#only thing i can think of is that he still practices archery. over any other weapon type. which is a hilarious thought tbh

[trashcanwithsprinkles]

What’s your favorite bit of lore? Or favorite holiday/festival in genshin they’re pretty neat

i'm absolutely biased towards lantern rite tbh

as for bit of lore, i'm not really sure. i feel like 'bit of lore' is really weird to define, bc ultimately most lore is all connected into bigger pictures. obviously i'm partial towards liyue lore in general, but as for a specific little bit...

probably still the possibility that zhongli is partial to archery.

[sambhavami]

yk one woman I will always feel bad for is Kripi.

Unserious reason: I'd feel sorrry for any person who has ashwatthama as a son because im an Ashwatthama hater.

Serious reason: She was probably raised very comfortably and lovingly with Shantanu, doted upon by Kripa, idk if she saw Shantanus other kids as her siblings but maybe them too, very cute, right? And then got married to drona. This makes me wonder what the circumstances of their marriage were, what did the royal family think about it? I like to think Drona liked her at least at first. And. And the first few days are fine, right? Like hey maybe shes not living in a palace but its a quaint little house and shes happy. But slowly Drona begins changing. Or rather showing his true colours. Becomes a stingy but power hungry guy and Kripi had to manage the household with those few resources... he disappears to go learn from Parshuram, when they they have ashwatthama, he's crying for milk and Drona will sit there dreaming about power and money and not even try to do anything... (taking this next part from BR Chopra idk if its in the official editions) When the Drupad thing happens he sacrifices all practicality for pride and even after he gets a job in Hastinapur he's still staying in a small hut because he wants DRUPADS money/cows... like be fr dude. And its all so messed up. And she sees her son grow up. He carries the same ambition as his father did. The cycle is repeating and all she can do is watch. It's so sad... and what did she get at the end of the war. A dead husband and a son who would be known for all eternity as the most cowardly man ever. Her son is alive but at what cost. He will outlive her like he is supposed to but at what cost. It's so sad. I'm sure I can come up with more but this is my Ted talk for now thank you for listening.

Hey, thank you so much for putting all this into words! I agree with you about 90% 😂, so, I am going to put some bullet points 😂

Shantanu all but adopts the twins yes, but he still keeps them in separate lodging (because, caste). We see Bheeshma too later speaking to Kripa with the respect of an elder, even though Bheeshma is the oldest person in the room (again, caste). Seeing that like his father, Kripa is also interested in archery, Shantanu arranges for training in that field alongside your normal theory stuff, and Kripi gets home science lessons (and some of the theory part too).

Now, when they grow up, Dr. Bhaduri's baseline assessment of Kripa is- lazy. He has grown up with the respect of a brahmin and the luxury of a kshatriya, and has never really experienced the 'hardships' of either side, which has made him extremely complacent. I mean, it takes Drona all but one month to take over his sarkari naukri! Throughout the epic [at least till Drona's death] Kripa's maximum contribution is: "Uh, what he said." He follows his muh-bola brother and brother-in-law in whatever decision the latters take. He loves his sister, but I doubt he had anything to do with her marriage this way or that way.

Kripi's marriage to Drona is fixed via a three-way agreement between Shantanu, Sharadvana and Bharadvaja. The reason for this alliance, is speculatively twofold: (1) Both Kripi and Drona's mothers come from a 'lower' caste, and they would find it difficult to marry within full-brahmin families, so this arrangement was b/w equals that way, (2) the Maudgalya brahmins, the Bharadvajas and the Kurus are all cousin lineages, and they did like to keep it within the not-immediate family.

Now, Drona does NOT want to marry her. He only agrees when Bharadvaja sort of blackmails him with a 'this is my dying wish' argument. The marriage happens, I think, shortly before/after Bharadvaja's death, at a time when Drona is too much in shock to protest. We see the ripple effects of this throughout Kripi's life [most of it behind the scenes though].

Bharadvaja was solidly upper-middle-class however. He was after all the dean of a very, very successful gurukul. He might've kept Drona in a pseudo-austere situation, but they weren't by any means hurting for cash. Drona might not have clocked it, and Bharadvaja probably did not think it very appropriate to flash money before his very impressionable kid but Drupada did that job, and the damage was done.

Throughout his childhood and youth Drona loudly complains, to anyone who would listen, that he hates his father's job, and does NOT want to become the next Bharadvaja and keep the gurukul running. He does teach at the school under his father when he's a bit older, but kicking and screaming all the way.

Hence, it's no surprise that once the old Bharadvaja dies, the parents start to withdraw their kids from his school, because why would they allow their children to toil in vain under a guy who very vocally hates the job? Bharadvaja's usp was political science, which isn't Drona's strong suit anyway, so that was the official reason for the students to leave. It is around this time that Kripi marries into the mess. She is comfortable at first yes, but she can see the future too, just is unable to stop it because Drona never listens.

Drona, however does nothing to stop the leak because baap ka maal dariya mein daal, right? He only wises up once all the savings and the students are gone, and he is well and truly penniless. It's now that he sets aside his ego, and asks his neighbours for tuition contracts, and they just say heck no! They rather suggest, "You wanted to be a kshatriya so bad, then go be a soldier under some king instead." And Drona even tries that, and all the local kings go, "I won't sin by employing a brahmin to do a kshatriya's work! Have you considered teaching?"

Now, Drona is well and truly out of options, since no one would even donate a single cow, and he was running out of ways to feed his family. Ashwatthama, he loves dearly, and it pains him immensely to see him suffer and be bullied by kids and adults alike on top of that, but he would still not accept his wife's family's help.

The milk-incident is the straw that breaks the camel's back, and Drona packs up and drags his little family all the way to Kampilya, gets insulted and then finally, to avoid being homeless with a wife and kid, he finally, reluctantly goes to stay with Kripa.

There, once he has enticed the princes, Bheeshma is finally informed that his sister and brother-in-law are here [that much of a low profile he was keeping out of shame]. Bheeshma obviously treats him with respect regardless taking him to his own quarters to have a chat mano-a-mano, and then we get this golden(?) exchange:

Bheeshma: "So Drona, how is my little sister then?"

Drona: "She's got less hair on her head, but she's kinda smart so I tolerate it."

I mean I would still like to know, what was going on in his brain for him to first think of, and then say aloud these words, to her BROTHER no less! YOU starved her for the better part of a decade, your son's voice never changed and he's got a bump on his head as a direct consequence of that, and you were expecting your wife to be what, Hema Malini?!

Bheeshma kinda glosses over that comment, because I guess ladkiwale and all that nonsense, plus I think he realized giving Drona the teaching job was the only way to ensure his sister and nephew would have something to eat the next day, because Drona would still not accept any charity, much less from him.

Bheeshma actually gives Drona an entire apartment complex's worth of four-to-five-storey buildings under the guise of arranging student hostels, and Drona, with his family actually live in a penthouse type flat in one of those buildings itself, with an army of servants and a hefty allowance that he doesn't have to touch since food and lodging are paid for already [gurudakshinas on top of that]. They are comfortable, but Drona would never admit that this turn of fate happened thanks to Kripi and her family [and also he hates teaching unless it is Ashwatthama or later, Arjuna].

Ashwatthama actually grows up relatively well-adjusted considering how most of his childhood went. He is also a better friend of the Pandavas [Arjuna in particular, and there's a bit of jealousy too, and some healthy competition] that the Kauravas. He fights on the Kauravas' side only because Drona doesn't want to be on the same side as Drupada, and Kripa will follow Drona to the earth's end [mostly because he can't bothered to make his own choice]. Ashwatthama mostly sticks around to keep his father and uncle safe, despite the fact that he HATES and is nearly coming to blows every night with Karna.

Karna too, a tactless, filterless idiot, decides that the best time to air all his grievances with Drona [all fair points which I agree with wholeheartedly], to Ashwathhama no less, is one freaking hour after his father's been brutally murdered. Time and a place, man! [Ashwathhama cuts off his janeu, declared himself not-a-brahmin and challenges Karna to a death match, but Duryodhana gets in them iddle and stops it].

Also, this is where something in Ashwatthama cracks. Due to the previous circumstances, he has a kind of an unhealthy attachment to Drona, to the point that he never even goes to rule the part of Panchala that his father crowned him for. His death unleashes something feral in the man, that we see get compounded when he sees Duryodhana dying [this, imo, meshes in his mind with the manner of his father's death, and in a way he goes to avenge Drona when he massacres the remaining Pandavas and Panchalas].

And yes, Kripi is left all alone [except for her twin], to deal with the emotional as well as physical fallout from the war. The only solace was probably that she was great-grandma to Parikshit, and we can only hope that she found some solace there.

[ilycosy]

❝ PERFECTION ❞ | LUKE CASTELLAN

pairing : luke castellan x daughter of aphrodite!reader

summary — being a child of aphrodite deems you perfect from the moment you get claimed, the expection of complete and utter perfection can weigh down on somebody. somehow, a simple hermes boy reaches all those expectations without even trying.

warnings : hurt/comfort but it's platonic , this takes place in noted , luke is a cocky dumbass & reader is heavily implied to be autistic

aﾉn — first fic for noted !! the smau is being worked on l8r since im a little exhausted n not feeling well again but , i have this to hold u guys over <3 + some smut in drafts :33 every1 say thank u kai for proofreading this <33 @grsveyrrd

you couldn't remember the last time you felt at ease, being at camp always got your blood pumping and the rush of adrenaline in your veins. even being a daughter of aphrodite, stereotypically dainty, you still felt that rush for glory.

you couldn't ever express that need for it though, as camp counselor, you were always expected to guide younger campers into their quests and their own legacy while ignoring your own. it seemed that you were the only one held to that expectation though, clearly shown by hermes cabin.

luke castellan, son of hermes. god of messaging and traveling, he always seemed to be on the move— talking idly with anyone who will listen, overall somebody who people can look up to.

not you though, you couldn't help but resent him. his overly confident smile and cute head tilt, not to mention how he's always winning every sword fight he's ever been in. he'd say something stupid like 'perks of being the best in the last three-hundred years', and then your eyeroll would just fuel his ego.

perfection was expected at camp, from everybody. being the pride of the gods was almost unachievable, almost.

you and luke had always seemed to never get along, most played it off as playful banter but you both knew it was something more. you just couldn't stand each other, no matter how hard you both tried.

he was just easily amazing at everything he does, seemingly rushing into things without thinking and winning. while you were stuck on the opposite team desperately working, never succeeding.

frustration was the worst way to describe it, it barely encompassed everything you felt. "hey," a voice spoke out, sounding raspy from thirst. "luke is wondering where you are, it's almost time for archery."

evan, while not related to you in any way, he was basically your brother. you took a shaky breath as you looked down at the lake, the prickling pain of every sense coming alive at full force now hitting you.

you didn't respond to him, unable to form the words to describe how much you didn't want to face luke and be proved to be a fool again. the metallic clink of evan's armor was heard as he sat down next to you, he was supposed to be at a practice run of capture the flag right now.

"you're skipping practice." you state, your head resting on your legs as you breathe heavy. regulating yourself the way chiron taught you, even though it barely ever worked.

you heard the click of his mouth before he went quiet, drumming his fingers on his knee before speaking. "im helping my sister," he says, scrunching up his nose at the endearment he called you himself. "practice can't wait, besides ill just fall asleep."

you laugh but it hurts, not a good hurt but more of a achey hurt. hurt for the exertion of emotion, hurt that he finds himself useless in an important sport, and hurt that you're failing to meet your obligations for the other campers at archery practice.

evan fills the silence until he can't anymore, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. sometimes you wonder if he's mr. d's son with how he can act so witty and talkative with you, even though he's a hermit around others.

eventually though, his predictions were right. two hours into his talking he begins to lean, falling asleep almost as fast as he began talking. resting his head on your shoulder, his black hair tickling your cheek.

his smell was comforting though, and even though the armor he hadn't shed dug into your side and your stomach as you laid down with him on you— you couldn't imagine trading it.

his light snores and drool seeped into your bright orange shirt, but you ignored it. using his body as a weighted blanket as you looked out into the water, finding the warm sun and soft grass rather comfortable.

you drifted off easily, hypnos taking you under his wing as he allowed you a peaceful sleep. freed from worries and the expectations, he didn't even let you wake when another counselor found you guys.

luke looked down at the two of you in the grass, taking a moment to just be a tired teen with you before gently picking you up. smiling gently at evan's sleepy face before gesturing him to follow him back to the cabins, cradling you maybe a bit too close than he would with others.

but evan wouldn't say anything, the moment was perfect even if you didn't remember it. (he definitely took a picture though).

[ava-starrs-girlfriend]

Calm Before the Storm

Werewolf!Bob/Reader

Summary: After a second Ava-sourced revelation, almost two weeks pass and the days are full of learning, training, and bonding. After some one-on-one time with Bucky, Lena, and Bob, you decide what's next.

Word Count: 7k

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, Reader has a few sips. Brief descriptions of childhood abuse (vague but implied physical and mental/emotional).

A/N: I didn't even get to everything I wanted to in this chapter and I STILL wrote 7k words. Cheers for me!!! I also went back and re-read chapters 1-3 and made a couple grammar, wording, or spelling updates. Finally, you can now find these fics and my first one, Corner Store Sock Aisle Angel, linked in my pinned! Ok, now for the chapter :)

Previous part

Next part

~~*~~

Since you didn't know Ava well, you didnt think anyone could blame you for starting to believe she had awful timing or no delicate sense of putting things.

You had an idea, too, of what your magic might be related to. Now that it was a less mystifying concept to you that something was different about you, it became easier to put things together.

But what it *meant*? What did *that* mean?

You set the plate down on top of the others. And you asked her.

"What do you mean, what it means?"

With that, she grabbed your arm and the light and sounds of the water running and Bob's scrubbing warped. Your stomach felt like it was literally twisting.

What must have been only a second later, but felt like ages, somehow, you were somewhere... completely different.

And you were about to get a crash course in witchcraft.

~*~

The first experience of Ava's shadow-walking was awful, and so were the next few times, but the teleportation was handy. And she learned to warn you but never really asked before warping you away from wherever you happened to be.

You learned that Ava was mostly just excited to have another witch to talk to, to share with. It seemed an important part of witchcraft, to share magic with someone, even if they practiced a different kind to you.

Really, you learned a lot over the next few days, about witchcraft and magic.

You were, as Ava did finally have some elegance of putting, a witch of storms.

Apparently, in addition, that meant that you were the best equipped, outside of Oracles, to tell the future and receive visions of it.

"And Oracles are... witches."

"They cover a multitude of si- subjects, subjects," Alex nodded. He lifted his fists, and beckoned you to try again.

In addition to your lessons with Ava, Alex and Lena insisted you also know how to defend yourself, if things ever came up so that your magic ability was blocked.

Mostly it meant you landing flat on your ass on the mulch floor of a sparring ring. There was a clearing past the garage, where there were archery targets, old punching bags hanging from beams that were stronger than they looked, and crates that you'd only gotten to peak into.

This attempt, you were able to land a blow to Alex's stomach, but he didnt flinch before lifting you back and dropping you so that once again your view was the cloudy sky.

"You're takin' a risk," you muttered.

"I dont see any risk, do you, Lena?" Alex asked.

Lena released the bolt from her crossbow, aimed at the archery target. She nodded as you heard the thud even from your place on the ground.

"No risk anywhere," she said casually.

You sighed.

"Maybe- maybe I could at least try against her, for once?" You asked, sitting up and barely brushing yourself off this time. You knew you'd probably land right back in the dirt.

Lena laughed, but put down her crossbow and shrugged off the light hoodie she was wearing, revealing a tank top underneath. Her arms were more muscular than you expected. Maybe you should have stuck with Alex.

"Sure, maybe that will help."

Too late.

The sarcasm rolled through her words, but Alex helped you up and patted your back. "Fight rough," he muttered, surprisingly close. And it wasnt in Russian, which you had learned he and Lena spoke, nor was it English.

It was the language Ava now knew you had grown up hearing from your grandmother, the language that witches taught each other.

Lena frowned, but didnt linger on the moment.

Maybe Alex was right. It would be nice to finally land something.

You'd seen Lena and Ava fight, when you'd complained to Alex that Ava didnt have to spar.

Bob had spoken up, then. "We all get our asses handed to us. Alex is right, you need to know this. Learning means more practice."

Before you could think about how it felt, to have Bob be a little bossy, Lena was moving her feet.

But so did you. You dodged her first blow, but her other hand got your shoulder.

You groaned and wanted to drop your knee, and give up.

Or maybe you could drop your knee and lift Lena up like Alex had lifted you.

You tried it, dropping quickly and, in the moment Lena inhaled to laugh, you pushed your shoulder up into her stomach, hand on her hip and her waist, grunting as you lifted her into the air.

A little breeze flowed along your arms. It was reassurance, confidence. This was right. Lena left your hands, flying in the air away from you.

This time, it was Lena who landed with a thud in the mulch.

You rubbed your shoulder, but felt the breeze again on your neck.

'Nice,' you thought, helping Lena up.

"That was very cool," she said and grinned. "Well done! Now, again."

"Again?"

"Repeat it, yes, if you can." She affirmed. "Fear not the man who has tried a thousand kicks once, but the man who's done one kick a thousand times." She slapped your shoulder, the one she'd hit, and gave you a thumbs up before getting back into her starting position.

You were going to hurt tomorrow.

~*~

"Do you have any plans tonight?" Bucky asked you after dinner.

You'd been at the cabin just over a week now. Long forgotten was the idea that Lena (or, technically, Yelena, apparently) implied that you'd only be with them for a night.

After that first weekend, you sent an email to your boss asking for some time off for a family circumstance. While you didnt know if you'd quite go back to that life from before, it was worth at least trying to give a heads up.

But every day, the life you led before seemed miles and miles farther away. You didnt quite understand how this place was run- how Bob owned the property, or paid the bills, or how Alex and Lena brought back groceries- but it was working.

And for the first time since your Grandmother had passed, you felt like you had family again. Even though you arrived as a stranger, this place was... beginning to be home.

Would you stay?

"Not beside a shower," you told him as you handed him a washed bowl to dry. "Why?"

He shrugged. "You've gotten time with everyone else. Figured you might... have questions for me."

You hadnt gotten as much time with Bob as you had wanted, usually ending up in the workshop or in the training grounds, but every spare moment when you didnt have anything to do, you had tried to find him. Usually you could.

But you did have questions for Bucky, too. About himself, and about vamprisim. Whenever you'd asked any of the others, they would hesitate and suggest you ask Bucky.

Bucky had a sort or presence, though, that didnt make you seek him out.

He was always watching the training you did with Lena and Alex, and he was somehow always finding excuses to drop in on you and Ava in the workshop.

The cold stillness around him felt wrong.

You had, at this point, begun to better feel the air currents around you. Like you couldnt help but notice now, continuously surprised you never noticed before. The pressure change before storms- manufactured or natural. Where the wind would turn.

Like feeling a breeze, a coldfront, before you could see it.

So not being able to feel anything of that around Bucky was... weird.

"I have a few."

"You too tired to stay up for a bit?" He glanced at you, and there was something in his voice that was almost alluring.

"A bit, huh."

He shrugged.

Once you'd finished putting all the clean dishes away, he gestured toward the glass wall's door and you led the way through it.

"Im thinking a little off-roading," Bucky said once you were outside. He stretched a little in the dusky light.

"You mean on one of the trails?"

"That wouldnt be very "off"-road-y," he said.

"Oh. Um, well, i should get my other shoes, then," you said, and gestured to your sandals.

"I'll wait," he said, and leaned against the railing, his hip against the top of it. He crossed his arms as he watched you walk away, toward your cabin.

His gaze was very distinct. Sometimes it still made you shiver.

You emerged from your cabin a moment later, with more proper attire for what you expected.

"Jeez, we're not bouldering," he said, rolling his eyes at you.

You'd changed into your sturdiest pair of leggings, your hiking boots, and a hooded jacket over a tanktop. You shrugged. "Maybe share a little more in your communication, dude."

Bucky looked you over once more and then turned, gesturing for you to follow. "C'mon."

There was a feeling in your gut that maybe you shouldnt be alone with him. He hadnt threatened you, even indirectly, since that first moment you'd met him a week ago.

But just as much as Bob was a werewolf, Bucky was something other-human, too. All of these people were still unfamiliar territory. All of them could still pull surprises out at you.

So you had a guard up.

Just in case.

Entering the woods made the sun's warmth almost immediately disappear, or maybe it was that you were walking closer to Bucky in order not to lose him in the shadows of the trees. You didnt know what kind of powers he had as a vampire, if any.

You *had* seen him standing shirtless in broad daylight, only wearing sunglasses and shorts as he carried groceries inside a couple days ago. So he didnt burn in the classic way.

"You know, you can ask, whatever you want, now," Bucky said ahead of you.

"Why'd you take me out here to chat?" Was your first question.

He glanced back at you and then off to the distance, slowing his paces.

"It's become my element, i guess," he said. "Like Ava's is her workshop and the hunters' is their clearing."

"So you grew up in a place like this?"

He laughed. "Hell no. No, i grew up in a city."

"Which one?"

"New York," he said after a moment. Like he wasn't sure if he should tell you.

"Oh, fun," you said, stepping over a log, ignoring the hand he held out for you to take for balance. "You ever been back?"

"Yeah," he said, but this time it was layered in annoyance. "Yeah. Family events."

"Your family's alive?"

He glanced at you again, uncertain. Then, "My vampire lineage family."

"Oh."

He shrugged. "Can't quite ever get out of blood family."

"I mean, if theyre all dead, you can," you said, and chuckled to yourself.

"What?"

"Vampires are dead."

He stopped and squinted at you.

"Arent they?" You asked as you stopped next to him.

He sighed.

"You dont breathe, you dont eat, you most definitely consume blood," you counted off your fingers. "You dont burn in the sunlight, at least not in any way i noticed, but you're definitely fast and strong."

He didnt comment.

"I imagine you either dont see me as a threat or wouldnt be any more harmed by a sharp stick to the chest like a normal person would be," you gestured to the various sticks littering the ground around you. "So... Can you turn into a bat?"

"Thats your first question?"

"It's, like, my seventh," you looked up as you tried to recall your conversation, ticking off the questions you could remember on your fingers. When you looked at the vampire again, he looked confused. "What?"

"You asked about me."

Now you were confused. You put a hand on your hip. "Yeah? Because we're bonding, dude. Cant bond without knowing each other a little. Ive been assuming a lot about you, sure, but more related to what the- what media says about vampires. You're a guy first. With history. I'm curious about all of it, i guess, but I can learn about vampire stuff from any vampire, if i ever meet another. I cant meet another you."

He shifted his weight, looking to the ground.

"You did avoid the "Can you turn into a bat" question though."

"What kind of bat are you expecting?"

"I dunno. A... brown... one?"

He smirked, and he seemed to be back to the guy you were more familiar with, sitting at the supper table. "Very precise."

"I'll have you know I'm not a wildlife expert, ok?"

Bucky hummed and returned to forging the way for you.

As you followed, you decided to ask something else. "Alright, how can you not burn in the daylight?"

~*~

The shower water ran over your body, cleaning off the day's sweat and dirt. You'd worked hard.

After days of practice, you'd been able to be consistent with a few moves against Lena and Alex, and practiced overturning their various defences.

You hadnt felt stronger in your life. More confident in your control of your body.

And you'd made progress with Ava, keeping up with her trivia and impressing her with your handle on your witchcraft.

The steam covered the bathroom mirror as you stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around you. You reached forward and cleared off the condensation on the glass, and almost dropped your towel as you stumbled back.

It wasn't you in the reflection of the mirror. It was stranger. A man.

He was tall, with red hair. A blue uniform outfit, with a few red stripes crossing his chest horizontally. He wore gloves on his hands and his eyes were... they were very blue.

He stared at you.

You stared back.

"Guard yourself," he said, as you reached forward to wipe the condensation again. "Guard yourself."

And he disappeared, leaving your shocked face in the mirror.

You wanted to cover the mirror with a towel, but didnt have a spare, so you changed into your pajamas in the shower stall, away from the view of the mirror.

"That was creepy," you muttered to yourself as you checked your locks on the windows and doors of the cabin. "And from what? Like, ok, way to be vague as hell??"

You tried to settle in on the couch and read the collection of tales Alex had suggested, but the hair on the back of your neck would not go down; the goosebumps on your arms firmly raised.

Ava had begun to teach you about reaching out toward her, but more the what and not how.

You needed reassurance, though. You needed answers.

You didnt really want to open your cabin door... but Bob was just next door.

You threw on a clean hoodie and your sandals and opened your door, locking it behind you, your key in your pocket with your phone.

You hurried over to Bob's cabin and knocked on his door. A moment later, the door was open, warm light shining out, comfortable air settling around you like armor.

"Yeah?" He asked, tired, opening it to you. He sniffed.

You'd begun to get used to that.

Bob's eyes widened and suddenly he was alert and awake. He pulled you in to his cabin and locked the door. "Are you ok??"

"Im- im fine, just-"

"You saw something."

"How'd you know?"

"You smell really scared."

"I-!" You sighed. "Im not *reeeally* scared," you said and plopped down on his couch. "Just. A little unsettled, or whatever."

"Sure," he said, unconvinced, and sat at the other end of the couch, one knee pulled up to his chest, the other hanging over the edge of the couch cushion. He put his hands on his calf. "Whats up?"

Suddenly you felt incredibly foolish. It had probably just been nothing, or a vision that you didnt know how to handle yet. Now you'd bothered Bob, who... well, you werent sure what he was in the middle of, but he had to have been in the middle of something. A laptop was slightly open on his coffee table, and an empty beer bottle on the side table.

"You know... it was probably nothing," you began to get up.

He reached across the couch, hand on your wrist. He looked you straight in the eye. "It wasnt nothing."

"What, do you have visions too?" You rolled your eyes, trying to make it lighthearted.

"Scents are good enough for me," he said, letting go of you and settling back just as quickly as he'd moved forward. "I just... i can tell."

"How?"

He shifted, fidgeting with his hands. "The- you smelled different."

"I just showered."

"Beside that."

"I... was a little scared?"

"Other than that."

"What else could there be?"

"You saw something, it, um. Lingered."

You sat up straight as if he'd just told you there was a spider in your hair.

He leaned forward and waved his hand. "It's not a presence, or anything! You're good."

"Can you just say what you mean?"

Bob looked anywhere but you.

You remembered back to the first conversation you'd seen between Bucky and Bob. That Bucky had brought a threat to the cabin. Bob didnt seem to be one to hold grudges for long, so you guessed now that it was recent. Maybe not as recent as the last person to have been in your cabin, but still recent enough to make him hesitant.

"The guy i saw. You know him."

He scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah."

"You could smell him??"

"Yep."

You leaned back into the corner of the couch. "Huh. Wild."

He looked up, his face unsure if it wanted to smile or frown. "Wild?"

"I really do love learning something new every day," you tried to explain. "Hey, but, I'm ok, obviously. So its no big deal, right?"

"The only way he would have had any presence here was if he- was if it was an oracle."

"But im not an oracle."

"No."

"Then how...?"

He sighed. "He forced one to make contact with you."

"Thats a thing??"

"Anything can be used against anyone's will," Bob said, like he'd experienced it. "Look. It really is something we should probably leave until the morning to discuss with the others." He got up from the couch, closing his laptop and going to the stairs.

"So... goodnight?"

"No," he shook his head. "Wait there."

You waited. You didnt know what else to do.

He came back down from the bedroom up in the loft with a blanket and a pillow.

"I'm gonna crash on your couch."

"You- you dont have to," you said, rising from your seat. "I promise, im ok."

"Ok, but i sleep really deeply and you wont be able to get me to open my door if you decide you need company."

You looked at him, holding his blanked and pillow, fully prepared for an unplanned sleepover.

You thought about having him in your cabin. You didnt know if there were any sort of side effects to the oracle thing.

"It... might be a good idea if you come with, i think," you said slowly. "Just in case."

He nodded and followed you to the door, turning off the lights and locking the closed door behind you as you stepped back out into the night.

"Ok?" He asked.

You nodded and he followed you to your cabin, entering with you and waiting for permission to get settled on the couch.

"Let me just..." you cleared off the cushions, holding a couple books and a potato chip bag. You brushed off any crumbs. "Sorry..."

"No worries," he said easily as you put the books away on their shelves and the chips in the kitchenette/storage area.

When you came back out to the front room, he was setting down his pillow and fluffing it.

"Thanks," you said. "For, um. Answering your door."

"Always," he said, glancing over at you. You hadnt needed him to before, but you knew he would keep the promise if that ever changed.

Once he was settled, you checked the door to make sure it was locked, and turned off the lights.

"Goodnight, Bob," you said as you went to the stairs.

"Goodnight," he answered, and yawned.

As you got into bed, you realized you felt safer with him so close by. You turned off the lamp on your bedside table and pulled up the blankets, settling in. A thought of him being even closer than downstairs crossed your mind, but you were yawning and closing your eyes before you could process it.

At least you hoped.

For a little while, you were caught up in thinking about the training you'd been learning, both magic and physical. The joke Lena had said that now you finally had a comeback for. The nice shower cleaning off todays dirt.

And then... the mirror. The man.

For the first time since you'd arrived, you couldnt sleep. You tossed and turned, sighing when nothing felt right. Even with your bones feeling heavy and tired, your mind wouldnt quiet enough to let you relax.

And since you were awake, you got thirsty.

You waited as long as you could. But, like when its too cold or too hot to sleep, you just couldnt ignore it.

As quietly as you could, you got out of your bed and nearly tip-toed down the stairs, keeping an eye on the couch.

You got a glass of water from the sink in the kitchenette, the need finally relieved.

Then you had to use the bathroom, because you might as well.

You refilled the glass to take upstairs, and when you stepped into the hallway, you saw Bob sitting up, rubbing his eyes.

"You ok?" He asked.

"Haven't gotten to sleep yet," you shrugged. "I'm, um, gonna try again, though."

"Good," he smiled.

You really wanted to run your fingers through his messy hair. It was a thought you had often, but his hair was particularly messy right then.

You turned away to avoid reaching out and bothering him.

But before you could go up two steps, you stopped.

You closed your eyes and for a split second, you tried to envision the future of this moment.

On the one path, you went to bed again. You wouldnt sleep well.

On another, you stayed downstairs and just... talked with Bob. You couldnt see far enough to tell if you eventually went back to bed, but the warmth of that path was far nicer than the dark stillness upstairs.

"Do you mind if i-" you turned to look at him, and he smiled, gesturing to the couch.

"Sure."

You walked to the couch, waited until he moved the blanket, and sat.

And then he waited for you. You stared at the glass in your hands, unsure of where to start.

He turned and reached behind himself, reaching for the lamp on the end table. He pulled the string and then there was a new, warm light in the room.

"May as well," he shrugged, turning back to you.

You nodded, and your gaze returned to the glass in your hands. Your feet were still on the floor, as if you werent allowed to get comfortable.

He leaned forward. "Hey, can i tell you a dumb story?"

You repeated something Lena had said earlier in the week. "You've probably got plenty of those."

He chuckled and raised his hands. "Sure do."

His break of your tension released a breath you'd been holding. "I'd like to hear it, though."

"Great," he shifted so his back was against the back cushion of the couch.

You didnt want to let go of the glass quite yet, still needing something in your hands.

He lifted the edge of his blanket, inviting you into comfort.

You took it. You crossed your legs to sit next to him, knee almost touching his leg.

"I was sixteen," he started.

"So, last year?"

He laughed, like he'd never heard it before. "Right, of course. Anyway, when I was sixteen, i was with this group of losers, 'cause thats what we were. I'd run away from my family, feeling, you know, unappreciated, or whatever. And there was this girl."

"Ooo," you teased.

"She was cute! Being sixteen, and thinking, hey, i'm forging my life, right? Im the coolest. I can impress her, easy." He scoffed. "Well, she wanted this dress from this place we'd walked by earlier. And of course, none of us had money, and we all teased her for even admiring something like that. It was... it looked like a lot of what we'd all left behind." His gaze was far away, smiling as he remembered. He looked at you, then. Pulling himself back to the moment of now. "Guess what i did."

"You... made something similar for her?"

"No," he shook his head. "I stole it."

For some reason, you'd formed an idea of Bob as a rule-follower. Maybe it was his even, steady mood that you'd gotten familiar with, or his reserved additions to conversation. But he was in charge, too. He was a planner. He knew best out of everyone what the rules were- he'd made them- and how to break them.

"Did you get caught?"

"Of course not."

"Really?"

"Really. I got the dress for her, and gave it to her. Didnt do super well with the delivery, though, because she, uh..." he scratched the back of his neck. "She thought someone else did it."

"No glory, huh."

"Nope. She started going out with the guy who claimed he'd done it, and even when I asked him how he did it, he made it so much more dramatic that I just... gave up about it." He sighed, thinking about the memory.

"What happened to the group?"

"We disbanded a couple weeks later. Turned out that most of them actually wanted to complete a high-school education, and their parents were far richer than they'd let on."

Caught up in his story, you asked, "What'd you do?"

He shifted again, shoulders carefully lowering and back straightening.

"You dont have to talk about it, if you dont want to," you said, leaning back, away from pressuring him.

"I went back to my family. Which at this point, was my pack. I mean, they-" he cleared his throat, eyes far from yours. "So i wouldnt leave again, that's when I became a werewolf."

"Oh. I... guess i thought you were turned... earlier than that." You didnt elaborate on when.

He shrugged, picking at fuzz on the blanket. "They were the ones who took me in in the first place. My dad," he laughed. "My dad left me for dead at a campground on a full moon. I was maybe five?"

"Damn."

"Yeah," he said, and sighed. "So i knew the wolf pack for a while. There were just as bad as my dad, though."

"You dont have to tell me this, Bob," you reached out, finally, putting your hand on his forearm. "I mean, really, if its not a good memory-"

"Pasts are good and bad, though, arent they?" He met your eyes. "I've got no intention of leaving this place, this family. And you know you're welcome to stay, too. So you're a part of that. And i dont share now, then i'll share another time."

"Another time is ok, if you want?"

"I need you to know now, though," his voice was pained. "I'm- I'm a sharing guy. I w- I want you to know. So you can decide. Stay or go."

It was more than just this moment of his vulnerability.

You'd been getting plenty of time getting to know the others, hell, even Bucky, who's whole vibe freaked you out. You knew some of Alex's past, and some of Lena's, although she shared hers over a couple glasses of wine. Ava shared her story as she shared her knowledge with you, carefully and with reverence, but with full honesty.

This was important for Bob to share, too. So you knew who you were choosing to stay with.

He had your full attention as you set the glass on the coffee table. "Ok." You folded your hands in your lap.

He took a moment to decide where exactly to start. "They were family, the wolf pack. I believed that my dad would be even worse to me if I ever ran away from them, like, really ran away. So they did a lot of things. And since I was human, i could do things they couldnt. And I couldnt do things, like defend myself, when they hurt me. It was... not great."

You nodded.

"So when I came back, after that summer of learning to, i guess, be my own person, instead of being their punching bag, well, I wanted things to change," he winced as he recalled something. "Dumb idea."

You wanted to interupt and call him brave instead. For standing up for himself, even if he went back to a dangerous place, it was all he had. Teenage years are tough.

"Probably the worst month of my life. And when it was finally the full moon... they took me with them."

He was doing well in staying steady with his retelling, but this is where his voice shook.

"First time's always the worst," he said. "I wish i didnt remember all of it as well as I do."

"What happened?"

"We hunted. And then we- God, we-" he cleared his throat and moved his shoulders back again, and he tried to leave the emotions of the story behind. "We attacked people. Not animals, people. And then thats what full moons became. Instead of me staying behind, terrified for them to come back angry and riled up and covered in blood, i was the one covered in blood. But i wasnt afraid of it, i was finally a part of something. They bullied me less. I was finally a real part of the pack. I felt... invincible."

He rubbed his eyes. "That didnt last." Hands back in his lap, he rubbed his thumb over his other hand's palm. "The pack was attacked, just as severely as we'd attacked people. So i ran again, but now I had this other thing i was running with. This other part of me that demanded... a lot. And I knew how to get what I wanted, too."

Bob glanced at you, unsure of your reaction.

Mostly, you'd just been taking in the information of his past, his story. You tried not to react, with gasps of shock or horror, or reach out to him. But your heart hurt for him.

"It was like that a couple years, running, always moving, and always alone. Until i quite literally ran into Bucky, and he somehow figured out all these things about me, and he told me i could stop running, start building something. Myself, a family, i don't know what exactly he meant. But i listened. Because I needed to." He lifted his hands as if to gesture he was done with the story. "So... thats me."

"Thanks for telling me," you said, before the moment could fade. "Really." You didnt want to overdo your gratitude for his vulnerability, but finally, you felt certainty.

"Sure. I just needed you to know."

"I want to stay," you spoke barely after he finished speaking. "I want to stay."

"Really?"

You loved the way his eyes lit up. If he had the canine ears, you just knew they would have perked up, too.

"Yes," you nodded. "I still have a lot i need to learn, but I also just... I feel like this is the place where I belong." You almost added "for now, anyway" but you didnt want it to be temporary. You wanted it to last, this place, the friendships you'd begun to build, the trust placed here. You wanted to hold on to it.

And the oracle you'd seen in the mirror hours ago was long forgotten.

~*~

In the morning, the couch was empty.

Your brows knit together as you got ready to head up to the main cabin for breakfast. Had last night just been some crazy dream?

After he'd shared his past with you, you shared some of yours with Bob. Though not really as dramatic, you shared a little about growing up with your grandmother and laughed each time you realized she'd done magic or you'd caused something on accident. You talked for hours with him, ending up talking about nothing and anything. Before you'd gone back up to bed, you'd sat shoulder to shoulder with him as he showed you pictures on his phone of one of his latest woodworking projects.

He said he'd make you something. As you wandered up the walkway, you wondered what he would make you.

You opened the glass door and smelled bacon. Alex and Lena were busy as Ava was setting the table.

Bucky followed you inside and chuckled as he passed you.

"What?"

"Nothing," he said, clearly meaning something.

You rolled your eyes and made your way to Alex and Lena, who piled food onto your plate.

"Morning," you greeted them.

"Good morning, my friend!" Alex said. Was he never not in a good mood?

Ava was sitting in your usual spot, so instead you sat in hers.

"Almost the new moon," Ava said, eyes glinting with excitement. "Lots of things to cover."

You hummed as you chewed some bacon, and you didnt have to look up to know Bob was approaching the house.

"Morning, guys," he said as he entered, and you smiled as you caught his eye.

Ava hummed, and you snapped your head to her.

She giggled and raised her eyebrows.

"What?"

"Bob went for a run."

"Is he not allowed?"

She just giggled again and then you realized she swapped places with you on purpose.

"Why are you being weird?"

"Its in my nature," she shrugged, and leaned forward to prop her chin in her hand, elbow on the table, as Bob sat just next to you.

"Oh!" He said, looking at Ava first, then you. "Hi."

"Hey," you answered, and suddenly felt so incredibly stupid as butterflies started fluttering in your stomach. The nerves made it hard to eat, but Lena's stern look was a lot stronger.

~*~

Regardless of whatever she thought had happened that night, Ava pushed you to learn how to properly set things up for the new moon. The phases of the moon were incredibly important to her and her witchcraft, which had something to do with shadows. Naturally, the largest natural shadow cast upon something celestial was a big deal. You could only imagine how she'd react to total solar eclipses, or lunar ones.

"Have fun?" Lena asked, pouring you a glass of wine. It had become your habit, sharing a little something to drink at the end of a long day.

"I guess," you shrugged.

"Lots of actual stuff to do, on top of the theory and history, hmm?"

You nodded and took a sip of the sweet wine. "Yeah. But hey, I think I know more knots than boy scouts now."

She laughed.

After a moment, she said, "So you and Bob."

You choked, setting your glass down carefully. "What?"

"He told you his story?"

"Yeah?"

"Get all weepy about it?"

"No?"

She nodded. "Didnt think you would."

"Why are you asking?"

"Because he told me today. You saw something that scared you, couldnt sleep, kept you company." She shrugged. "No big deal."

"Right. Of course."

She gave you a side-eye look of suspicion before taking a sip of her wine. "Good. And youre staying?"

"Yeah... although I'm not sure about my job."

"Can you work remote? Isnt it an office job?"

"I could, i guess, but I'd probably have to go back for important meetings and stuff."

"We can drive you. Or you can drive, whatever," she waved her hand. "They'd be stupid to lose you. Youre a good person."

"My job isnt really about if im a good person or not. But they probably miss me because of how much i get done."

"See? Thats not something they want to lose!" She pointed at you and smiled. "Thats settled. You email them tomorrow, tell them."

You shivered, putting your hands under your thighs.

"Why are you nervous?"

"Its a big deal."

She turned to you, facing you directly, and squared her shoulders. "You made a promise."

You wanted to keep it.

So you nodded.

She reached across the counter and squeezed your hands. "There. Good."

~*~

Two mornings later, dreary from staying up late with Ava, you found a letter under your door.

It was from Bob.

"Hi,

I hope your new moon stuff with Ava goes well.

I've got some things I've gotta do. I'll be away a few days.

Be back soon.

Bob"

"Ok?" You muttered to yourself. You folded it back to the way it was and tucked it into your jeans pocket.

After breakfast, Lena pulled you aside.

"What's up?" You asked her. "We're still going to the lake tonight, right?"

"The paper in your pocket, is it a letter? From Bob?"

You stepped back. "Um. Yeah?"

"Ava!" She shouted, causing Ava to almost drop the dishes she was carrying. "How long do you have until the moon?"

"Yelena!" Ava groaned.

"I need- just a bit."

"Fine. But you'd better not be late," Ava pointed at you.

You barely had time to give her a thumbs up before Lena dragged you out of the kitchen.

"Why are we headed to the lake now?" You asked once her steps had slowed.

"Private."

"Ok??" You rolled your eyes at the lack of explanation.

Once you reached the beach, she stopped.

"What is with you?" You asked her.

"The letter from Bob. He'll be away a few days?"

"Yeah?" You crossed your arms over your chest. "How do you even know that?"

"He used to leave *me* notes."

You didnt know why that stirred jealousy in your gut. She said *used* to, what that have to do with now?

"So?"

"Because-" she glanced up toward the cabin. "We were together."

"I- Bob and I are not a thing."

"Only Alex is this oblivious." She groaned, hands into fists as they fell to her side, then lifted right back up toward you, palms flat. "He is head over heels for you."

"I barely know him."

"That doesnt matter, not to him," she said. "And, he told you his story, and he said you didnt even blink. You just accepted him."

"Well- yeah? I mean, because-"

"Why?"

You opened your mouth to answer, but you didnt have words yet. You didnt know.

"You dont have to feel the same way," Lena said gently. "But if you dont, you have *got* to tell him. Because I- I thought he hated me when I took months to decide. He's too good to have waiting."

"How do you know?"

"I- when we first got together, he- felt like a lot? But i thought that was just part of romantic relationships. We never did anything i didnt want to, but... the sweetness he shared, i just, didnt know how to give back to him." She put her hands on her hips. "So i finally told him. And, he wasnt mad, of course, but I felt like I'd never be friends with him again, and I really wanted that."

"You seem pretty close," you offered.

"We are. Best friends again," she grinned, like that friendship was the thing she held most dear. "But he- before you were even in the picture, I just knew he was looking for something, someone. And then he'd be off for even a week at a time. He never did that."

"But he's gone right now?"

Lena shook her head and cut the air with her hands. "No, no. Very different." She sighed. "When Alexei and I saw you, I just knew."

"What??" You asked, finally annoyed. "What the hell did you know?"

"He was hoping we'd bring you with us."

"Is that why you acted like you hated me that night?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Because I finally knew where I was with him, and I didnt want to lose that."

You frowned. "I've been here less than two weeks, Lena. How could I possibly challenge your friendship with him?"

She groaned. "I dont know."

"Do you still hate me?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because he asked me not to. He told- he told me to just trust him, so i did. And i will. And so now im trusting you."

You werent sure she even trusted Bucky.

"He doesnt want to scare you with- how he followed you, to make sure that he wouldnt bring home any danger," she explained. "But you mean a lot to him."

At this point, you werent really surprised. Bob had all but confessed as much the first night you'd met him.

"I'm not scared."

And you werent. You looked out over the lake, a view you'd grown familiar with, but always in a way of worry that you'd have to leave it.

You'd seen just a few sunsets over this lake, but you knew you'd see many more. Thousands more.

As if watching a dream, you saw yourself sitting on the sand, and then Bob coming to sit next to you, his hand behind your back so you could lean against him. Natural, without speaking, like you'd done those motions together a thousand times.

Walking one of the trails, nearly bumping into each other for how close you were. Reaching to hold his hand so that the awkwardness lifted, and your steps became synchronized.

Cooking a dinner for the family, moving easily around each other as you kept things from burning.

And fighting alongside each other, shoulder to shoulder. Wind following your movements, never worrying about your back- the wolf had it, just as you had his.

Your future was with his. His was with you.

You could see finally see it.

~~*~~

Taglist: (let me know if you want to be added or removed!) @foreverchangingmind @jason-todd-fangirl-14 @imthatone-annoyingfriend @mandoalorian @melancholiast-clair @qardasngan

[project-sekai-facts]

What's ur fav piece of trivia for every* character?

(*or at least as much as you can recall off the top of ur head)

my favorite trivia for characters is usually just whatever i think is funniest so just keep that in mind. that's not always the case but you might see it become a pattern. oh the other thing is whatever is most soul-crushing so yeah.

Ichika - either the fact her name comes from how her parents met (because i think it's really sweet) or that she accidentally discovered miku when she was watching videos on her dad's tablet and opened a recording of a miku concert

Saki - she used to listen to the song Time Machine when she was in hospital (at Ichika's recommendation) to remind her of family and friends. It's the in-universe reason why she is featured on the cover. This is actually one of my favorite facts in the game overall.

Honami - she is surprisingly good at flirting

Shiho - not one I've posted before, but in Run! Sports Festival! she couldn't bring herself to throw any of the balls in the ball toss because they had cute animal designs on them

Minori - she once passed out because Haruka wished her happy birthday.

Haruka - she likes penguins because she thinks the way they waddle is cute and she likes how round a lot of penguin merch is

Airi - she followed all of Shizuku's campaigns and bought all the magazines she was featured in when she was still a member of Cheerful*Days. She insists it was just research.

Shizuku - either that she usually has a thermos of miso soup on her to eat after practice or archery club or that she isn't good at texting. i haven't posted either of these before

Kohane - again one I haven't posted yet, but her favorite photo she's taken of Count Pearl is one of Pearl eating mice. the rest of VBS are surprised that she isn't squeamish about that sort of thing (i dunno what they're talking about that sounds like a very cool photo).

An - the possible symbolism of the black stripe on her new school cardigan. hello to the person who submitted that i am still not over it.

Akito - in Cinema he's the only person to sing solo during the first two choruses, the others don't get solo parts in the chorus until the end of the song. i think about this one a lot actually

Toya - he can't swim

Tsukasa - he's the comedic relief and there's a lot of really random shit i know about him because of that, so my favorite fact about him is whatever will have the most impact in the moment if i were to mention it out of nowhere. for a less vague answer, this one although i consider it to be one of my worst posts

Emu - she's very good at replicating cartoon faces. i like this one because it raises a few questions about whether the L2Ds are still exaggerated or if she just looks like that and no one questions that she actually has a cartoon face. what if project sekai ends with them all becoming self-aware.

Nene - either the fact that she thinks the forest has good graphics or that she called rui's mom "auntie" when she was younger because i think it's cute.

Rui - i like a good reference and i appreciate that he sometimes references famous people and media.

Kanade - she's left handed. i also like that her family name was made up specifically to contrast with the rest of N25.

Mafuyu - either that it's shown one time that she can see ghosts and then it's never brought up or referenced again, or that the "mom's cooking" listed as her favorite food might refer to the bunny-shaped apple slices her mother would make for her when she was a kid. i also like the detail that her eyes being two-tone is because she inherited the eye colors of both her parents.

Ena - twitter user. also despite loving cheesecake, she doesn't like cheese. girl what the hell.

Mizuki - they started out editing by making AMVs for a magical girl anime they liked. Amia comes from the name of a character from that anime. also did you know they put ice cubes in noodles because of their sensitive tongue. ice cubes.

Bonus - some side character stuff I like

Kotaro's favorite food is strawberries but he doesn't like strawberry flavored things for whatever reason

Asahi and Sakurako's family names are Chinese mythology references

Tatsuya's hobbies are motorbiking and fishing. these are not things you expect to go together

Nagi hated tomatoes but she would eat them in front of An

Iori hates spicy food, whilst Mio's favorite food is super spicy ramen. Meanwhile Mio doesn't like cream, but Iori likes crepes (which usually have cream on them).

Souma started listening to foreign music after Arata left for America

gbr i forgot about the vocaloids for a second but before i call it a day i think it's incredibly funny that Len cannot reach the stools in crase cafe.

[pain-is-too-tired]

Leeluke rambles since I'm finally up hdgd

Lee arrived at camp a couple days after Luke, despite how tired he was from his journey to camp he was excited to get to know other campers. He got close to Luke almost instantly.

Of course it wasn't that long after they got to camp that he was claimed, but it didn't stop Lee from trying to hang out with Luke.

When Luke first got his wound that become his scar, Lee was he one to tend to it and make sure it healed properly. When Luke would be angry about the gods after,Lee often spoke more cool about the gods. Instead talking about stuff he wanted to do for camp and fellow demigods when he was old enough. Safe houses and lessons about mortal world life. It was hard for Luke to stay angry when seeing how Lee eyes sparked talking about it.

They became Head Counselors around the same time, and again were practically inseparable. Lee helped Luke with his cabin as much as they could, helping new kids test out archery and music. Even before Luke left Lee still took care of everyone.

Some nights it was clear that Luke was stressed over something, and Lee would pull him to a secluded spot and sit with him. Letting Luke relax and distress. Combing a hand through his hair as he sung to him, not too differently then what he often did for his siblings.

How could Luke not fall for him?

Lee had started to like Luke around that first year at camp. He was fully aware of his feelings too. But he didn't think Luke would ever return those feelings, and he was too scared to come out really. So he kept it to himself mostly, just enjoying the relationship they did have.

Luke technically liked Lee since they met, and that feeling only grew as time went on.

Thing was, Luke didn't realize it. Despite that, he still had it bad. Like. Really bad.

Struggling not to get distracted watching Lee helping with training in the archery range, getting jealous and defensive when anyone else tried to flirt/ be bit too friendly with Lee, trying not to melt anytime Lee even leans on him, etc

Yet my guy was in full denial. Despite the fact he spent part of the night daydreaming about Lee- but that's totally normal-

When Chris first came to camp, and latched onto Luke like a baby chick, Luke did not know what to do. He was use to Annabeth looking up to him like that, sure,but Chris was the first person other than her to latch onto him.

Lee,however, couldn't help but find it adorable. He already kinda got close to Annabeth through Luke, and honestly it was close to most of the Hermes cabin, so it wasn't hard for Lee to click with Chris too.

"He keeps following me around."

"He looks up to you!"

"I mean yeah- but-"

"Come on! It's cute!"

Bluescreening "Shut up-"

Definitely became even funnier once Clarisse became Head Counselor of the Ares cabin. Luke could somewhat get her to back down, but the only one she actually seemed to listened to was Chris and sometimes Lee. Which Luke was completely confused by.

Lee found it amusing, Luke had kinda gotten use to most of the newer campers listening and looking up to him at that point, so he had no idea how Lee and Chris managed to get on Clarisse better side.

Chris was completely oblivious to the fact, why Lee just playfully teased Luke.

"You can't be great at everything, Luke!"

Actually saw someone mention this, think I might've shared it a bit back, but someone mentioned the idea that Luke hadn't like the Stolls all that much because they reminded him too much of Hermes and the fact Hermes went to their mom twice.

I imagine he wasn't like completely obvious about it, but I can see Lee noticing and assuming Luke was just too overwhelmed to give the twins much attention so Lee helped out in that regard.

Luke goes to the Archery range one time and Lee, Michael ,and the Stolls are testing out traps with Charles.

The Stolls get into lot of trouble (mainly trying to get Luke's or their father's attention in any way-) and often end up in the infirmary. Lee always tells them to be more careful, he doesn't want them to get badly hurt, why Luke's chewing them out for causing me work for Lee. Lee tells them it's fine and sends them back out, and one of the Stolls ends up calling Lee mom before stumbling out of the infirmary.

Luke's immediately embarrassed about his brothers, Lee's loving it.

"Mom?"

"I'm so sorry-"

"Do they call you dad?"

"Please don't encourage this."

"Oh I'm definitely encouraging this."

"Dear gods-"

[azzie-beastbinder]

Eternal Nights And Hopeful Days

Anva hated the night.

She knew it wasn’t sensible. It was merely a time of day just like any other, when the world rotated away from the sun and the stars and moon became visible. But it also reminded her too much of things she tried to ignore.

The trembling of limbs as starvation set in. The last bits of food devoured as though one were merely a beast. Turning on those who look most like you.

Anva took a deep, silent breath and flared out her black and white wings. The shape and colors resembled an owl, others had told her. She hadn’t gone looking for many owls to compare.

She was in Alta Torrezon. She, her closest friends Sasha Ignatov and Honmo, her adopted mother and mentor Lillie Short, and one of Sasha’s parent figure-mentors Cunning remained in the city to help hunt for any of Aclazotz’s faithful still waiting in the shadows. Whenever Anva was particularly bored, she would slip away to the mountains to hunt others that flew like she did. It was good archery practice.

Blood ran faster than water in the first hours. It was a debauched revelry, the likes of which none had ever seen before. Not there, not that large, not that many.

“Anva?” Sasha’s voice sounded a thousand miles away, but Anva’s angelic hearing still picked up on it past the memories clouding her mind. “You good?”

Anva turned to her fellow youngling. She and Sasha were the same age and were both planeswalkers. Sasha was broader, but Anva was taller. There was also the very obvious difference in species – Anva was an angel, while Sasha was merely a human. Anva’s magical talents lay in her innate angelic magic alongside healing and plant manipulation, and Sasha dwelt in fire and smoke and witchcraft.

Anva offered a smile to her friend, though the expression felt as alien as it always had. “I’m fine, Sasha.”

A hero had tried to stop it. That was how it always went in the stories, after all. A horrible prophecy was dictated, a villain tried to make it come true, and a hero stopped them.

The hero failed.

“You’ve been kinda distant since we got here,” Sasha said, sitting next to her on the wall. The moon hung overhead. None of Aclazotz’s forces were attacking tonight. It was peaceful.

And that peace scared her the most.

She was one of the fastest angels, even with her young age. The Warrior of North and Southern Seas, she had been named by the fellow angels who had raised her. Meant to aid sailors. But now she was running to try and save a fallen hero, to grant a miracle that was never to be.

“Just thinking,” she reassured her human companion. “It’s been...very strange, being here.”

She wasn’t surprised when Honmo joined them, leaping up onto the wall and strolling over like a cat hunting a toy. “We can tell, you get this weird look whenever you’re talking to one of the vampires,” the sphinx pointed out. She laid down and crossed her paws in front of her. Honmo was more fully armored than both of the younglings. She had recently turned eighteen and thus become a full Dokuchi Reckoner. She tilted her head, her aqua eyes focused on Anva. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

She dove, her wings pulled tightly against her back, trying to reach the sword falling through the air. Using the Blade of Dawn to slay the vampire lord before he could finish the ritual was the only way to stop the eternal night.

She didn’t even see the dragon before it slammed into her. The Blade of Dawn plunged into the sea, forever lost, as she desperately tried to fight off her attacker.

“I’m just...a little worried because of stuff I’ve heard from Boss Hayashi about the Innistrad fight and about the Betrayer,” Anva lied easily. “I may be an angel, but I’m not exactly one that’s good at smiting, you know?”

Honmo chuckled. “Well, that’s why you have me and Sasha. We’ll back you.”

“Every time,” Sasha promised easily.

If only it were that easy.

She was the last one alive. Flesh and blood – vampiric, angelic, draconic – had become the only things she had consumed until this end.

But now, there was nothing left.

She laid on the ground of the ruined castle of the vampire lord, staring up into the eternally darkened sky. She waited for the end.

What responded was a light igniting within her, a brand new sky full of stars, and the neon lights of the new world.

[i-heart-emos]

jealous boy/luke castellan

A/N: this is gonna be not toxic jealousy more like play because I don’t wanna do super dark cause I’m still trying to convinve myself luke is good

Pairing:Jealous!Luke x Aphrodite reader

Summary: being a known favorite in the aphrodite comes with its perks and downside’s especially when Luke gets a little jealous

Warnings: nothing just a tiny bit of cussing

————————————————————————Even though Aphrodite’s children known only for there looks thats didn’t keep you from learning to fight. Your weapon of choice bow and arrow. And with practice you became the best archer at the camp. So naturally the head oh Aphrodite cabin who was highly looked up to and the best archer. Would get with the head of Hermes cabin who was also a great role model and the best swordsman. To most of the camp they couldn’t think of a better match. Especially considering Hermes and Aphrodite tend to get along due to there manipulative powers. But that didn’t stop others from trying to get with you

One day you and Luke for once had clear schedules. “Love look nothing he exclaims looking at the activity board”. For once none of you guys had any mandatory Activities to teach or supervise. You look at him smiling “wanna spar” “oh you know I do” you both race towards the sparring area. Sure your specialty is archery but they doesn’t mean you don’t know your way around a sword. Even if Luke was the best swordsman at camp you’d still put up a fight. Just as Luke and you both had your swords out and where ready to fight some younger boy from the Hermes cabin came up to you. “Um hi I’m Travis Stoll I was wondering if you’d spar with me”.

Luke looked annoyed to say the least. He was never particularly fond of Travis always trying to one up him to no avail. “Oh I’m sorry Travis but I’m about to spar with Luke maybe some other time”. You say smiling. Ok well maybe we can hang out sometime like tonight or tomorrow”. But before he can finish his sentence Luke steps in. “You know she has a boyfriend right” he says looking angry now. Travis suddenly taking on a feeling of confidence says”well she can decide for herself who she truly want” “look Travis your nice you really are but I love Luke and I always will”. “See asshole she likes me so back off” he says slightly pushing Travis. “Luke”? You say hitting his arm walking away from a now stunned Travis on the floor

“What was that for” you exclaim “He needs to learn his place” Luke says dragging you to his cabin. “The minute you sit to his bed he immediately starts kissing you. Not expecting it you let a slight gasp causing him to slip his tongue in your mouth. As you continued kissing he slowly trailed down to your neck. He spent a long time making sure to suck and nip at your neck. “Luke stop your gonna leave a mark” that’s the point princess” He say continuing. After what felt like an hour he stopped. “We should’ve just done this the whole time” he stated peppering kisses over your face leaving you giggling. “Ok but no I have or use the bathroom” you saying laughing. As soon as your walk in the bathroom and look at yourself in the mirror you scream “LUKE CASTELLAN” you holler he yells back “sorry gotta go” and runs out the cabin. You let out a frustrated groan as you walk out the cabin

“Damn y/n Luke practically ate you” “Oh shut it Silena”. As you continuing walking threw camp trying to find your boyfriend you get multiple hollers and whistles and remarks. When your about to enter the Hermes cabin you bump into Chris. “Oh hey n/n Oh shit that what Luke was doing when I was trying to find him” “where is he Chris” “bunk at the end of the hall” “thank you” “Hey one more thing y/n” “what you say trining around “don’t be so loud next time” “I WASNT EVEN DOING ANYTHING” you scream and Christ slips out of the room. When you finally find Luke you blow up on him. But when he’s able to calm you down your sitting in his lap while he plays with you. “While you know one good thing from this”. “What” “that idiot Travis will never mess with you again” you raise a brown wait what where you doing this time I was gone”. Just as you say that Travis with a bleeding nose walks in stumbling. Everyone rushes to him asking what happened. “I um ran into a tree” Luke looks at you with a proud smirk. “LUKE” you scream.

A/N: I think this is one of my favorite yet I really thought I did good writing this and I love jealous Luke also I’m writing for Clarissa next so if you have any suggestions please ask.

[4rainynite]

EAH Dorm Rooms Headcanon pt 12

Hunter & Dexter

What do you get when one roommate is a prince & the other is a huntsman? Two epic roommates!

Hunter & Dexter are the opposite of each other in many ways and I don't just mean the whole Royal/Rebel thing. Dexter is a prince who was brought up in a world of elegance while Hunter was raise to be a hunter (pun not intended for crying out loud his last name is Huntsman) who was brought up to be tough and a hero.

Yet, the two are alike in many ways. Both feel like they can't add up to their families' reputations and both are in love with girls that are not part of their future stories. Which makes them perfect friends since they understand where the other is coming from with high expectations from their families and destinies, they obviously confide in each other.

This is the only time we see the dorm, but it's purple. Dexter's color is blue (as the rest of the Charming siblings) & Hunter's is green, in the same episode Ashlynn's divider was purple too, so it was an animation error.

In the books the Charming family and the Huntsman family have family crests (Dexter's is on his shirt) so a majority of the students have family crest (Faybelle has one and I think Raven also had one in the books).

Hunter's side: As the future huntsman for Red Riding Hood & Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Hunter is not only a hero but a nature boy. He'll save damsels, cute furry animals, heck he'll save dragons.

Despite being the traditional huntsman, Hunter is in love with a princess and would rather save animals than eat them. Being a Rebel gives Hunter the choice to be himself and to be with Ashlynn.

We alI know Hunter is a nature lover and I can see his side of the dorm resembling a wooden cabin or a woodsy version or Ramona's room. I doubt Hunter's wallpaper is like the one above (looking at it too long gives me a migrane).

On Hunter's divder wall he would have pics of his friends and pets (Pesky and a griffion). After, revealing his relationship with Ashlynn he has pics of her too.

Instead of going to Throne Furnishings Hunter made most of his furniture, thrift shopped, or brought some from home. But being a nature love I doubt he cut down any trees, instead he used fallen trees.

Before Hunter and Ashlynn revealed themselves as a couple they (hopefully) disguised themselves during dates in public places so no one would notice them. Now that everyone knows they're dating Hunter and Ashlynn have closets/wardrobes full of costumes that they still wear for fun.

He totally has a collection of bows & arrows and axes on his wall. As mentioned above about Hunter making his own furniture he makes birdhouses and arrows, so he might have a craft section on his side of the dorm with saws, paints, and hammers and sometimes invited Ashlynn and Cedar over to help design birdhouses and such.

Seeing that Hunter is on the bookball (football) team, cheerleader, archery, and etc. he must have a cast full of trophies.

In the webseries Hunter has a pet squrriel named Pesky and a pet griffon. Given Pesky's size he's one of the few pets that can live in the dorms and acts as Hunter's alarm clock to wake him up.

Hunter practices the flute so he might practice in his dorm like a desk or something (I'm running out of ideas now).

In the books the Huntsman family have family crests and on Hunter's legacy day outfit it appears to have Celtic knots. So, I believe Hunter is half Native American and Irish.

Hunter loves playing video games when he's not doing anything athletic and being roommates with a gamer like Dexter the two play together. Dexter also got Hunter a green camouflage gamer's chair as a gift.

On the balcony Hunter grows veggies he eats & flowers to give Ashlynn. Once, Dexter starts dating Raven, Hunter teaches Dexter how to grow flowers that Raven's magic can't wilt.

Dexter's side: Not only is Dexter a prince charming, he's the (second son) of the main Charming family line. So. he is expected to be strong, brave, and well - charming.

Despite this Dexter is clumsy, shy, and nerdy. But he makes up for that with being smart, crafty, and a big sweetie. Dexter's a Royal so he won't disappoint his family due to his lack of destiny. He's one of the few who is an ally to the Rebel party and tries to be opened minded.

On Dexter's divider wall he would have pics of his siblings and his friends. And when he finally dates Raven pictures of her.

The only time we get to see Dexter's side of the dorm is in 'Class of Classics'. Like his siblings he has a canopy bed and his walls would be a shade of blue since that's the family color. As a glasses wearer I must say putting your glasses on a windowsill is stupid, Dexter! I noticed the little vines on the wall, so Dex lets some of nature takeover his room.

Dexter is a techie so I can see his room having tech equipment. He also a gamer so he has a fancy blue gamer chair (and he brought one for Hunter).

As much as Dex loves tech he loves reading from books. When hes not on his mirrorphone, mirrorpad, or etc. he's reading a book with Mr. Cottonhorn. Dexter has a huge bookshelf with books on the topics of: comic books, tech, poetry, and romance novels.

Despite being a tech nerd Dexter seems to have other interest besides that such as being on the bookball (football) team. He also seems to juggle, which I doubt he learned to do at home. Dexter has a knack for knitting & crocheting after finding the Crochet Hook of (Great) Aunt Arachne (More lore headcanons later). So, he knits and crochets in his dorm and Hunter supports him on it and he gives sweaters and stuff to his friends.

On the balcony that he and Hunter share, Hunter teaches Dexter how to grow flowers that Raven's magic can't wilt.

Dexter owns a jackalope by the name of Mr. Cottonhorn. Giving Mr. Cottonhorn's size he's one of the few pets that can stay in the dorm. I can see him and Pesky causing mischief.

@spelledmonsters, amazon, royalrebelpedia eahpedia

[originalwinnercheesecake]

What if the 2003 Teen Titans were pokemon trainers Part II Titans East and other characters

When I made part one I acknowledged that the show was 20 years old and some laptop problems on my end resulted in it being posted months after my previous posts and about 2 months after the aniversary of the shows pilot so I understood if it did not get many views. I said I still wanted to make it because these lists are a lot of fun to make, and 2003 Teen Titans was one of my favorite shows growing up. I guess I am not the only one who still remmberes it fondly, because I got multiple likes and a couple reblogs in just a couple weeks (Thank you!). So here is my promised part 2. If you haven't seen Pat I (which has the main titans and Terra's teams) then I will link it at the end of this post.

A few things to go over before you see my lists. I am not giving any character more than three pokemon. These teens all have super powers (or in some of them's case, gadgets and martial arts abilities that rival super powers) and they go on missions and handle all bad guys/foes as a group, So I do not think any of them would have a need for six pokemon. Secondly I am basing my lists off pokemon that I think would work best for the 2003 version, since that is the version I grew up with. But the pokemon I chose could also work for the Teen titans go versions too, if anyone who see this perfers that version. Lastly I like to gove characters that have particularly significant/close relationships I like to give them both paralle or similar pokemon to show that. The titans are a pretty close knit team, so I wanted for them I decided to do a team mascot pokemon. the main/core titans all got a shiny pokemon. For titans East I wound up giving each of them a fairy type (for half of them it just happened, and once I saw that I rolled with it for the othet half). Okay that should be everything, so moving on to my teams below

BumbleBee

The Leader of the Titans East

Beedrill & Ribombee: Bee pokemon for the Bee themed superhero. One is ficesty with a sharp sting, and one is cute and sweet honey bee. Bumblebee could be both, depending on what angle she was working or how good of friends you and her were. Ribombee also takes the role of being her fairy type. On final thing, when I showed this list to friends before typing it out I was asked by two of them why I did not give Bumblee a vespaqueen instead of a beedrill. Well the answer to that is quit simple my dear Watsons: There can only ever be one queen bee per hive. Titans East's tower already has a queen bee, and that's Bumblebee

Pikachu: I was out of Bee pokemon. Bumble Bee is skilled election so I thought she should also have an electric type. I also deduced that it needed to be a small because Bumblebee always operated under the philosophy that smaller meant harder to hit. After that it was a no brainer to give her the pokemon franchises electric icon and round out her team.

Speedy

Robin's look-alike, and the second titan to prove you do not have to have powers to be able to keep up with other Super hero's

Dedenne: This is Speedy's fairy type. I picked it because both its color scheem and its electric/fairy type. Due to its small size and scrappy nature I like to picture Speedy's dedenne riding on top of his arrow and giving them an extra extra boost of electric charge.

Hitmonlee: Goes with Robin's Hitmonchan. as both Robin and Speedy are powerless hero's who rely on their own battle, so I am giving them both fighting pokemon that they can spar and train with. Speedy knows how to fight close range, but as an archer is more skilled at fighting from a distance. So off the field he and Hitmonlee can spar together and practice close range. On the field it stands in front of Speedy and keeps villains inside Speedy's archary range

Decidueye: I had to use this one, since its the only archery based pokemon. Speedy could probably learn to shoot its shed feathers, and it could maybe...maybe shoot a couple of his arrows (???). It has a rivialry/broship with one of Aqualad's pokemon; their relationship mirroring that of their trainers.

Aqualad

The telepath, hydro-kinetic, and pretty face of the Titans East

Mudkip: It's a tough water pokemon, can easily battle on land or in water, and is exceedingly loyal. An all around good pokemon for Aqualad who's team would be made up of water pokemon.

Golduck: A blue being that once again can fight on land but is faster in water, has a chivalrous side and is known to rescue shipwrecked sailors, and is telepathic. Golduck and Aqulad are one and the same.

Primaeina: Aqualad's fairy type and his ace. This is the pokemon that has the the rivalry/broship with Speedy's Decidueye. I like the idea of these two both having fully evolved Alolan starters

Mas y Menos

Twin speedsters who speak 2 languages

Okay so I gave them complimentary teams, since back when the show came out twins were often written to be the same character (Glad that has changed). SO I am going to list their pokemon together and use there individual symbols (+) (-) to show which one belongs to which.

Plusle (+) & Minun (-): I had to give them these two. They are basically the same duo in two different universes.

Ninjask (+) & Accelgor (-): Two bug types that are some of the fastest pokemon for these speedsters.

Galarian Rapidash (+/-): This one does not have a pokeball, it is instead close friends with both of them (similar to Meowth's relationship with Jessie and James). IT is still their fairy type.

Red-X

Robin's Anti hero Alter.

Murkrow: I said on Raven's list that I could not give her one even if it looked like her favorite bird, because its a thieving bird that either steals independently or to because it works for a higher crook (a Honchkrow). A dark thieving bird is something I could see Red-X really taking a liking to. He is the metaphorical Honchkrow for whom his Murkrow steals for.

Frogadier: Red X's ace. A strong, quick, and agil pokemon. It can use its tounge and cotton to take out servaliance cameras, and the ninja like way it moves is similar to Rex-X

Regular Absol: Robin has a shiney absol on his team. I wanted to give him and Red-X one pokemon that was the same and picked Absol since they both at times walk the line between good and evil. Robin's is a shiny though; to show how his friends help him keep his eye on the light. Red-X unlike Robin is a loner, without friends, because he prefers to in his words "look out for number 1". He is not a bad guy at root of it all. He is what Robin probably would have become had he stayed a solo act after leaving Batman. So its fitting then that Red-X would have a regular Absol as opposed to the Robin's Shiny one, because he has less light in his life and a less shining career.

Jinx

Villian turned to good in the finale season.

So Jinx did not have a lot of character. She was the girl hive member, had "Bad luck Hex powers"??? Basically she was like a punk witch. In her second to finale episode a hero flirts with her and she says something about "Wanting a chance" (Not necessarily a chance to be good or bad, just a chance) and that because of her powers "Good was never an option for me". Well from her finale appearance it looked like Kid Flash gave her a chance and she switched to good. This could arguably place her in the "Anti-Hero" category so I felt like I should put her on this list. I had a friend give me some help with her. They suggested picking "Witchy pokemon". Here are the ones we picked

Sableye: goes with Jinx whole spooky punk esthetic, and has types she would like

Mismagius: A mischeivous and powerful ghost. It was a Misdreavus for most for the series. Jinx evolved it with a stone after meeting Kid Flash, being given her chance, and switching sides.

Phantump: My friend suggested Pumpkaboo, but I have already used that one quite a few times on other lists so I decided to give a bit more love to Phantump. It is still "witchy" and might actually suit jinx more since I believe a comic once hinted to her being a fan of "The Wizard of Oz".

[louwhose]

Gotta Make Summer Last

Chapter Three: Barnacles | Read below or on AO3

It took only one day before Zelda got too frustrated with the search for her daughter.

Well, one night, really. But by the time it was morning, she realized she couldn't do as a proper queen ought and just let others search for her. She needed to do what she could to find Tetra herself.

Daphnes smiled and looked relieved once she told him. "I've been waiting for you to say that."

She chuckled. Oh, this man. He'd always been such a softie underneath his tough exterior, and she did love that about him, but she also wondered if he'd ever outgrow needing her to decide everything before he felt comfortable expressing his opinion. But they were already nearing their forties, so perhaps not.

Tetra was probably more like him than either of the two realized. If only the girl could learn to properly accept that it was alright to be earnest instead of prickling at the sign of any tender feeling. It had gotten especially bad since she hit adolescence.

Perhaps it wasn't terrible that it had taken this long for Zelda to decide to involve herself in the search directly. By now, they had far more information than at first. Which boat they had taken (a very old but apparently functional sailboat), which way they were most likely to have gone being carried by the direction the wind went yesterday, and a brief understanding of what the governor's grandson, her suspected accomplice (a very wrong term based on the description of the grandson—perhaps hostage would be more appropriate), was like.

"Al," Zelda told Chancellor Alfonzo as soon as she left her room at the small inn. "I'm going to search for Tetra myself. Make the proper preparations so that I can leave the government in your hands while I'm gone."

His eyes widened comically. She looked away for a minute so she could smile without being rude. "But! Your Majesty! You're going… by yourself?"

She waved a hand. "Of course not! Daphnes will come with me."

"But—!"

She leveled a look at him before he could continue that particular protest. "Tell me, Al? How many years have I practiced jujitsu?"

He gulped. (Oh, she would never tell her daughter until she was far more mature, but they shared a love of watching people squirm.) "Thirty."

"And fencing? Mixed martial arts? Archery? Marksmanship?"

"Just as long."

"And… oh, remind me. What was my husband's profession when we met?"

He was wilting. How delightful. "He was in your royal guard."

"The princess's guard." Sometimes she missed being the princess, but her mother had earned her retirement. "Perhaps not quite so much as the king and queen's, but still the elite of the elite throughout the nation. And correct me if I'm wrong, but he still trains daily, does he not?"

Alfonzo sighed in defeat. "Enough that he'd still be on your guard if he weren't your spouse."

Zelda smiled. Sweetly, not a smirk, though she still felt the inclination even after all these years. A victory should not be something to be gloated over, however. Or such was how a queen was supposed to act, her mother had taught her so many years ago. "I think between the two of us, we can account for mine and Tetra's safety, once we recover her."

He nodded. "One more thing, if I may, Your Majesty?"

She suppressed a sigh. Maybe she should release her friend from his appointment, since he had constantly insisted on formality ever since. "What is it?"

"How do you plan to follow them?" Al asked. At least he wasn't protesting her going anymore. "Speed is of the essence, but you came in the royal yacht."

He brought up an excellent point. While grand and appropriate for state visits, the royal yacht was hardly a fast vessel. She gritted her teeth. "We'll… see what they have here, I suppose. If I don't think there's anything fast enough, I'll reevaluate."

And with that, she turned and marched right out the door, only looking back to be sure that Daphnes was in tow.

They went to the governor's house first. Her grandson still hadn't been found, and they were even more worried about him since no one had seen him since the night before last. Zelda herself wasn't as worried about that beyond noting it was still likely that the two of them had gone together on the missing boat.

The granddaughter, though, was very much there, staring at them with wide eyes at the edge of the room. That made her smile. She was cute and shy in a way her own daughter had failed to be since toddlerhood.

"Part of the reason we came here," Zelda said, graciously accepting the cup of tea Coral offered her, "is to properly say goodbye."

The old woman's eyes widened. "Oh. I suppose that does make sense, seeing as it's clear by now that the princess is not here on Outset."

"I'm still not so sure about that," Daphnes grumbled after finishing his tea in one go. "She might have managed to get in an out-of-the-way hole somewhere."

She looked at her husband and raised an eyebrow. "You think Tetra is more likely to fall in a hole than steal a boat?"

"Well. No. But we can't discount the possibility…"

He knew as well as she did that they were leaving behind plenty of people to continue the search here until they knew what actually became of her. But for now, they were pursuing a different mode of search.

"My husband and I have decided to search for our daughter ourselves," she said. Originally this was as far as she had planned to say, but after that conversation with Al… "And we realized that the ship we came in isn't precisely the… fastest to search for them. We were wondering if there are any faster ships here on Outset that we could rent or use."

Coral frowned. From what Zelda recalled of the docks, she thought she understood. There wasn’t much there.

"Oh!" She smiled in recollection. "I believe Captain Linebeck's ship can go… how fast again?"

"Twenty knots!" the granddaughter piped up from her corner. (What had her name been again? Oh, well, it probably didn't matter when they were leaving so soon.) "I know because he's allllllways bragging about it, even if he hardly ever does anything with it."

Zelda frowned. "Do you think this Linebeck fellow would be willing to take it out?"

"It's hard to say," the governor said. "He only seems to use it a few times a year, and has spent most of his time on the island since he first came here a few years ago. But you could always ask."

She knew nothing about this man, but a request from the queen usually got most types to do things they wouldn't otherwise.

It was worth trying.

-

Zelda pegged Benedict Linebeck for who he was the moment she laid her eyes on him.

A layabout.

They found the man lounging in a tavern. No, he wasn't drunk or anything, but it was never a good indication of a person's character when they were in the common room of a tavern at ten in the morning.

There was also the fact that he glanced up at them and not an ounce of recognition graced his eyes. Of the one couple that had their faces plastered all over every city in the archipelago.

Well, they needed his ship, or they needed to wait far longer to figure out how else to pursue Tetra. So she would try talking to him. "Are you Captain Linebeck?"

He looked over at her with indifferent eyes, but this time he held her gaze. "Benedict Linebeck, captain of S.S. Linebeck, at your service." Did he seriously name his ship after himself? "Now… how may I be of help to you?"

"We were wondering if you could take us out in your boat."

Linebeck wrinkled his nose and crossed his arms. "Not for free."

Daphnes leaned forward, placing his hand against the table, probably not even realizing how looming he could be. "You'll be well compensated."

Linebeck gulped, and downed his drink (water) before turning back and plastering on a smile that looked practiced. "Now we're talking! Where were you thinking of going?"

That was a little more difficult to say. "We're looking for our daughter. We're not sure where she is, but we believe she sailed east-northeast."

He sighed and looked away. "Then never mind. Going somewhere without a specific destination in mind? It sounds like too much of a pain."

Zelda shared a look with her husband. Perhaps it was time to mention the access to the royal treasury. All the funds for searching for the princess were being pulled from there in any case, after all.

"Benedict," she began.

"Don't call me that," he interrupted. "Everyone calls me Linebeck. It's weird being called anything else."

That was… odd. But this shouldn't be a very long acquaintance, a few days at most, not worth causing trouble of arguing over something so insignificant, so she acquiesced. "Then, Linebeck. It didn't seem like you recognized us at first, but I am Queen Zelda, and this is my husband, King Consort Daphnes. We can see you very well compensated for any inconvenience this trip causes you."

Linebeck looked back at them, and his eyes widened. It was rare that they were belatedly recognized, but she had to admit it was as gratifying as it was funny in this instance.

"Anything?" he asked.

"She did not say that," Daphnes all but growled.

It took everything within Zelda not to laugh out loud at that, especially once the other man threw his hands up in the air. "Alright! Alright! But… theoretically, how much are we talking?"

"Perhaps double what you might usually ask for, and perhaps more depending on how satisfied we are," she said. She wasn't afraid to be so generous. If nothing else, there was budget set aside for the royal family's personal use that was hardly ever touched.

He frowned, stroking his dumb goatee. She wondered if the uncertain destination was truly so terrible that he still had to debate whether the reward was worthwhile.

The barkeep came by at that moment, and knocked on the bar next to him. "Hey, Linebeck, when will you pay your tab for this month?"

He winced, and looked at them. "Alright! I accept!"

Yes, Zelda was duly unimpressed with this man. Making such an important decision because of a bar tab.

It didn't get any better when he rubbed his hands together nervously and asked, "By any chance, however, could I get a small advance on that payment?"

-

It took until noon for them to leave.

Apparently Linebeck needed to make sure everything was in running order before they left. Daphnes wanted to go along with him to see what he could do to help (the look on Linebeck's face was priceless), and Zelda was able to make use of the time to do all she could to attend to matters of state with Alfonzo before she'd be gone for an indefinite amount of time.

Now, Zelda wasn't solely accustomed to fancy ships meant for her station, even if those did make up the majority of her sailing experience. But this boat did seem a fair bit less smooth than any she'd ever been on. It wasn't even a rough sea at the moment!

And it wasn't going nearly as fast as she had expected. Of course it wouldn't go at its top speed to leave, but once they were well away from the docks, she expected to be going much faster.

"Captain?" she asked. (She didn't love calling him that, but they were on his ship at the moment. Where he technically was captain.) "I thought I'd heard this ship could go twenty knots."

"Sure she can!" Of course. Named it after himself, yet it was still referred to as a woman as all ships are. "As her top speed. But not consistently, unless you want her to fall apart."

Zelda sighed. They still must have been going, what? Ten knots or so? That was respectable, even if not as fast as she had hoped. She just couldn't help but wonder what she had actually signed herself up for with this.

And it was completely believable that this vessel might fall apart if pushed. It creaked and groaned every time a wave hit it.

She grit her teeth after a particularly rough lurch—though that one did come after cresting a wave. Some banging came from the engine room below after that. "Captain, it seems like your engine might not like these seas."

He frowned. "That… doesn't sound like the engine."

He moved to go belowdecks. When Zelda and Daphnes moved to follow, Linebeck glanced back at them, but said nothing to stop them from following him.

The dimly lit room was mostly empty except for the engine. It was a surprisingly wide space, and the lone crate was pushed to the side so it felt open, too.

The one crate that was obviously the source of the banging. So he was right, and it hadn't been the engine. And considering Linebeck seemed just as perplexed by this development as they were, Zelda was even more curious about what was going on.

She was content to let the captain take the lead on opening the crate, as cautiously as he could until whatever was in it burst upwards.

It took her a while to realize what she was looking at. Pale skin and bright blond hair and energy that couldn’t be contained . It was a little girl. A very familiar little girl. The governor's granddaughter.

"Aryll?" Linebeck asked.

So that was her name.

"What are you doing here? How did you even get in?"

"Queen Zelda's going to go look for Link!" she explained. "I want to help!"

She frowned. Link? It sounded familiar, but… oh, right! The girl's brother. Zelda sighed. "We're not looking for your brother, but for my daughter. Yes, we think he might have gone with her, and we'll take him home if we find him, but we're not looking specifically for him."

And now she was pouting. Because of course she was.

Daphnes went up and patted her head reassuringly. Oh, yes, she loved this man, able to be so unintentionally intimidating to grown men yet so sweet that kids weren't even skittish around him. "He'll be back soon, I'm sure. But you need to go home and wait for him."

Ah. Right. Returning the girl to Outset. That was by far the most reasonable thing to do.

Linebeck spared her a glance. "It's no business of mine what you decide to do, but… we're hours away by now. We'd lose all our progress, and then it would be too late to want to leave again. I think we'd lose the entire day."

A fair argument. They were already a day behind Tetra, wherever she got to. But she was already rather certain that her daughter could fend for herself against anything that didn't require common sense to survive, and it was far worse for Coral to be missing both of her grandchildren.

"Don't send me back!" Aryll protested. "This is the most exciting thing to happen to me!"

Something about that desire for excitement reminded Zelda just enough of Tetra to solidify her decision. But she wouldn't ignore responsibility, either.

She crossed her arms and approached the little girl, still stuck in the crate that was tall enough it was difficult for her to get out. "How about this, Aryll? I want to keep looking for Tetra, so we'll contact your grandmother and if—if—she agrees, and you promise and show us you're willing to listen to Daphnes and I, you can stay."

Of course, this was only a possibility because, as royalty, they had cell phones that operated by satellite that functioned even outside of the range of cell towers on the islands. (Tetra had one as well, but the girl infuriatingly didn't keep it with her as she should. Yesterday had been no exception to that.)

She tilted her head. "I don't have to listen to Linebeck?"

"No. He's not important."

"Hey!"

It brightened Aryll's face immediately. "Then yes! I want to stay, Your—!" She paused and frowned. "Um, what am I supposed to call you?"

Zelda smiled at her. "You can just call me Zelda. Now, let's get you out of this box, shall we?"

[puckjay-blue]

Where do we go now (But This Is Ruin chapter 3)

On one of the last days where the outdoors archery range will be open, there are only three students there, practicing in silence. It is a patch of browning grass right by a meadow. Colorful targets are layed over soft, light wood. The sky is grey, and it's starting to rain, but not enough to justify pulling out an umbrella.

Athena misses her first shot. Artemis only hits the outer ring, so does Apollo. The silence is waiting for someone to talk. Apollo is the first one to break. "This is shit, right? We can agree that this sucks?" Athena releases her arrow. It hits near the bullseye. "I mean it's true," Apollo continues. "Shit was fine. Great even. And now it's fucked." "It's not fucked." Artemis interjects. "Yes it is!" "No it's not." she insists. "Does Aphrodite know you're hanging out with us?" Apollo accuses. Artemis says nothing. "Why are you hiding it from her?" Artemis releases an other arrow. It goes wild and hits the pannel of wood behind the target. She lowers her bow and shakes her hair free of her braid. "I don't know, ok? It's weird." "Yeah, that's what I was saying! We had a nice thing going!" Athena releases her arrow and hits shy off the bullseye again. "The situation is complexe. Taking sides is the right thing to do." "It doesn't feel like it!" Apollo protests. "Think about the alternative," Athena conters. "Imagine if all of us had insisted on staying neutral." "I don't do neutral," Artemis interjects. Athena ignores her. "We would just be in a strange stalemate where no one aknowledges things have changed. I am not forcing Hephaestus to hang out with Aphrodite to protect my own feelings. No matter how much I like Aphrodite." Apollo nods, conceeding to Athena's point.

Apollo shoots his first arrow as the girls refill their quivers and hits the red ring. "So what now?" Artemis asks. She has her usual stone face, but Apollo knows her too well and Athena is too clever ; they hear the break in her voice. Both of the twins turn towards Athena. "Well, we will still have soccer. So that settles it for the three of us." "And Ares," Apollo adds. When Artemis gives him a side eye, he adds, "He did nothing wrong. He doesn't even want to make a move on Tee. Hephaestus broke up with Aphrodite and Aphrodite did whatever Athena is not telling us, but don't you dare blame Ares. He did nothing but transfer here because he got the scolarship. Do not," Apollo warns when Artemis goes to argue. "He is right," Athena adds. "Ares is in it against his will. He does not deserve to be thought of as a point of contension, especially when he is doing everything not to be." Artemis shows her teeth. "Hephaestus is ok with your soft spot?" Athena's facial muscles relax as she releases an arrow that flies right into the center of the target, her version of a smile. "Do not be mistaken. Hephaestus adores him." "*WHAT?*" Apollo chokes, giving up on drawing his bow. Athena refuses to elaborate, and shoots two other near perfect shots.

"So like, what," Artemis asks. "We just settle on Ares did nothing wrong and we only hang out at soccer practice, now?" Under her detached exterior, Apollo expects fury, at losing the argument. But she sounds panicked. He puts a hand on his sister's shoulder and looks at Athena. She nods, understanding his silent message. "Let's see the situation as it is," she puts her bow down and kneels. "Hephaestus hurt Aphrodite's feelings by breaking up with her. Aphrodite hurt Hephaestus's feelings." "Why won't you tell us why he did it?" Artemis interrupts, her usual irritation creeping back into her demeanor. "Would it matter?" "Yeah, one hundred per cent!" Artemis lies. Athena nods. If she sees through it she does not say anything. "Aphrodite benefits from a presumption of innocence he is not offered. I will not give you his reasoning for you to pick through and find any reasons to say he is wrong. No one will defend him the way you defend Aphrodite, so I won't put him in a position where he has to defend himself. You cannot say his reasons are bad and wrong if you don't know them." Artemis rubs her foot into the ground like a boar preparing to charge, sighs loudly but does not say or do anything more. Athena goes back to where she was effortlessly.

"They hurt each other. Ares is a cause of tension, we cannot deny it," she speaks over Apollo when he tries to protest. "It is not his fault, but especially if he dates Aphrodite, he makes the situation more complicated. And we each have a favorite one in the situation, and everyone is aware of it." "Yeah but what do we *do*," Artemis asks, getting antsy. Athena ponders longer than the twins expect her to, especially given her response. "Nothing. We wait it out. Aphrodite and Hephaestus are not childish enough to be offended we still like each other. Ares is, I assume, blissfully oblivious. We have to wait for the situation to move." The twins groan in unisson. "I know it is not ideal, but there is not exactly anything for us to actually do." Artemis shoots an arrow that plants in the grass in front of the target. "How bad is it if Tee and Ares date? For Hephaestus?" Athena looks up and thinks, before saying, "I am not sure. I don't think he would feel *great* about it, but he didn't break up with her because of Ares. He will be upset the regular amount." Apollo chuckles. "What on earth is that supposed to mean?" "The fact that it is Ares will not factor in nearly as much as you think it will," Athena explains, not catching the rethorical tone of the question. Apollo looks at her impressed, as she manages to be helpful anyway.

It starts to properly rain. Artemis swears and rushes to get the targets inside. Athena follows her to gather the arrows, the hood of her jacket pulled tight over her head. Apollo pulls an apple out of his bag, and lets them clean the archery range.

[lovemyavatar]

STAR GIRL

| Lo’ak x F!Avatar Reader |

summary: training begins, you attempt to make peace with your old and new lives, but finding balance proves difficult

warnings: tooth rotting fluff, Neteyam still kinda sucks, pretty long

dialogue in italics is Na’vi translated to English

chapter three chapter five

Chapter Four

Your feet have gotten tougher.

You can run faster, for longer. It still doesn't compare to even the children in the clan, but it's progress.

The feel of big ears twitching against your head is still foreign. They flick from side to side, trying to decipher the endless sounds emanating from the forest. You weave through the trees, leaping over fallen logs and overturned roots. The ground is warm, firm beneath bare feet.

Suddenly, Lo'ak jerks to a halt in front of you. Your chest hits a toned back, the air leaving your lungs from the impact. A curious gaze flicks over his shoulder, lips parting to ask what's wrong, but he lifts a hand to silence you. His ears shift as his head turns from side to side slowly. He's listening, you realize, waiting for something.

A moment later, a small figure bounds through the brush. You lurch back, heart in your throat. Lo'ak takes a large step to the side, arm extended to shield your body with his. You peer over him, tight muscles relaxing when you see a familiar face.

“Where are you guys going?” Tuk beams up at the two of you, bouncing on her toes.

Lo'ak lets out a rough breath, shoulders dropping. His fingers don't move from where they curled around your bicep protectively. “None of your business.”

You're quick to shove an elbow into his side, breaking free of his hold and stepping around his broad shoulders. You can't help but return his sister's smile. Her endless positivity is contagious.

“We’re going on an adventure.” You tease, ducking down a bit to meet her eyes.

They instantly widen, small mouth dropping open in wonder. Lo'ak's face rolls toward the sky, eyes pinching tightly. That's the worst thing you could've possibly said. Now, she'll never leave the two of you alone.

“I wanna go, I wanna go, I wanna go!” Her high-pitched voice echoes through the trees. Some kind of animal calls out before scurrying away, leaves rustling in its wake.

“No.” His response is firm, immediate.

“I’ll tell mom!” Her little brow furrows, fists clenching at her sides.

“Mom’s the one who sent us, crybaby.” Lo'ak mimicks her whiny tone, head dipping to accent the insult.

Her face scrunches even tighter, nose wrinkling in a tiny hiss. “Penis face!”

A hand comes up to cover your lips, stifling the surprised gasp and laughter that bubbles in your chest.

“Go home. Or I’ll tell mom.” All amusement is gone from his voice as he barks out the order.

Your lips roll inward, gaze flicking between the two siblings. You have to assume this kind of argument is normal. Not only are you an only child, but you were never exposed to kids your age while growing up. Petty disagreements like this just weren't a part of your universe. Sometimes, the Sully's interactions seem harsh to you, though it's obvious they have a deep love for one another.

Tuk's tongue pokes through her lips in defiance, tiny fists still clenched as she turns to stomp away. Once she disappears from view, Lo'ak shakes his head with a sigh.

“Sorry, she's so annoying.” His eyes meet yours apprehensively, as if afraid you'll be upset with him.

“I think she just wants to be like you.” Your voice soothes encouragingly, fingers lightly smoothing down one of his arms.

She's just a child, doing what children do. You've noticed that sometimes, there doesn't seem to be much room for childhood within the clan. Of course, they're allowed to run and play. The forest is like one huge playground, obstacles and adventure around every corner. It's probably heaven for any kid.

But in the same breath, they're expected to contribute to the clan as any other member would. They hunt, practice archery, have chores around Home Tree. Even Tuk always has her dagger slung across her chest, a pointed weapon she carved herself from the wing claw of an Ikran.

She isn't always given permission to be a child, and it tugs at your heart. It's why you're softer with her, despite the way the rest of the family seems to treat her as an equal.

“That's worse.” Something dark flickers behind Lo'ak's eyes as they meet yours. In an instant they're gone, his arm slipping from your gentle hold.

He walks forward, expecting you to follow. You can't help but study his retreating back for a moment before complying. He has these moments, these little flashes of emotion, where he exposes his inner turmoil. He's always quick to squash them, tell a joke or convince you to play a game as a diversion. But you see him, see through the tiny glimpses he's given you.

He's hurting, holding onto a source of pain that continues welling inside. If he doesn't open up to someone, you fear, it'll eat him up until nothing else is left.

Eventually, your feet scurry to catch up. The two of you walk in comfortable silence for several minutes. Subtle glances confirm the gradual unfurling of tense muscles until he's back to the upbeat Lo'ak you've come to expect.

You arrive at a dense section of trees, littered with thick vines. They almost consume the rough bark, twisting and curling all the way up into the leaves at the top. Wordlessly, Lo'ak hoists himself up onto a low hanging branch. Once he's climbed another two levels, he extends a hand down to you.

Several minutes later, your sore feet catch on a huge vine. Your chest heaves from the exertion of climbing up such a tall tree. Beside you, Lo'ak's breathing is completely even, unphased by the effort. He turns to face you, arms still connected to yours from the final pull he'd used to get you up.

Long fingers tickle the underside of your forearms as he helps stabilize you. His lips pull into a wide grin, eyes twinkling with something mischevious.

“Ready?”

“For?” Your voice is pointed with confusion, he hasn't told you what you're up here to do.

He starts slipping away, walking backward slowly, and you panic. Your fingers dig into his arms as they tighten, fear straightening your spine. Wide eyes flick up to his in question. The only response you get is another dazzling smile.

“You're it.” He practically rips his arms from yours, skipping several large steps away from you.

“Lo'ak!” His name is a desperate plea as a gasp rips up your throat. Your arms flail to the sides, body wobbling for several long moments before finding stability once again.

You look at him incredulously and he laughs. The skxawng (idiot) has the nerve to stand there, now too far to help if you fall, and laugh.

“Come on, tag me back.” He walks backward without a care in the world, as if he isn't hundreds of feet in the air.

A trembling breath leaves your lungs and you realize you're shaking. You've never been particularly afraid of heights, but you've also never been forced into a tight-rope act above massive treetops. A gulp scratches down your throat as you lean to the side carefully, gaze barely rounding the vine when Lo'ak's rough voice makes you lurch upright.

“Don't.” He says sternly, head shaking. “Don't look down. Just look at me, and trust that your body knows what to do.”

You instantly obey, something about the deep cadence forcing your eyes to meet his. He nods encouragingly, beckoning you closer with playful fingers.

Slowly, one foot lifts. You squash the rising urge to look down, holding your gaze steady with his. When skin meets rough bark, a fraction of tension releases. You do it again, and again. Tiny, cautious steps until you've almost reached him.

When you're mere inches apart, he bounces several long steps away, putting more space between you. Your eyes narrow and you stop, arms moving up once again to keep yourself upright.

“Now do it like you mean it.” Long arms cross over a broad chest, looking every bit his father when he gives the same command.

Despite steadily rising irritation, you know this is what he's supposed to be doing. He's teaching you, pushing you past the point of comfort so you can learn the Omatikaya way.

Your eyes fall closed for a brief moment, simply absorbing the input around you. The strength of the wood beneath your feet, the call of Ikran and other flying creatures in the sky above. Wind caresses your exposed skin, but you suddenly feel more stable.

In an instant, your eyes pop open and you run.

You don't stop until you crash into him. He's ready for you, waiting with open arms. They wrap around you instantly, keeping the two of you upright. A victorious laugh echoes through the trees as your face turns toward the sky. You can't help but throw your arms behind his neck, excitement making your heart soar.

“I did it!” You shout, and he beams.

Glittering yellow eyes meet, heat surging in your chest. Lo'ak's heart thrums against his ribs harshly, and he pulls away, afraid you'll be able to feel it.

Each time you accomplish a new feat, pride swells within him as if he's done it himself. The fact that he's the one that gets to teach you, gets to watch you learn how to thrive in the clan, it still feels too good to be true. It's like a shiny new present every day, a tiny reminder that he doesn't have to be the family screw up. That he can still do something good.

You don't stop running the whole way back to Home Tree. Now that you've faced this fear, proven to yourself that your body is capable, you move with a gentle swiftness. Lo'ak is still faster than you, but you've started closing in on his back, a surety in your steps that wasn't there before.

The moment you enter the bustling center of Home Tree, curious heads turn. Lo'ak watches you shrink, the carefree version of you it seems only he gets instantly dormant. His chest tightens, and before he can think better of it, he's grabbing your hand, pulling your attention away from the crowd.

“Hey, meet me at our spot tonight? After eclipse?” Hooded eyes watch you hopefully.

The words barely register over the echo of our spot, our spot, our spot in your mind. Something flutters in your stomach, a soft smile wiping away any brewing anxiety. A small nod is all the confirmation he needs to bound away, practically skipping with each step.

Change is difficult.

At times, seemingly impossible.

When you were still you, things were different. You woke up at the same time every morning, stared at the unobtainable beauty of Pandora from behind a thick window, and studied the world you thought you’d never fully experience.

Now, you have a front row seat. And it still somehow isn’t enough.

“Damn, did you get taller?” Meg’s beaming face appears as she shoves the heavy lab door open.

“Ha-ha.” You duck through the tight space, eyes flicking over the area quickly.

Sometimes, you just have to confirm that it’s still here. That this part of your life still exists in some capacity.

It’s been a week since you've had the chance to visit. With Jake and Mo’at constantly on your tail, it’s nearly impossible to find the time to sneak away. It’s nearly lunchtime now, and the clan is distracted by the meal preparation. You figure you have about an hour before someone notices you’re gone.

Your gaze settles on a collection of boxes near the far corner, back straightening with excitement. “Another shipment?”

Meg nods, her smile widening. She practically runs toward the goods. When you still worked and lived here, it was never a given that you’d receive the supplies necessary to keep going. When you did, it was always a cause for celebration.

“It’s a good one too. They sent plenty of food this time, and a bunch of new equipment.” She digs through a large box quickly, head disappearing behind the material.

“And look what finally came in.” Something small rests in her open palm as she skips toward you.

Your eyes widen at the sight of the small necklace and matching ear piece. You pinch it between large fingers and bring it closer for inspection.

“Have you tested it?” Your eyes flick to hers, wide with anticipation.

“Yeah, they work great. The range is incredible.” She turns suddenly, as if just remembering something. “Oh! And I finally found your journal. You had a damn good hiding spot this time.”

You fiddle with the neck microphone, lips pulling into a small smile. The lab has been waiting months to get these in. They're a great resource when out on the field, allowing everyone to maintain contact even from far distances.

Now, more than ever, you're grateful for the arrival. It's a lifeline, something to provide some stability—maybe even some comfort—if you aren't able to make it to the lab. Meg approaches you slowly, pulling your hands outward so she can place the bound pages of your journal into them.

“We're okay, Y/N.” Her gentle voice pulls your attention back to her. Your eyes meet hers, uncertainty clawing at your chest. “You've been dreaming about this your whole life. I just...I don't want to to worry about us.”

Your stomach twists uncomfortably. Her encouraging words sounding a lot like a thinly veiled we don't need you anymore. You fight a frown, instead forcing your lips into a small smile that doesn't quite reach your eyes.

She shakes her head, a wide grin taking over her features. “Anyway, enough serious shit. Tell me all about your adventures.”

You sit with her for awhile, spilling every detail possible. Your heart sings at the familiarity, the comfort of gossiping with someone you've known your whole life. Someone who practically raised you. But still, there's a small voice in the back of your head, whispering that it just isn't the same. That it will never be the same again.

Wide eyes trail the gradually eclipsing sun, a silent curse forming on your lips. Jake and Mo'at are definitely wondering where you are by now, something you really wanted to avoid. It was difficult to leave Meg, to leave the comfort of the past, and you ended up staying much longer than planned.

When you're at the last turn before reaching Home Tree, something barrels through the brush, slamming into your side. You stumble, legs buckling, the small leather satchel Meg gave you to carry your things tumbling from your shoulder. It clatters to the dirt, contents spilling everywhere.

“Shit, sorry.” A familiar voice murmurs, instantly crouching to pick up the items.

“Kiri?” The name raises in question as you bend to her height, grabbing your journal first.

She hasn't missed meal preparation once since you've been here, always following her father's orders to aid the elders around the raging fire in the center of the gathering area. That, plus the fact that she was running through the forest in such a frantic way, has you wondering what she's been up to.

“Oh, hi Y/N.” She chirps, back straightening under your scrutinizing gaze. Her eyes flick to yours briefly before returning to the microphone and earpiece in her upturned palm. “What is this stuff?”

“Oh, it's really cool. That necklace there is a microphone. You, ah, you talk into it and then you put that thing in your ear so you can—”

“Wait, these are sky people machines?” Her head suddenly snaps up, narrowed glare slicing through you.

You sputter silently for a few seconds, thrown off by her change in demeanor. “Well, yeah. It's not dangerous or any—”

“Y/N, you cannot have this here.” She hisses, glancing through the bushes and into Home Tree where the clan bustles.

Confusion pinches your brows. You hadn't even thought about it being a problem. Maybe the clan isn't as open to technology as you'd hoped.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean any harm...” Your hand extends toward her, hoping she will return it at least. You really need a way to keep in touch with the lab.

One of her ears twists to the side, just before her head follows. Her eyes blow wide in alarm, and she hastily grabs your bag off the ground. She shoves the necklace and earpiece inside before slamming it into your hands and jerking to her feet.

“My father is coming. You cannot tell him you have this, or that you have been to see the sky people.” Her voice falls to a rushed whisper, tightened with anxiety as you rise to stand beside her.

“Wha—why?” Your heartrate doubles, confusion and alarm fighting between your ribs. The slight panic clouding her eyes worries you.

“He would not understand. None of them will understand. Please, Y/N, if you wish to stay here you will not—”

“Kiri!” Her name is a sharp rumble as a large figure approaches.

She straightens, muscles instantly rigid. She gestures to your satchel and you sling it over your torso, sliding the bag behind your back just as a tall shadow breaks through the foliage.

“Where have you been, baby girl? And have you seen—Y/N. There you are.” Jake comes to a halt before you both, expression softening at the sight of his daughter in once piece.

“Sorry, dad. Got a little lost.” Kiri's big eyes blink up at him innocently, and he melts with a rough sigh. Something passes between them, an unspoken message that has you wondering if the excuse isn't meant literally.

“And you? I thought I asked you not to go out on your own.” A tinge of that authority he seems to use on everyone but his two daughters returns, his voice deepening with cautious disapproval.

He's given you few rules since being invited into the clan. Keep your head up, don't cause trouble, and stay near Home Tree unless accompanied by an escort. Although well intentioned, it's suffocating. You aren't used to such communal living, where little to no alone time is normal. You need room to breathe, or you'll end up blowing up at someone and causing a scene. And that would mean breaking another of his rules.

Your lips part, ready to spill out some random words that may or may not get you into more trouble, but Kiri beats you to it.

“She was with me.” One of her arms lifts, moving to the side to cover you as if it would protect you from her father's wrath.

A large hand swipes down his face, eyes tightening in irritation. His head tilts back, a long breath releasing through pinched lips. He spares a quick glance over his shoulder before his attention returns, flicking between you both.

“Alright, but I don't want anymore of this sneaking off crap.” He points an admonishing finger at you, then moves it toward Kiri. “If your mother asks, you're grounded for two days.”

A grin splits her lips and with a playful roll of her eyes, one of her arms loops through yours. She pulls you forward, jumping up to land a quick kiss on Jake's cheek with a quiet thanks, dad as her parting words. You squeeze her hand in silent gratitude once you're past him, and she shoots you a knowing look.

It's all you need to know as she separates from you, going her own way toward the Tsahik tent. You clutch your bag, sliding it back around to the front of your body, off toward your hammock to find a suitable hiding spot.

Fingertips poke at your scalp tenderly, a pained hiss leaving your lips.

It's been a few hours since your hair was tightly wound into fresh braids, and the throb hasn't yet subsided. The moment you reentered the busy center of Home Tree, Neytiri approached you. At first, weariness tightened your stomach, but her usual harsh glare had simmered to a dull irritation.

She told you it was time for braids, having noticed that keeping your loose strands tangle free had become nearly impossible. There was little time for a morning routine within the clan, as Neteyam waited impatiently to bring you to breakfast every morning. Your hair had turned into a cluster of mats, which the women of the clan none-too-gently combed out before weaving it into thin beaded strands.

“Lo'ak is so mean.” A small voice whines beside you, tiny shoulders slumping.

You can't help but chuckle, turning to place a gentle reassuring hand over hers. “I’m sorry you couldn’t come with us today, Tuk. He means well.”

The two of you are perched on a rock near what remains of the crackling fire. Light dances across the youngest Sully's forlorn expression as she pulls her hands from yours, instead clasping them together in her lap.

Most of the clan has turned in for the night, the sun's eclipse nearly complete. After finishing your meal, you enjoyed a few moments of peace before she totted her way over and plopped down beside you.

Her little nose scrunches in displeasure. “They always have fun without me.”

“How about the next time I go on an adventure, you can come with?” You peer down at her kindly, watching as she unfurls, a surprised grin splitting her lips.

“Really?” Her voice rises hopefully, and you can't help but smile.

Your lips part to assure that you'd love to hangout with her, but a rough voice interrupts.

“Tuk.” Her name is a sharp warning spit through clenched teeth.

Neteyam approaches, braids swaying with his hurried pace. She yelps beside you, jumping up from the rock. She lands behind it and crouches low, grabbing your shoulders to hide behind you as if he hasn't already seen her.

“I’m hanging out with Y/N. She’s my friend, ‘Teyam. I don’t care what you say!” Her voice squeaks, tone harsh.

Your eyes pop wide, unsure how to respond to the situation. You let her drag you from side to side as her brother steps to your right, then left trying to grab her.

“Home. Now. It’s bedtime.” He growls the command, coming to a halt directly in front of you. If his tight shoulders and clenched fists are any indication, he's already tired of her games.

You pat one of her hands lightly, eyes catching on his heated glare.

“It's okay, Tuk. I'll see you tomorrow.” Your voice is gentle as you tear your gaze away from his, murmuring the words over your shoulder.

She stands up sharply, letting out a little hiss at her brother. “You're meaner than Lo'ak!”

She stomps away with tightened fists, grumbling something under her breath. Your head shakes with slight amusement. She is definitely her mother's daughter. Neteyam turns to watch her, attention only returning to you once she's disappeared into the Sully family tent across the clearing.

“Stay away from my sister.” His jaw clenches, hardened stare boring into you.

Your back straightens, irritation bubbling in your stomach. With few others around, a surge of confidence rolls through you. He's been nothing but rude since the moment you met him, and it's starting to grow old. The constant glares and insults have kept you on high alert, nervous to make any mistakes for fear of retaliation.

“She just wanted to talk.” You explain evenly, hoping to keep the conversation cordial.

“She does not need to be talking to you.” His scrutinizing gaze sweeps down your form before flicking back up to your face.

Your skin warms with rising anger. Pressure mounts in your chest until you simply snap under the weight, unable to handle it for a second longer.

“Do you hate me just because of your mother, or are you capable of forming your own opinions too?” Your gaze sharpens to match his.

Normally, you would never dare speak out of turn to the future Olo'eyktan. But no one is around, and he's purposely provoking you. You've done nothing but try to fit in since the moment Mo'at extended her invitation, and yet, his opinion hasn't wavered.

His chin lowers, eyes narrowed into a deadly glare. He grinds his teeth for a long moment, lips twisting as if mulling over what he'll say next.

He never gets the chance as Jake emerges from their tent, eyes instantly falling on the two of you. He calls Neteyam's name sharply, no question having noticed the tension between you. In an instant he's gone, turning on his heel to promptly obey his father's command.

A tight breath slips past your lips, shoulders slumping as you lean forward, elbows resting on bouncing knees. Your head falls into waiting hands, feeling more weight than ever pulling you down.

Bioluminescence blooms beneath your feet with every step.

You leap over upturned roots and stray rocks, weaving your way through dense trees. Chirps and coos echo all around, making you feel a bit disoriented in the low light. You've rarely navigated the forest on your own at night, so it's all a bit unfamiliar. Still, you press on, knowing the destination is near.

Something rustles at your side, your quick strides coming to a halt curiously. Your ears twitch, head turning to watch a kenten (fan lizard) as it emerges from the small patch of bushes only a few feet away. Glowing wings spin it gently in front of your face. It wafts upward, as if propelled by imperceptible wind, disappearing into the trees above.

With a soft smile, you continue on your journey, the steady hum of running water guiding you. In no time you turn the last corner, fingers tentatively pulling back thick vines. Your warm gaze instantly catches on a familiar silhouette, illuminated by the soft glow of the earth.

He's sitting by the water's edge, feet submerged in the pond. You take a moment to study his back as you approach, watching the way toned muscles bunch. His ears twitch against his head just before it swivels toward you.

“You came.” He sighs, a tinge of surprise marring the words.

Your lips pull into an encouraging grin, hand resting on the place between his neck and shoulder. You don't know when this started. When these little touches became a normal part of your relationship. Somehow, over the last several days, the two of you have fallen into a comfortable rhythm. It's unspoken, a slightly deeper connection that's fostered naturally.

Fingertips dance across his skin, following your path to the open spot he's left at his side. He shivers beneath your gentle caress, hands tightening where they're clasped in his lap.

“Of course I did.” Your voice is light, not fully believing that he thought you'd stand him up.

“I have something for you.” He blurts, unable to wait a second longer.

You've barely settled into the earth, feet just dipping into the still water when your attention shifts to him. Big eyes round in surprise, intrigue glistening beneath the dazzling yellow. For a long moment, he's transfixed, eyelids growing heavy as something warms in his chest.

He clears his throat, tearing a lingering gaze away to glance at his hands. He opens them slowly, a sudden nervousness gripping his stomach. Your eyes drop to the bundle of leaves he holds, woven neatly into a small pouch.

He lifts it toward you, the gift resting in an upturned palm. You look from the package to him several times before taking it with some hesitation. He watches you eagerly, attentive gaze drinking in every minute flicker in your expression.

Your fingers move gently to unravel the thin leaves, slowly revealing the present inside. A gasp slips past your lips, one of your hands abandoning the bundle to cover your mouth. Your heart soars, thrumming wildly between your ribs.

“Oh, Lo'ak...” You can't stop looking at it, eyes flickering over each intricate detail.

It's an arm band, expertly woven and adorned with colorful beads. It's thin, light brown twine crossed in a strong pattern meant to last many moons.

“I, uh, I made it...for you.” He scratches the back of his neck, feeling uneasy. He hates that you don't have anything of your own, that all you've been given to wear are old discarded pieces no one else uses. He just wants you to have something that's truly yours, something to make you feel a bit more welcome within the clan.

“It's beautiful.” You whisper, glistening eyes catching his. He fights a smile, a tiny shrug lifting one shoulder. You're both still for a long moment, simply drinking each other in.

He swallows thickly, lower stomach churning. His eyes can't help but drift toward your lips, chest squeezing with an emotion he's recently become familiar with. He's seldom been able to keep you from his mind. His stomach is a mess, all twisted up, his heart racing more than it ever has in his twenty cycles around the moon.

“Put it on me?” Your gentle voice jerks his attention away, and he nods quickly.

He takes the accessory from your hands, winding it around the bicep you've extended out toward him. His fingers begin to shake as he knots the two thin strands he's left at the ends. It fits snugly, not too tight but firm enough to stay put.

“Perfect.” His voice drops to a husky murmur, heart jumping at the sight of his handywork against your skin.

His fingers wrap around your arm gently, thumb rubbing a soothing pattern beneath the twine. Your eyes drift up toward his, breath hitching at the intensity of his heavy lidded stare. His lips part, jaw tensing as his chest lifts raggedly. Your chin dips, one of your new braids falling in front of your forehead.

A tentative hand rises, fingertips ghosting your temple as he gently tucks it behind your ear. Your gaze returns to his, something palpable sizzling in the small space between you. Instead of taking his hand back, his fingers drop, curling around the side of your neck.

Your skin warms in both of the places he holds you. Sharp teeth snag your lower lip, heart fluttering wildly. His eyes instantly snap to the movement, restraint tightening his chest as he withholds a groan. It's all suddenly too much, too intense. The way he's looking at you, like nothing else exists, is overwhelming.

Your gaze drops to your lap, but he's quick to hook a thumb under the edge of your jaw, angling your face back up toward his. Glimmering yellow eyes burn a hole straight through you. Straight through any walls you've attempted to build. It sends a thrill up your spine, a shiver wracking your chest.

You need something to break this tension, something to calm the raging warmth exploding within you. But, even so, a certain apprehension tightens your stomach. His fingers smooth down the side of your neck, silently urging you to act. He trembles with anticipation, though he's hesitant to make the first move. He wants this to be on your terms.

You lean in slowly, planting a soft peck on his cheek. He stiffens beneath you, fingers twitching against your arm. You slide forward a bit more, lips smoothing over his jaw. A quivering breath fans your skin, his head tilting back at the feeling.

“You’re it.” The taunt is a low murmur against his ear, a callback to the game he'd played with you high above the trees earlier that day.

In an instant you pop to your feet, water splashing from the abrupt movement. Lo'ak's eyes jerk open, lips parting in shock. All he can do is sit for several long moments, frozen in place. His jaw is slack, chest heaving, racing heart thrumming against his ribs. He watches as you dart away, quiet giggle floating on the wind.

His lips slowly pull into a huge grin. He lets out a chuckle of disbelief, shaking his head before he's out of the water and chasing after you.

taglist:

@bajadotcom @darksxder @fanboyluvr @dakotali @kaymarnun @mxshrooms009 @violet-violenc @neteyamforlife @cleverzonkwombatsludge @dazecrea @lcovelymaria @faeraella @bxbyalixo @nurayastories @emoballs69 @little-bunnybabe @callsignhotshot @idga-fudgeicle @alexandra-001 @avidreader3107 @goddesslilithmoriarty @ihonestlydontknowwhattonamethis @gwolf92 @danyxthirstae01 @dreamimix @dreamersbelieveinus @lovekeeho @wtf-why-do-i-gotta-do-this @abbersreads @jakesullyssluttt @keii-nn @hopelesslydevotedloser

[countrymusiclover]

37 - Battle Celebration

Part 38

Fire OF A Stark

@dragonixfrye

By the time the morning had returned over Winterfell castle everything was silent and the ground was covered with the bodies that had fallen during the long battle. Joanna’s wings were flapping lazily when we headed towards the ground. The snow gets pushed around when her claws hit the ground. Scanning over the battlefield I could feel a nervous pit in my stomach searching for Jaime. “Come on girl. We need to find him…Jaime!”

“Lynesse…urgh…Little dragon!” Whipping my head around I heard his voice come across the field. Climbing down off her saddle Joanna made a noise when I started running as fast as my legs could carry me seeing the golden hair and green eyes coming straight towards me.

Jaime halted in his tracks doing the best to catch me when I fling my arms around his body. We fell onto the snow clinging onto one another for dear life. “You are never allowed to fight anymore battles, do you understand me? You are supposed to remain by my side and not do anything reckless ever again Jaime Lannister.”

“Believe me, little dragon. I don’t intend on fighting anymore. There shouldn’t be any more battles after this one. The only thing you and I should worry about is us and our daughter.” He declares where I broke the hug getting to my feet offering my hand for him to take and he does where I grunted pulling him up to stand.

Wrapping my arms around his neck once more I sighed in relief. He wrapped his arms around my waist tugging me into his chest. He rested his forehead against mine hearing someone coming our direction. "Thank the gods that you two made it. I don't think I could have been a great father to Rhea. I am planning on being the fun drunk uncle Tyrion."

"Tyrion. Rhea..thank the gods." I stepped forward taking her from my brother in law's arms. Cradling her in my arms my eyes lifted back up to the castle where we all headed back inside. There was a beautiful sound of laughter that filled the halls of my former home. Slipping on a change of clothes I was wearing a gray tunic and some trousers. My hair was in two separate braids falling over my shoulders and my sword was attached to my hip even though there shouldn’t be any more battles to fight…you can never be too careful though.

Holding my daughter on my knee I bounced her up and down making her giggle. It hurt my heart to know that the last time there was laughter here was when the Stark family was still whole. "We will have you splashing in the water in the days to come, Rhea. I used to jump from the highest rock and into the water below with no ounce of fear. You shall too, my little lioness-dragon." Jaime explained tickling his daughter on the bottom of her feet making her giggle.

"And I remember once that you told me that you wouldn't be a good father." I teased him raising my glass of wine seeing Brienne and Tyrion walking over to us.

Tyrion slides in on the other side of the table sitting beside his brother. He pours himself a tall glass of wine sliding the wine over to the others wanting them to join in. “I have a drinking game that I enjoy. Let’s play that.”

Jaime nodded, pouring some for the First Lady knight of the Seven kingdoms. “We fought dead things and lived to talk about it. If this isn't the time to drink, when is?”

One of Jon’s men that was raised over the wall raises his glass causing everyone in the room to cheer beside him. “To the Dragon Queen!”

“To Arya Stark, the hero of Winterfell!” Daenerys raised her cup mentioning my younger sister who wasn’t in the room but she was rather out in the stables practicing her archery skills. She had managed to kill the Night King so now she was the greatest hero ever.

My brother in law turned to me explaining the rules of the game he apparently invented. “Here’s how it works. I will make a statement about your past. If I’m wrong I drink and if I am right you drink….you were trained how to sword fight by your brother Robb and Jon Snow.”

“Darn you Lannister.” I mutter drinking from my cup being the first to go. “Jaime’s turn.”

He pressed his lips together staring at Brienne. “Um...You are an only child.”

“I told you I was.” She knitted her brows.

He fought back. “You didn't.”

She shook her head. “I did.”

“I surmised it.” He waved his hand pointing his finger at her.

“Drink.” Tyrion raised his cup to his brother. “Go again.”

“Why does he get to go again?” She grumbled at the dwarf.

He crossed his arms over his chest, smirking.“Because it's my game.”

Rhaenyra reached for the cup in my hand so I held it away from her making her whine. Bending my head down I hummed the song that Sansa had taught me knowing it calmed her down. Jaime smiled in my direction finding that the torch light made your white hair almost glow giving him an idea when the three of you traveled. “You have danced with Renly Baratheon.”

Tyrion declared seeing that she looked at her squire Poddtrick who smiled. “Drink.”

“You kissed someone before Jaime?” She asked me making me lift my cup pretending that she was right but I pointed towards her smirking.

She glared at me drinking again trying to think of something. “Hmm..you once tried to cut your hair to look like a man, but Lady Catelyn was furious when she found out.”

“Fine.” I take a drink from my cup knowing she was right. I hadn’t told anyone but you could see parts of my hair were shorter than the others meaning I had layers from the incident.

It was an hour later and the game was still going on. Tyrion was leaning against the back of his chair tapping his fingers on the table watching his little niece. “Mm! You were married. Before Sansa.” She asked him suddenly.

“Drink.” Jaime pointed his finger at his brother's chest. The three of us watched the dwarf drink a long sip from his cup.

Tyrion shifted in his seat moving his gaze between his brother and I. Sucking in a breath I had no clue who he was going to talk about or what he would say. “You have thought about having more children since your birth of Rhaenyra.”

“Tyrion…that doesn’t count.” I blushed as red as the Lion banner. Jaime nudged me with his arm accidentally giving me the opportunity to see that my husband was blushing too yet he had that cheeky smirk on his face at the same time.

He cleared his throat moving his gaze downward to our daughter seeing that she was messing with her uncle Tyrion’s beard. “Tyrion…would you mind watching her for a little while?”

“You're drinking wine, but you prefer ale!” Brienne hit her fist on the table starting the game again seeing that Jaime and I had our minds elsewhere.

Tyrion laughed, finally looking in our direction. “No! Oh and of course I’ll watch the little dragon. But I demand to know some details later.”

Jaime and I got to our feet where I grabbed his hand dragging him through the hallway hearing Tyrion’s next statement of the game. “You're a virgin. At no point in the past, up until this very moment, have you slept with a man. Or a woman.” Yet we couldn’t be bothered to turn back.

“You should have told me you wanted children, little dragon. This could have happened so much sooner.” He told me capturing my lips with his own.

I pushed him against the wall wrapping my arms around his neck deepening the kiss smirking up at the lion. “Well I’m sorry. But you seem to have forgotten that we have been running from your sister and the army of the dead for quite some time. So I couldn’t really suggest to you that I wanted another baby now.”

“Avy jorrāelan lynesse stark-targārien (I love you Lynesse Stark-Targaryen)." He muttered in between our heated kisses. He switched our position where my back got pressed against the stone wall. He moved his real hand to cradle my face breaking the kiss eyeing the crown that sat upon my head now. "Pōnta istan calling hen naejot se tolie dāria zaldrīzoti tonight. Yn se mērī dāria nyke ūndegon iksos se mēre standing paktot isse naejon hen issa. ( They were calling out to the other dragon queen tonight. But the only queen I see is the one standing right in front of me.)"

Squeezing his shoulders underneath my fingernails I tugged him closer into my chest. I felt the golden hand go underneath my tunic shirt where I mumbled in between the heated kiss. "Avy jorrāelan jaime lannister."

"Nyke surprised naejot gūrēñagon bona targaryens aren't se mērī ones naejot ȳzaldrīzes valyrīha dombo. (I am surprised to learn that Targaryens aren't the only ones to speak Valyrian anymore.)" Whipping our heads around in the direction of the voice we broke away from one another seeing that Daenerys was standing in the middle of the hallway staring at us closely.

Separating from his embrace I gently put a hand to the crown feeling that it was about to fall off my head. "Daenerys. I should thank you. Having another dragon rider out there helped a great deal-"

"So it was true what Tyrion said about you. You are the one who holds the long lost crown of Rhaenyra. And that means that you and your Lion husband shall fight for the claim of the Iron Throne and Dragonstone." She cut me off and I could hear the annoyance in her tone.

"I don't intend on fighting for the throne. I don't want any part of it. You can have it no matter what. I just want to live out my life with my husband and our daughter." I exclaimed to her not expecting her to still see me as an enemy.

She stepped forward eyeing the crown upon my head. "If you don't want the throne then why are you wearing this?"

"I…uh…because I saw Rhaenyra in a dream. She told me she wanted me to find it." I stuttered on my words thankfully Jaime attempted to step up.

"My wife said she doesn't want the throne isn't that enough. You only have my sister fighting against you for it." He intertwined my hand with his leading us back to our chambers leaving the queen alone with her thoughts. "We will talk later, Daenerys."

Once the door was shut behind me I slumped my shoulders running my fingers through my hair. Staring at myself in the mirror I trained my eyes on the golden object on my head. "What if Rhaenyra was right about me, Jaime?"

"Right about what, Lynesse?" He came behind me wrapping his arms around my middle.

Turning in his arms I draped my arms over his shoulders meeting his green gaze. "In my dream she told me that the Iron Throne needed someone with the right family name. But also someone who wanted nothing to do with ruling the Seven kingdoms…someone like me."

"I thought you didn't want the throne, little dragon. You said that you wanted to return home to Casterly Rock and begin our lives again or have I misunderstood you?" He asked me tucking some hair behind my ear for me.

Dropping my gaze for a brief moment I hesitated in my answer to him. "I don't really know anymore. Dany declared she wants it. But before she got here you saw the Lords of the North bend the knee and declare me queen…I have no clue what the right thing to do is. I just love you and Rhea, that is all I know for certain."

"Whatever you decide I will be by your side. We are family and Lannisters always look out for their family." He mumbled wrapping his arm around my waist tugging me into his chest. Wrapping my arms around his neck I sighed looking back at us in the mirror. Jaime was staring down at me and I was staring straight at him with the dragon crown tilted on my head.

[bartxnhood]

we failed.

gif not mine

| tom!peter x fem!reader, platonic!avengers x fem!reader

summary: you and peter go on a solo mission to save kids and teens that were being turned into super soldiers and you failed. the whole place went up in flames.

warnings: wounds, innocent people dying, angst.

authors note: this will have a second part! it’s in the works right now. i’ve been watching the hunger games recently so i was inspired. i hope you all enjoy !

(not proofread)

when tony came to you with the idea of a mission with peter, you were all ears. you hadn’t been on a mission in a long time, and you were pretty close with peter. you two got along well and pretty quickly. you stayed at the compound mostly, so peter would just visit sometimes. you were close with the other avengers, sure. you were closest to natasha and clint, you were highly skilled in archery, and natasha often trained you. not to say you were on their level but you knew more than the average person. you’d stay up late on weekends practicing your moves or your aim. you wanted to get better, you wanted to prove yourself to tony. he was kind enough to bring you in after being rescued. you knew that tony had expectations. you probably couldn’t meet them but it was worth a shot.

maybe this would be the mission he’d finally see you.

the mission would be risky. with the threat of more super soldiers in the city, no one got to rest. it was a continuous growth of them too. where were they getting the serum? no one knew, well no one could figure it out. you wondered why they didn’t just get steve or bucky to do this. you weren’t a super-soldier. you were just a human with barely any skills. tony had told you that with these being children and teenagers, he thought you and peter could handle it. it took some thought but you finally agreed. peter too. like you, peter was just trying to prove himself to tony. he was just like you, you both had something to prove and this would be the mission.

you stood in the common area staring out the window. arms crossed as you began thinking about the job you would be leaving for soon. “you ready?” you heard natasha ask, coming up behind you. you shrugged, looking over her shoulder. “i’m scared” you admitted, then tuned your head back to the window. so many things could go wrong, yet so many things could go right. it was going to be very hard. natasha placed her hand on your shoulder. “you’ll be okay. you’re very talented.” she tried her best to comfort you. you sighed and nodded, “i just don’t want to let you guys down.” you weren’t the one to talk about your feelings openly. after everything you’ve been through, you’ve learned to keep your walls high. you only talked to natasha the most, she reminded you of her older sister. you never told her. clint knew most of your secrets. he was easy for you to talk to. he listened, you didn’t know how well but he did. he was one person that felt like family to you. “you could never let us down, y/n. you’re strong and you know how to fight. you’ve learned from the best” natasha assured all your worries, she turned you to face her. “trust your instincts. it will be okay” she smiled.

“y/n! get ready!” you heard the voice of peter holler for you. quickly getting your emotions together, taking a deep breath. you flashed a smile to natasha, mouthing a “thank you” and jogged to your other friend. “you read for this?” he asked, his curls falling in his eyes. you nodded. “just nervous. this is my first mission without everyone else..” the two of you walked down the hall until you made it to the jet. “listen, i know we’re still pretty young but i’ve seen what you can do, y/n. i think we’ll do great” he gave you a sheepish grin and boarded the jet.

. · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · .

it wasn’t long until you arrived at the destination, a construction site a few miles out of town. sketchy. great. peter had changed into his suit, and you did too. yours was similar to natasha’s but you had red detailing and your quiver was both red and black to match your suit. you hopped down on the roof of the tallest building, standing next to peter. “do you have your earpiece in?” you asked, he nodded. “okay. on your say” you whispered. you watched people stories below you unload another truck of hostages. quietly you tapped back in with tony, he was supervising. “tony, they just brought another truck of hostages” you made sure you were quiet, just enough for your ‘boss’ to hear you.

“proceed with the plan. i don’t care if it takes longer. get them out of there.” you nodded, “okay.” you looked at peter, he gave you a nod before jumping down and doing his thing. you went opposite of him, taking one of your explosive arrows out, aiming the bow at a barrel of the serum.

“now!” peter said into his earpiece. you shot the arrow and quickly jumped off the building. you used one of the grappling hooks natasha taught you how to use. it stuck to the wall as you made it to the ground safely. you looked around the explosion, once you thought you were clear you made a run inside for the hostages. you let your bow hang on your back, prying the door open and getting in. “i’m in” you whispered to peter. taking slow and steady steps, it was too quiet for your liking. you peered around the corner, a few soldiers standing by. you went back, hiding against the wall you pulled out two knives. wielding them you peered around again, quickly throwing both knives allowing them to hit the soldiers in the neck. you watched them fall before proceeding.

as five minutes passed you cleared the building. nothing. no one in sight. just the two guards. suddenly, peter came running in. “i bought us some time. any luck?” he asked, running to you. you shook your head. “just two soldiers.” you answered. looking around, you shifted your weight to your left leg. “peter, this doesn’t feel right” you whispered, weary of someone watching you two. “it’ll be okay. focus on the kids” he assured you. you only nodded. he started out of the way he came in and you followed. “take the left, i’ll go right. the kids have to be in there” peter suggested. you nodded, following his lead. now, why were you taking orders from him? well, he’s more experienced than you. he has powers, you don’t. he took out a handful of soldiers back there, you couldn’t do that.

you entered the left entrance as quiet as you could be. tiptoeing across the concrete floor, slowly bringing out your bow ready to shoot anyone in your way. you walked cautiously against the walls. still seeing no one. you heard silent cries, which you assume were the hostages. you walked through a door, pushing it open gently. you saw cages full of children, from very young to peters age. your heart ached. they all look terrified, you continued to walk. putting a finger over your lips hoping they’d get the signal not to panic. “i’m here to help” you whispered, raising your arms. “my friend, spiderman will be here soon. we’re going to get you guys out of this, okay?” they all nodded, feeling hopeful now that someone has come to the rescue.

within seconds, peter arrived he came up behind you. seeing all the kids being held in those cages like animals only fueled his anger. “we have to get them out of there.” you nodded. “how?” you asked, he thought for a second. “does anyone know who has the keys to your locks?” he asked, turning around and looking over the crowd of cages. they all shook their heads. “they’re wearing masks.” a young boy said. they all agreed.

well, this just got harder.

you started to get anxious, a pit in your stomach was beginning to grow. not here, not now. “okay. if you guys can stay put for us. just a little bit longer, we can get you guys out of here” you said, you saw a majority of the kids nodding. the others looked a bit skeptical. you and peter left the room, searching the upstairs for anything or anyone. you started to take a step but better grabbed your arm. his grin was tight. unusually tight. “don’t” he whispered. you couldn’t see his face because of his mask but you knew his senses were freaking out. his body language was enough. in the distance your heard shuffling, grabbing your bow you aimed at the doorway. slowly, someone walked out aiming his gun at you. saying nothing. face covered by a black ski mask. you aimed at him as well, keeping your composure. you didn’t want to rush.

you stared at the person for what felt like an eternity, peter had finally had enough. webbing his gun and yanking it away. he was quick to attack the man and take him down.

when did peter get so strong?

“y/n! the keys!” he hollered. you quickly released your sim and put your bow away. peter tossed the keys to you and you turned around heading down the stairs again. peter following behind you.

you made it back to the kids, their faces lit up when they saw the keys in your hands. you opened the carabiner clip and handed peter half of the keys. “here, i don’t know which one goes to which but we have to be fast” you instructed. peter nodded and went to the other side.

you began going through each key testing it on the locks, some worked, others didn’t. a few kids got out. you told them to run and don’t stop running until they get to safety.

“y/n.” peter said, his senses pulling him away from the kids and looking at the west wall. “what?” you asked, flipping through another key and trying it. “someone’s here.”

out of nowhere you could feel the ground beneath you begin to rumble. the children started whimpering. you didn’t know what to do. “we’ll come back for you all. stay put” peter said, he dropped the keys ran over to you, and grabbed your arm to drag you out. you dropped the keys at your feet and followed him out. when you got out of the building you saw the group of soldiers, having weapons in their hands. your chest starts getting tighter. this wasn’t going to end well.

the group didn’t say anything, they just stared at you. peter let go of your arm, he got into stance and you grabbed your bow. taking in a deep breath, grabbing an arrow from your quiver, and drawing back.

the opposing side started firing their weapons, you were quick to aim and shoot your arrow, striking one of them. grabbing another arrow and drawing back peter leaped up in the air, dodging their bullets and using his webs to yank the weapons from their hands and started fighting. you shot another arrow, striking another soldier and then running into action.

“take one of the smaller ones, i got this!” peter told you, you didn’t respond and locked your eyes on the two smallest ones. you got a few punches in, surprisingly they weren’t as strong as you anticipated. you got them down with a few blows to the head and using your leg to kick their legs out. something natasha taught you.

you looked at peter, he was getting most of the guys and when you stepped in to help him it hit easier. “they’re not strong, peter” you chimed, looking around your surroundings. “i know. this isn’t right” he hummed. loud booming was heard behind you, in a second you whipped around seeing two large men standing outside the building where the children are. “oh my god” you mumbled then started sprinting, peter followed. you promised those kids you’d get them out. you had to. no exceptions. you grabbed your bow and an electric arrow. if you could stun one of the men it would be easier to get the kids out. you aimed carefully and let go of the bow and he fell to the floor as electricity flowed through his body.

“distract the other one, i’ve got to get the kids,” you told peter, he nodded and you separated once again. you entered the open room seeing the children crying, you started searching for the keys. mentally cursing when half of them are gone you looked at the kids frantically. we’re you going to let them down? the only thing you could think of was picking the lock. pulling out the bobby pin from your hair and using it to pick at the lock the best you can. you got maybe two kids out before the man you had electrocuted came behind you.

this was bad. he was stronger than the previous men you fought.

he grabbed you by the collar of your suit, throwing you across the large room and you slammed into the concrete wall. you heard a snap. it took you a few seconds to finally get back up. groaning as your back immediately became sore. as you stood up, your bow fell to your feet. crushed into pieces. oh god. this just got a lot harder. you got into a fighting stance, but you weren’t confident. he was stronger than you, by a lot. you couldn’t even get a punch in. he was all over you, punch after punch. kick after kick. your ass was getting beat.

in a swift motion, you pulled out your knife ready to use it. dodging his attempts to hit you, you took the opportunity to throw the knife. aiming for his neck, but hitting his shoulder. he dropped his arms looking at the knife sticking in his arm. he ripped it out, looking at you. tilting his head to the side. “oh you’ve got to be kidding me” you groaned, he started to launch at you but you kept your hands up guarding his attacks. you got cut by the knife more than once. your arms were stinging, but you had to focus. you tried your best to get him weak but nothing was working. you were starting to lose faith.

“y/n?! y/n!!” peter yelled, coming around the corner. “no! stay where you are” you yelled back, but it was too late. peter was already in your vision. the man grabbed you, arm around your neck while holding the knife to you. “don’t move, spider boy” his accent was thick, you couldn’t place it but that wasn’t the point. you suddenly became scared, all of your fears coming to light. staring at peter wide-eyed, nothing like this has ever happened to you. “listen, man, just let her go. we’ll leave. out of your hair”, he tried to convince the enemy.

the man holding you hostage stared at peter for a while, occasionally taking glances at you. “hmm” he grunted, gripping the knife. “i don’t think so” he lodged the knife into your shoulder causing you to shriek. he grabbed you by the collar and kicked you out of sight.

though the man couldn’t see it, peters eyes were staring daggers at him. rage filling his body and he brought his arms up. “that was a mistake” he growled, charging at the man.

his balled fist making contact with the man who just attacked you. punch after punch, not getting the super-soldier a chance to even breathe. he wanted the man dead for even laying a finger on you. when the soldier finally got the strength he pushed peter off of him, sending the boy flying upwards and hitting the ceiling. peter groaned, returning to the ground with his arms wrapping his side. he pushed himself up glaring at the soldier.

the unknown man grabbed peters arm and twisted it getting a scream from peter, his voice breaking. with the last bit of strength, peter had, he used his web-shooter and sprayed the man in the face to distract him. with the possibility of a broken peter tied up the soldier with his good arm. “stay..there” he panted, he started walking away. behind him, peter heard the man mutter something in his native language. peter turned around, seeing the grenade in his hand and dropping it to the ground. with peter stunned wide-eyed, he started running before the loud boom struck his ears.

peter didn’t know how long he was out but when he came to, the loud ringing of his ears was the only thing he could hear. he saw the rubble in front of him, everything in flames. the kids..they didn’t make it. he pushed himself up, groaning in pain and tears welling in his eyes. peter yanked off his mask walking over to your still body.

“y/n” peter called out for you, hoping you’d stir but you didn’t. he limped to you and fell by your side, hissing in pain. “y/n?” he shook your shoulder gently and picked up your body. “cmon. wake up for me. please” tears fell from his eyes looking down at your face. in a panic, you stirred, and quickly your eyes met with peters.

“what happened?” you whimpered.

you held your side in pain, face scrunched up at the aching. you probably had a few broken ribs, your face was covered in small cuts and blood pooling from your nose and forehead.

“i..i don’t know. we failed, y/n” he cried.

“the..the kids..” you breathed through the pain. “did they make it out?” peter was quiet, pushing your hair back. “no..” he sighed. you froze. those kids didn’t make it out because of you, you wanted to get up and do something but the pain was unbearable. your gaze falling on peter again. “they blew up the building. we couldn’t do anything.” peter explained. tears brimmed your eyes, you let all those kids down. how could you be so stupid?

“landing now, get ready” happy chimed through coms.

“happy is here, y/n” your friend spoke again. you accepted his help and carefully got up from all the rubble. you’d wince and gasp in pain, limping to the jet. “i know it hurts..we’re almost there”

. · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · .

when arriving to the compound you were immediately rushed to the hospital ward. you were unconscious most of the time, from the pain and also the amounts of pain medication you were on. doctors said you were asleep for almost twelve hours

when waking up natasha was at your side. the fluorescent light quickly gave you a headache, natasha looked up from her book seeing your eyes awake. “y/n?” she whispered, hand going to your lying on the bed. “nat..” you groaned, hand going to your shoulder. “where am i?” you asked. natasha flashed you a weak smile “back at the compound.”

everything began flashing in your mind. memories of the explosions, the kids, peter coming to your side. bringing your good arm to your mouth, gasping quietly and tears brimming your eyes blurring your vision. “oh my god…the kids..” you cried. natasha quickly at your side wiping your tears. “friday, get the doctor and tony”

after being poked and pricked by the doctor, only making your anxiety worse. you overheard the doctor talking to tony. “she’ll be okay, she’s showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, it’ll take a while before she’s one hundred.” tony nodded, hand on his chin while thinking. “thanks” was all he said. he looked back at you from the glass before coming in. “how ya feelin, kiddo?” he sat in the chair next to your bed.

you made no effort to look at him. are you supposed to? after everything that happened. you failed. “‘m okay” you answered, playing with a loose thread of the hospital blanket.

“you tried your best. and that’s all you could do, kid. you did what was right” he gently patted your hand. “no” your voice cracked, biting your cheek to hold back tears. “i failed them, i failed you. you should’ve seen the look on their faces. they trusted me. and i let them down” tears began streaming down your face, but you didn’t care. “y/n, listen-“ your head whipped around to him. “i still see them, mr. stark. i see flashes of them. it’s heartbreaking. i should’ve died under that rubble. they’re innocent. just kids”

tony understood your pain, he’s experienced this before but, he has never reacted like this. he didn’t judge you, he knew you were in pain.

“people die in the line of fire all the time, none of this was your fault. it was a mistake. mistakes happen”

you looked back down at your blanket. “i just wanted to prove myself, mr. stark. i don’t have any abilities. i go on missions and i’m always the one downed. i’m sorry” guilt washed over you, doing all the talking. and maybe the medicine too. “you didn’t fail me, y/n. you’re still new. it’ll take time. don’t let this ruin you, kiddo. i need you”

. · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · .

after laying in that god-awful hospital bed for about a week you finally got to go back to your room. where you spent most of your days. compared to other missions, this one hurt the worst. you’d lay in silence for hours, the ringing still in your ears. driving you crazy. you hadn’t seen natasha or clint after being discharged, you were afraid to even look at clint. the bow he gifted you were under all of the debris at the site.

“y/n, we’re coming in” natasha announced, opening your door, and clint followed behind her.

you reached overturning your lamp on with a simple tap. your face was still bruised, the deepest ones took longer to heal. scars decorated your cheeks and chin.

they sat next to you, one on either side of your shoulders holding your hands. “how do you feel?” the redhead asked, tucking some hair behind your ear. it was the first thing to bring you comfort since returning. “guilty” you answered, staring at the wall in front of you.

don’t cry, don’t cry.

“is there anything we can do to help?” clint’s raspy voice filled your ears. you shook your head. “i just..i want to be alone.” you finally looked at him. the similar feeling of guilt washed over you. “clint..i..” you started but got choked on a tear. natasha rubbed your back gingerly. “what is it, y/n? it’s okay” he tried his best to comfort you. “the bow..it broke. i’m so sorry. i tried. they were just so strong” tears unwillingly fell from your eyes. “don’t” he started, being gentle with your figure he wrapped his arms around you. “it’s okay, we’ll get you a new one. i promise.” you sobbed in his embrace, the first time crying in a while. it felt good.

you pulled away, sniffling. “i’m sorry” you wiped your eyes and cleared your throat. “where’s peter?” you asked, stealing glances from your close friends, who were more like family. “he’s in his room, why?” natasha asked. “i want to see him, nat. help me?”

. · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · .

peter was handling this situation like you, though he was feeling guilt for you. he saw your fear being held by that soldier, your whole life was flashing before your face. he’d never seen you so frightened. he visited you while you were still unconscious, the pit of anxiety loomed over him staring at your body. butterfly bandages on your face, your shoulder was wrapped in thick amounts of cotton bandages. how could he be so stupid? leaving you alone with someone with five times your strength. you’re a strong person, so he often forgets you have no abilities.

it broke his heart, hearing the over heroes talk about his broken you were. he knew may was worried about him, he’d call in often. he explained everything to her. he had never stayed at the compound this long but he was staying for you. he experienced something traumatic and didn’t want you to be alone. he couldn’t live with himself if he knew you were suffering this much.

his senses had been off the rail, he sensed your sadness which is why he was staying for so long. he didn’t know if you wanted to see him or not, that’s why he was so reluctant to visit you. he thought you needed time.

a knock at his door pulled him from his deep thoughts, “come in.” his eyes glued to the door when he saw your figure being helped by natasha he sat up immediately.

you waved your friend off, “thank you, nat” you said under your breath. slowly making your way into peters room, avoiding his gaze because you knew that you’d break down when you saw him.

“are you okay?” he asked watching you sit on the edge of his bed. though, you didn’t answer. you were disoriented, staring at the floor. you didn’t know how long, but it was long enough for you to notice peters hand on top of yours. you followed up his arm, eyes finally landing on his face. almost immediately, your eyes filled with a pool of tears and you started sobbing.

“hey..hey..” he pulled you in gingerly for a hug. he didn’t want to inflict any more pain on your fragile body. you sobbed into his shoulder, letting out all of your frustrations. he held you, rubbing your back up and down whispering comforting words into your hair. it even brought tears to his eyes, seeing you so broke down. “i’m so..so scared peter. i don’t know what to do” you finally admitted.

he understood your pain, he didn’t know what else to do but continue making shapes on your back. occasionally playing with your hair while you let everything out. “i don’t know.” he mumbled, feeling helpless that he can’t do anything to ease your pain. “is there anything i can do, y/n/n?” you pulled away from his embrace, wiping your puffy eyes and nose. “just..don’t leave me. you’re the only person who understands. peter, please. just..stay with me” you begged.

peter brought his hand to your cheek, even if his hands were a bit rough and calloused you still melted into his touch. “i won’t go anywhere. i’ll be right here, i’m just a text or a yell away. okay?” he smiled, wiping away any more tears that fell. “everything will work out. it’s okay to be scared, just don’t let it ruin you. mkay? cmere” he pulled you in again for a hug. the only thing that kept you grounded for the rest of the night.

. · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · . . · . · . · . · .

it was close to midnight now, you had tossed and turned in your bed for the longest time now. every time you’d close your eyes you saw their faces. staring back at you with fear. you had nothing to fix your problems

music could work? you thought.

maybe. you grabbed your phone letting the lights illuminate your face. scrolling through a random playlist peter made, with the request of songs from the other avengers. you hit shuffle, turning your phone off and resting your eyes. focusing on the music. nothing else.

3:45 am

the sound of the soldiers voice lingers, his accent sending chills down your spine. you felt everything again. the sharp pain digging into your shoulders, that was the last thing you remember. now began the images of the children, seeing their faces, hearing their sobs. whatever you were dreaming about caused your reaction to gain everyone’s attention. “no…” your groaned, turning in your bed. “no..stop” you cried. you continued tossing, your screams filling the compound.

with a gentle shake, you jolted up. tears mixing in with the sweat beading on your face. you saw peter at your side, concern washing over his face. you wrapped your arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder.

peter used a hand to rub your back, his eyes going to the door where the other heroes stood. he waved them off, you needed him. no one else. you pulled away wiping your eyes. “can you stay? please?” you asked, he cupped your cheek and nodded. “you didn’t have to ask”

[totiredtowrite]

ok ok, but Gojo Satoru, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer alive, meeting, making friends with and eventually dating his s/o who's like the most perfectly average human being on the plane earth but manages to become a jujutsu sorcerer, albeit a somewhat low one.

his cursed technique is being perfectly average in any and every way, swordfighting, archery, even if it's his first time doing something he still manages to be average at it and gojo finds it interesting.

"jack of all trades, master of none."

Average

Warnings - You're so boring 😭, mentions of a gvn, a mention of violence, you're described as really average so if you aren't pretend for the homie <3

Note: Ideas kind of down the drain here too?? I think my writing juices were all dried out on Beg, so I kind of nerfed this sorry lmao, anyways enjoy

Male Reader

Normal.

That's really the only way Gojo could describe you.

He huffed and narrowed his eyes at you. The only real question he had was how?

Being the highest ranking jujutsu sorcerer with seemingly unlimited power, he can only wonder why he was partnered with you, of all people.

"What's your cursed technique?" He had asked when you met, so excited to finally be getting a partner. "What can you do?"

You hadn't even looked up from what you were doing, and you answered "Everything."

He thought that answer was a bit odd, considering you were a semi class two sorcerer. Hell, he thought that you would have some over the top cursed technique that would put curses in the ground faster than you could blink.

Naturally, his surprise was unavoidable when he found out you could do things like 'Shoot a hand gun with almost 90 percent accuracy,' or 'sword fight relatively well.' In other cases, you could 'rip someones head almost cleanly off.'

And somehow, you managed to become a sorcerer? Everything you do, first time or not, is just so...normal?

Gojo was puzzled, to say the least. It's like everything about you was perfectly average. Your personality, your skills, hell even your taste in fashion was the most normal it could get. Nanami likes you, (of course), you don't make issues. Not a handful.

The weirdest part was just how endearing Gojo found you. There are a ton of people, men, women, neither, both or in between who practically fell at his feet, but somehow the one he finds really attractive is undoubtedly the most average of all of them?

Of course, that's explicitly why Gojo thinks you're anything but normal.

🂠🃑🃁🂱🂡

"(Y/NNNNNNN)!"

You turn around at the sound of your friends voice, just barely missing Gojo as he barrels past you and skids to a stop.

"Yes, Gojo-san?" You raise your eyebrows and take another sip of whatever's in your cup.

"What are you drinking?" He gives you a smile.

"Black coffee."

His smile falls. Seriously? Seriously?

He looks you up and down. You were wearing a buttoned shirt and dress pants. The most normal things you could wear. If Gojo didn't know any better, he'd say you were just one of the grey background characters in an anime.

"Ahaha...uh...Picked up any new hobbies lately?" Gojo turns to walk alongside you. You nod and smile a little bit.

"I've been picking up archery. A couple bullseyes, but I mostly hit just outside of the center."

"What a surprise," Gojo sighs. There has to be at least one thing you're good at! Well, technically you're good at everything, but he means something you're great at! He won't have his friend and fellow teacher go completely unnoticed by pretty much everyone.

At first Gojo was a bit surprised at how decent you were at everything, but eventually he just got used to it. It's like he can throw anything at you, and somehow you remain in the middle of the skill range? It's definitely interesting, to say the least.

Gojo sighs at his revelation.

"Don't be too down, Gojo-san," you lean (up/down/over) to kiss him on the cheek.

He nods.

Wait.

What just happened?

As it catches up to him, he turns his head to you with red cheeks and wide eyes. (Though you couldn't really see his eyes). "Heyy (y/n)," he says with a nervous chuckle, "You just...Uh, you just kissed me."

You nod. "You like me right?"

Any part of Gojo's face that wasn't red was coloured now, no question. You knew? How? Then the thought struck him.

"Aha! You're some kind of psychological genius aren't you?" He smirks triumphantly.

You tilt your head. "Actually, Nanami told me."

Gojo went slack. "Oh."

"You were also kind of obvious, Gojo-san," you laughed softly.

"So we're dating right?" Gojo speeds up to turn and face you.

You shrug, tossing your empty coffee cup into a bin. "Sure. I guess we can hold hands walking into school."

Gojo beams and slips his long, pale hand into yours.

You're definitely out of the ordinary in his eyes.