldn’t help but send a frown his way, how could he be reckless with his own self and still have the heart to care about others’ well being first?

“Coming from you…” Taichi chuckled, and attempted to form a grin but could barely manage half a smile and the whole attempt ended up with his face looking contorted out of pain.

“This isn’t the time to joke around, Taichi,” Sora gritted her teeth as anger flashed through her ember eyes and they came to a halt, she turned her body slightly to face him, her voice cracking slightly and eyes shining with latent tears, “You could’ve seriously hurt yourself back there, and Agumon too! Just because you got a lucky break doesn’t make what you did okay.”

Taichi remained silent, out of exhaustion or because of a lack of excuse, Sora didn’t know, but she did know that the kids had spent the past hour in a wild chase attempt to find him and help him after he had rushed out on his own while they had been asleep. She didn’t know what would’ve happened if Gabumon hadn’t been woken up by Agumon’s voice and alerted the others, she didn’t know what would’ve happened if Yamato hadn’t sped up ahead from the rest of them to lend Taichi a hand, she didn’t know what she would’ve done if they’d arrived just a moment later.

“I’m sorry I made you worry, I thought I was doing the right thing…” He trailed off as the hand that had been wrapped around Sora’s neck slid down suddenly, “Thank you, Sora.” His voice was just above a faint whisper and before she knew it, Taichi had both his hands around her neck and his head resting on her shoulders as he let out a deep, relieved sigh that made Sora’s whole body freeze on the spot.

Out of all the time and places in their lives did Taichi really need to pick right now to give her a hug, Sora screamed inside her head, as she felt her face heat up under the watchful gaze of all their friends and their Digimon, she turned her head in an attempt to tell Taichi to back off a little bit so she could help him out of the debris and onto plainer ground and finally begin looking after his wounds, but she saw that his eyes were now comfortably shut with a small smile playing on his lips as he took deep, routinely breaths that made Sora realise that he had fallen asleep in her arms. She struggled to keep him upright, as he was heavier than he looked and had no choice but to put her own hands on his shoulders to steady him, making their position look more and more suspicious to the spectators surrounding them and her cheeks turn redder at the thought of all the misunderstandings that this might cause.

“Taichi, you idiot!” She cried out, embarrassed by his actions and frustrated that she could barely move a muscle and yet no one else come forward to help her, “Jou, a little help please! He has completely passed out!” Sora called out, she couldn’t see where the rest of the kids were because Taichi’s big hair was blocking her view, but she could trust in her senior to jump into action if asked to.

And sure enough, the navy haired senior was at her side in a moment, helping undo Taichi’s hold on her frame, when she sneaked a look at him in the process, Taichi’s face looked peaceful and content, and displayed no signs of being caught in an explosion and being stuck under heavy debris up until a few minutes ago. And while Sora was grateful to know that he was happy and healthy, and most of all, safe, she decided she would still hold him accountable for his sudden and intimate actions when he woke up, whether he’d done it intentionally or not, was something she didn’t wish to ponder on.

~

Mimi quietly watched the scene unfold in front of her, she’d always thought that Taichi and Sora had been a little too upfront with all the smiles and deep gazes they sent each other’s way on a daily basis, but hugging in plain sight was a little out of bounds even by her standards, they were still only 10 years old after all. It did however, manage to perk up everyone’s attention as the recent events had left everyone tired and exhausted, both mentally and physically. So it was a bit relieving and exciting, when Taichi suddenly wrapped his arms around Sora’s necks and grabbed everyone’s attention, even Koushiro and Hikari, who had been concentrating hard on getting Agumon to regain his energy, stopped their attempts to turn and pass a surprised look in the couple’s direction. Next to Mimi, Jou’s mouth fell wide open and their Digimons, Palmon and Gomamon, let out surprised squeals.

Yamato, who had been sitting crossed legged with nothing but exhaustion filling his azure eyes as he stared blankly at the sky, while Takeru and Patamon consoled Gabumon with compliments over his quick rescue next to him, straightened up and turned his attention towards Taichi and Sora, which made Mimi want to turn to the blond instead, because she hadn’t ever seen him this interested in his surroundings right after a battle and that piqued her interest.

She studied his face carefully, there was a flicker of emotion in his eyes, which went away as quickly as it appeared and left Mimi with no choice but to speculate about what it had meant. Was Yamato annoyed by what was happening in front of him, did he too disapprove of this bold move from Taichi, or was he jealous that his friend had beaten him to the task? Mimi just couldn’t come up with a correct answer, no matter how much she peered at Yamato’s deadpan face. And then Sora cried out for help and Jou rushed over to assist her, and soon Taichi was being carried over towards them on Jou’s back as Sora trailed behind them, her bright red cheeks and ears visible to anyone with a decent eyesight.

So Mimi once again turned her attention towards the seated blond, this time she even lowered herself to level her gaze with him for a clearer look, and noticed that while his face was still as devoid of expression as ever, there was a sense of dissatisfaction in the blankness, as he watched the trio make their way towards them. Sensing her presence however, Yamato leaned back as he noticed that Mimi was sitting down quite close to him, immediately his face was taken over by an annoyed expression while his eyes darkened as he put his guard up.

“Can I help you with something?” He asked her, his voice agitated but also a little anxious, and Mimi wasn’t sure what to attribute the latter to.

“No, I was just wondering.”

“Well can you do that from a bit far away?” He demanded, a pinkish tint settling on his ears as he did so, making Mimi more confused about what was causing the blond, who was usually so adept at keeping his cool, to get so fidgety.

So of course she leaned in further towards him, in an attempt to study him even him more carefully, and immediately he leaned back and the tinge around his ears deepened. His whole body was radiating exhaustion which made Mimi feel a bit guilty about not being able to assist him enough during the battle, she was grateful however, that Yamato and Gabumon had given their all to make it to Taichi and Agumon on time and that both the duos had managed to come out of this safe and sound, with some injuries to boot in the latter’s case. So she smiled brightly at him, hoping to convey that she appreciated his efforts, but it seemed to make him even more flustered than before, and Mimi was taken aback by his expression, she’d thought Yamato was as smart as Koushiro and yet he was acting extremely dumbfounded and peculiar right now.

Then it clicked, the content look which had been visible on Taichi’s face after the hug, the one that made it seem like all the fatigue and weariness of the battle had disappeared from him, that could be what the blond was pining for too, to feel relived and refreshed after a hard day of work.

Satisfied with her conclusion, Mimi grinned as she tilted her head and met Yamato’s panicked gaze with a cheerful one of her own, “Do you want a hug too?”

And before she knew it, Yamato’s whole face turned a deep shade of red as his eyes went out of focus and he passed out in front of her.

x