#left alone too long and they could do some real damage

[monstrousmuse]

Some of my favourite excerpts from the second part of the interview:

“We know psychologically that Ford is not travelling this path alone. He’s travelling it with his Muse, who he has a very complex and fucked up relationship with. And even in Ford’s private thoughts, he would not say ‘I’m alone’, he would say ‘oh, I have very important relationship in my life with Bill, but I don’t have a friend. (…) Ford is not alone in his mind, even though he is extraordinarily alone.”

…

“The things that Ford said as McGucket left weren't "I value you and I'm sorry we have a difference of opinion," it was "get the hell out of here you hillbilly, you don't understand science!" (…) He was really cruel to McGucket. He was cold to him, and they did not talk for thirty more years after that.(…) But we knew that if McGucket created the memory gun after their break up, there could be no explanation of it in the journal. (…) And he so wants to please Ford. (…) McGucket doesn't really know what's going on, but he's internalizing and thinking, "I just need to be a better partner.’”

…

“To me, the greatest compliment that I can receive as a creator is somebody saying "this resonated with me." Our goal is to make characters that have a human truth in them (…) My feeling is that the customer is always right. Like, if the character is gay to you, they're gay. (…) That's sort of the magic of fiction.. (…) That's the hope. My feeling is that if we do our job, people feel a truth and they connect to it.”

…

“Ford was a very challenging character to conceive. (…) We knew his job narratively was to give Stan the biggest chip on his shoulder that we could think of. (…) He has to be smarter than Stan. He has to be fitter, and better at fighting than Stan too. He's not gonna be some little shrinking nerd. It would be a pretty fair fight between him and Stan (…) Ford has the formal training, and Stan just has the madness.”

“You know the damage someone's family has done to them by all of their weird tics and behaviors. (….) Who is the character who would result in Stan being this hurt and needy and mad and also longing?”

“We came up with this guy who kinda seemed too perfect. He's aloof, and distant, and he's too perfect. And it's like, "oh, I think he's also aloof and distant from himself." (…) I think he is deeply, deeply hiding from his real feelings about things, because at some point early on, he decided that he could run from hurt by achievement and by creation, and has dug that hole so deep that he has no relationships. He doesn't have friendships, he doesn't have romantic relationships, he is someone trapped in a tower of his own mind and estranged.”

“Ford shows none of that. He has sublimated himself romantically so, so deeply. (…) I really thought of Ford kind of like Tesla in that realm.”

-Alex Hirsch, 2023

…

part one

[phantomrose96]

Hello I've now played Pikmin 3 and I'm beside myself with how Nintendo keeps doing Olimar like this.

After Olimar pays off President's whole debt (and then some) in Pikmin 2 he is... back on PNF-404 in Pikmin 3. Immediately. Like immediately. Because the President lost all their money again and he's sent Olimar and Louie back to PNF-404 again exactly the same as happens to Olimar in Pikmin 2 and this time there is absolutely an undercurrent of violence in Olimar's vlogs and logs. He WANTS bad things to happen to his boss.

But he's too polite and too composed so he's just keeping his cortisol levels down with elaborate fantasies of class revolution, and the mental countdown of how many days until he can get the FUCK off this planet and get home to his family for real. He was ship-wrecked and left for dead for 30 days in Pikmin 1 and fought and bled and killed for his own survival to make it back to his planet only to then IMMEDIATELY be sent back by his shitty awful boss to the planet for another ~30 days in Pikmin 2 (he hasn't seen his family yet) and then IMMEDIATELY is sent back in Pikmin 3 and he wants to go home. He wants to go home. His daughter sends him a message asking if he even lives with them anymore. I'm fucking beside myself.

THIS would all be... okay, at least, if Olimar actually got to go home. But No The Fuck He Doesn't. Because at the end of his mission he's kidnapped by concentrated pikmin nightmare fuel in the form of the game's final boss. Some non-corporeal omnipresent monstrosity which has kidnapped Olimar as a keepsake. A pet. A toy? Which allows Olimar just the chance to attempt an escape day after day before snatching him back and dragging him back to his eternal jail cell. The man who was just about to go home and finally see his family after 3 games.

You find his logs and he's just losing his mind, slowly. He knows he's never escaping. He's losing his will to try. He has nightmares of the pikmin turning on him. Louie's not coming back for him and the President isn't coming back for him.

Pikmin 1 is horror as Olimar is stranded alone with no one but himself to save him. His life support is damaged and he has only 30 days to repair his ship to get home, lest he die in the poisonous atmosphere of this planet. And it's horrifying but at least. At least. He had his own power to save himself. He makes progress steadily over the month. He has reason to keep his hope alive.

Pikmin 3 robs him of that. There is nothing under his own power he can do to escape the Plasm Wraith. His pikmin have all been killed. He's in an unwinnable Saw trap. And this time his life support system isn't damaged. It's the only thing worse than damaged - it's completely functional.

Given that, playing as the Koppaite trio, there is no time limit to save Olimar, I can only conclude Olimar's suit is fully functional this time. He has no food, no water, no chance to ever change out of his suit, but it keeps him alive. He's the Plasm Wraith's prisoner for as long as that suit will keep him alive. Indefinitely, maybe. Unless he could work up the nerve to remove his helmet himself and just end it...

But he doesn't. Day after day he tries to escape until he doesn't have the strength anymore. His suit forces him to sleep more and more, against his will, as a life preservation method. So he's forced to fade in and out of consciousness as this thing's prisoner. And this is forever. Until he dies.

The Koppaite trio rescuing him is pure coincidence. They were on PNF-404 for reasons completely divorced from Olimar. They should never have cared who he was or where he was. Olimar just happened to come across their warp drive key when they crashed, and he picked it up, right before the Plasm Wraith took him. They find him for the warp drive key. The Koppaite trio weren't supposed to save Olimar. No one was supposed to save Olimar.

And how. Awful. Because this time people KNOW Olimar is on PNF-404. President is back home on Hocotate and knows he's lost contact with Louie and Olimar. He could send help but he doesn't. He could COME to help but he doesn't. Olimar isn't waywardly alone this time. He's abandoned. And abandoned by the man who forced him into this danger.

And depending how well you play, and how many fruits you get as the Koppaite trio, a normal run is probably 20-30 days for them BEFORE you rescue Olimar. He was taken soon after they landed. So a month. Another month. Of Olimar stranded on this planet. Worse than ever before, as he's nothing but the mouse being played with by this world's cruelest cat. He hasn't been allowed to take off his space suit for a month... After ~30 days of Pikmin 1 and ~30 of Pikmin 2 and now ~30 of Pikmin 3. His daugher thinks he doesn't live with them anymore...

And then... okay and then... the Koppaite trio rescue him... They offer to bring him home. And Olimar's beside himself because he never thought he was getting off this planet. Someone's shown kindness to him for the first time in 3 games and it takes him by absolute surprise.

He and Louie get home.

AND THE PRESIDENT CALLS THEM IDIOTS FOR LOSING THEIR SHIP AND SENDS THEM IMMEDIATELY BACK TO GET THE SHIP

THE PLASM WRAITH IS STILL THERE AND ALIVE.

IT IS LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY ALLOWED FOR OLIMAR TO KILL HIS BOSS.

[ageingfangirl2]

Hello👋😊 I would like to know if it was possible to do a story in which Buggy(still a "prisoner" of the Straw Hats ) started to feel strange(in a good way of course) with Y/N. After a day, the Reader, who had the task of repairing any damage of the ship, but it was a very hot day and Y/N, in order to stay cooler while working, decided to take off her top, leaving just the bikini top and the shorts. But without realizing that she was being watched by a head👀🤭Buggy began to observe the drops of sweat running down to her back, chest and forehead, leaving him with a strange feeling about Y/N👀🤭❤️‍🔥

Sorry if the recommendation is too long😅😅

I Finally See You! Buggy (OPLA) *REQUEST* - Female Reader

Part 2

BUGGY

This was something I'd never live down, being held hostage, well my head being held hostage by a bunch of young adult pirates calling themselves The Straw Hat Pirates. When I first met them there were only three of them but now that number had doubled and I didn't like being outnumbered. They took it in turns looking after my head, but I hardly got taken out of that stinky bag they kept me in. Once I got my body back I'd bounce, and the next time they crossed me I would come out on top.

The only member of this stupid crew I could stand was y/n. I wasn't sure what they did, but they were quiet and kept to themselves making them an easy target. They had some past trauma and hardly any real-world experience so I could be a flirt and perverted and they took it on the chin. Until Zoro nearly threw me into the sea and told me to watch my tongue or lose it. y/n made an innocent remark asking if my tongue could also detach, and after a wink and a 'shall we find out together kitten' comment Zoro sent my head flying across the deck.

Y/N

It was a hot day and you'd told Luffy you'd fix the damage done by Garp, but working under the hot sun was intense. You were in a pair of shorts and a loose blouse now drenched in sweat which clung to your body. Thinking you are alone you take off the blouse revealing the skimpy blue bikini stop Nami had convinced you to buy and the matching bottoms under your shorts. Little did you know someone was watching you.

BUGGY

The dumb swordsman was sleeping again, this time finding himself shade while leaving me exposed in the sweltering sun. I was about to unload a range of colourful insults when the sound of hammering caught my attention. I hop a little on my barrel and gulp, my eyes fixated on y/n of all people. They were inches away from me bent over fixing the side of the ship unaware of my presence.

I assumed y/n was a prude only having seen them in trousers and long sleeves, but I licked my dry lips and raised my eyebrows seeing them in shorts that left little to the imagination and long legs that would be perfectly wrapped around my waist as they rode me.

I shake my head, what was I thinking? y/n was fun to mess with and nothing more.

Next thing I know y/n is taking off the blouse, and if I was attached to my body I might have just got a hard-on. Why did y/n choose to hide such a magnificent body? The blue bikini top is the same shade as my hair, and I vaguely remember y/n saying their favourite colour was blue. As y/n picks up a glass of water I allow my eyes to wander, like a moth to a flame. Noticing how small their hands were as they reached up to wipe sweat from their brow, but could probably easily wrap around my dick, and how when they arched their back their chest jutted out and little droplets of sweat run down them. Fuck, they would look good arching beneath me.

I curse and y/n gasps loudly hearing me, 'Oh my god--'

I smirk, 'Not god kitten, but I can be whoever you want me to be.'

I'm surprised they don't immediately cover up, instead leaning down to my height giving me a very nice view of their chest, 'Did Zoro leave you in the sun?'

I pout, playing the sympathy card, y/n was too nice and I loved attention, 'wouldn't even give me any water, I'm parched kitten.'

y/n liked cats so my nickname was appropriate, even if they didn't understand the real meaning behind it.

'You can share my glass Buggy, I'll scold Zoro later,' y/n huffs, clearly annoyed at the swordsman as they bring the water to my lips and I start drinking, 'I'll give them a right tongue lashing...I think I overheard Sanji say that once.'

I spit out the water and it lands on y/n's chest, soaking into the material, 'you're one of a kind y/n. if you need any advice I'm sure I could offer some lip service. Maybe when the others are sleeping.'

y/n blushes and I'm not quite sure if they understand me, 'I think we've both had too much sun Buggy, let's get us both inside and you can stay with me for the rest of the day.'

Before I can protest y/n picks me up, and for a split second I'm pressed between their breasts before they turn my head. y/n was going to be the death of me, and I wasn't going to look at them the same way ever again.

[s1llydr3amscape]

Day 5 : Canon Divergence @vanweek2024

Finally talking abt one of my fnaf AU's !!! I try to keep it brief but I cannot simplify for the life off me so yeah have some yapping!! Lots of major stuff and in-between events are not in here but that's what asks are for :] This one is pretty long so buckle up cuz here we go!!!

This au is basically just me taking the fnaf characters and putting them in my oc world!! It started ever since the first FNAF game came out but this story plot started out with Glitchtrap and a few other characters working at an office and shenanigans ensue. When in reality it's a setup because they actually end up killing people and selling off their flesh and pretending that it's organic meat in the market (Like mlp cupcakes + rainbow factory because those were pivotal to my development)

Vanny and all the other workers in a way where technically revived by Glitchtrap as rabbits (Or was already rabbits) making them indebted to Glitchtrap. They can't leave, they have to obey him. Reasons for Glitchtrap needing and starting this business venture is because he needs blood to keep this body I mean his new body alive (Me explaining why they'd have stitching) Because originally Glitchtrap was an entity who took the body of a deceased yellow rabbit and fixed it up enough (like in fnaf sl but this time he just found a fresh corpse) It's rotting the body is failing at this rate, he's going to decay way too fast and he wants to live. (Turning into the black goop like in princess quest)

He paraded as this joyful figure but that's far from the truth obviously. Originally before fnaf sb the body he stole was the father of my own blonde rabbit oc who was dead set on stopping Glitchtrap to let his father's body lay to rest. Even though his father was cruel and left him and his brothers alone, that's the least he can do. He chose to free his body from being mangled worse than it already is because he's a good person I mean better than his father ever was. He doesn’t know if he’s doing it more for himself sometimes.

However, since fnaf sb came out and the movie. I feel like Vanny fits this role better. So yeah to recap Vanny's dad died and Glitchtrap stole his body and made it his own. Vanny knows this later on but she too died in the same vain. Hence, why she ends up having her soul indebted to Glitch as well being the first few workers under him.

At first, she thought she was in hell she's supposed to be dead but she's not and her dad is still here? And he's still the same as ever yet something's not right. He just seems to be acting strange yet it's all too familiar for her.

Vanny ended up posing as a security guard for this residential area. She was tasked to basically infiltrate and blend in so that Glitchtrap had a new source of produce you could say Yet, even after all this Vanny still ended up befriending the Glamrocks. They cared and comforted her even after she wouldn't tell them her sorrows. They were real friends in a way. 

They're nice. In a way.

It felt nice to have friends after moving from area to area to avoid suspicion and ended up making friends. Yet Glitchtrap took this as a sign that she did this for him. Everything she did for herself is for him after all right. Lowering their suspicion on her by being friendly and outgoing, she’s thinking ahead for him. What a good daughter. Making them easier targets if someone were to ever happen to one of these lovely residents. They wouldn't question Vanny now would they! She's just their friendly neighborhood bunny

Her first target was Glamrock Bonnie. It was swift and quick but he put up a fight. Managing to damage one of Vanny’s eyes. The others don't know what happened as the camera feed was seemingly coincidentally cut. Vanny almost didn't make it out and had to leave the body there dead, managing to hide the evidence that she even laid a hand on him. Making it seem like he had fallen down the stairs after a robber tried to mug him. During his funeral, Vanny couldn't even be bothered to look down as he was getting buried. She stood there staring.

She did this.

She was being used as a trojan horse by Glitchtrap to get his supply. She still befriended the others. She shared moments of joy and laughter with them and yet she couldn't help but stare as he was lowered. Glamrock Freddy came to her and cried. This bustling hunk of sunshine weeped at her mercy. She tried comforting him but it left her bittersweet knowing she did this to someone who was nice to her. You’d think she’d be numb at this point but she’s not. 

She never was.

She ended up trying to push them away as the months began to pass. No longer making rounds when she knew they were at home. Deliberately avoiding going to social events and basically just trying to get this job done with. Even when she was doing her rounds and caught sight of the others she answered them rudely or just told them that she was too busy for dilly-dallying.

Roxy tried offering to give her a ride on her bike when she did her rounds but Vanny declined. Chica tried inviting her for lunch but Vanny declined. Freddy tried inviting her over for karaoke but Vanny. Even Monty tried inviting her over to play golf but Vanny declined. 

She's trying to make them hate her. She can't let her dad take them away from her too. She can't. Never again. So she's trying desperately to get them off of his scope so that they wouldn't end up as one of her victims packaged for eating. 

As long as they hate her as long as they don't want anything to do with her they'd be safe. They have to. They don’t need her.

It ended up working for a bit. But Glitchtrap is never satisfied. He never is. Suddenly neighbor after neighbor ended up mysteriously disappearing from this apartment complex. It was more common to see people move in than out and it was happening rapidly.

The residents have asked their landlord for higher security or that they'd move out as even families started going missing. Yet nothing changed. Not a peep gets out here. 

Until one day, Vanny was tasked to kill Freddy. A test by Glitchtrap and she couldn't do it. She tried begging for it to be someone else, anyone but her friend but he didn't like that his worker was testing his patience and took over.

There in the dead of night Vanny broke into Freddy's home. It was a sloppy job. Yet she strutted along. Holding onto the knife with such vigor. Just when she opened the door to his bedroom and tried to take the plunge. She slashed at a child's cheek.

What?

And in that brief moment Vanny regained control and had to face her bearings getting a migraine by the possession by Glitchtrap. She didn't know what was happening until it was too late and the kid fled outside. 

Great.

Basically fnaf sb happened but Freddy was at the pharmacy buying meds leaving Gregory (rabbit) home alone for a few minutes. Vanny, being puppeteered at the time by Glitchtrap, broke in intent on killing Freddy but ended up getting Gregory. Vanny and Glitchtrap didn't and doesn't know Gregory was there or who he was. This was because when Vanny tried to cut off the glamrocks Freddy ended up adopting this kid he found. Hence, why neither party seemed to know about the other because it was quite literally very recent. 

But yeah gist off the AU for now!!! Some parts are being rewritten and whatnot with the ruin DLC and book stuff but yeah!!! Short intro of the AU!!!

Headcanons / Lore :

-Vanny was blonde but ever since her resurrection her furs been turning white unknown if it's because she's technically undead or from stress (I like to think like from blonde bunny with green eyes into those white rabbits with red eyes)

-The workers are some canon fnaf characters and ocs

-Glitchtrap can't mind control Vanny all the time cuz he has other workers he needs to monitor and control, basically spanning a wide network. So he uses fear mongering tactics to get her to obey while he's away.

-Glitchtrap needs the flesh because his body is rotting and he needs pieces constantly to replace it. He only went after rabbits at first but due to his rapid decaying (turning into Burntrap as the story progresses) he went after anything that breathed and lived. I can’t decide if at the end of the story he should turn into Mimic where he’s just a walking skeleton or if he should just permanently die like in the Burntrap ending

-Vanny when she came back had many bald patches on her body after being stitched apart. She's trying to grow out her fur to hide what happened. Just to regain her sense of self. Yet things never change and so she ends up shaving it all off becoming bald like in security breach :[

-She knows that's not her dad but she's still scared of him even though he's much more different than how he was before. Maybe it's the unconditional love of a daughter for her father. Or she doesn’t know what a good parental figure is.

-Glitchtrap originally looked like the black goop version from princess quest, always ever changing, never the same as a being born of malice and hatred. He wanted to be a person like everyone else instead of a blob to be free of it all to start anew but he can't. Unless he acquired a body.

-His workers are only alive after he modified them, giving them life again by giving a part of himself inside off them kinda like a soul contract. Permanent scars literally. (How the enemies in Princess Quest look like rabbit people)

-Workers get sent around areas with dense populations and well acquires inventory from there. Glitchtrap gets money selling the flesh claiming it to be from regular animals. With the money he uses it to keep his body intact and alive. This is to explain how he turns into Burntrap becoming green and nasty.

-Each worker is associated with a smell. Vanny is onion. Glitchtrap is lemongrass. If you look at the sketch Scraptrap’s is garlic. If you’re asking why I did this it is because I just think it’s funny.

-There's more but I feel like I've talked enough!! Currently doing more writing to add ruin into this and trying to do a 2024 redesign for this AU!!! Including Vanny I need to make her more nasty and rotten <33333 

-Also be warned I love bittersweet endings if you fancy this AU

Her stitching and pupils keep switching sides because I couldn't decide 😭 Too embarrassed to show everyone elses design because the start off the story is goofy and the tonal whiplash is killing me. Scraptrap and Glitchtrap cameo tho!!. never realised how squished I made the heads.

I removed the blood due to the fact because being grabbed at the back off your head by an abusive family member still just as scary I should know

[dearshelby]

Maybe I could request a headcanon with protective dad tommy?

Please 🙏🥺

Okay, I rarely write about dad!Tommy so this might not be one of my best works, hope you like nevertheless! This wasn't proofread

The pearl necklace | T.S

Summary: No one can yell at Tommy's baby girl, not even the mother.

The house was awfully quiet for a friday night, no high heels against the wood floor, no teenage groups wreaking havoc in the garden or jazz playing loudly on the living room's gramophone.

Working in his office, Tommy was suspicious but still grateful for the rare silent hours, since after his daughter turned sixteen, she brought friends over nearly every week.

However, silence didn't last long, in a sudden move, Victoria entered the office with a desperate look on her face.

"Dad," she started, "you need to help me!"

"Woah, woah, what happened?" he stood up.

"I took mum's pearl necklace to wear at a birthday party, but the clasp broke and now she's going to kill me!"

With a weak sigh, he was relieved nothing grave happened and at the same time entertained by his daughter's exaggerated reaction.

"It's just a necklace, Victoria, tell your mum what happened and she'll understand," Tommy soothed.

"No! You don't understand! This is from the jewelry box she told me not to take anything from! She said this is the first real pearls you gave her!"

He gulped, that changed things entirely, his wife didn't wear her older jewels often but she kept them very dearly. The first expensive one he gave her surely must be the most cherished.

"Let me see,"

Inspecting the delicate clasp, Tommy got the conclusion the damage was unfixable, the necklace couldn't be of good quality if it broke after a few years. He doubted y/n would understand that.

"Well, ugh," he looked at Victoria, "go to a jeweler and try to get one that looks alike, your mum won't notice the difference,"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, take some ponds from the bedroom's drawer, go on,"

As the teenager left the office, Tommy weakly smiled, glad his child trusted him enough to ask for help to escape from her mother's fury. It was something he'd never do with his own dad.

However, the sweet moment didn't last long, Y/N entered the office without knocking, her eyes immediately set on the broken necklace.

"Tommy- Victoria! What have you done?!" she took the pearls from the girl's hands.

"I- I was going to tell you-" the youngster stuttered.

"You broke it! I let you wear all my jewelry except-"

"Y/N," Tommy interrupted, "it was an accident,"

"Did you know about this?!"

"I just did,"

"Mum-" Victoria tried to speak.

"You shut up! You have your own pearls, why did you take mine?! These ones especially?!"

"They're thinner than mine! They matched my dress better and I was gonna put it back on place, but-"

"But you broke them!!!"

"Y/N, it's alright, stop yelling," Tommy once again interrupted, "Victoria, go to your party but be back at eight, go on,"

Finally alone, the couple switched a tense stare.

"Are you seriously siding with her?"

"We're a family, there's no side," he argued.

"She took and broke my necklace, Tommy, one of the important ones and you still let her go to the fucking party,"

"Didn't you hear? I told her to be back at eight, usually she's stays out until ten,"

"Listen," she sighed, "I know no one yells at our baby and I might've been too much, I recognize it, but this necklace was important to me, Tom, she needs to learn actions have consequences,"

"And she will, but it won't be by you yelling at her face,"

Watching how upset his wife looked, he bit his inner cheek, the very first expensive jewel he gave her was ruined, it was understandable.

"Come here," he called, hugging her from behind when she got close, "I'll get you a new one, alright? One prettier and twice as expensive,"

"No, there's no need," she denied, "but perhaps you could talk to Victoria about limits?"

"Limits, eh?" Tommy weakly chuckled, "I'll see what I can do,"

[the-badger-mole]

I feel like I don't harp on Aang's lack of leadership skills enough. I can already hear people cracking their knuckles to type out some long diatribe about how it's unfair to judge Aang's leadership because he's a kid. Let me stop you right there. As with his lack of respect for consent and his lack of preparation to deal with Ozai, his age is irrelevant because the framing of Aang would have us believe that he's right. The show wants us, the audience, to see Aang as clever and wise beyond his years. To say I can't be too hard on Aang because he's a child flies directly in the face of what the writers intended. So, step away from the keyboard and let me finish, alright?

Bet.

When I think of Aang as a leader, the episode that comes to mind is The Great Divide. Someone recently brought this up to me as an example of Aang being a Trickster type. I disagree. I think Aang is more of an Innocent than a Trickster, but I get how someone might see him as either *. It doesn't make him a great leader, in any case. In fact, it supports my theory that he's a bad leader. His actions in TGD show that he is far more interested in taking the easy way out than in any real sort of conflict resolution, which in a world looking for guidance post war is...not a great attitude to have. This is the most egregious example of his lack of conflict resolution skills, but it's not the only example of this. He also looks for the easy fix when Katara and Toph are fighting (although, this is interestingly actually framed as a misstep for him. A box of Mars bars to Bryke for that, I guess). It would be fine if this was acknowledged as a short-coming in him, but the way TGD ends, it's supposed to make Aang look clever. (P.S. there's NO way those groups didn't go right back to fighting, because that's not how conflict works).

Bryke could have left that alone and just have more examples of Aang being a good leader in the rest of the series or in the comics, but seeing as they don't seem to understand why Aang isn't the wonderful person they frame him to be, I get why there's not a whole lot of growth in him. Speaking of the comics, remember that time that Aang jumped on board with anti-miscegenation without considering the consequences? Remember how the only reason he changed his mind is because he would be personally affected by it? Yeah...

So, in the comics, Aang meets a group of wanna be Acolytes who studied Air Nomad customs and wanted to actually live them out. They shaved their heads and painted on some tattoos, and Aang was all about it...until he realized that it wasn't paint, they had actually gotten the tattoos, and at that point, he feels insulted. Mind you, he wasn't insulted about his culture being used as cosplay. He was mad that they misunderstood the significance of the tattoos and in their misguided attempts they did something they weren't supposed to. I'm not saying he was wrong to be upset, per se, I'm just saying that cultural appropriation is probably something that the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender are out of their depths on. Well, this incident sours him on the idea of mixing cultures and in his anger, he jumps right to anti-miscegenation.

Let me repeat that. Avatar Aang, who is supposed to represent all peoples, got angry at some well-intentioned, but severely misguided girls, and decided that the solution would be to support policies that would literally tear apart families. Then he only walked that back because he wouldn't be able to keep Katara. It wasn't him realizing how much damage he would do to other people. It wasn't him understanding that the issue he's trying to solve requires more delicate handling than simply saying "everyone go back to where you came from". It was his selfishness that saved the day (sort of? I think annexing a part of the Earth Kingdom to make pseudo-New York was...questionable at best).

These are the two biggest, if not only examples of the type of leader Aang is. In both cases, his solution had more to do with him, his personal convenience, his feelings, than any thought of how best serve the people looking to him to lead. They are not presented as issues with his leadership, highlighting the ways he needs to grow into his role. The solutions he comes up with are presented as examples of his cleverness and wisdom, but actually, they just show how he leads based on what's best for him. The people of Planet Avatar ** are subject to Aang's whims and how much work he feels like putting in on a given day. But the people he's leading are supposed to think he's a Big Dang Hero. In a better written story, this would be the beginning of a villain arc.

*(btw, it is still The Year of Content ™️©️®️, so probably expect another post in the future about why I think Aang is more in line with the Innocent than the Trickster. Maybe. We'll see...)

** (is there a name for that world in the fandom? Can we come up with one? Planet Avatar is incredibly lame.)

[captaincryolicious]

Stay with me

just a little angsty drabble based on a dream i had last night. maybe it's a little toxic but in the end, scara is just really troubled (also, cw. use of scara's real name)

You had no idea why you ended up in what seemed like the darkest corner of Inazuma City, cornered by a very aggravated man. The darkness that came forth with midnight was daunting, but the violet gaze that rested upon you was even stronger as it held you in its grip effortlessly. His eyes were burning with unkempt emotions, often so carefully concealed until they spilled over – like now. 

Conceal. Don’t feel. Don’t let them know. That’s what he lived by. As a shallow puppet void of emotions, he went through his days. Even you, his close companion, his lover, barely ever witnessed a change in his demeanor. Merely two exceptions existed; there were days where he willingly showed you his softer side, and days where all his pent-up emotions flowed over, taking the shape of anger and frustration. Today was one of such days, and Kunikuzushi had dragged you all the way through the darkness to have you alone with him.

Because you were the only person he trusted, which was a blessing and a curse.

     “It’s you,” he said lowly, staring straight into your soul. “Ever since I met you, I've been feeling things. You shattered my perfect charade of being emotionless, you stir things within me that should remain untouched.” 

     “Kuni–” you began, but he rendered you silent with a sharp movement of his head, his dark purple bangs dancing slightly. He was frustrated with you, blaming you for the things he felt – things he didn’t even want to feel to begin with. Yet, when his hands landed on your shoulders, his touch was surprisingly gentle. 

     “You frustrate me,” the male breathed out, but his voice held no malice like his eyes did. “I despise human emotions, so what you do to me is torture.” 

He often placed the blame on you, and you knew all too well that it was you who awakened what he had concealed so well. You brought cracks into the apathetic mask he had so carefully fabricated as he long ago swore to never feel again. You were a threat to the scarred part of him, and the damaged being inside of him wanted nothing but to have you leave so he could be safe again. 

But then there was the part of him that had grown significantly ever since you met him. The part of him that longed for a companion, that wanted to trust you and let you close. The part of him that was learning to accept what he was feeling. Emotions were so foreign and scary for him, especially when he thought back to all the pain and misery he had been through. It was a miracle he even let you in. 

But it happened. Only around you, he dared to be vulnerable. Only you were allowed near him during his emotional breakdowns, allowed to see him like that – weak, out of control. It wasn’t at all pretty, for his anger was unbound and reckless and unfairly taken out on you. Yet, all the same, you were also his lifeline in those moments. He played a complicated game of push and pull. He wanted you gone and he wanted you near. He didn’t know what to do with himself and he didn’t know what to do with you. 

     “Do you want me to leave?” you carefully asked, like you always did when Kunikuzushi had another outburst of emotions. 

     “No, don’t go,” he commanded, and you saw the panic that flashed in his violet eyes. 

The grip he had on your shoulders grew in tension before he let go and opted for cupping your cheeks instead. He coaxed up your face and made you look at him – as if you didn’t have your eyes on him already – and your heart wrenched upon seeing the sheer anxiety that raged behind his harsh eyes. Despite being together for some time now, you still had no idea what happened to him in the past. Whatever it was, it left him damaged and you had to deal with the ruins of a man. 

     “Then I’ll stay,” you said, like you always said. 

You smiled at him, hoping that it would somehow reach his troubled mind. His emotional outbursts were quite tough on you, and staying strong and pretending you weren’t hurt by the way he acted didn’t come easy. But you always tried your hardest for him. You knew from the beginning how easily he could be triggered, yet you still decided to indulge in the growing relationship. It was a battle you fought together against his unkempt emotions. 

Calming down gradually, Kunikuzushi pressed a kiss to the corner of your mouth before letting go of you. The look in his eyes said I’m sorry, even though he never spoke those words aloud. The whirlwind of emotions that had his being rigid with stress had subdued a little. Another wave of helpless anger had passed. He reached out and held your hand tightly, as if he was afraid that you would change your mind and walk away from him. You wouldn’t, as you promised so often. 

You loved him, so you would get through it.

[stardust-sprinkler]

i loooveee ur college! touya headcannons sm. they make me so happy he would be the best boyf ever. In one post u mentioned how often he gets into fights for u (which is so true) so i'm also thinking it's the other way around. like if any girl tried to flirt w/ him knowing ur together or hookup with him, obv he is rejecting them immediately but i'm imagining reader see's and just backhands the girl so hard 😭

Oh my god, I’m so happy my hcs make you happy!! 💖 I’m honestly feral for College!Touya, my personal pet project over here! Lol

Such a good prompt too! Enjoy~

College!Dabi AU

“Bad Boy Who’s Always Good to His Girl” Series~

• You’ve only felt jealous a few times in your long term relationship with Dabi. Once was when an old flame of his got a little too friendly with him in public. The way they looked at him and tried to tease him despite your boyfriend brushing them off every time—it p!ssed you the fuck off.

• You spent the evening stewing in your thoughts before he pried it out of you in the common area of his dorm. When you finally told him, he blinked twice, shook his head, and hoisted you up to wrap your legs around him. You were complaining and telling him to put you down right now, and he just positively ignored you.

• Boy carried you to the elevator and up to his room before tossing you (safely—this man is obsessed with protecting you so he’s not about to let you crack your head on the headboard) on the bed. He rustled through the top dresser drawer before throwing you a silk rope that he usually used on you and told you to do whatever you want to him for the night. Stake your claim however you want.

• Our boy ended up with bites and hickeys trailing from his neck down to his Adonis belt and claw marks on his back and thighs. No complaints were heard.

• Another was when you were far less restrained. It was a Friday night, this time the party was actually being hosted at the Todoroki’s goddamn mansion—his younger brother was throwing it while the old man was away, and Dabi thought it would be funny as fuck to crash it (maybe cause some property damage, maybe commit some arson—the possibilities were endless).

• Well, eventually (read: inevitably, considering the venue) something had pissed him the f*ck off and he stormed to an outside patio for a smoke. You followed, kissed his cheek while he grumbled & fished a cigarette out of a carton, and then left with the promise of returning with some more drinks.

• It was then that some hot shot spotted Dabi alone and got real up close and personal while they flirted, despite him telling them off several times in a row, “Holy shit, are you stupid or something? I said screw off!” His drag was deep after what he considered his final warning, but they unexpectedly pushed themself up against his chest and immediately his hands shot up into the air and he stumbled back slightly, determined to communicate to anyone who might be watching that he did NOT want this dumbass touching him.

• Fucker made him drop his cigarette.

• He didn’t end up having to do anything further, because next thing he knew, you had your fists balled up in the back of their jacket and yanked them backwards, letting their own weight knock them back on the sprawling lawn. By this point, a small crowd was forming, but you had tunnel vision.

• “Touch him one more time, dipshit, I dare you. I’ll shove this stiletto so far up your ass that I can lace it up through your goddamn mouth, y—!! Hey, where are you taking me??”

• Dabi was grinning like a crazed lunatic as he hoisted you up onto his hip, pleased as gd punch that you were getting in a fistfight over him. The only reason he stepped in was because he wanted you safe more than he wanted to see the mf get their ass handed to them. He never let you as much as bruise a finger if he could help it.

• “C’mon, Matchbox, let’s go steal something out of my sperm donor’s office.”

[cienie-isengardu]

The Last Agni Kai is my top favorite fight in the ATLA because of the music, colors, choreography and the tragic sense of two siblings forced to battle each other but I’m still not sure why Zuko and Katara needed to confront Azula instead of being part of team Avatar in the final, the most important battle. Like, I get it thematically, as Azula and Zuko had their own storyline to resolve and so on, but from the perspective of in-universe events? Taking the title of Fire Lord would mean nothing, if Aang was killed by Ozai and the man returned to Fire Nation as a winner against Avatar, leaving Zuko and Katara on enemy territory all on their own, to either fight to the last breath or flee. 

Azula, as just crowned Fire Lord, was not that big of threat at that moment because ATLA takes place in a world that has limited long-distance communication and it was not like she had an idea what was going on with Ozai or if he was attacked by Avatar or not. She was far away from Earth Kingdom and would not be able to travel fast enough to aid her father, no matter how much she would want to do so. She would need to learn first about her father’s defeat to plan revenge or counterattack - what gives the White Lotus & alliance forces some time to plan the next step. With Ozai defeated, Zuko could come back to challenge her for the throne the same as he did originally. And even if he died during the final battle against Ozai and/or Ozai’s forces, there is still Iroh with a legit claim to the throne, right? Not to mention the psychological blow to Fire Nation’s psyche, if Avatar came to Fire Nation with their dead or depowered “great” Fire Lord.

And sure, Zuko taking throne with Avatar’s support wouldn’t put him in the best light, considering how his people were raised on imperialism and propaganda, but let’s be real here, his original regime was too controversial for the sole fact he left his country to aid Avatar and his future politics were aimed at peace and repairing damage done by Fire Nation across the world. On that matter alone, coming back to face Azula with the whole Gaang at his side won’t change that much.

My problem with how Zuko and Katara were sidelined on a different mission is not just the whole Iroh’s hypocrisy of I can’t fight my brother ‘cause history will remember it bad but you definitely should go fight your sister for the Fire Lord title. It is just the disappointment we didn’t have a chance to see Zuko, Katara, Sokka, Toph and Suki united like the Old Masters, all different elements in harmony, benders and non-benders supporting each other and together defeating the common enemy; the new generation all here for Avatar so their friend could focus on his task. Dunno if I make sense, but I truly wish that our young representatives of all cultures were there together, as there should be Zuko - firebender - standing against the corruption and deprivation of once honorable Nation, the same as Katara (waterbender) should be allowed to partake in mission alongside her brother, as they together went against the world since the first episode. 

Like I said, I love The Last Agni Kai, but damn, we were robbed of Gaang’s final battle against Sozin’s Legacy. Because we have never(?) truly seen them all together at the same time in full battle? Shame. Just shame…

[avvail-whumps]

‘guns for hire’ — twenty minutes #29

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content warnings: multiple whumpers, punishments, gags, past whipping wounds/scars, broken bones (fingers), graphic violence, mention of slurs, blood, strangulation, passing out, stockholm syndrome

Twenty minutes. 

That’s how long he was going to have with each mercenary. Bran, Joey and Beard, whatever his real name was. They were allowed to do whatever they wanted, Roy had told him. He assumed those sordid rules of his would be in place, most likely of the “no killing” sort. 

He was tucked in the corner of the room, trying to ignore the pulsing pain from his fingers. Now that he was by himself again, it wasn’t as easy to push it to the back of his mind. Roy had left after the kiss, leaving him alone and miserable again. He couldn’t stop thinking about exactly what had happened, how much of a mistake he might have made. This twisted part of him was yearning for it, though — everything Roy was willing to give him, every little affectionate gesture and words. He hadn’t felt so strongly about the man since he came back from his contract, the echoing words of “wait for me” heavy on his mind. 

It was horrible waiting. He didn’t know when to expect them to appear, who was going to be first, or what horror they would inflict upon him when they had their chance. He sniffled softly, immedietly wanting Roy to come back. He needed someone to tell him it was going to be okay. 

The door clunked open. His eyes darted upwards, breath hitching in anticipation as to who it would be. His stomach sank to his feet when he realised it was Beard. The man looked grim as he entered, eyes flicking instantly towards Leo, before glancing around the rest of the basement.

He tried not to let his breathing pick up. Being the basement was bad in of itself, but now that he was trapped in such a tiny space with nowhere to go? It was so much worse. Much more daunting.

Beard shuffled on his feet, taking a look at the chair, and then the tools on the wall.

He didn’t look too happy.

Beard had only ever liked hurting him when the others were watching. He would have to endure their taunts and heckling laughter, all while taking the torturous pain he’d inflict on him. Some part of Leo hoped that whatever pleasure he got from hurting people with an audience, might put him off from doing too much damage. From the irriated look in his eyes, he wasn’t sure if that was the case, or if Beard was going to take this frustration out on him mercilessly.

He swallowed uneasily, head filled with cotton. He just wanted this to be over already.

The man tapped his foot impatiently, reaching for his own pocket instead. He pulled out a cigerrate and lighter, pressing it between his lips with a drawn out sigh, and flicking it on. Leo feverishly counted the seconds, praying that by some miracle, the twenty minutes would be over by the time he decided to make use of him. Obviously, there was no such luck. The man plucked up a long cloth, before finally making his way over to him. 

His boots thumped against the ground, matching the racing of Leo’s own heart. He attempted to press himself closer to the wall, but Beard’s hand shot out to grab his shirt before he could make any kind of feeble escape. 

He suppressed a quiet whimper as he was dragged forward, and shoved roughly into the ground. His eyes burned with tears as he landed on his hands, biting down so hard on his lip that it drew blood. The copper taste lingered on his tongue, squirming when a hand fisted into his hair, yanking his head back. A pained cry tore from his throat, but it was cut off when the rag was stuffed roughly into his mouth. He choked, vision splitting when his head was released, thumping against the concrete. 

Beard tutted. “Just shut up. I want to get it over and done with.” 

Leo squirmed, but the sweltering pain in his fingers was making his stomach heave, threatening to empty itself across the floor. He felt the heavy man on top of him, flicking the lighter on with a quiet scowl. The back of his shirt was yanked up, and Leo tried to resist the urge to press his hands into the ground to steady himself. He considered kicking and squirming his way out from under him, but those thoughts were swiftly squashed. 

There was nothing he could do but endure this. When it did, it would all be over. It was his fault this was happening in the first place. If he hadn’t ran away, then Roy wouldn’t have been so mad, and he wouldn’t be in this position right now. He ground his teeth against the gag, feeling the lick of the lighter against his shoulder blades. He tensed, a clammy sweat beading across his forehead. His mind drifted to the whip. 

He didn’t even want to imagine what his back looked like with so many terrible scars and wounds. He was suddenly frightened the flame would brush against the sensitive skin, and it made his whole body shiver in anticpation. A sharp, bright pain seared against his skin, and he jerked, a muffled whine echoing through the basement. Beard scoffed, his weight pressing uncomfortably in his ribs. 

“Stop squirming,” he snapped, voice low. He could smell the putrid tobacco from his cigarette invading his senses and stinging his eyes. Leo scrunched them shut, and even though the lighter only covered a fraction of his skin, it still burned wildfire. It felt like the flames were digging under his skin, setting the nerves alight with agony. His body jerked and squirmed under each flame, no matter how much Beard threatened him to stay still. The gag dried his mouth out uncomfortably, making it difficult to even suck in a single, needed breath to relieve his aching lungs. Hot tears tracked down his face, though they felt icy compared to the sting of the lighter. 

Beard seemed to grow bored by the time Leo was sweating and panting, choked sobs muffled by the uncomfortable gag. It seemed that without an audience, he didn’t find much purpose in what he was doing. He finally stepped off of him, but not without sending a sharp kick to his stomach as he went. Leo’s eyes bulged, a strained wheeze catching in his throat as he desperately curled in on himself to push the pain away. He couldn’t even reach up to pull the gag out of his mouth. 

He desperately wanted to sooth the painful itch spreading along his back, his shaking breaths puffing against the disgusting rag stuffed between his teeth. A crippling pain was still gripping his stomach by the time Beard lazily tossed his cigarette on the ground, and left the room. 

The loud bang of the metal door forced Leo’s eyes open, a miserable groan tearing from his lips. 

The silence returned, and Leo could barely even find the strength to move from his curled up position. He pressed his head into the ground, fighting the cotton returning back to his head, bloating against the back of his eyes. He tried not to look at the door. He tried not to let the panic of another mercenary wandering inside cloud his judgement, otherwise he would start hyperventilating against the gag. It was hard enough to breathe through his nose at the moment.

Another horrible wait stretched by. 

His mind tossed the last two in his mind. Bran or Joey. Joey or Bran. 

God, Bran was going to be so pissed. He already seemed to blame him for Finger’s, or Rafi’s, death, and no doubt he was going to make him pay for the bad mouthing and vase cracking against his head. He remembered the flash of red blood he’d seen under his hair and—

Leo bit down hard on the gag. 

He was shaking. 

His fingers were throbbing and his head was swimming with nausea. His thoughts were chanting in his mind, too loud in the all-too quiet room, rocking through his skull like alarm bells. He wanted to slam his hands over his ears to block it out, but he couldn’t. He just wanted to come out of the basement, and he just wanted Roy back. 

The familiar screeching of metal ripped him from his mind. Panic instantly set in when he squinted at the familiar figure, who was probably the last person he wanted to see right now. Bran was staring at him with this narrowed, furious look in his beady eyes, but his lip was twisted into a sadistic grin. 

Leo let out a terrified whine, waiting for the inevitable twenty minutes of torture he was going to inflict on him. Bran didn’t waste a second tucking in. 

His meaty fingers yanked him up by the front of his shirt, jarring his neck uncomfortably from the sheer force. His fist smacked into the side of his face, and before Leo could even register the explosion of pain, he drove his knuckles back down into his jaw for a second time.

Then a third.

And then a fourth.

Leo’s ragged screams were muffled by the gag, feeling the skin tear from the impact, birthing a new set of dark bruises along his pale skin. The man shoved him back down onto the ground, the back of his skull bouncing against the concrete. He couldn’t even move to protect himself before a kick swung into his stomach, and Leo was gagging. 

Bran was relentless, somehow worse than he had ever been. His beating didn’t let up for even a second, only pausing to spit derogatory slurs or mock him for crying and snivveling. The blood in Leo’s head was swimming, the pain bright and crippling along his body. It was hard to blink back the spots on his vision, and so his mind eventually shut itself off halfway inbetween. It was only when the man was done with him, cursing under his breath, that he let what was happening barrel back into him. 

“Twenty minutes ain’t enough with your sorry ass,” the man hissed under his breath, giving Leo one final parting kick that cracked against his nose. A broken whimper tore from his throat, lying in a panting, tangled heap of blood, splattered across the ground. His left eye was already swelling, feeling it ache uncomfortably every time he blinked. 

The harsh slamming made him twitch, but it was all he could manage. Everything was going fuzzy and dark, the gag discarded and his dry mouth wheezing for air. A numbness throbbed across his face, briefly fearing the stitches would have become ruined from his never-ending assault. 

It wasn’t long before Joey came in next. 

Leo couldn’t even move, his body wracked with aching pains and exhaustion, even as he approached him with a somewhat grim expression on his face. He just seemed to observe him for a long while.

Leo didn’t really care. He needed a moment. He just needed a second to breathe, to collect himself before he inevitably crumbled again. He was so tired of all of this. 

“I’m not interested in hurting you, Leo,” he murmured under his breath, causing Leo to pry his stinging eyes open. There was a subtle change in his breathing, but if Joey noticed, he didn’t say anything. He instead slowly reached for the gag, uncaring for the blood on it, and unravelled it. It was a long piece like that. “But I have to. So I’ll make it as easy as possible.” 

Leo didn’t really understand what he meant by that, but an arm was suddenly around his shoulder, helping him sit up. It pressed uncomfortably against the lighter burns on his back, causing him to suck in a sharp hiss. It rattled his ribs as he went, and Joey seemed to adjust his grasp on the cloth. 

It was suddenly being looped around his neck, and Leo choked on a delayed gasp as it cut off the air from his lungs. Joey twisted his wrist, the material wrapping around the joint, jerking him back forcefully. His mind was suddenly kicked into overdrive, instinctively reaching up to pry the sharp cloth from his neck, but Joey seized his wrists, pulling him closer. 

“You’ll just make them worse,” he murmured under his breath, and Leo frantically struggled against his hold. The spots were consuming his vision now, cotton building in his brain, no matter how much he kicked and thrashed through the crippling pain. A small, choked wheeze was the last thing he heard from himself, before his eyes were rolling to the back of his head, and he slumped still. 

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[friendly-neighborhood-imbecille]

accidentally deleted this post so now I have to make it again, I’m sorry.

For all Danny could remember, everything has been about the portal. 

He missed his class recorder concert. He was supposed to have a solo, his parents were busy with the portal. He buried the stray cat he had been taking care of alone. Jazz was at a friend’s house, his parents were busy with the portal. He had to walk to the elementary school for his elementary graduation. Only Jazz showed up, his parents were busy with the portal. He ran away, got lost, and was picked up by Tucker’s mom. She was the only one who’d pick up the phone, his parents were busy with the portal. He saved up and sold almost all his collectables so he could go to space camp. He never got to go, his parents were busy with the portal. 

It was always a constant in his life, but now, that constant was gone. The portal was finished, and it didn’t work. 

He guessed he should be happy. He’d tried multiple times before to destroy the thing, but he’d always been either too small and weak to do any real damage, or got cold feet and chickened out at the last minute. But now that it was actually broken he wished it wasn’t. 

It was much better barely ever seeing his parents, but them being happy when he did see them, than seeing them miserable. 

The portal was important to them, they had spent most of their lives on it, they cared about it more than anything else in the world, and it didn’t work. 

And maybe it was his fault. 

He lay in bed staring at the glow in the dark star stickers plastered across his ceiling. It had been a long day, and an even longer night. He had plans to have Sam and Tucker over tomorrow, but he’d probably have to cancel. He really didn’t want them to see him like this. 

It was 1:30 in the morning, his parents had left three hours after the portal failed, he didn’t know where they were, they hadn’t told them. Jazz had left an hour later to spend the night at Spike’s house. This left him all alone. This would usually be nice. No sounds of tinkering in the lab, no mumbles coming from Jazz in the next room reading whatever book she was currently obsessed with, perfect conditions for a good night’s sleep. But he couldn’t sleep. 

He had just been lying there for hours, the only noise in the house being a faint electrical buzzing that he wasn’t even sure was real. The only thing he could think of was the portal. What if it had all been his fault. 

He had tried to destroy it, what if he had succeeded?

He lifted his blanket up and off of him and stood up. He walked through the hallway and down the stairs, careful not to step on any of the squeaky steps, despite the lack of anyone else in the house. He leapt over the small uncovered part of the hardwood floor, ran on his toes across the carpet of the living room over to the basement steps, then froze. 

What if he had destroyed what his parents loved most? 

He almost didn’t want to know. Almost wanted to run back upstairs, get back under the covers, and not tell anyone. Ever. 

But he needed to know. He needed proof that it wasn’t him. He needed something else to be the reason. He couldn’t live with himself if it was his fault. 

He stepped down the stairs to the lab. The concrete floor was cold, he walked on his tiptoes to avoid it. He walked past scrap metal and wires haphazardly thrown across the floor. His mom did that. She was angry and had almost ripped apart everything on the tables. He walked past a large dent in the wall. His dad did that. It was terrifying. He had never seen his dad hit something before. 

He ripped his attention away from the chaos of the room and focused it on the portal. It seemed almost menacing. Cold metal gleaming in the dim light, almost like a blade. He walked closer to it. He had cut a few wires inside it last month in a desperate attempt for some attention, he couldn’t see them from here, he’d have to get closer. 

He ran over to the jumpsuit rack and grabbed his. He carefully put it on over his shorts and t-shirt and ripped a sticker of his dad’s face off the front. His dad had probably added the sticker recently, hoping he wouldn’t notice. He was honestly surprised it still fit, he hadn’t worn it since the seventh grade, but it had been a bit baggy then. 

He crept closer to the portal and examined the outside. Everything there seemed to be in order, then took a deep breath, and went in. 

It was dark. Not too dark he couldn’t see clearly, but it would get darker the further he got. He couldn’t help but feel like he was intruding in on something he shouldn’t. This wasn’t his place, he didn’t belong, but he needed to know. He got to the middle of the portal and stopped. There was a large panel missing. His mom said that it wasn’t needed, they could put it on later after they tested it out. There were tons of wires, he put his gloved hand in and moved them around, looking for the wire he had cut. 

Maybe it wasn’t even in this area. Maybe they had fixed it, maybe they had seen the wire and replaced it, but he had to be sure. 

Suddenly he saw it, the cut wire. He could fix this. He just needed to fix this. 

He ran out of the portal and opened every drawer and cabinet he could find until he found some duct tape. He just had to tape the wire back together and everything would be fixed. His parents would be happy. He ripped a large piece of the tape off with his teeth, ran back into the portal and found the wire again. He reached down to the bottom of the hole in the portal wall and searched until he found the other side of the wire. 

He could fix this, he could be helpful to his parents for once and make them happy. And once he told them how he fixed it they’d love him so much for it. 

He quickly put the tape on one end of the wire, added the other end, and wrapped it around. Now he just had to plug it in. 

The end of the tunnel started to light up, everything around him started to crackle with electricity, a dull whirring noise kept getting louder and louder, and something in his head screamed at him to run. 

The portal had never been unplugged. 

He dropped the wire and ran towards the opening, he was almost there, he was going to make it. But then the green light turned blinding, all he could feel was pain. He screamed, and everything stopped.

—

The first thing that came back was his hearing. He could hear a faint electrical buzzing, like the sound of a dying lightbulb, or LED lights. Faint enough that most people wouldn’t notice it, but present enough that it was inescapable. There was also this deep rumbling hum. The closest thing he could compare it to would be the noise whales make, but that wasn’t quite it.

Then taste and smell came back. His mouth tasted different somehow, like the aftertaste of lemonade, or maybe one of those cherry limeade sodas. But metallic, like he had licked a battery. His surroundings also had that same citrusy metallic smell. 

Then his feeling came back. His body ached with pain, but somehow it felt as if it was both there and not at the same time. His face was pressed against a cold, hard, rough, surface. He tried to move, but it was like he was paralyzed. A strange crackling filled the air, it felt like the static electricity he used to make by rubbing his stuffed animals against his hair, blankets and pajamas just to see the sparks. He used to think that he was generating more electricity for the house when he did that. 

Then came sight. He went from seeing nothing, to seeing black. Every so often a green light pulsed behind his eyelids. He didn’t know what it was, didn’t know what it could be. Then slowly, he regained the ability to move. 

At first he could only move his eyelids and fingers. The only thing he could see was the concrete floor lit by a faint green glow, but not long after, he was able to shakily lift himself up onto his knees. He looked around, he was in the lab. He remembered, the portal hadn’t worked. He had gone down to fix it and, he turned his head around for the first time since he had woken up to face the swirling green vortex. It had turned on. He had fixed it. He had been helpful. 

He quickly scrambled to his feet to walk over to it. It was working, just like it was supposed to from the start. He had fixed everything. His parents would be so happy, everything was better now, everything was-

He looked down to the floor. There was an arm poking out of the portal, it looked like his arm, but that wasn’t possible, he was right here. 

He looked down at his arm. It was different than he remembered. His glove was white, and the suit was black. He remembers it being the other way around. He looked down, his boots were also white, why were they white? Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong. 

He looked back to the arm poking out of the portal. Something was telling him to leave it alone, to pretend it didn’t exist, but he needed to know what was going on. He knelt down on the floor, grabbed the wrist, pulled, and immediately dropped it and scrambled away when a charred face emerged from the portal. It was a corpse, there was a corpse in his parents’ lab wearing Fenton gear. He wanted to throw up, but there wasn’t anything in his stomach. 

Why was there a dead body here? Did his parents kill someone and leave their body in the portal? No that wouldn’t make sense, he had been in the portal and he hadn’t seen it. 

He had been in the portal. And that was his hazmat suit. 

He slowly walked towards the portal, trying not to directly look at the charred flaking skin of the corpse’s face, and hesitantly grabbed its wrist again to pull it completely out of the portal. 

It was the same size as him. Same suit, same boots, it was him, but if that was him, who was he?

He hesitantly walked over to the lab bathroom and tried to turn on the lights, but they didn’t work. The power must be out, but somehow he could see without them. He turned to look in the mirror and froze. It was his face, it was unmistakably his face, but it was different. His hair was white, his skin was purple, his eyes and freckles were glowing green, the same green as the portal. And he had fangs. He looked like a monster, like one of those ghosts his parents would tell stories about. 

A ghost. He was dead, wasn’t he?

He couldn’t be a ghost, his parents hated ghosts. If they found out they’d destroy him, or worse, cut him open on an examination table. 

He had to leave. He could just pretend that he hadn’t come back, he was dead and that was the end of it. He couldn’t let anyone know. 

But if Jazz found out he was dead she’d be heartbroken. She’d blame herself. 

He hesitantly walked back over to the body, trying desperately to not look at its open unseeing eyes. He needed to get rid of it. He couldn’t bury it in the yard, they’d find it, and the woods were too far away. He didn’t want to drag this thing around town just to hide it, people would see. He didn't even want to have to drag it out of the lab. Just the thought of touching it again made his skin crawl. 

But what if he didn’t have to move it out of the lab. It was already right in front of the perfect hiding spot, all he needed to do was push it back in. He grabbed a broom from the corner of the room and used it to push the corpse back in. Slowly, bit by bit, the body disappeared. Suddenly, the force he was pushing against vanished completely, like it had fallen off of a ledge. 

He dropped the broom, and walked up the stairs, trudged across the living room carpet, hesitated before walking across the uncarpeted hardwood floor, and pulled himself up the stairs. He entered his room, grabbed a few essentials, stuffed them in the big duffel bag he kept under his bed, put his phone in his pocket, and walked back downstairs. 

His mind was blank as he left through the front door, he didn’t think about where he was going, he just went. After a while he found himself at Tucker’s house. He didn’t mean to come here. He debated on whether or not to talk to him, but decided against it. He didn’t want one of his best friends to see him like this. He looked like a monster. 

He kept walking until he reached the forest near the edge of town. He decided to take a break from walking and sit down. What would everyone think when they came home and he wasn’t there? Who would notice first? Would they try to call him? Would they look for him? Would he ever be able to see them again? He wanted to talk to them, he wanted to see them, he didn’t want to leave. 

He pulled out his phone and dialed his dad’s number. His mom almost never had her phone on her, but his Dad always did. It rang five times before it went to voicemail. His breathing became uneven. He hung up, and dialed again, it rang five more times before it went to voicemail. He was starting to shake now, why was he shaking? He hung up and dialed again. It went straight to voicemail. His Dad didn’t want to talk to him. Did he do something wrong? Was he angry with him? 

He dialed his mom’s number, just in case she had her phone on her, it rang five times before going to voicemail. He hung up and dialed again, it went to voicemail after three rings.

She had declined the call. She hadn’t just turned off the phone, she saw he was calling her and declined it. 

Why weren’t they picking up? Had they figured out what he had done? Did they know about the cut wire? Did they hate him for it?

But he had fixed it, he had been helpful, if they would just pick up the phone, he could tell them, and they’d be happy. 

He dialed his mom’s number again. It rang and went to voicemail. He dialed again. It rang and went to voicemail. He dialed again. It went straight to voicemail. She had shut off her phone. 

They didn’t want to hear from him. He couldn’t tell them, he couldn’t fix it. 

Drops of glowing green liquid fell onto his phone and hands. He reached a hand up to feel his face, he was crying. He didn’t know what else to do. He needed to talk to his parents, he needed to hear their voices one last time, he needed-

Jazz! Jazz always picked up the phone. She wouldn’t ignore him. He shakily dialed Jazz’s number and held the phone up to his ear. It rang once, twice, three times, four, five, then went to voicemail. He hung up. 

His breathing started to hitch, his eyes watered up more than they had in years. He started to hiccup out sobs. He dropped his phone and covered his mouth to try and stop it, he tried to stop it but he couldn’t. 

His phone rang. 

He scrambled to pick up the phone and answered it before looking at the caller id. 

“Danny, what’s going on, are you okay? Sorry, I was asleep when the phone started ringing, and then it took me a bit to find it.”

He didn’t answer, the sobs were getting in the way. 

“Danny? Are you okay?” 

She sounded really worried.

He forced his voice to work. “Jazz, I fixed it.”

“What? Danny, what did you fix, what’s going on?”

He took a deep breath to calm his voice. “Please, Tell Mom and Dad that I fixed it, they don’t have to be angry at me anymore.”

There was a pause, like Jazz was trying to think of what to say. After a few seconds, she spoke, voice calm and soothing. “Danny, Mom and Dad aren’t angry at you, they’re just upset because the portal-”

“I was the reason it didn’t work, Jazz! I cut the wire, I ruined it, but it’s fixed now. Please don’t be angry at me.” His voice broke halfway through his exclamation. 

Another pause. “Danny, I’m coming home right now.”

He started to panic, she couldn’t go home, she’d hang up once she started driving, she always did. “No, you don’t have to-”

“Yes I do.” She cut him off. “You’re obviously distressed and need help, I’m in the car right now, I’ll see you in five minutes.”

“Please don’t hang up.” He blurted out. 

“Why?”

“I,” He thought for an excuse before just deciding to tell the truth. “I just want to talk to you.”

A pause, shorter than the others. “Okay.”

“What did you do at Spike’s house?”

If she heard the waver in his voice, she didn’t mention it. “We watched Legally Blonde and ate popcorn.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Yeah, it was. Spike almost choked on a twizzler, I had to do the Heimlich maneuver on them.”

He sat there listening to every little insignificant detail like it was the most important thing in the world. How the movie was, how there was an entirely different meal made for her due to her food allergies, how the pullout couch Spike’s room had a squeaky spring. After all, this was probably the last time he’d ever hear her again. 

“I’m almost home, Danny.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Danny, what’s going on?” Danny could hear the panic radiating off of her. He almost wanted to tell her everything, but nobody could know. 

“I, I had to leave.”

“What do you mean you had to leave?” She sounded like she was about to have a panic attack. 

“I’m sorry. Goodbye.”

“Danny wai-”

He hung up. 

He just felt blank for a bit, like he was frozen. This was it. He was never going to see them again. All because of one stupid mistake, he’d be alone. Would his parents look for him once they noticed he was gone? Would they care?

He didn’t want them to be upset, he didn’t want to hurt them, but he wanted them to be sad he was gone. He wanted them to care enough to look for him, but some part of his mind told him that they probably wouldn’t. 

The tears started up again, he didn’t try to stop them. 

He never wanted this to happen. He never wanted to have to run away, to never be able to see his friends or family again, he never wanted to die. 

He wished he was human again. 

He jumped up as a spark of light appeared at his midsection, then another, then he was fully enveloped in a bright blinding light. He tried to run away from whatever was causing it, but he tripped over a root, then it disappeared. 

He couldn’t see much clearly. A large green film covered everything, and when he closed his eyes the film turned purple. Like he had stared at the sun for too long. He propped himself up and waited for a few minutes for the film to go away. The rocks underneath his hand were sharp, so he lifted it. 

Weren’t his hands supposed to be covered with gloves? He looked at his hand, but it was too dark to see more than the outline. He could use his phone as a light, he reached for his pocket, but it wasn’t there. He wasn’t wearing the jumpsuit anymore, instead he was wearing pajama shorts and an old t-shirt. Exactly what he had been wearing before he put on the jumpsuit.

He wasn’t glowing anymore. 

He felt his teeth, one canine was longer and sharper than the other, but that was normal. They were nowhere near how sharp they had been earlier. He looked at his hand, trying to see if it was purple or not, but he still couldn’t quite see it. He looked around for a light source, any light source. There was probably a streetlight somewhere, he just had to get to the road. He grabbed his bag and started running. The rocks and pinecones at the forest floor hurt his feet, but he ignored it. He got to the road and ran until he saw a streetlight. He stood underneath it and looked at his hand. 

It was human.

He was human. 

He needed to go home. 

He started running towards Fentonworks as fast as he could, he could barely feel his feet touch the ground, it was almost like he was flying, but he couldn’t focus on that. He could stay, he wasn’t going to be hunted down, he was human, he could forget any of this happened and stay living with his family. He just had to get home. 

He got to the door sooner than he expected, he reached for the handle, then froze. He could hear some faint talking. It sounded like Jazz. Who was she talking to? Were Mom and Dad home?

“Yes, he’s kind of short, around 5 foot 3, black hair, tan skin, yes, blue eyes, they’re pretty big.” 

He opened the door and walked in, Jazz was on the phone, she sounded really worried, almost like she was about to cry. 

“No I don’t know what he was last wearing, but most of his shirts are space themed.”

He slowly closed the door and walked over to Jazz, tapping her on the shoulder. 

“No, I’m not sure where he’d be, you could check the-” She turned around then dropped the phone immediately after seeing him and scooped him up off the ground in a bone crushing hug.

“Oh my god, Danny!” She set him down and gave him a look over. “Are you okay? Are you hurt, did something happen?”

“No, I’m fine.” He assured her. He wasn’t sure if that was right, he didn’t feel fine, but he felt so bad about making her so worried.

“Are you sure? You seemed really distressed in that phone call. I was really…” she trailed off for a second. “Please don’t do that again.”

“Okay.”

She gave him another look over before wrapping her arms around him in another hug. He hesitated a second before hugging her back. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

[1ovede1uxe]

11. i like you┊ ┊⋆ beyond the stars

buckle up, we've got another long one! just a reminder italicized words are your thoughts.

Mr. Joestar parked the car in front of the hospital. Avdol began to regain his consciousness and was placed in a wheelchair promptly before being wheeled into a room for a blood transfusion and proper treatment of his neck's gash. Kakyoin, still unconscious, was hoisted onto a gurney and taken for inspection. The remaining four of you (only God knows where Iggy went) waited in the waiting room. Mr. Joestar and Polnareff conversed about what the plan would be, Jotaro walked outside to take a smoke, and you paced, headphones blasting something to calm you down. As you spin around on the ball of your foot, you were stopped in your tracks. A strong hand remained on your shoulder.

"Hey, they're going to be fine, he's going to be fine." His words, though simple, carried a weight of comfort, grounding you in the midst of the turmoil. Not only were you fearful for Kakyoin and Avdol's condition, you felt guilt. How was a blind man going to find you in the desert without some kind of tracking? Intel from the man in charge. Intel you provided.

The kind soul Avdol who welcomed you, Kakyoin who you had grown to care for so deeply. It's my fault.

This mission proved to be more emotionally taxing than you had originally thought.

Do it for Mom. Do it for Mom. You shouldn't have to choose a crush and his friends and family or your Mom. It's natural to push on for the woman who raised me. I don't want to devastate Dad or your extended family. There's no guarantee that they wont make it out alive. If I abandon mission, then only God knows what Dio will do to Mom.

How could you stand there, accepting this kindness and support, when you were the very root of the pain and suffering that now plagued your friends? Your eyes watered. Polnareff took you into a hug, as you had done for him. Mr. Joestar walks over with a doctor, presumably to share results. Polnareff, over your shoulder mouthed something to Mr. Joestar, who responded with a gruff nod, and walked with the doctor to inform Jotaro.

"Now, are you going to be okay to come with us? We want someone to stay back just in case. If you want that to be you, that's fine by the rest of us."

"Yeah, that sounds good." You said with a sniff.

You regrouped with the two Joestar men and the doctor and caught wind of what was happening. Avdol would be okay, he just needed rest. Kakyoin however, would need a bit more care. You were glad they were alright, but you were anxious for what would be to come.

After the group departed, leaving you alone with the news, you found yourself restless, unsure of what to do next. With the other three off exploring Aswan, you were left with a sense of aimlessness, your thoughts consumed by worry for your friends.

You peeked into the chilly hospital room, finding Avdol seated upright, his gaze fixed on his phone screen. "Um... Hey, Avdol," you ventured softly, feeling a mix of relief and concern at the sight of him.

Avdol looked up, his expression brightening as he spotted you. "Ah, (y/n), please, come in," he welcomed warmly, gesturing to the chair beside his bed. "It's good to see another familiar face."

"It's good to see you too," you replied with a small smile, crossing the room to take a seat. "Especially being up and about, well kinda."

As you settled into the chair facing him, you couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for his recovery. "So, how are you feeling? What's going on?" you asked, eager to hear his perspective.

"Just a blood transfusion and some stitches," Avdol reassured you, his tone calm and steady. "No real damage was done."

A sigh of relief escaped your lips. "That's good to hear," you murmured, feeling a weight lift from your shoulders.

As the two of you delved into conversation, you found solace in Avdol's presence. His words offered a sense of comfort, like a reassuring embrace in the midst of uncertainty. You shared stories of your experiences in his absence, and he reciprocated, filling you in on his own journey. In that moment, you realized that you had found a true friend in Avdol, someone reliable.

Leaving him to relax a little more, you walked slowly to the next room over. Taking soft steps, you attempted to have the door creak open silently, yet failed miserably. Despite the guttural noise, Kakyoin lay there unconsciously, bandages over his eyes, accompanied by the metronomic beep indicating his steady pulse. "Kakyoin?" You asked, only for no response, just his consistent breath.

He's still unconscious.

"Oh, Kakyoin." You say softly to yourself, pulling up a chair next to his bed. You gently take his hand, making sure not to disturb the IV connected to him.

"I'm so sorry. I know I should tell you all about my past, about who I really am, but I'm scared. Scared of what you'd think of me, scared of losing the well- whatever it is we've built together. I wish I could tell you everything and how sorry I am. I wouldn't have to hide anything from you. I could ask for your forgiveness. But I know I won't be getting it."

"Uugh" Kakyoin stirred. You quickly pulled your hand back. "(y/n), is that you? I can't exactly see, but I think that's your voice." He says in a groggy voice.

Aw, morning voice, wait, Fuck fuck fuck fuck.

"Hey." You say softly, trying to remain calm. "I hope you didn't hear me talking to myself." You say flustered. Your heart is pounding. If he heard what you said at the beginning, you'd have to confess what you were really doing with the crusaders.

"I think I heard just enough."

"And how much is that?"

Sweat forms on your forehead, your hands shake.

"Something about your past and everything afterwards."

"Listen, I know it sounds really bad but-"

"Calm down. You don't have to explain yourself to me. I trust you, (y/n). " His words of affirmation soothed you.

He probably wouldn’t trust me if he actually knew

"You can share if and when you want. In fact, there's something I'd like to share."

Your heart rate spiked. "What's that?" You try to say casually, though your mind races with worries and questions.

Does he already know my past? Does he know I have feelings for him? I mean its certainly obvious but like what do we do? What if he shuts this all down? I would hope not considering how he acts. What if the rest of this trip is awkward? What if-

Your mind races at the speed of light.

“(y/n), I like you.” Kakyoin confesses finally.

You're momentarily speechless, your thoughts freezing and your face turning red. “Yeah, I like you too! You’re one of my best friends!” You quickly respond, unsure how to handle the moral dilemma in front of you.

“No, stop, you know what I meant. I’m pretty sure you like me too.” Kakyoin reiterates firmly, confident in his response. You stand there silent, unsure what to make of all this.

“. . .Polnareff might've tipped me off to make sure I wasn't losing it, he also helped me figure out I liked you too.”

“Ah, damnit Pol.”

You both giggle over your friend getting in the drama. “I wish I could see your smile, is it bad I can practically see it in my mind?” You blush and softly laugh at this nervously. Everything seems more relaxed.

"Oh.. shush..." You both sit in the comfortable silence for a moment.

"So... did you, uh, want to be in a relationship?" Kakyoin began tentatively.

“Well, um, maybe we should hold off on that for now, if you're fine with it. I just sort of assumed-"

"Why's that? I mean, I get it. I just want to understand," he interjected, his tone gentle and understanding.

“Well, you know, any, uh, public displays of affection beyond what we've already done might make the others a bit uncomfortable," you explain nervously, it was only partially true. You didn't want to lead him on so hard and then totally shatter him if he inevitably found out you were working for Dio.

He nods in agreement. “Yeah, that makes sense. Plus, let's not dive into anything too serious when we're still dealing with the stress of, you know, staying alive," he tries to lighten the mood with a bit of humor.

You manage a small awkward laugh. "Too soon?"

"A bit, yeah," you admit, feeling the weight of the conversation settling in.

Kakyoin reaches around blindly for your hand, and you gently intertwine your fingers with his. “Let’s not mess with what we've got too much just yet. But, just so you know, there's a lot more to what I feel for you than meets the eye. I promise you, when we make it out of this, we can really be together.” he says with a firm smile.

"You're really sweet, y'know," you try to say casually, but you feel the heat creeping back into your cheeks and your palms starting to sweat. Did I say that softer than usual?

“And so is that blush on your face I’m picturing,” he teases, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

“Smooth and psychic? Must be tough to being so talented,” you quip back with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

You hear the voices of the other men coming down the hallway. Polnareff, Jotaro, and Mr. Joestar must be back.

“Just one more thing.”

“Hm?”

"Call me Noriaki from now on, okay?" he says, wearing the happiest smile you've ever seen. It's contagious, and you find yourself grinning just as broadly.

"I'd be happy to, Nori."

Polnareff, Jotaro, and Mr. Joestar enter the room.

“Ayy! Kakyoin is up!”

Kakyoin chuckles at Polnareff's excitement, his smile widening.

Jotaro approaches with a nod of acknowledgment. "Good to see you're feeling better, Kakyoin," he says in his usual stoic manner.

Mr. Joestar follows suit, offering a warm smile. "Agreed, it's a relief to see you up and about," he adds, relief in his voice.

previous chapter // next chapter // masterlist

i think moto moto likes you ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) anyways the confession is out of the way! special guest next chapter. I did not realize how much y'all like hol horse yee fuckin haw thanks for all the love and requests and for the love on my 4taro one shot :D it's hard to believe how far this series has come :")

taglist: @kerto-p, @pancakesyrupthief, @kakyoinslastcherry @marvelmayo, @kitchenscissorbangs 

[allycat75]

Some dos and (mostly) don'ts for the upcoming Comic Con, Boston Dumb Fuck.

So I don't know if your handlers have had a chance to program you for the event yet or if they are waiting for a software update, but here are some tips for your trip to Seattle.

When you smile, try to have it reach a little up your face. You could scare the children with your hollow, soulless eyes. You may have become an automaton, but these people paid good money so try to look and act like a human male. And stay off the weed- makes any chance of a sparkle disappear.

When speaking, try to avoid the "ok" sign, or even the Italian thing you do sometimes with the fingers together (🤌)*. It's too close to the sign the smug wifey likes to flash with her close Nazi buddies. You are already tied to her and carry around a certain amount of shame for that, don't need to make it worse by appearing like you are a true believer now.

Don't mention your inconsequential political site. These folks just want a picture with the dude who once played Captain America. They don't care about you and your vain extra curriculars.

At the same time, don't play too much into the Captain America role. You signed on for this fake marriage with the antisemetic, racist wifey to reset your image (I guess?) and you cannot claim any similarity or want for similarity or admiration for the character, when you embody everything he would be ashamed of.

Don't try to get your feminist street cred back by wishing people a good Women's History Month. That ship has sailed for you.

As much as I hate seeing that liars ring, keep your left hand out of your pocket. You look like you are diddling yourself and people don't need more reasons to try to label you as a p**vert. We all know you are an "alone guy" and maybe that is what you do back at the hotel, although with its dubious metal composition, I don't recommend getting that piece of jewelry too close to your junk. It could cause sterility...On second thought, whack away, rub, rub, rub with good old lefty. Do society a favor. You are enough of a child for you to raise.

Of course you could forgo the ring altogether (in unison "You could forgo the ring". Sorry, I had to do that. My dad trained me too well watching "Airplane"). Have the OFFICIAL break up announcement come out before the con. Garner some sympathy. Begin to remove all reference of her. But don't forget that this does little to clear your karmic debt or repair the pathetic shreds of your life. You have a long road to travel, if you chose to do better. Leaving this debacle is only the first step. No matter the narrative being told, the only thing for certain is that you are a major liar who has selfishly hid behind his privlege to get what he wants, no matter the collateral damage.

If you are in real trouble and are in need of serious help, send us the message by wearing your California cap and we'll come running. Maybe. You've been a real shit and may not derserve it. We'll have to assemble a coterie of mods to discuss your fate, like in a Wes Anderson movie. Any mods interested?

If, on the other hand, you are ok but would like to acknowledge you have been a manipulative, selfish sack of White Privleged shit who needs to actively work to become a trustworthy, authentic person and make amends, wear the NASA cap.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. Enjoy the coffee up there in the Emerald City, if you are into coffee that week, you Mercurial mother fucker! 👋

*PS- I would like to clarify that I am in no way equating one gesture with another. My intent was that, in this case, there is a likely possibility the Italian gesture could be taken out of context and skewed to look like the beginning of a WP sign because of BDF's association with the little Nazi twit. Photshop has been used before, why would it not be used for this nefarious purpose? Even these simple and inert gestures can become weapons in the wrong hands.

But I should have been more careful and I sincerely apologize to anyone I offended. I tell BDF to do better, but unlike him, I am not a hypocrite so I will follow my own advice. Thank you to those who politely called me out and I hope this helps.

[ejzah]

A/N: @mashmaiden encouraged me to get this story finished up, so here we are.

***

An Error in Judgment, Part 9

Deeks spent the next two-and-half days in and out of consciousness while antibiotics did their work. The doctors said they’d caught the septicemia in time before it spread to other parts of his body. Kensi marveled at the amount of damage a few little wounds had caused.

In that time, Deeks drifted in and out, battling high fevers, disorientation, and pain. It was terrifying, and reminded Kensi far too much of when he was in recovery from his injuries in Mexico. She’d barely let him out of her sight in all that time, insisting on observing all tests she could, and assisting with his medical care.

Now, he was finally more lucid, though he slept through large parts of the day.

“You know, you’re supposed to eat that, not sculpt with it, right?” Kensi commented as she came back from the bathroom and found Deeks pushing a scoop of food into a more uniform mound.

“Oh, you know I’m more a jello guy than…whatever this is,” he replied. He gave it an experimental poke. Kensi had to admit that the soft and bland diet left a lot to be desired.

“I’m sorry, baby. I’ll ask Sam to bring you some chicken soup, the good kind, and sherbet.” She already had her phone out, but Deeks waved her down with a muted gesture.

“Eh, don’t bother. I’m not hungry anyway.”

“I know.” Kensi sat down next to him, cupping his jaw. His beard had grown out a little more than usual, so it felt softer under her skin. “But they’re not going to let you out of here if you don’t eat.”

“Ugh, fine,” he relented, shifting with a grimace. “Ask him to bring orange and lime.”

“Will do.” She settled back, sending the request to Sam, biting back a yawn.

“Hey, you should go home.”

“I’m fine,” she insisted, even as she yawned again, unable to hold it in this time.

“Kens,” Deeks said. When she looked up, he was eyeing her knowingly, fondly. “Baby, you’ve been here for days. Go home, take a shower, get some sleep, get some real food.”

“I don’t want to leave you here alone,” Kensi admitted.

“You know I’m just going to end up sleeping most of the time. Besides, Sam will be here before too long. Please.” He gave her the soft, pleading look that she could never refuse, and she sighed.

“Ok, I will go home for a little bit. But if anything changes, you feel even a tiny bit worse, you text me right away, ok?” Deeks nodded once, giving a playful salute. She bent down and kiss him softly, lingering for a couple extra seconds. “I’ll see you soon.”

***

True to his predictions, Deeks dozed off shortly after Kensi left. He dreamed he and Kensi were floating in the middle of a perfectly blue ocean, the sun shining overhead as they laid on the deck of a small yacht. He was just leaning over to kiss Kensi, when a voice broke through his revery.

“Deeks. Investigator Deeks.” Deeks cracked his eyes open slowly, fighting the voice urging him to wake up. It was a lot more pleasant to sleep right now than facing the discomfort of reality.

“Yessir,” he slurred, only partially aware, but recognizing Admiral Kilbride’s gruff tone. His vision finally focused enough to see the man standing over him, dressed in one of his three-piece suits, and a frown firmly in place. “Afraid I’m not up to any super secret missions right now.”

“You certainly have looked better,” Kilbride commented. Deeks couldn’t tell if it was said sympathetically or in criticism. Either way, laying down seemed to put him at even more of a disadvantage, so he pushed himself up, concealing the pain it induced.

He must not have been as successful as he hoped, because Kilbride visibly winced, hand lifting slightly like he was reaching to help Deeks before he caught himself. Instead, he shoved his hand into his pants pockets, rolling back onto his heels.

He was uncomfortable, Deeks realized. It was an odd look on the normally unflappable man. Foregoing his usual urge to fill the silence, Deeks leaned back, and waited.

After several moments of extremely awkward silence, Kilbride cleared his throat.

“So, I hear that you had a pretty significant infection brewing,” he said finally.

“Yeah, turns out burns mixed with not the cleanest floors makes for a nasty combination,” Deeks agreed.

Kilbride nodded, turning partially away, seeming to study the notes left by the afternoon shift nurse, before he turned to face Deeks again, face set grimly.

“I am not in the habit of making apologies, Deeks,” he began.

“I’m aware of that, Sir.”

Kilbride’s eyes tightened and he sighed deeply, folding his arms behind his back.

“But, upon future reflection, it appears that I owe you one.” Deeks’ eyebrows rose at that. “Although I don’t like to admit it, I did allow my…own feelings about you affect my judgment. If not in the original incident that started this all, then in my decision to ignore concerns about your health. And I apologize for that.”

“Wow, I can say that I was definitely not expecting that. Are you sure I’m not having a drug induced dream?” Deeks said. He eyed the Admiral, not quite trusting him. His apology seemed too sudden and uncharacteristic. “I didn’t take your for the “see the light” kind of guy.”

“Yes, well, your wife made a very compelling argument in your favor,” Kilbride said dryly. Based on his expression, the discussion hadn’t been pleasant.

“Mmm, she did, huh? She’s kind of scary when she’s angry isn’t she?” Deeks guessed..

Kilbride harrumphed, which Deeks assumed was the closest he would get to agreement. “In any case, she pointed out certain oversights I might have made.”

“You mean like assuming we were having a tryst in the locker room and refusing to let me go to a doctor?” Deeks guessed. Maybe it was a little forthright, but he’d blame that on the drugs too.

“Perhaps.” Kilbride tapped his fingers on the footboard, once again seeming ill at ease. As though whatever he was about to say was physically hurting him. “She also reminded me of your excellent record and work ethic, including during this most recent case.”

“And now that you’ve had that reminder, what does that mean for the future?”

“It means, that I am ending your and Agent Blye’s probation, effective today,” Kilbride said. “Assuming that you can keep your relationship out of the office.”

“No.” Kilbride looked surprised at Deeks’ objection.

“Excuse me?”

“I appreciate your apology and the reinstatement,” Deeks began. He licked his bottom lip, working solely on instinct. “But I refuse to work in an environment where my every action is constantly under scrutiny. Kensi and I have managed to maintain our professionalism for years as partner who are also in a romantic relationship. An innocent hug or kiss in a private space shouldn’t discount everything that we’ve achieved for NCIS, for this team.”

“I sense an ultimatum coming,” Kilbride guessed shrewdly.

“I definitely don’t want to, but if it comes to it, I will seek legal recourse for the negligence that led to the exacerbation of my injuries.” Deeks gazed back steadily after he finished speaking. It wasn’t a threat precisely, more a warning and a promise.

“I see.” Nodding slowly, his lips twitched against a smile. “I often forget your past legal training. Alright, Deeks, you have a deal. With in reason. I won’t have you making out in the bullpen.”

“I think I can manage that,” Deeks agreed. He held out his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, Kilbride took it, his grip firm.

“I’ll take my leave now. You look ready to pass out.” He gave a sharp nod, heading for the door. “Oh, and tell Agent Blye that she used up her free pass to shout at me.”

“I’ll let her know, Sir.”

Settling back in his pillows, Deeks rubbed both hands over his face. He had no doubt that he and Kilbride would butt heads in the future, but he thought they’d reached some kind of understanding.

And if not, he had a friend who would help him draw up the appropriate paperwork. Smiling to himself, he let that thought comfort him, and closed his eyes, returning to the peaceful ocean of his earlier dream.

***

A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who stuck with me for this story.

I hope the ending didn’t seem too abrupt or Kilbride’s apology out of place. My intent is that he felt guilty about the role he played in Deeks’ decline in health and is trying to do damage control.

Do you think I should write a short epilogue, or does this seem like a good ending?

[crimeronan]

re: raine and hunter bonding over their belos-flavoured trauma, how do you think they discuss palismen?

this is brought by the reveal that raine's violas, like the head of it, is their palisman. but that viola has been smashed open TWICE. we know from owlbert that having a staff cracked hurts, so having what is essentially 90% of your body ripped open has gotta hurt. (hypothetically it might not work the same way but shhh)

palisman are an extension of the self, so to me its a representation of how raine has worked themself to the bone for this revolution, literally becoming a tool of progress. parallel this with hunter and flapjack, as the latter allows the former to be something more than a tool of the empire, a real boy with hopes and dreams.

both of their palismen were hurt by belos, in different ways.

im thinking that if the fox didn't have a staff pre-belos, it was among the first things hunter made when he got his carving technique down. something something moving on something something if not for flapjack at least for someone else.

does this make sense? i am but a seething pot of Themes and Connections

OUGH GOD YOU'RE SO FUCKING RIGHT ABOUT ALL OF THIS. I'M TRYING TO THINK OF SOMETHING USEFUL TO ADD BUT THIS IS ALL SO GOOD I WANT EVERYONE TO SEE IT IMMEDIATELY

i'm really liking the idea of raine's palisman getting to spend some time running around doing silly fox antics and getting into low-stakes trouble once belos is gone bc they've been in disguise for so long that getting to be silly is a Relief. in parallel to raine getting to breathe and relax for the first time in Ages after making sacrifice after sacrifice after sacrifice and being tortured for fuck only knows how long.

also very fond of the mental image of raine's fox often scampering off to be a nuisance to hunter specifically. probably others too like eda and luz and darius and the CATS but hunter more consistently than the others. and the concept that the fox has been left without a staff after damage to the viola is making me crazy

because i IMAGINE that raine's fox keeps gravitating toward hunter out of concern and recognition of his grief, the same way the other palismen do. and i imagine that hunter ranges from irritable to grudgingly accepting of this, because it's very difficult to resist a cute creature who keeps winding around your legs and/or neck like an obnoxious cat. and then upon realizing there's no staff, hunter's entire annoyed demeanor vanishes Immediately, like:

hunter: ...you're hurt??

the fox: ...UH OH. WE AREN'T SUPPOSED TO SHOW EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY. I GOTTA GO RUN BACK TO RAINE RIGHT NOW IMMEDIATELY

hunter: WHAT. YOU GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE-

and then hunter chases them all the way back to raine, whereupon the convo is just like

hunter: WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ANYONE YOUR PALISMAN IS HURT?????

raine: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

hunter: ARE YOU FOR REAL RIGHT NOW. ARE YOU SERIOUS.

raine: OKAY LOOK I. FORGOT TELLING PEOPLE WAS AN OPTION. WE'VE BEEN MANAGING FINE FOR A WHILE. MY HEART STILL SEIZES UP WHEN THEY CLIMB ON MY HEAD WHILE I'M OUT IN PUBLIC WE'RE MANAGING

hunter, clearly having an epiphany: okay but. you guys shouldn't be dealing with stuff alone. there are people who'd want to know

raine, clearly Deeply pained about being called out: i wish this was not so obviously something you need to hear yourself so i could argue with a child instead. ok. perhaps you are right.

hunter: yeah. i am 🥰

and then yeah hunter carves a new staff when he's confident enough. i think it would take a while bc he'd be nervous about screwing it up but raine and their palisman are both incredibly patient so that's fine

incredible content thank you.

[moonlightguidesky]

Heyyy!!!! New chapter released (wrote like weeks ago, please just go with it.).

Anyways, as always let me know what I can improve on. Repost if you can, as always have a good day, afternoon or night.

WARNING: METION OF BLOOD, ALCOHOL, ABUSE, DRUGS, CURSING, and GUN Violence

You have been warned about the contents of this chapter.

Chapter 2: The kid Problem

Marc wakes up gasping for air, his chest rising up and down heavily as he panted.

He sat up quickly before he looked around his apartment, the apartment itself barely looked homely.

A couple books and maps he had traded with ration cards. The only real color in the damn place was the couch which was blue.

He sighs as his heart calms down now, another nightmare.

"Always the damn same one."

He grumbles under his breathe as he gets up and walks to his small kitchen before he feels a hard tug on his ankle and the next thing he knows he is flat on the ground as his cheek burned.

"Steven! Again, seriously!?"

Marc exclaimed as he pushed himself off the floor, a scowl making its way onto his face.

"Mate, you had it coming. You broke your promise, you know I hate it when you do that."

Steven surfaced as Marc looked at the dirty mirror they owned with his eyebrows furrowed.

Steven had his arms crossed against his chest with one lifted eyebrow clearly not sorry about what he did.

"Look, it wasn't that I didn't want you to front. Just, he needed me Steven."

Marc tried not to get angry, he knew he screwed up, he always does.

He looked at the cuffs that were on his ankle and already went to look for the keys. He lifted the floor board and there was the silver key to his freedom.

He uses the key and gets his ankle out of the cuffs before he got up again and rubbed his head.

The smell of liquor still hanging in the back of his throat. He overdid it again, he always does when it gets bad again.

"So, was the whiskey worth it?"

Steven said almost scolding knowing that this was hurting not only him but Marc's body.

"Can we not talk about it, I already have a headache."

Marc sighed as he felt like shit right now and didn't need a reminder of how shit it was to be like this.

"I wonder why."

Steven mumbled as his head lowered and he shook his head as he left the mirror into another space, Marc's jaw harden as he tried his hardest to not punch the mirror with his fist.

He tells himself that he doesn't want to have to replace the mirror again, also he didn't want to be alone.

Steven and his relationship was damaged after everything that happened in the last 15 years.

Fight after fight yet by the end of the day they had each other and that's all they really had.

Wendy and dad weren't in the picture anymore. The smacks and vemoned words that came out of the women they called their mother left her mouth he knew she would never be the same.

Steven,eventually, after lots of convincing had finally gave into to the fact that they had no mother anymore. Their dad was not any better honestly, he tried to keep the beating to a minimum but it could only hold on for so long.

So when they turned 18, they went to join FEDRA and stayed employed for a while before he got into a nasty fight and was terminated from the job.

It's been 14 years since they last saw the people they once called parents. Every once in a while though he would just follow them, more his dad to make sure no one tried to hurt them.

Eventually Layla came into their life for a while and things were to some type of normalcy, domestic even, of course they had to skrew that up too.

Both went their separate ways after a nasty argument and haven't seen each other in a year. Both men still worried about her, they know she is capable of taking care of herself, it's one of the reasons they fell for her.

Still, that didn't mean their wasn't any worry that she could have gotten killed of murdered after they separated. She had left England to go to Egypt.

Her strength was something they admired, how reliable she was, how she always had their backs. But more than anything it was her heart, how even after everything she has been through she was able to still love them for wow they were and how they were.

Sometimes they wished they could have worked it out better.

"Ey, hermano, door."

A voice called out and there was Jake, they had figured out Jake a couple years into their time in FEDRA, he took over when an invasion of infected managed to escape. He kept them alive and they were thankful for that.

"Shit, who?"

Marc whispered as his head pounded again at the noise of his door being knocked on.

"Marc Spector! "

A voice boomed, a familiar sense of dread filled the apartment. It was Khonshu, fuck.

"I'm coming! I'm coming."

He shouted as he walked over to the door, he really didn't want to but didn't exactly have much choice since he knew the damn man wouldn't stop the banging.

He took a deep breathe before opening the door and in came Khonshu, the man had platinum white hair and his eyes were empty with almost not shine to them like he had no eyes.

His clothes match his personality honestly, he was wearing some black jeans with a white button up that had grim and some pink splatters which he knows where it came from.

His jacket has a patch of a moon on it.

"Where were you yesterday night, we had somewhere to be!?"

The man shouted as Marc closed the door and locked it, he knew what was coming, all of them did.

"Look, I just got sidetracked, okay? Something came up and something was going on with Ste-"

He didn't even get to finish before the sound of Khonshu's cane hit the floor of the apartment was shaking slightly.

"You swore he wouldn't be a problem, that he would cooperate with this. Maybe you should have had Lockly front more often, that is a man who can get the jobs done quickly."

Khonshu retorted as he looked out the window and turned to Marc before motioning for him to come closer.

Marc looked at him before he walked over to thw window and seeing people, just people.

"You see these people, they rely on us to keep them safe. You are in debt to me Marc Spector, I saved your life and therefore you must now save theirs for me."

Khonshu said with no hesitation, sure Khonshu could be an asshole but he was okay every once in a while like this.

Sure he had imprisoned Marc and the alters in his escapades of "saving" people but he really did want to just help, he was just really shitty at doing it.

"Fine, fine. I promise it won't be a problem again."

Marc finally replied as he sighed and Khonshu only hummed as he made his way to exit the apartment building.

"Let us see Marc Spector, tick tok. Make sure not to skip this times patrol, I will see you then."

Khonshu finally said before he closed the door behind him. Marc sighed, he really hated the guy sometimes.

"He's an asshole."

Steven remarks, Marc holds back a smirk.

"One thing we can actually agree on."

Marc shakes his head as he goes and starts to get ready for the day of labor he's gonna have to do.

"El tiene razón."

Jake voice echoed in the back of their head. At least this is something they could all agree on.

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

Jake shoveled the ashes from the firey pit that raged on, buring their skin but not enough actually do damage.

"Ey, Marc. Got a minute."

A man called out, Jake's eyes went to the back of his head as Marc fronted. Marc blinked as their eyes focused again and turned around to face the man that called for him.

"Yeah, what's up?"

Marc answered as he pulled down the bandana that covered their nose and mouth from all the ashes that were made from the burned body of infected and Ammits followers.

"I have a job you might be interested in."

The man whispered as he slipped a paper into Marc's hand.

Marc sighed as he pocketed the note into his jeans.

"I told you I don't do that type of work anymore."

He whispered back as he bent down to "tie his shoes" and the man looked down and did the same action.

"It's good pay man, lots of ration cards and maybe even a bit more."

The man said as he tried to convince Marc to do the job, he and this man didn't really know each other very well but the guy did owe him something for saving his life.

"Look man, I told you I can't take the job. No matter how good the pay is."

Marc remarked as he got back up from "tieing his shoes" so that he could back to work.

"Just, just think about it. Alright."

The man muttered before he went to the other side where another hall of bodies came in trucks to be burned.

He sighs as he grabbed the shovel again and starts to dig the ashes and putting them into barrels.

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

Drip

Drip

Her brown eyes watched as the water leaked from the floor above and dropped in the wet puddle that formed.

"Nomas querría ir a dormir, es mucho para pedir."

Katalina groaned as she looked at the chains they put on her, her ankles and wrist were starting to bruise red from the amount of times she tried to slide them off.

She slouched on the wooden walls as the rumble and sound of FEDRA trucks were coming and going.

The places wasn't the best, but honestly better than the hole or cells they put the orphans if they couldn't follow the rules drilled into their brains.

Creak

The sound of the door opening got her attention as she scooted back into a corner and got up from where she was sitting.

Two people walked in, one male, one female. The female had a sort of limp on her left foot, her eyes seemed lively yet so dull.

The man had a scar across his face, a mustache and a beard to compliment it as well, his eyes seemed more glossy along with slight puffiness to them.

"We are here to test you again."

The women's started as she has a clipboard.

"How many more time do I have to do this?"

Katalina asked as her eyebrows furrowed with both frustration and impatience. She has been here for 3 weeks now in this room and it was starting to get to her.

"Just until we know."

The man came forward slightly which made the girl take a small step back, the two adults noticed and took a step forward.

"Why do you always have to get closer?"

The girl asked not really as a question but more as a confused threat of some way.

"testing something."

The women said and she clicked the pen and started to take notes on the piece of paper stuck to the clipboard.

"No soy tu maldito guinea cerdo."

She grumbles under her breath as she picks at her nails, she's been doing that alot. Honestly she has nothing better to do right now and it went on like that for the weeks she's been here.

"What was that?"

The man spoke up which startled the girl for a second before she looked at the guy and responded.

"Nothing."

The guy sighed as he rubbed circles at his temples.

"Alright, let start. One hand steady and coun-"

The lady started before she was intrupted.

"Count from 1 to 10, I know. We've done this hundreds of times already."

Katalina says as she puts her arm out and starts to count, she finishes quickly.

"Alright then, now speak sp-"

"Spanish, I get it. Don't need to keep repeating it."

Katalina remarked .

"Me nombre is Lisa, tengo trece años."

She replied as her boredom and tiredness was kicking in.

"Alright, that's it."

The man said as he put down something from behind his pocket, it was good for the evening. A can of peaches and water.

"Great, a feast for a queen."

Her sarcastic remark gets her a look before she put her hands up as of saying "I'll back off.".

They look at each other before a knock takes their attention away, with a small "Come in." was heard and suddenly a man with cane came in.

He was dress with red button up shirt and brown pants to help contrast the tan color jacket he had on.

His cane made small noise as it the ground softly he came into the room, his hair was pretty long and almost looked slight disheveled.

"How is she doing?"

The man said as the others hand him the clipboard and he starts to read it before he nods and they nod back before leaning in and whispering something she couldn't make out.

The other two left the room and it was only Katalina and this man who looked over the clipboard again before looking back at her.

"How are you doing then, Katalina?"

Her heart skipped for a second, how the hell did he know her name?!

Never once has she given out her actual name.

"Como sabías es-"

The man chuckled lightly before he sat down across from her.

"I know a lot of things child, many, many things that many wished they could possess."

The man said as he reached behind his back was pulling something out of his back.

Katalina senses went off and she closed her hand into a fist, her nails dug into the palm of her hand, her knuckles white.

Then man noticed this.

"It's okay, I'm not gonna hurt you, just wanna return something that I believe is yours."

The man said as he pulled out a picture, a locket, and a small switchblade.

Katalina eyes widen at the sight of her most precious objects, the only picture of her family that was given to her, a locket that her first love bestfriend gave to her, and the only weapon her parents left her with.

The man gaze was on her reaction, he got what he wanted.

"Do you want them back?"

The man had said softly as he looked deep into her brown eyes that were slightly softer, more emotional.

Vulnerable.

"Y-yes, yes I want them back."

She stuttered for a second but quickly regained herself.

"You can have them."

He simply said, she was hesitant and skeptical on his words that lingered in her ears.

Have them?

She can just, take them?

No consequences, not "but" or "if"?

Nothing?

"Go on, take it."

The man encouraged as he gently laid them on the ground in front of her, easy for her grab.

Her breathe hitched, she reached out for a second before looking back at him, nothing, she couldn't read him.

"I don’t bite, I swear."

He adds as his gaze lingered on her.

She is quick to grab the things before he second guess to grab her things and held them close to her chest, to her heart as it thumped hard for the return of something that truly only belonged to her.

She puts the necklace back on and the locket is tucked into her shirt, the picture is in her clutch and the switchblade was in her back pocket of her navy jeans.

"Who are you?"

She asked as she looked at the man, really looked at him, he had slight eye bags, his posture was almost straight but also crouched, the cane had a wooden carving of a crocodile on its handle.

The man smiles.

"My name is Arthur Harrow, I am the right had man of the organization that's gonna save and clean the world."

Arthur answers as he puts his hand out to shake hers.

She can't really understand why she a little scared of him, he hasn't done anything really since talking to her so why does she have a sense of dread in her stomach.

She slowly leans in and shakes his hand, the sleeves that covered his arm was slightly lifted and the tattoo of scales is there or from what she can make out.

"Your timsaeh people?"

She stated as she takes back her hand.

"I am indeed."

He answered back as he lifted the sleeve up to show the scale in full. He seemed proud to be called that almost.

"I am sure you have multiple questions."

He says as he scoots a little closer and puts a hand on her shoulder.

"I will try my best to give you answers to any question you give me."

They looked at each other in the eye for a long time before she is the first to look away down at the ground, she thinks.

And thinks before nodding and looking back at him.

"Okay."

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

Jake huffed as the sound of the alarm went off to tell everybody that working hours were over.

He pulled the bandana off and walked over where the rest of the workers were heading to get their pay for the day.

"Next!"

The holder said as Jake was next and waited for the guy to give his ration cards of the day.

The holder grabbed a 20, two 5, and four 1's.

"Here's your pay."

The Holder said as Jake took them and counted them, less than usual.

"Any better paying jobs tomorrow?"

Jake asked as he put the ration cards in his small wallet that they had managed to find in the garbage one day, and in good condition too.

"Probably the one with the shit, if your up for it?"

The man said looking up at him for a response.

"Really, shit. No way we are doing that job, that would take weeks go get rid of the smell! We barely even get rid of the smell of burned ashes off our clothes."

Steven said in the back of the mind, Steven was willing to work hard, they all know it, but even then there was a line he crosses and it was this.

"Any other trabajo?"

Jake sighed as he put one hand on his hip.

"Well, there is one with electricity, dangerous but pays better than this."

The Holder says as he looked up at Jake who is deciding, it's better pay but it would put them in danger.

"I'll go with the shit."

Jake says and the Holder nods before ripping a slip off and handing it to him.

"Take that tomorrow to sector 5 and they will give you a position to work at."

The Holder yelled for the next person and Jake left, he knew Steven would probably complain and maybe even Marc but it would pay better and less dangerous.

"Why did you take the job!"

Steven exclaimed as his image slid on and off the mirrors and window that he passed.

"Because the amount we are making isn't enough hermano, nosotros necesitamos otro trabajo que pagarán bien."

Jake says as he looks at pair of gloves that caught his attention.

They have enough to make trades and for smuggling still, so he buys it the gloves for 2 ration cards. He thanks the seller and put the new gloves on putting his old ones in his pocket.

"Did you just spend 2 ration cards on another pair of gloves, I swear you ware those our way too fast man."

Steven comments.

"You have your books, I have my glove, Déjame en paz Steven."

Jake says as he walks into the allyway and makes his way to the place where smugglers thrive on the ones willing to pay the right price.

Jake finally leaned against his usual spot where people can find him usually, he waits and not a second later as a FEDRA soilder comes over looking almost new at this whole thing.

"Your the guy with the goods, right?"

The man asked in a hushed tone, Jake could see this guy was new to this, he wanted to mess with him but was too tried right now.

"Yeah, I am. What are you looking for?"

He ask as the guy slips him a piece a paper.

What was it with people slipping paper to them?

Jake took the paper and opened it, the guy fidget with his vest before looking around.

"So you got it or no man?"

The guy was getting inpatient now.

"Sí, le tengo."

Jake answered putting the paper in his back pocket.

"Does it look like I know Spanish man!"

The guy was getting on his nerves but he tried to calm himself down. There doesn't need to be drama right now.

He pulls out a baggy from the pocket of his jacket and out came the blue pills.

The man sighed in relief about to grab the bag before Jake moved it away.

"Gotta pay Hombre, can't give you it until you pay."

The guy eventually scoffed before digging into his pants pocket and pulls put a wad of ration cards.

"How much?"

Jake saw the ration cards, enough to maybe get them through a couple months.

"Three 20's, six 5, and eight 1's."

He said as he put his hand out, the man just nodded before handing him the pills and Jake takes the ration cards.

"I'm gonna need the bag back though."

He added as he counted to make sure it was the right amount, it was. The man may have been new but he has what they need to keep them afloat and some what comfortable still.

The man dumps the pills into his vest pocket and gives the plastic bag back, Jake nods in a silent thank you before the man comes close.

Jake get ready the beat the absolute shit out this man before words were said.

"Don't come out for a couple nights, FEDRA soilders aren't right in the head right now. Might make a mistake, easy to make one in the dark."

The man whispered before walking away, Jake looked as the man walked away. He unclentch his jaw and fixed the shirt.

"Maldita sea."

He grumbled under his breathe as walks away, it's almost time to get to patrol they need to get moving before Khonshu yells at them again.

‐------------------------------------------------------

"This is Cameron, Cameron this is Lisa."

Harrow says as he introduced Katalina to another one of "helpers" of the place.

They have walked around for a whole now, she kepted rubbing her wrist as she nodded in acknowledgement, she needed an out.

She can't stay here, FEDRA will kill her if they find out she left. Maybe they would hung her, beat the ever living shit out of her even just to get the anger out.

"And here is the cafeteria where we keep the helpers fed, are you hungry?"

He asked as he got a plate and handed it to her, she slowly reached out for it and took it as she got into the line and he got behind her as his hands were on her shoulders.

"Give this young lady our best please Beth."

The man said to the younger looking lady who just smiled and nodded before grabbing a big metal spoon and scooped up a chunk of soup.

"Thank you."

Katalina whispered as she looked at the soup, looked like tomato soup, haven't seen that one in a while.

He gave a small nod in thanks before pushing her slightly to start moving which she did, slowly her tray filled up with 2 biscuits and an apple.

How the hell they had fresh fruit and biscuits was a damn mystery to her.

Soon they sat down at a small table near some statue, it was a statue of a crocodile that held a scale in one hand.

She looked at it before she looked down at her food, this was the most food they have given her in the 3 weeks she's been here.

"You can eat, no one is gonna take it away from you."

Arthur said as he pushed the tray closer to her, she was skeptical about it though, everyone is hungry. She could see that people were staring at her and him.

He notices and looks at the people who look away immediately and go back to their conversations.

"They just haven't seen you before, no need to worry."

He said as he nudged his head a little to signal to look at the bowl of soup and not the people looking at her, their eyes burned into the back of her head to her body.

She picks up the spoon and holds it close to her mouth before looking at everybody else, they were eating fine so she takes a bite.

The soup was rich and flavored to the right amount or as much as soup can be flavored. She hasn't had anything this nice in, well, never?

"Gracias."

She says as she eats more going for more of the soup, they sit in almost comfortable silence.

She feels a little bad for being skeptical about the guy, he hasn't done anything to her yet, maybe.

"Aren't you hungry?"

She ask him as she shallows the warm soup down and wipes her mouth with her hand.

He hands her a napkin before he responding.

"I am alright, thank you for worrying about me."

She grabs the napkin and wipes her mouth with it, she nods before thinking. She has one more biscuit to spare, she already full anyways.

Grabbing the biscuit gently and held it out for him to grab.

"Here, you can have this. Estoy llena."

She reassured as she pushed the biscuits towards him for him to grab.

He took it from her hands and smiled softly, it was nice.

"Thank you."

He said as started to eat the biscuit and she looked around for anything or anywhere there was a weak spot here.

She couldn't stay here, she has to go back.

30 min later...

They were walking up a hallway, they had made their way back to where she was kept, she kinda was glad as messed up as it was.

She was use to, this. Even if she hated the damn leaks it was something she was familiar with.

"I will come by later to come check on you, alright."

Harrow said as he opened the door and Katalina looked at him for a second before nodding and went inside the room.

"Buenos noches Katalina."

Was all he said before closed the door behind her not even noticing the way she turned around, a chill went down her spine.

That usually was a nice thing to say, even a more enduring thing to say. The way he said it though didn't feel good, didn't have the warm essence to it.

She didn't even know how the hell the man managed to make those words sound like soul less lies.

She sat down on the floor and looked out the window that showed the evening sky, the colors of orange and yellow coming together to make a warm essence over this dull gray world she was brought into.

She laid on the wall and pulled herself up against it a little so that her back hit the wall.

Taking off her sweater and using it as a pillow, she wasn't given much of a living space to really get rest but the corners were comfortable.

1 hour later...

BOOM

The room shook as Katalina was woken up by the sounds of gunshots and screams of people.

The sound of a thousand of footsteps were everywhere that she could almost feel them. They made her stomach turn.

Maybe 5 minutes later it was silent, completely and utterly silent.

She feels for her switchblade and gets ready to fight if she has to, she knows she probably will have to.

Slowly walk towards the floor as it slightly creaks with every contact the shoes and the floor has. She leans in and can hear footsteps, two to four people are still here.

She hears one is getting close, she'll just stab them and then get out of here.

Once whoever was on the other side was close enough she opened the door and gets ready to stab whoever was on the other side.

However she unsucessed at it and got thrown to the wall, her back stung now. She needed to get up before whoever she tried to stab now tried to return the favor back.

She looks up to see a man, his hair was curly and short and his eyes were like hers, or whatever she remembers since the last time she looked in a mirror.

The brown eyes started back at her confused before looking down and seeing the switchblade, she saw it too and tried to grab it but he got to it first and kicked it away.

"Asshole."

She grumbles as she pulls herself up and looks at the guy who eyebrows were furrowed and he had a gun.

He has a gun, she now noticed the blood on his fist, the beaded sweat that was falling from his forehead.

His attire wasn't something she had seen before but has heard, a man with white attire would come during the night and "protect" the different divisions of the QZ.

They called him Moonknight due to the fact most his weapons were the shape of moons.

Maybe calling the guy who looks like he went through hell an asshole wasn't her best idea.

The man still has the gun pointed at her and she just stares at it, the hole in the middle pointed to her chest.

If he did shoot her at least it wouldn't be too painful and end quickly. She puts her hand up in surrender.

They just stare at each other, brown on brown. Both had slight eyebags to compliment each other.

"Who are you?"

The man said as the sound of footsteps were heard, both heads turned to the direction.

"Marc Spector."

They both recongnised the voice, Harrow.

Another sign of footsteps appeared and a man in almost just white and back came in with a gun.

"The 4 and 5th floor have been cleared out, Spector we must leave. FEDRA might be here soon!"

The man said as he turned around to see the scene of Marc with a gun pointed to a teenage girl who seems confused and her hands up above her head.

Then there was Arthur with one of his men.

"Arthur Harrow."

"Khonshu, Marc."

The whole thing was awkward, everything about this was confusing, they had history but Katalina wasn't sure how.

"Me, now what in the fucking hell is going on?!"

She exclaimed as she put her hands down in exhaustion and honestly tired of people in a whole.

"I strongly urge you to point the gun away from the child, Marc."

Harrow said as he stepped closer which in turn got two guns pointed towards him instead.

He slowly put his hands.

" Keep that gun at me, not her."

He says as he looked at her and she looked at him with clear annoyance in her eyes.

Marc looks at her one more times before looking at Khonshu.

"So this is who that maggot went to trade our supplies for! The Che Guevara of Cairo."

Khonshu retorted as he stepped forward, now next to Katalina and Marc who watched the interaction.

"How I haven't misses that voice. Let just say that he didn't like the response he got from us when we saw what he brought to us."

Harrow says as he winced and put a hand to his side, Katalina finally could see that small drops of blood that had fallen from him.

"Oh, shit."

Her voice softer and eyes filled with concern as she took in the injured man, her eyebrow furrowed as she was about to get up.

Harrow looked at what she was about to do and shook his head which made her falter.

"On another note though."

She speaks up on which attention is all on her again.

"I agree with the old man over here, FEDRA would have heard all that gun fire so maybe get this going or we are all going to die like this."

She states as she stands up and rubs her shoulder, it wouldn't really bruise but it would be sore for a while.

"Old!" Khonshu exclaimed.

"The child is right. We we're gonna have her out of here tonight."

Harrow says which caught her attention.

"You never said anything about moving me?!"

"Sorry kid, thought you'd run."

She sighs and rubbed circles on her forehead.

"What does this have to do with us?"

Marc asked as he ans Khonshu looked at the girl and then back at Harrow.

"We don't have a group to go and protect her like we had planned, so now I am think you both are gonna do it."

Harrow says as he gets a paper out, it's bloody but still legible.

"Wait a minute!?"

"I'm not gonna go with him!?"

Marc and Katalina shouted at the same time, their reluctants overlapping with each other.

"Listen, if you do this we can not only give you weapons, but also much more. We can show you if want but you have to take her away from here."

Harrow says as he stares at the three who just stand there in shock.

"We aren't babysitters parasites."

Khonshu said as he took a step closer now infront of Marc who is still standing there with a gun held up towards Harrow.

"Not asking you to do charity for me Khonshu, I need you guys to move cargo cause that is what she is to you."

Harrow said as he looked at the girl who eyebrows were furrowed.

"You show me the reward we get for this then I will give you a response. Marc, take the girl back to your apartment and keep her there until I return."

Khonshu said as he lifted his cane and hit it on the ground causing the ground to shake slightly.

Katalina flinched at the noise for a second and so did Marc.

"We are seriously considering this."

Marc whispered to Khonshu as he looked back at the girl who hasn't really moved since getting up.

"Do this before I make you."

Khonshu hissed back at him which made Marc falter.

"Go grab your bag."

Harrow said as the girl just looks at the three men.

"Su pinche madre."

She grumbles under her breathe making sure they still heard her as she goes back into the room she came out of.

They waited until she came out the room again. She comes out with a green jacket and her backpack, she looks at Harrow who just sighs.

"This is for your good kid, trust me. It's better you go with them than with me, for better or worse I am aware of what they are capable of and know they won't let anything happen to you."

Katalina stared at Harrow for a while then at the man next to him, she really has no choice in that matter anyways, it was all planned for her.

"What are they capable of?"

She ask as her eyes stay at him.

"Alot, many things someone your age shouldn't see."

Is all Harrow says to her.

Her gaze goes to the floor before she shakes her head along with a dry chuckle.

"Little too late for that."

She turns around and grabs her switchblade and walking towards the stairs walking over the dead bodies that laid there.

The blood now on her shoes as she see the bloody footsteps that were being left behind now.

Harrow sighs.

"Show me the weapons now."

Khonshu said as he stared at Harrow who nods before walking to another hallway.

"Follow me."

Is all he says before he dissappear.

"Make sure to not let that child out your sights you three, understand."

Khonshu orders as he walks away and follows Harrow.

The men sigh, it was a long night already.

The followed where the girl had went as their shoes were now painted in red sticky blood.

This is the end of chapter 2!!!!

This one took a little longer but I am happy with how is came out!

Anyways, see ya in the next one!!

-Sky 💜