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desertdollranch · 9 months ago

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"Tonight's the night!" said Willa. "I can't wait. I'm so excited about our campout!"

It was the last weekend of August, and the most beautiful summer that Willa could remember. She and her friends Kendall, Camille, and Emerson were pretending to be forest fairies while they waited for their friend Ashlyn to join them. They all gathered around a large tree stump, dubbed "The Fairy Queen's Throne" by Camille, to talk about that night's camping adventure. They had all gotten permission from their parents to go camping on Willa's family's property.

"I'm excited too!" Kendall said. "Thanks for thinking up such a great new thing for us to do together, Willa."

"I got the idea from this Wilderness Wendy book," said Willa, showing her book to her friends.

"Wilderness Wendy says camping under the stars is really, really fun, but only if you do it right."

"Do we have to follow all the rules?" Camille asked. "That doesn't sound very fun."

"The rest of you can follow whatever rules you want," Emerson answered. She was snacking on a bag of marshmallows, and held out the bag to Willa. "I'm just here to have fun, even if that means breaking the rules."

"No, Emerson, we have to do everything right tonight," Kendall replied. "Our parents only let us go camping by ourselves because we promised to follow all of the rules. If we can't do that, we won't get to do this again!"

Emerson ignored her. She put down the marshmallow bag and stood upright on the stump. She sang a silly song to the tune of "Yankee Doodle":

WellieWishers, Shout hooray! We'll surely have a ball! Because tonight we're camping out, The most fun fun of all.

"I'm here to have fun too," said Willa, "but Wilderness Wendy says that the fun part of camping is being outdoors, surrounded by the trees and the birds and stars in the sky. I think so too."

"I think the best part is putting up the tent," said Kendall, who liked to build things. "It's like being inside a sweet little house."

"I think the best part is singing songs and telling scary stories and playing games," said Emerson.

"I think best part is seeing the night sky full of magical twinkling stars," said Camille dreamily.

Willa laughed. "It sounds like we're all ready to go camping right now."

"Hey," Kendall said. "We've been here a long time. Where's Ashlyn? I hope she didn't forget that tonight's the night."

Just then, Ashlyn came walking up the trail towards the four other girls, pulling a wagon behind her.

"Holy cow, Ashlyn!" said Willa. "What's all that stuff?"

"This is camping equipment," said Ashlyn. "It's the tent, and a few other things that we'll need tonight, like bug repellent and mosquito netting."

"Will there be lots of bugs and flies?" asked Emerson, wrinkling her nose.

"I hope there are," gushed Camille, clasping her hands together. "Lots and lots of lightning bugs and fireflies. They're fairies in disguise."

Ashlyn smiled. "I wish fairies would help us get set up. But I'm afraid we're on our own. We have a lot to do before the fun can start. Let's go find a spot to set up the tent, and then we'll get everything else unpacked."

The five girls picked up their overnight bags and chose a flat, shady spot under the oak trees. In only a few minutes, they had the tent set up.

"Perfect!" Ashlyn said, admiring how big it was inside. "Now let's unpack everything else and decide how we're going to divide it up."

Nobody moved or said anything.

"Remember?" Ashlyn asked them. "When we were planning our camping trip last Saturday, I said I would bring the tent. I gave the four of you lists of everything else we need, like flashlights and sleeping bags and snacks." She groaned. "Didn't any of you bring anything from your lists?"

Everyone looked at each other awkwardly, still saying nothing.

Ashlyn turned to Emerson. "Your backpack looks pretty full. What did you bring?"

"I have puppets to entertain you," Emerson said, reaching into her backpack.

She held up the dinosaur and the chicken and made them say, "Hi, WellieWishers! Thanks for including us. Bawk, bawk!"

"What I mean is," Ashlyn said, "what did you bring that was on your list?"

"Oh, yeah," Emerson said. "I had marshmallows on my list." She took out the bag of marshmallows she had been snacking from.

Ashlyn stared at the empty bag.

"Uh," Emerson stammered. "Oops. I guess my dinosaur and chicken got hungry. Nice going, you two," she scolded her toys.

"It's no big deal," Willa said. "We're not allowed to make a fire, so we can't have s'mores anyway."

"Those weren't for s'mores, Willa!" Ashlyn exclaimed. "They were for putting in our hot chocolate. Camille, hot chocolate was on your list."

"So that's what that word was?" Camille asked. "Because on my way home, I stopped by the pond when I heard a frog croaking. I thought maybe he was a prince turned into a frog, and he needed help getting out of the pond. I put the list down next to the lily pads so he could hop out of the water. When he hopped away, I pulled my list out from the pond, but the paper was so soggy that I couldn't understand the words. I thought it said 'chompmate', and I did not know what that was."

Camille opened her bag and pulled out what was inside.

"So I brought some grass to make friendship bracelets," she said. But Ashlyn didn't smile like Camille had hoped. Instead, she sighed.

"Kendall?" Ashlyn asked. "Did you read your list?"

"I didn't have a chance to read it," Kendall said, shrugging her shoulders. "On my walk home, the wind blew the list out of my hands, and into the sky. Then a bird took it and put it in her nest. I let her keep it, because maybe she needed it more than I did. But I did bring something useful."

She pulled out a walkie talkie from her bag. "It's just like real forest rangers use."

"Just one?" Ashlyn asked.

"My mom has the other ones," Kendall said. "But I can find some pinecones and we can pretend we all have one."

"Wilderness Wendy wouldn't--" Willa began, but Ashlyn stopped her.

"Willa," Ashlyn said, "Please tell me you brought something useful from your list."

"I didn't need my list," Willa said. "I didn't think our campout was shaping up the way I imagined it. Wilderness Wendy builds a shelter out of sticks and sleeps on a bed of leaves under the shining stars. I want to be a real camper, like her.

"So I made my list useful. I folded it into a sun hat. That's exactly the sensible kind of thing that Wilderness Wendy would do."

"Great," Ashlyn grumbled. "So we aren't prepared at all for our campout."

"But Wilderness Wendy says we don't need any of that stuff," Willa insisted. "We don't even need a tent. We only need what is strictly necessary, like a sun hat. Nature will provide everything else we need."

"Willa," Ashlyn sighed, "we talked about this! The key to a successful camping trip is--"

"Being surrounded by nature and living as simply as the animals do," Willa read from her Wilderness Wendy book.

"No," Ashlyn said. "It's--"

"A place to gather around and tell stories," Kendall added.

"A starry sky," said Camille.

"Fun and games and puppet shows!" added Emerson.

"Of course all those things are important," Ashlyn said, "but the real key to a successful camping trip is preparation. Since we're not prepared, we'll need to find a way to get the basics: food, water, and a source of light. Then if there's time before it gets dark, we can focus on the extras."

"But animals live in the wilderness," Willa added, "and they can survive just fine without equipment. Wilderness Wendy says the whole point of camping is being simple and natural. That's what makes it fun."

"But we aren't going to have fun at all if we can't work together and make this happen!" Ashlyn scolded.

"Don't worry about us, Ashlyn," Kendall said. "Willa is right. None of the stuff on your lists is really necessary. Not for real campers anyway, like Wilderness Wendy."

"I guess Wilderness Wendy and I have different ideas about what's necessary for camping," Ashlyn said.

"She's the expert," Willa said, hugging her book.

"Fine," Ashlyn said. "I'm getting cold out here, so I'm going to go in the tent and warm up. The rest of you can figure out what you want to do instead, since you decided it's more fun to go camping without anything useful. Unless anyone wants to change their mind and join me?"

"We'll be fine," Willa said, before anyone could answer. "We're going to start building our shelter right now."

"Ohh-kay," said Ashlyn, turning her back on her friends and going into the tent.

(Part 2 will be in the reblog)

#wellie wishers #willa's wilderness campout

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 1 year ago

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Actually, while we're on the topic of pets, what pets do you see the others with?

[Referencing this post!]

I'll (slightly) cheat and condense everyone into their groups, then say "whatever animals fit the motif of their respective character/film". There's some notes for each boy as well, but not always in the most intense of details. (Please keep in mind that this is only covering the main 22 students from NRC!!) Heartslabyul already tends to hedgehogs and flamingos, so those could be common creatures to have as pets/familiars (especially among the card soldiers like Cater, Trey, Deuce, and Ace) Alternatively, there could be other animals from Alice in Wonderland such as cats (for the Cheshire Cat), oysters, living flowers, walruses, dormouses, rabbits/hares, etc. If we want to stray outside of the dorm motifs, a chameleon for Ace (since he has a talent for mimicking people)?? Cater with a fox because of how crafty he can be?? (I don't feel super strong on this choice.) Trey is Normal so a cat or a dog for him!! The dog could be useful for sniffing out special ingredients while a cat is fitting because Trey's VA also voices Lucius... And of course, Deuce deserves a chicken so it can lay many eggs! Riddle I see getting one of the standard pets because "it's the rule/tradition at Heartslabyul!" Uhhh, mostly savanna animals for Savanaclaw I guess?? But again, the same moral debate I mentioned in the original post still applies here. (Like, would it be weird for a lion/wolf/hyena beastman such as Leona/Jack/Ruggie to have a lion/wolf/hyena as a pet/familiar???) Octavinelle would have a lot of aquatic creatures as pets/familiars. I think the "perfect" pet/familiar to match Azul's image would be eels (to mimic Ursula). Not sure what Jade or Floyd would have (the JP fandom uses a dolphin and a shark emoji, respectively, to refer to them so maybe those)?? But since Jade is the informant for the group, I'm thinking something small and agile so he can send it to spy for him. (Plus, it could chill out in his terrariums for funsies later.) Floyd would have something more aggressive... Scarabia would have unconventional animals from all over Twisted Wonderland! Kalim is someone I see as having many animal friends, so I can't think of just one animal. Maybe a tiger (like Princess Jasmine)? But it's also fun to imagine Kalim riding in on a massive elephant! He was originally supposed to have a monkey familiar (like Aladdin), so I can easily see that happening as well. Jamil has a clearer desire for a specific animal companion, and that would be a parrot. I can also see a snake for... obvious reasons. Maybe a bug to really torment them. Peacock for Vil because he sits in a peacock throne and it has a majestic vibe. A crow or raven also works due to its association with the Evil Queen. Rook, like Kalim, is someone I see with a variety of animals and not a specific one. Whatever his pet/familiar is, it would probably be a skilled hunter. I'm thinking like some kind of predator bird like a hawk or falcon. Epel... nothing immediately comes to mind, but maybe something small and cute but tough like he is. Idia would want a kawaii widdle neko-chan (his words, not mine) to keep as a lap warmer while he aggressive games. Ortho is more of a dog person (yes, this is purely because of his Cerberus Gear card), though I picture him engaging with virtual pets and/or those cybernetic dogs more than like... actual animals. I think Lilia's bats already count as his pets, although they are rarely ever mentioned in dialogue. Silver, as a member of the light trio, is another person that I see with many animals (squirrels, deer, birds, rabbits, etc.). Sebek I feel would shout that every animal is inferior to Malleus and that no pet he has could ever match Malleus's, etc. etc. etc. He's usually associated with crocs, so I think many would gravitate to one as Sebek's pet??? I think it would be funny if his familiar was something small, cute, and kinda pathetic (like a chipmunk or something) so he acts all bashful about it... but hey, I think a horse (so he can ride proudly into combat) also works. Malleus I already covered in the original post linked above.

#twst #twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #notes from the writing raven #question #Lucius #Heartslabyul #Savanaclaw #Octavinelle #Scarabia #Pomefiore #Ignihyde #Diasomnia

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hummingbird24220 · 3 months ago

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Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight: The Case of the Missing Sign

10 (and the epilogue) chapters to go!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAA!! Thank you all for reading, commenting, sharing, liking… everything! It means a lot (especially considering this fic is mostly brainrot leaking from me).

Enjoy!

—-----------------

After the awkward triple-makeout-turned-open-door-scandal, your mission was clear.

Find. The. Sign.

It was gone, and without it, you, Sanji, and Zoro were just three hot disasters at the mercy of a crew that had no sense of timing and too much curiosity.

You started with Chopper. He panicked and said, “I would NEVER!” Robin simply smiled. Nami claimed innocence, but looked too smug. Usopp swore he hadn’t touched it, but he did ask if he could get a custom one that said "Do Not Interrupt—Captain of Coolness."

And then there was only one place left to check.

Luffy’s room.

You knocked.

Then knocked again, because this was a new rule.

The door creaked open to reveal your captain sitting cross-legged on the floor, playing with a rubber band he’d stretched between two toes. And just behind him—propped up on his shelf like a prized artifact—was your glittering, rhinestone-bedazzled DO NOT DISTURB sign.

“LUFFY.”

He looked up. “Hey! You found me!”

You pointed. “That is mine.”

“I know!” he beamed. “I borrowed it! It’s so shiny.”

You blinked. “Luffy. Why did you take it?”

He shrugged. “I liked it. It looked cool. And I wanted to make sure no one bothered me, but no one listens to signs anyway, so I hung it up for the vibes.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “Captain. That sign is a warning system. Not decor.”

“I thought it was a treasure tag,” he said, completely serious.

You sighed. Deeply. Soulfully. “It was a barrier between public shame and emotional stability.”

Zoro appeared behind you in the doorway, arms crossed. “Give it back.”

Sanji showed up right after, holding a nail and a hammer. “We’re reattaching it. Permanently.”

Luffy pouted but handed it over. “Fine. But if you get a cooler sign, I want that one.”

You accepted the sparkly sign with both hands like a holy relic, backed out of the room, and exhaled like you’d just disarmed a bomb.

Sanji held it up to the light. “Still in good shape.”

Zoro gave you a look. “We’re anchoring it this time.”

You deadpanned. “I’m buying a padlock. And maybe a flamethrower.”

—-------

With the sign recovered, reattached (by Zoro), reinforced (by Sanji), and guarded (by you), life aboard the Sunny returned to its usual brand of semi-controlled chaos.

Which meant it was time for a little island adventure.

A peaceful, sunny spit of land with soft grass, palm trees, and (thankfully) no cursed temples or ancient glowing trials in sight. Just wild fruit, chirping birds, and enough space for everyone to go full gremlin mode.

And you? You were already rolling down a grassy hill with Luffy and Chopper, arms flailing, hair a mess, and grass in your teeth.

“AGAIN!” Luffy shouted, popping upright, twigs in his hair and joy in his heart.

You spat a leaf out and grinned. “You’re on.”

Nami and Robin lounged beneath a tree nearby, sunhats shading their eyes. Robin read quietly while Nami called out fake scores like it was a sport. “Chopper gets an 8! Luffy gets a 6 for spinning into a bush! (Again.)”

“(Y/N) gets a 9.5!” Robin added without looking up. “Excellent form. Terrible aim.”

Zoro was using a tree trunk as a backrest, dozing in the sun. Sanji, however, was watching you with mild horror as you did your third tumble into the grass.

“You’re going to pull something,” he warned.

You grinned up at him from the ground. “You say that like I’m not a professional meatball.”

“Don’t call yourself that,” he groaned, already bringing you a drink you didn’t ask for.

Usopp had declared a bug-catching competition, Franky was trying to build a kite out of palm fronds, and Luffy was wearing his newly decorated door sign (“COOL ZONE – CAPTAIN ONLY”) around his neck like a medal of honor.

Zoro stirred awake just enough to catch you running past, flinging a handful of grass into Luffy’s face before sprinting off.

“...They’re back to full gremlin,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

“Better than full feral,” Sanji said as he watched you grab Chopper and start spinning him in circles like a giggling helicopter.

Robin sipped her drink, smiling. “Let them play. Peace doesn’t last long with us.”

And it didn’t matter if you’d survived cursed trials, legendary beasts, or awkward crew walk-ins—this was your reset.

Laughter. Sunshine. Stolen moments of simplicity. Your found family all being weird together in the safest place on the Grand Line: with each other.

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baka-monarch · 4 years ago

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Dirt Crawlers

Look @darkeninganon , I beat you to writing the slug thing!!!! :)

(brain just randomly started thinking of story and I just decided to write it now before I lost motivation/inspiration)

Part 2->

TRIGGER WARNINGS: BUGS, FEAR, MENTION OF DEATH, FEELING SMALL, VERY GROSS DISCRETION

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Tommy watched Dream as he pushed the door to their hole in the ground open The younger Dirt Crawler was practically bouncing with excitement. Today was the day, finally Dream was taking him out on his first hunting trip. It was the perfect day for hunting as well, since it hadn't rained for weeks and was so bright and sunny out (as Tommy could tell from the blinding light coming through their burrow door) that there was no way it would rain; so there was no risk of them drowning in a puddle or getting dragged down to suffocate in mud. It was also the afternoon by now, judging by where the sun was, which meant almost no birds out hunting at all. Yeah, now would be the perfect time to get some food.

"You remember all the rules I told you, right?" Tommy was startled out of his thoughts by his older brother's voice.

"Yeah yeah yeah, I know I know!" The teen rolled his eyes. The rules had been drilled into him ever since he was a kid, ever since their parents were still around.

"Okay, so remember that we're only hunting aphids- no attacking ants, ladybugs, termites-"

"Mantises,"-He cut off Dream's words-"slugs- yeah yeah, I know boss man! We don't fight anything that isn't an aphid!!" Tommy climbed out of the burrow with that in mind. He already knows what happens if a Dirt Crawler tries to fight anything other than an aphid, he's been told the horror stories thousands of times. Ants will swarm you if you hurt one, ladybugs can headbutt trample and eat you, termites can take a limb off with one bite, and mantises- of Prime Tommy really does NOT want to think about fucking mantises.

"I'm just making sure-" Dream added as he climbed out to stand next to Tommy, kicking their burrow door closed behind himself. "I know how adventurous you can get at times and I don't want to risk anything." The elder puts a hand on Tommy's shoulder and looks into his baby brother's eyes seriously. The world is a dangerous place for someone only half an inch tall, and he wants to make sure his baby brother is safe.

"Stop worrying so much- I'm not gonna leave your side big man." Tommy smirks into their serious gaze and gives his brother a comforting pay on the shoulder, making them sigh with relief.

"Good- because I don't know what I'd do without your annoying voice." Dream jokes with a slightly forced chuckle and ruffles the teen's curly blond hair. Tommy only groans in annoyance and pushes his hand away, which only makes Dream let out another fond chuckle. "C'mon, we don't have all afternoon!" The elder doesn't give Tommy any time to fix their hair as he grabs their hand and pulls them off into the towering grass blades.

It's a few hours later when the two brothers find themselves watching from being blades of grass as several aphids hop around on the dirt, having called off of the grass after the two tiny people had shaken their plant homes with the help of a light breeze. Dream pulls out a small sword and turns to Tommy to make sure he's holding his own sword correctly. Once the eldest is sure the time is perfect, he gives a signal with his hand and both split- Dream running in from the right and Tommy from the left, both catching the tiny bugs off guard and using that to their advantage to slice off the heads of several before they can jump out of reach.

"You did it!" Dream smiles up at Tommy who himself is smiling proudly. They were running low on food, and now with Tommy's help, they're both sure to have more than enough aphids to last them for a week or more at least. "This should be good- you, did good Toms." The green clad Dirt Crawler walks over to his brother and ruffles their hair, and this time Tommy does not complain. "Now help me bag them up-"

"Yes sir!" Tommy gives a small thumbs up and starts to fill his sprig woven bag with the dead aphids as Dream does the same. It's all fine until one of the aphid bodies gets up and starts to limp away- Tommy missed it's head. "I'll get it!" He calls over to his brother, who gives a nod of acknowledgement before Tommy chases after the aphid, knowing he can easily catch and kill it since it can't jump.

Tommy doesn't notice anything suspicious as he approaches the injured aphid. He doesn't look around at his surroundings as he gets out his sword. He doesn't look up as he stabs the bug and finally kills it. He does however scream after looking up to see where the droplet of slime had come from on his sword after landing the killing blow.

Dream snaps his head up to attention, his eyes wide with fear for his Tommy as he looks to where they'd run off to- and he almost screams as well. "IT'S A SLUG!!!!" He's quick to run over and grab Tommy's arm and start to drag the petrified teen away before they can be eaten.

Tommy doesn't hesitate to follow Dream once he snaps out of his state of fear. As they run Tommy tries not to think about the humongous slimey being of pure squishy muscle, with four eyes that stared at him with nothing but hunger, and a large gaping mouth that was opening and closing, ready to eat it's lunch with the rows upon rows of tiny razor sharp teeth that could allow the disgusting giant to swallow him whole. Tommy shivers, yeah that's going to be haunting his nightmares- oh well at least slugs are slow, so he and Dream have plenty of time to run away…. Or so he thought, before suddenly his running is slowed significantly by something making him stick to the ground. The teen looks down, and sees he's stepped into a trail of familiar slime that has him now stuck where he stands.

"Dre- Dream!?" He yells to his older brother, who also finds himself slowed by the slime trail. Dream looks at his brother sadly, and grabs their arms before desperately trying to pull Tommy free as the slug approaches at a slow orgilating crawl towards them.

"Tommy- Tommy, look at me!" Dream said, keeping his voice firm, trying to give his baby brother something to focus on. "Don't look back- don't- d- don't look behind you. Just focus on me, we're going to get out of this." At least Tommy is close enough for Dream to pull them into a hug. He lets Tommy bury their face into his chest, letting them cry as he glares up at the omnivore that had successfully hunted them down on Tommy's first aphid gathering…

"I- I'm scared…" Tommy admits quietly, something they usually would never do, but Dream can understand in this situation: getting stuck while running from a slug is certain death for any and all Dirt Crawlers.

"I know… I know, but it's going to be okay, I promise…." Dream whispers softly and weaves his fingers into Tommy's soft golden curls, something that's always calmed them down, no matter how old. He hugs his small brother close, closing his eyes so he can savor one last moment with them…

BOOM-SQUELCH!!!

The sound is loud and disturbing to hear for the absolutely miniscule brothers, and they both open their eyes wide in surprise and fear of what happened. All that can run through Dream's head is that the slug must've been crushed by something, but what? A deer? A wolf maybe? Possibly even a skunk even if they aren't in this area? The only way to find out is to look up- and up- and up and up and up and-

"Fuck." Dream doesn't cuss often, but for this occasion it feels necessary.

"Wh- wha-" Tommy begins to ask but cuts off his own words as he feels all his breath leave him in fear, as he looks up too.

A giant. An actual giant. A person, thousands of times their size was standing right on top of where the slug had been only seconds before- and it seemed like they didn't even notice they'd crushed anything.

"Human…" Dream mutters quietly, remembering the word from a story their mom told him once before Tommy was born. Giants- humans- weren't supposed to be here. Dirt Crawlers almost never had to deal with humans… yet here one stood, having unintentionally saved the two brothers lives, and Dream realized in a moment how close they both were to that death dealing foot, and if the human hadn't seen the slug, then if they took another unfortunate step- "R- run- we need to run! Run!!" Dream shouts and starts to pull Tommy, and his brother quickly gets the message as they both pull themselves out of the slime to start running.

Dream doesn't let go of Tommy's hand the whole time as they both run as fast as they can, but it doesn't feel fast enough as every time Dream looks back the human looks just as close as they were before and- oh gods they were looking down at them. Dream pushes forward, trying to pull Tommy even faster with a feigned hope that maybe, just maybe they can at least get to the burrow in time and be safe until the human leaves-

Dream bounces back off of something hard and smooth, he can't see it but he can feel it. Tommy rushes forward to stand beside him and starts to bang on the invisible wall; it's a fruitless effort however as both know that anything used by humans is guaranteed to be too strong for either to break through. Only a few seconds later they feel gravity change and they're sliding down the wall, Dream grabs Tommy and hugs him, wanting to make sure that wherever they land his brother is safe more than anything. They eventually hit a bottom, made of another invisible wall- and as Dream looks up he meets two massive eyes, twice as big as himself, staring directly at him and his brother.

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Mcyt g/t list:

@trashpumped @lorie-the-little-ghost @encaos @i-am-a-weeb @wyforyu-gaming @5unfl0writ3r @colorfulsiren @moonmwah @iwasgoingtohellanyways @echoslime @wilbur-simp @trouble-off-grid @lilsyxx @smogs-0 @hello-world-im-snow

#dirt crawlers #mcyt g/t #mcytg/t #tiny!tommy #tiny!dream #tw death #tw implied vore #tw bugs #tw slugs

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remuscore · 4 years ago

Text

Slumber Party

Original idea from here

Summary: Janus doesn’t cuddle. Well, maybe a little...

Warnings: None. Maybe some suggestive stuff, but it’s Remus so.

Taglist: @hannahdra-ws @royalty-of-all-things-snuggly

Janus was invited to movie night with the light sides again. He was thrilled of course. The third movie night he’s been invited to with everyone and Thomas.

Well, almost everyone.

Remus still wasn’t getting invited.

Janus always missed Remus during these nights. No one made dark jokes, no one picked movies that made Janus jump and grimace, no one wrapped him in their arms around him and kept him comfortably warm against an uncomfortably naked body.

However, they have tried their best.

Not naked thankfully, but Patton sure did try bringing him into the big, movie night, cuddle pile they have. Janus just sat by the end of the couch as everyone sat together, even Logan participated in the big cuddle pile by sitting beside Virgil on the end.

But this time, Janus decided it would be different. He’ll be bringing Remus with.

When he told his plan to his beloved little monster his plan, he was singing with excitement. Literally. He sang a whole little ditty about how excited he was.

“Do you think they’ll let me pick the movie? Have they let you pick a movie yet?” Remus stumbled out of his room the night of the event wearing nothing but the boxers he agreed to wear for tonight. Janus waited for him by the stairwell with his own silky pajamas on.

“Roman wasn’t going to let me pick the movie, but Patton forced him to after he stole my hat when they watched Frozen,” Janus said. He smiled when he saw the large stuffed Cthulhu Remus was currently hugging against his chest. “I’m sure they’ll play your movie if you asked.”

Remus snorted at the mere idea and shoved Janus towards the door. Janus smirked, though he was awfully nervous about bringing Remus along. He didn’t wish for any of the sides to exclude him again or— heaven forbid— distrust him again because he wanted to bring his beloved friend (and family, night he add) along.

As he and Remus arrived, the mood considerably dampened. Patton even let out a little “oh my goodness” at the sight of the infamous duke. Janus paid no mind to them as he took his usual spot at the end and Remus happily sat at his side.

They all waited in some… expected silence that both Janus and Remus reveled in. Janus more than Remus, really. As much as Remus loved making them squirm, he wasn’t the biggest fan of silence.

“Remus…” Patton was the first to say anything. He laughed nervously. “Uh, hi there… sorry I wasn’t aware you were coming—”

“Yeah, why is the skunk head here!?” Roman shouted, a whine carrying in his voice that made Remus giggle.

“Why not!” He retorted. Roman glared at him and pointed to all of him.

“And not respecting our rules!”

“Or himself.” Virgil muttered. Janus rolled his eyes. They’ve all seen Remus naked before, it wasn’t like there was anything new beside a few scars.

“And where in the name Poseidon, did he get that /adorable/ plushie of the Gods!?” Remus hugged his Cthulhu tighter at the mention of him.

“I got that for him,” Janus said, pointedly ignoring Roman’s original question. He challenged him to say otherwise with a look. Judging by Roman’s sputtering and pouting, he had won. “What are we watching tonight, hm?”

“Well, we were just about to vote—”

“Cinderella! Cinderella!” Remus shouted, practically vibrating in his seat and startling Logan into shutting up and moving closer to Patton. Remus didn’t seem to care though. “I want to watch Cinderella! Please, please, please!”

“Cinderella?” Patton and Roman sounded surprised by the plea, pleasantly and utterly confused respectfully.

“It’s his favorite.” Virgil sighed, rubbing his forehead. Remus has bugged them all about why Cinderella is his favorite many times before.

“Especially the live action one.” Janus added, watching with guarded fondness as Remus bounced and clapped his hands, nodding enthusiastically with excitement.

“Well… that sounds like a perfectly… reasonable movie to watch?” Patton ended his sentence like a question, looking at the others around him for any reason not to do it. Roman still shook his head and frowned deeply. He pointed at Remus again.

“I don’t trust his excitement,” he announced. “He’s going to try and ruin this movie for us, I know it.”

“Please, Roman, when has Remus ever ruined anything?” Janus says as innocently as he could, bringing a wine glass that he had just summoned up to his lips.

“Oh, oh!” Remus wiggles in his seat, excitedly slapping Janus’ knee. “What about that time I ruined Christmas for—”

“Let’s start the movie, shall we?” Janus interrupted Remus quickly. He cleared his throat and waved for the tv to turn on to the movie they had all— in theory— agreed upon. Remus was quickly distracted with a squeal as the classic Disney theme started playing.

They’ve all settled now that the movie started. There was the added unease as they continued to glance apprehensively in their direction. Janus continued to sip on his wine as Remus’ eyes stayed intently on the screen.

“So— if I may ask—” Logan started, keeping his eyes on the screen as well as everyone else as he talked. “Why is this your favorite movie, Remus? It seems uncharacteristic.”

“Cinderella is about being hated by her only family left and unable to leave her confinement, forced to act a certain way because of her step-mother’s favoritism,” Remus explained without a thought on if his honesty would make the others uncomfortable, and it certainly did. “Also in the original story, birds scratch out the step-families eyes as karma for being so cruel and I always thought that was neat.”

They all shuffled farther away.

As the movie continued and Janus got steadily tipsier, they’ve started to relax and enjoy the movie. Remus and Janus have started to lean against each other, Remus’ chin on his shoulder and Janus’ head against his. It was always better to drink a little when watching a movie with Remus, makes all the shouting in his ear easier to deal with and all his jokes and facts a little funnier. However, because of the wine, his guard was down around the others and he actually moved to sit on Remus’ lap without thinking about his image, settling Cthulhu in his own lap while Remus wrapped his arms around him.

He didn’t even remember they were still there until Patton had spoken up about it.

“I figured you didn’t like hugs, Janus?” He said, startling Janus out of his relaxed state. He tried putting his guard up again, but it was hard when he was a little drunk and also Remus was so warm and comfortable.

“Doesn’t like hugs? Ha!” Remus let out a loud, incredibly false laugh that made Janus smile and duck his head at the sound. “DJ Anus here loves hugs! Especially when he’s hammered! He’s extra affectionate when drunk, huh sexy?”

Remus squeezes him closer as he teases him and Janus rolls his eyes. He couldn’t help his smile though as he leaned into the touch. He holds up his glass.

“I’m not hammered, as you say,” he turned his head to look at Remus, nose brushing against his cheek. “I’m… just a little buzzed. Totally different.”

Remus giggled and rocked them back, pulled Janus completely on his lap. Janus looked like a little child as Remus curled around him like a protective shield, Cthulhu abandoned beside them.

“This is weird…” Virgil muttered, looking mildly uncomfortable with the public affection. “I don’t remember you two being so… close.”

“You never came to our movie nights.”

“Because you made us watch The Purge and then terrorized us for months about it after.”

“Eh, that movie was shit anyways,” Janus waved him off, eyes back on the movie. Cinderella had just found out about the ball. It was only a matter of time before Remus noticed and made any jokes about it, Janus needed to focus on not snorting at any of them to make sure he still had some dignity left after tonight. “Seriously, there are millions of things you can do during these crime free days instead of wearing a mask and murdering innocents.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Remus said. Virgil made a face.

“I’m still reeling at the fact that anyone would willingly be that close to Remus,” Roman’s expression was sour as he watched them spoon out of the corner of his eye. “Are you not worried he might get too excited like this?”

“Oh, it’s happened before, but it’s nothing to worry about,” Janus clarifies, though he did feel a sting of annoyance at Roman’s disapproval. “And for your information, Remus is a fantastic cuddler. He only smells a little putrid and you get used to it.”

Remus giggles and hugs Janus tighter for a moment, the deceitful side practically drowning in his arms. He let out an excited shout and pointed wildly at the screen, leaning over Janus.

“Oh! Oh! This is my favorite scene!” He shouted, referring to Cinderella being trapped in her attic and the added backstory to the step-mother.

With the distraction in place, they all settled in and watched the end of the movie. Janus thought this night was rather successful. He might think differently tomorrow when he wasn’t drunk, but he did get to spend at least one of these movie nights safe and warm in his favorite side’s arms.

#sanders sides #remus sanders #janus sanders #patton sanders #roman sanders #logan sanders #virgil sanders #fic #dukeceit #it speaks

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curls-cat · 4 years ago

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Sugar/Spice; Snips/Snails

for @grimmtober day 1: Candy! Also on AO3 and ff.net under the same name. but I can’t link it if I want this to show up in the tags. :/ AU: Sabrina grows up in Ferryport Landing.

There’s a boy in the woods. Sabrina sees him, even if none of the grown-ups do. He’s bigger than she is, with curly gold hair like hers, wearing a big green hoodie. He keeps looking at her through the trees and grinning. There are fireflies around him, even during the daytime, even now that summer’s all the way over.

Sabrina knows better than to go outside herself. Mamma and Daddy and Granny all say it’s too dangerous, that she’s too little and sometimes people are mean and might hurt her. And even when people aren’t mean, the woods is really big, and she could get lost so easy. Mr. Canis could find her, but someone mean might find her first.

But there’s a boy in the woods. And there aren’t a lot of other kids in Ferryport Landing. Especially not ones she can talk to (in preschool there’s Bella and Natalie and Toby and Wendell, but only Wendell is allowed to be her friend. And everything else is secrets, secrets, secrets—don’t tell anyone about Mr. Canis, Sabrina, or about what being a Grimm means, or about why you’re extra excited to get to first grade and see Ms. Snow). And all Sabrina’s Halloween candy disappeared last night.

Sabrina wanted to be Alice in Wonderland for Halloween, but her parents said No and Granny said Politics and didn’t explain what that meant, so Sabrina was Stephanie from Lazy Town instead and had to wear an itchy pink wig the whole night and none of the grown-ups knew who she was supposed to be. And now all her candy’s gone and nobody believed her when she said she didn’t eat all of it.

So the next time the fireflies come out, when it’s just starting to get dark and the shadows from the woods reach all the way to the house, Sabrina follows them. They’re pretty, even though up close they’re too big to be lightning bugs, and they glow too bright. She didn’t really think they were bugs.

She follows them as they dance between the long shadows of the trees. She didn’t have time to put on her shoes before she left, so her socks are getting wet in the grass. It’s gross. They lead her right to the edge of the woods, and then they scatter.

Sabrina is, for a moment, alone in the gathering dark of the woods. Nearly all the leaves have fallen, and it’s gray and brown and so, so quiet. No birds or bugs. No Mamma or Daddy or Granny calling for her to come inside. She can see the house through the trees, and it looks warm and safe and like it’s calling her back.

“Scared?”

Sabrina spins around and pulls her hands up the way Ms. White taught her—you have to protect your face—and sees the boy, sitting in a tree a few feet above her. Up close, he’s different than she thought. Still a boy, still a kid like her, but older. Taller. And dirty. He’s holding her candy in his hand. She knows it’s hers because it’s still in her plastic jack-o-lantern with her initials on the bottom in her very own handwriting.

“I’m not scared of you,” she tells him.

He grins, flashes too-sharp teeth. “Sure. That’s why you jumped a mile high when I said something, little girl.”

“I’m not a little girl!” she says, even though she is, and she knows it. “I’m a big sister!” She balls her fists tighter. “And that’s my candy.”

“Finders keepers,” he says. He unwraps a pack of oreos and pops them in his mouth. His fingernails are too sharp, too.

“You’re rude,” she says, but she puts her fists down. He doesn’t seem mean, just… messy. And gross. And mean, but she said that already.

“So’re you,” he says, and hands her a pack of Starbursts.

Sabrina accepts her candy, unwraps it. Inside there’s two pink ones and an orange one. She wrinkles her nose and eats the orange one. She’s not supposed to have candy before dinner.

She’s also not supposed to talk to strangers. Especially not strangers who are ab-so-lute-ly Everafters.

“Why’d you take my candy?” She sits on the ground. Her socks are already dirty, might as well get mud on her overalls, too. The boy won’t care. He’s dirtier than she is.

“I was hungry,” he says. “I just told the pixies to get me food.”

Not fireflies. Pixies. Sabrina squints at him. “You’re not supposed to talk about magic.” She doesn’t know what a pixie is, but she knows for sure it’s magic.

“I thought this town was full of magic,” the boy says. “A ‘haven for the homeless,’ that’s what your ancestor said when he convinced all of us to follow him over here. Or a prison, if you listen to anybody else.”

“There’s people, too,” Sabrina informs him. “Lots of ‘em. Normal people. Boring people. I have twelve in my preschool class. And they’ve all got parents. Some have brothers and sisters, too.”

The boy looks suitably impressed. Then he wrinkles his nose. “Boring,” he tells her. “I was hoping this place would be fun. But it’s got rules too, huh?”

“Everywhere has rules,” Sabrina says. “My daddy says they’re to keep people safe.”

The boy snorts. “To keep you from having fun, more like.” He pops a Reese’s into his mouth.

Something occurs to Sabrina, then. “How’d you know about my an-cestor?” The new word feels strange on her tongue. She thinks it means like your grandpa, but extra.

The boy nods in the direction of the house. “I watched him build that place. Slowed him down, too. Plus I’ve been watching.”

“I know,” Sabrina says. “I saw you.”

“What’s your name?” he asks. “Other than Grimm. Your first name.”

“Sabrina,” she offers readily. “What’s yours?”

He tosses her another pack of Starbursts. “Puck.”

Sabrina brings Puck food for a few days. She likes keeping him secret. Everyone’s busy with the new baby, and Sabrina loves Daphne, sure, but babies are boring and she doesn’t know why all the grown-ups care so much about someone who can’t even do anything. She also feels a little left out, maybe, and it’s nice having someone who’s hers. They talk. He’s a prince, he says. He’s exiled, he says. He’s famous, he says. He’s the coolest. He doesn’t have to say that part. Sabrina thinks so, too.

They spend afternoons in the cool dark woods, and Puck takes her flying, because he’s not just too sharp, he’s also got wings, because he’s a fairy, which Sabrina has never met before. They share her Halloween candy. He turns into animals, and he listens to her tell him about preschool. She’s learning to read, a little. She can read the street sign for their road. Puck thinks reading and books are boring. She yells at him about it.

That’s the other thing about Puck. If she gets mad at him, he doesn’t tell her to stop throwing a tantrum or go to her room like her parents, and he doesn’t start crying or tattle to someone like the other kids at preschool. He yells back. And then they’re friends again.

Mr. Canis is the one who finds out. He follows her to the woods and says, “I wondered where all the caramels went.”

“This is Puck,” Sabrina says. If a grown-up did have to find them, she’s glad it was Mr. Canis. He’s not a regular grown-up, not the kind who tells her what to do and gets worried or talks down to her. He just talks, and listens. Sometimes he says weird stuff, but other than that, he’s almost like a regular person. “He was hungry.”

“I know who he is,” Mr. Canis says. “I’ve been watching him.” He looks down at Sabrina. “What I didn’t know was that you knew him.”

“He took my Halloween candy,” Sabrina says. “Nobody listened.”

Mr. Canis doesn’t say anything. He looks Puck up and down.

Puck stares right back at him, then, at long last, says, “Don’t get mad at her.”

“I am not angry,” Mr. Canis says. “You should come inside and meet the family.”

Puck wrinkles his nose. “I’m not going to move back inside. I’ve finally broken out of being civilized.”

“I am not asking you to,” Mr. Canis says. “But inside there is food that will not rot your teeth.”

“Everafters don’t get cavities.”

Mr. Canis laughs. It sounds like a dog barking. It always does. “I can assure you we do.” He shows Puck his own too-sharp teeth, points at a shiny silver spot in one of them. “I had this filled myself.”

Puck’s eyes go wide, and his hand comes up to his face. He gives Mr. Canis another long look. “What kind of food?”

“Weird food,” Sabrina informs him. “Granny’s cooking tonight.”

Puck thinks for a second, then shrugs. He grins at Sabrina. “I like weird.”

Puck keeps living in the woods. Sabrina has to tell a grown-up before she goes to see him, now. The grown-ups all have a long conversation after Mr. Canis tells them she’s been going in the woods to visit a Strange Boy (he’s not a strange boy, she tries to tell them, but nobody listens). After, her parents sit her down and have A Talk with her about Danger and how Not All Everafters Are Nice. She listens, even if she thinks they’re coming at it wrong. Puck isn’t nice. She doesn’t want him to be nice.

They grow.

At age nine, Sabrina runs out of the house, ignoring the sound of her dad shouting after her. This time, at least, she’s wearing shoes. She heads straight for Puck’s trash throne. The pixies greet her on the way, rising out of the shadows of another gathering dark, as they always do. She appreciates it, though she barely needs it, can find her way to Puck without any help.

“What’s Hanky yelling about?” Puck asks instead of greeting her. He’s sitting, as usual, on his porcelain throne atop a mountain of broken furniture.

Sabrina throws him a bag of fun size Milky Ways—it’s the family’s Halloween candy, and her mom’s going to be mad that she has to buy another bag, but Sabrina doesn’t care. She doesn’t care about anything and it’s not like they’ll even be here in a few weeks and her parents don’t care about what she wants, anyway, so why should she care about them?

Puck catches the candy, opens it, and pops one, fully wrapped, into his mouth. He spits the wrapper out onto the ground a few seconds later, covered in spit and melted chocolate. He does this a lot. Sabrina always calls him gross and makes a stink about it. Today all she can think about is how she’s not gonna be able to see this anymore in a few days, because—

Puck notices her silence. “What, Grimm? Finally seen sense about ‘the environment’?”

Sabrina isn’t sure she wanted him to notice. She thinks maybe she wanted him to act like everything was normal and maybe then she could pretend it really was, for a bit. But she sort of also wants someone to listen, someone she can yell at who won’t talk about safety. Someone who cares about what she wants, even if he pretends not to, instead of pretending to when they don’t, like her parents.

“We’re moving,” she says, and she keeps her voice flat, even, because if she doesn’t, she’s going to cry.

Puck stops chewing and stares at her. “You can’t. There needs to be a Grimm in Ferryport Landing.”

“Not all of us,” Sabrina says. “Granny’s staying. But Mom and Dad, and me, and Daphne… we’re leaving. Dad says town is ‘too dangerous.’”

“This is about the stupid ‘Scarlet Hand’ or whatever.” It’s not a question.

“Did they talk to you?” Sabrina asks.

“Nah,” Puck says. “Everyone knows I wouldn’t.”

“Yeah,” Sabrina says. Because they’re friends. He’s her best friend, better than Wendell, even, even though Wendell goes to school with her and they’re in soccer together and he gave her a valentine last year that he’d picked out especially for her, the only one in the pack with a lollipop and a sticker.

“I won’t join anything that I can’t be the leader of,” Puck adds, because he can’t just be honest, ever. That’s okay, though. Sabrina understands. Honesty is hard.

She sits down on the edge of the pool, feels rough concrete under her hands, looks at the murky water, the level dropped low enough that she can dangle her feet in and only the very bottoms of her shoes touch it as they sway back and forth.

“When?” Puck asks.

“By the end of the year,” Sabrina says. “Mom got a job, and Dad asked me if I wanted—” her breath hitches, half anger and half rage— “if I wanted to help him pick out an apartment. Like this was exciting.”

“You could run away,” Puck suggests.

Sabrina laughs without humor.

“Plenty of woods,” Puck says. “You don’t have to stay here. Hey, I know! You could go up to the asylum with the other crazy little girls!”

Sabrina halfheartedly throws a piece of concrete at him. It clatters down the side of his trash mountain nowhere near him and rolls to a stop nearly at her other hand, still resting on cracked cement.

“Mr. Canis would find me,” Sabrina says, at length. “And they’d just make me go, anyway.”

“How? The old lady can’t leave, and neither can he. Just run away again before one of your parents comes to get you.”

“And leave Daphne?”

The younger girl practically worships the both of them. Losing Puck is going to be hard enough for her, but losing Puck and Sabrina… It’ll break her heart. And there’s no question about bringing Daphne with them.

For a long time, neither of them say anything. Sabrina had sort of been hoping Puck would have an answer. A real one, one that would work.

“You can visit,” he says at last. “They can’t keep you away forever.”

“Yeah,” she says. Because Mom had said that, too. Said that they could come back on weekends and over holidays, as long as Granny said things seemed safe.

She looks up at the boy she’s known for half her life, who’s been her best friend almost as long, who she’s going to stop being able to see soon. He’s been exactly the same the whole time she’s known him. When she sees him next, she’s going to be closer to his height. She might even outgrow him.

She knew it might happen. They don’t talk about it, but they both know. Someday, Sabrina’s going to have to be an adult, and Puck won’t. She’s not sure she wants to be an adult, but she doesn’t think she wants to be stuck, either. Doesn’t want to be powerless forever.

There’s nothing else to do, though, so she rolls her head to look at Puck upside-down, who’s eating another Milky Way, and says, “Pass me one of those.”

There are Everafters in New York City, of course. Sabrina sneaks out over the weekends, meets Puck’s brother. Gets in trouble. Finds out the Scarlet Hand is here, too. Tells her dad, hopes it’ll get them moved home. It doesn’t, it just gets her in a different kind of trouble. She doesn’t care, keeps sneaking out to get in the right kind of trouble, the kind that means she’s part of her family, still sort of connected to Puck.

In three years, when the barrier comes crumbling down, and the Everafters start trying, really and truly, to take over the world, it pays off. Because now nowhere is safe. And she wants to tell her dad she told him so, but she’s busy trying to watch the news that her parents won’t let her see and find out if her friends are safe and everything is loud and angry and dangerous and she tried to prepare but it wasn’t enough.

They still make her go to school. It’s stupid. None of this matters, and she tells them that over and over, but they make her go anyway, and when she’s proven right because there’s a lockdown on the third day since the Everafters declared war, she’s just angry about it.

She’s hiding in the bathroom with two other girls who got caught between classes, and the other two are crying, when noises come down the hall in their direction. Sabrina looks around for something she can use as a weapon.

The door swings open.

Sabrina prepares herself for a fight.

She’s hit in the face before she can do anything, by a small projectile—a bullet? Since when do Everafters use guns? She’d have thought getting shot would hurt more.

She looks down. No blood on the ground.

Just a green skittle.

She doesn’t have to look up to know who’s going to say “Hey, Grimm.” She doesn't know what's coming next, but as soon as she hears Puck's voice, she knows the can handle it. Together.

#sisters grimm #the sisters grimm #sabrina grimm #grimmtober #grimmtober 2021 #puckabrina #if you squint. it's preslash

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wing-ed-thing · 4 years ago

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Birdbrain (Shino x Reader, Part III)

Synopsis: You've always been a hothead and Shino had always been cool under pressure. Today's just another casual showdown between Konoha's hottest temper and sassiest bug handler.

Word Count: 1,056

Warnings: Language

You sat on a few steps outside the restaurant. Fifteen minutes had passed since you first arrived and you hadn’t seen a single one of your friends. A small wagtail perched on your fingers. You smoothed out it’s feathers as you sighed. Tension left your shoulders and you checked the time for the umpteenth time in the past hour. One minute had passed. A shadow enveloped you from behind. The tiny bird cocked it’s head at you before letting out a chirp and flying away.

You turned to see the tall, mysterious figure of Shino. Rolling your eyes, you turned away and you wrapped your arms around your knees. You felt him sit down next to you. You shifted again, your cheek resting on your knuckles.

“It seems that I got the time wrong.” He mused.

“Yeah, no shit.” You snapped.

Muttered a string of curse words before letting the silence return. As a general rule, Shino Aburame must have been the last person you ever wanted to see. You tapped your foot. The wagtail returned to you, sitting on your head. You should have known that he’d give you the wrong time. You boiled under your skin. Was he trying to embarrass you? You’ll knock him into next week. Another bird landed on you. Who did he think he was? You should ask him that. Two more birds appeared. Can’t reject me to my face, huh? Gotta mess with me like a little f-

“Um,” You were pulled from your seething when Shino spoke your name.

“What?” You snarled. The birds flapped before settling back into peacefulness. Shino paused.

“You’re brooding.” You stared at him, suddenly aware of the small weights on your head.

“Is that supposed to be a joke, Bugs for Brains?”

“Unintentionally.” You could’ve punched him. “That happens when you’re upset.”

“You make me upset.” You kicked up from your seat, marching a few feet to the left as the birds scattered.

Shino silently followed you. His legs were, unfortunately, longer than yours. He grasped your wrist. You swiftly slapped his hand away, fury in your eyes.

“Touch me again and my birds will be eating beetle tonight.” Shino looked at you dead on. Your angry face reflected in his glasses, framed by his stoic face.

“Okay, what is it?” He sighed. Shino had been trying to figure out what happened between the two of you for quite a while but quickly found himself unable to. So, that left one last option: to ask you.

“What?” You spat for the second time that day.

“You’re upset.”

“Is it just me,” You put your hands on your hips with an exaggerated huff. “Or are we going in circles?” Shino remained silent. Much like at the aviary, he remained unmoving, ungodly patient, and silent. “Do I really have to spell it out? Will you fuck off if I spell it out?” Shino paused before slowly nodding.

Your face flushed red. You began to fidget. Your arms folded in front of you and your eyes shifted downward. Pebbles underneath your shoes ground into the pavement as your feet brushed against them.

“W-well,” You gulped. You took a deep breath. “Who wouldn’t be upset about their feelings being played with?” A forced bite appeared in your words to obscure the nervousness. You looked away in a faux attitude. “You take a girl on a date and she never hears anything back? Then you show up at the aviary, like, all you had to say was that you didn’t feel the same, you asshole!”

The red on your face grew deeper. Shino bit back a smirk. He had never seen you so flustered. It was a good look for you. He spoke your name, but you cut him off, spiraling in your embarrassment.

“No! You asked for it, you’re going to get it!” Your cheeks puffed.

With a newfound confidence, Shino stepped forward as you continued to rant. You didn’t notice between your streams of insults and obscenities until he leaned down to your level, planting a kiss on your lips. Your eyes widened in shock, but as his lips moved against yours, you melted quickly. A hand gingerly came up to caress the side of his face. You felt dizzy by the time he pulled away. Shino finally let that subtle smirk form on his lips. He finally shut you up. You blinked to reorient yourself.

You put a hand up to your lips, still feeling the sensation. That’s when you cut his victory short, reaching up to personally wipe that small cocky smile off of his face. Shino recoiled, the sting ringing on his skin. But before you could dive back into your rant, you saw a group approaching. Shino seemed to notice at the same time as you.

Sakura called out your name. Naruto and Sai trailed somewhat behind, likely unhappy at the prospect of being in close proximity to the two scariest women in their generation. You greeted your close friend. You hugged Sakura, genuinely excited to see her.

“Sakura! Hi!” The shift in your tone was a complete one-eighty. Relieved to have something else to focus on, you smiled. “What can I help with?”

“We brought some decorations for the table,” Sakura gestured to the bags that the two boys held. “I was thinking we could do something special before everyone else gets here.” You glance at Shino, narrowing your eyes.

“Yes, that sounds wonderful. Let’s go.” Sourness coursed through your tone as you left with the pinkette. Naruto and Sai shivered.

“Did you see that smile?” Naruto quivered.

“Like a vulture.” The sides of Sai’s lips were upturned, but sweat beaded on his brow. Neither dared to move.

“Shino,” Naruto stole a quick glimpse of the two retreating girls out of the corner of his eye. “What did you do? She’s pissed.” Sai leaned in.

“Is this what is called a ‘lover’s spat’?” He asked in a low voice.

Sakura’s voice rang out through the air.

“C’mon guys!” She shouted.

“We don’t have all day!” You laughed. The two boys shuddered.

“You’ll be fine.” Shino told them.

Naruto and Sai reluctantly retreated into the restaurant and Shino was left to his thoughts.

My poor analytical baby. All he knows is that you’re pissed and that he’s caught feelings.

Thank you to everyone who liked, reblogged, and followed. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

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d-targaryenshoe · 5 years ago

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A Tasteless Mess • Jesse Williams

Summary: Being in the world's biggest girl group and having a celebrity crush do not always go well together

word count: 1394

Your album Confetti had now been released to the outside world full of fans for three weeks. And with people who needed a belt under their hearts, or some kind of support.

But soon people were asked from all over to be a guest on talk shows, music events, photoshoots and the rest that came along as a member of a well-known girl band.

"These girls have the power to turn other girls with no confidence into the strongest girls ever, their sixth album Confetti has been out since last week, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Little Mix!" James stepped away from behind the desk and walked over to the sofa.

The five of you emerged from behind the curtain and heard the screams of the fans in the audience.

Waving to the fans, the five of you took turns embracing James, and you all did the same with Shawn and Lizzo.

Just as you all sat down Lizzo waved her hand in her face for some fresh air. "I can't believe these five amazing bitches are sitting next to me, James, let me have this moment"

The audience laughed at Lizzo's choice of words to describe her feelings toward the five girls sitting next to her.

"Yeah you're all pretty great, that's totally a statement" Shawn admitted, nodding to the five of you

"Pretty great? Shawnie boy, boo, listen, these women, I- they slay my life, they're incredibly good" Lizzo let out a loud laugh and put her ponytail on her left shoulder.

James placed pinched the bridge of his nose and looked at the audience with a neutral stare before turning it towards Lizzo. "Melissa Jefferson, this is my show, do you mind?"

Lizzo laughed again at the expression James just showed on his face. "Of course I'll just try to shut up, for now."

you and Jesy snort at Lizzo's answer before James directed one of his questions to you. "The album Confetti, it shows us a new side of you, was that your goal?"

Jesy nodded to the man's question before answering. "Especially a more mature side of us, that's something we wanted to show to the world and to our Mixers."

"Nothing but my feelings, is that one of those songs?" James asked, cerious.

"Definitely, me, Jade and Leigh-Anne wrote this song, we wrote it on a writing trip to LA, it's a very innocent song but the lyrics are quite daring." You explained when the fans started cheering.

"Are you going on a Confetti tour soon?" James said.

"Sure, it would be a shame not to sing these bangers live with fans like them, wouldn’t it?" Perrie pointed to the fans sitting in the multiple seats. "They're amazing and part of us."

"They really are." Leigh-Anne nodded, smiling at the fans.

"You heard it people they are going on a tour, but before we say goodbye, let's play a game of Spill Your Guts or fill Your Guts, come on."

the five of you stood up and followed the host of this show to the table, which was surrounded by six chairs and a plate filled with foods you'd rather not eat.

"The rules are simple, we will be asking each other a few personal questions. If you don't answer, you will have to eat a disgusting food of your opponents choice." James explained.

"there's jellyfish, turkey testicles, vienna sausage juice, also bull penis, bug trifle, bird saliva, june bug jello and a pepper smoothie." James said as he turned the plate.

"I can't believe I haven't run away yet." Jade muttered, sitting on the chair next to you.

"there is little chance now, I suppose." Perrie smiled at Jade, hands clasped on the table.

"I'll ask the first question, I'll give Jesy the bug trifle, by the way." Leigh-Anne said when James handed the cards to her. "Oh this is a good one."

"rank these collaborations from best to worst, Secret Love Song, How Ya Doing and More Than Words." Leigh-Anne read aloud, glaring at Jesy.

Jesy grinned at herself, licked her lips and took the glass with the trifle, peeking at the audience. "I can just eat some of the cream? I'm really not going to answer this question."

"if you want to be an wuss, sure, why not." James shrugged as the audience laughed slightly.

Jesy took the spoon and took a small scoop of the cream next to the bug and put it in her mouth before swallowing it with her eyes closed.

"Okay the next one if for Jade Amelia Thirlwall and I'll give her the bird saliva." James said, smiling at Jade shaking her head. "Rank these music videos, Sweet melody, Holiday and Break Up Song."

Jade leaned back in the chair, glaring at the glass filled with the thin substance. "I won’t touch that glass, nope, uhm, Sweet melody, Holiday and then Break Up Song, no hate, all three of those are great songs."

The rest of you nodded your heads to her answer, which is what you had privately talked about. Sweet Melody was your favorite music video at the moment.

The choreo, the location, the transitions everything was perfect about the music video. something you hadn't done for a long.

"The next one is for y/n and she gets the bull penis." Perrie smirked, turning the plate towards you. "It is not a lie that you co-wrote the lyrics to 'Shout Out to my ex' together with me, but which ex was it exactly?"

You laughed when Perrie finished reading the question just asked. "not a hair on my head that thinks I will answer this."

you took a small piece out of the bowl in front of you and inspected it although the smell came in very strong and made you cough before putting it in your mouth while the audience applauded

After a second of chewing you spit the piece into the bucket next to you, the dirty taste took over in your mouth, you took the glass of water that was standing on the table, finishing it all. "don't try this at home, Mixers."

"and now finally the host, we will give you the june bug jello." Jesy joked, spinning the plate. "Out of all the guests you've seen here, who wanted the fans to see for a long time?"

"oh! I know! I'm one of those! This is so unfair now that I know something." you pouted your lip when the audience laughed at your enthusiasm.

James frowned at Jesy and crossed his arms in thought, turning his head to the audience. "you can't accidentally call it or something?"

James sighed and took the jello off the plate and began to chew on the yellow and not so tasty dish that was being served.

he swallowed it and shook his head, overwhelmed with the taste now in his mouth. "that wasn't good."

the audience laughed and Jade took the last ticket before bursting into a loud laugh and clapping her hands and looking at you with wiggling eyebrows.

"oh god why am I scared?" you looked at the audience with a frown on your forehead.

"We all know you go live on Instagram once a week, we also know that besides being a member of Little Mix, that you are someone's fangirl, our fans know that too, or is it more of a crush?" tried to read to Jade, but she laughed.

"Who did me like that? dear lord, I'm not answering this after- fuck," you laughed nervously and the audience laughed along.

"So your love for Jesse Williams is huge?" James asked as a smirk played on his lips.

"Have you seen him? His eyes, his smile, his voice is so recognizable, the freckles, just everything ‘bout that man, but why are you smirking?" you asked.

"Maybe I should ask him?" said a voice from next to you that made you freeze, and the audience began to shout.

"no, no, no, no fucking way, okay, I'm gonna freak out, omg." your eyes opened wide when you turned and your celebrity crush was behind you. "oh my- I can rest in peace, can I give you a hug?"

you didn't wait for an answer but got up from your chair and took the actor in an embrace, the feeling of fangirl filled your heart.

#jesse williams imagines #jesse williams #little mix #little mix x you #little mix imagine #jesse williams x reader #celebrity imagine #fangirl #james corden #late late night with james corden #spill or fill your guts #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes x reader #shawn mendes #lizzo

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amillionsmiles · 4 years ago

Text

in your bedroom after the war (Dick/Artemis)

Title: in your bedroom after the war Summary: As far as coping mechanisms go, Artemis could be doing worse. At least her method has a gymnast’s ass. / Post-Invasion, pre-Outsiders. Rated M. A/N: I have one (1) agenda and that is messy grieving fuck buddies who are each other’s ride-or-dies. if you are not into fic that sits squarely in sad feral horny territory, then this is probably not your speed.

[Read and review here] or continue under the cut.

| GOTHAM

| JANUARY 14, 2017; 12:05 AM EST

Artemis is a bit heavier than she was in her teenage years, but her feet land lightly on the fire escape by the window. An hour ago, she’d called her mom from Metropolis, promising she’d be home by midnight. Ever since her daughter faked her death a year ago, Paula Nguyen has become even more of a worrywart, and Artemis knows that the five minutes she’s running late are going to cause her to receive an earful.

“Didn’t think I’d see you back in this neck of the woods.” A familiar figure drops from the roof above onto the rung below her.

“Nightwing.”

She’s not surprised that he’s been keeping tabs. Officially, he’s been on a leave of absence for the past six months, but Dick, like her, is vigilant in his grief.

She’d come back to Gotham because it put her closer to Metropolis and Beta Squad’s continued investigation of LexCorp, but the truth is that she could have Zeta-tubed from Palo Alto easily. Their—her—apartment had been no good though, not without Wally. So she’d left most of her things in storage to figure out later and moved back in with her mom. On days when Artemis can’t muster the energy to get out of bed, Paula wheels determinedly around the kitchen, ready to whip up some mì xào or a warm bowl of mì gói. They play card games and laugh about how bad Wally was at tiến lên the first time Paula tried to teach him. Your boy has no patience, he always wants to play his strongest cards right away, her mom had teased, and Wally had protested, I make it a rule to always put my best foot forward! and Artemis had loved him even more then.

Loved. Loves. She hates the past tense.

“I mean, were you ever going to ask me to grab coffee?”

She can see the bits of Wally in his cracks. In a room together, it was always easy to tell they were best friends from the way they riffed off each other. The acrobat and the speedster: all verbal gymnastics and fast-moving quips. But unlike Wally, who liked poking fun because he liked getting attention, Dick is at his wittiest when trying to avoid talking about himself.

Artemis reaches out and pulls him to sit down beside her. She makes a show of looking at her watch.

“How’s… 12:15 AM this Saturday?”

Dick pretends to check it against his mental schedule. If his is anything like hers, it probably goes: Wake up. Exercise (beating up bad guys counts). Mourn.

“Yeah, seems like I can swing it.”

“Perfect,” says Artemis, sliding up the glass panes to let them into her childhood bedroom. “I’ve got just the stuff.”

In the kitchen, Brucely stirs briefly from his dog bed to sniff the air and yip, then curls back asleep. Paula hands Dick a mug, waiting for him to take a sip before saying, “So you were the one who had the brilliant plan to have my daughter fake her death.”

Dick splutters; from the table, Artemis rises to his defense. “Mom,” she says. “Leave him be.”

Setting his cup down, Dick leans against the cabinets, bending his head slightly and rubbing the back of his neck. He does a good job of appearing chastised, and Artemis wants to roll her eyes, if only because she’s heard from Bette and Raquel that this pose is far too effective at convincing women to want to forgive him or try again.

“I’m not leading much of anything these days, if that’s at all a comfort to you.”

“Hmph.” Paula sniffs. “You live alone?”

“Yeah.” Dick shoots Artemis a questioning look over her mom’s head. Artemis shrugs.

“What do you do to fill the time?”

“A lot of reading. Gotham’s library system actually has a pretty good selection, believe it or not. I’ve also gotten really into meditating.”

“And you don’t sleep.”

Dick stiffens. For the first time, he looks exposed, a boy with too much guilt and too much time on his hands.

“I do. Tonight I was just… restless.”

Paula nods and backs up her wheelchair so she can sit by Artemis, curling her fingers over Artemis’s hand and squeezing. She raises her drink, Artemis and Dick following suit, the three of them toasting to invisible losses.

“Aren’t we all.”

Later, back on the fire escape, Dick taps his fingers against the railing, jittery. “I feel like I need to start doing jumping jacks. What was in that stuff?”

Artemis bites back a smile. “Yeah, Vietnamese coffee packs a hit. That’s my bad. Probably should have given you something non-caffeinated at this hour.”

“It’s fine. I’ll jog it out, or something.” He turns to go, but Artemis stops him with a hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, listen—it was good seeing you tonight. And if you need someone to talk to…” What she really means is: it’d be nice to be around someone who’s hurting as much as I am. Not to say that the rest of the team wasn’t as torn up over Wally’s death, but she and Dick had been ground zero. Closest to the blast.

After a pause, Dick nods. “Yeah… I could use a sparring partner, actually. I’ll send you an address.”

“Okay.” Satisfied, Artemis withdraws her hand, curling her fingers into her palm.

It feels like a start.

Dick’s directions lead Artemis to Wayne Manor; from there he takes her to the Bat Cave.

“I thought you were striking out on your own,” Artemis says, using her forearms to deflect a kick to her face. Dick grunts and recovers, throwing a punch to her stomach; she dances out of the way.

“I am. I just pop in here from time to time because Bruce has better equipment. Plus there’s less of a chance of me disturbing the neighbors.” He gestures to the eerily blue-lit stone walls around them.

Artemis feints and goes low, ducking under Dick’s guard. Two quick hits to Dick’s sternum pushes him back, before he gets a hand on her wrist and twists her around so that her back is pressed against his chest.

“Weren’t we supposed to be talking?”

Kicking his shin, Artemis breaks free. “All right, fine. I’ll start.” Jab. “I keep wanting a scapegoat.” Kick. “Like, one person to blame, instead of something as big as the Reach. But it’s not some giant revenge thing, and I know Wally wouldn’t want me to go down that sort of all-consuming rabbit hole even if it was, and that pisses. Me. Off.” On those last words, she manages to use Dick’s momentum against him and flips him over her shoulder.

For a minute, it’s so quiet between them she can hear the faint plip of water dripping from a stalactite into the water below the sparring dais. Still lying on the floor, Dick confesses, “I keep hearing him.”

“I make a joke to myself and he’s there, in my ear, with the punchline. And then…” He passes a hand over his face. “And then I realize that the real punchline is him being gone.”

Slowly, Artemis approaches him. She feels like she did when they were undercover at Haly’s circus so many years ago, that brief moment of hangtime before their hands connected in the air. She means to sit down next to him, pat his shoulder, she doesn’t know what, but instead Dick sweeps her legs out from under her and she goes down hard, the air whooshing out of her chest as she falls flat on her back.

“Agh!” The release sets something loose inside her. Next thing she knows, she’s yelling again, louder, just because.

Dick catches on and then it’s just the two of them shouting, their voices echoing through the cavern, threading around and piling atop each other like a flock of birds. After they’re done, Dick rolls so that they’re lying side by side.

“You know, when we were starting out—when we first became friends—I used to make fun of Wally that if he kept talking so much while running he was bound to swallow more bugs, or something. And he’d just shoot back like, ‘Nah dude, you think I’m not fast enough to see them and dodge them in the air?’ But you know how he was always so hungry after missions? One time I was so mad at him I put a bug in his sandwich. I’ve never forgotten the look on his face after he bit into it and I said, dodge that.”

“You didn’t.” Artemis gasps and covers her mouth, horrified, but she can see it so vividly: the colors draining from Wally’s face, making his freckles pop even more against his skin, the same greenish tint his cheeks took the time they went to Vietnam and he got food poisoning. He’d spent two days feverishly glaring up at the mosquito netting, and Artemis had draped cold hand towels over his forehead and promised she wasn’t going to leave him for the very obliging boy who kept bringing them ice.

“I did.” Dick is gleeful. “Really put the ‘rank’ in prank.”

Artemis snorts; the snort turns into a full-blown guffaw. Dick turns toward her, laughing too. His hair is matted with sweat but still soft; it brushes against her forehead.

It feels so good to be close to someone again, to be able to flip on a dime from sadness to frustration to anger to laughter and not have to explain herself. She can’t remember the last time she smiled and didn’t feel guilty about it, and she means it more affectionately than anything when she reaches over and brings Dick’s mouth to hers, like if she inhales whatever they’ve temporarily managed to create here between them, it’ll be enough to tide her over for the next few months. For a second, he’s warm and responsive, before his lips stiffen and he pulls back.

“I shouldn’t have done that.”

Shouldn’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t. Shouldn’t beat yourself up about it, shouldn’t blame yourself for getting back in the game. Artemis is sick of people telling her how to deal, how it’s supposed to go. It’ll get better and then it doesn’t. People talk like there are guidebooks for this kind of shit, like it’s a marathon she just needs to pace herself through. And it’s the stupidest thing, but she misses being held.

She sits up and crosses her arms, resisting the urge to curl in on herself. “You didn’t do anything. I’ll go.”

“No, Artemis, wait, I don’t think you should go, I just want to understand what’s going on—”

“I want you to touch me, okay?” she explodes. “I want you to touch me because he’s never going to again and I know you loved him too and—and maybe if it’s you, I won’t feel so desperately alone.”

Dick looks stricken, and then, hesitantly, he reaches for her. His eyes are so blue, the kind of crushed eggshell you’d use to make a paint. “You’re not alone.”

“Prove it,” she says, vision blurring with tears—wanting, needing him closer, and then his hairline is up against hers again and his nose is at her cheek, his mouth at her jaw, soft but with a willingness to bruise. Don’t ask me what we’re about to do, Artemis silently begs, and Dick doesn’t.

Wally had been a restless lover. Always turning them over, switching positions. Artemis had taken it as a challenge, part of the ongoing competition that defined their relationship. Deep down, she’d known that Wally would be just as content if the rest of their sex life consisted solely of spooning gently on Sundays, which, if anything, was why she’d been so eager to experiment—because it felt like an easy gift she could give, not something she had to master to “maintain excitement” or make him stay.

She’s not sure what she expected from Dick. Maybe that’s a comfort—that she wasn’t fantasizing before they happened, wondering about all the mechanics of how it would go. Dick lets her call the shots, lets her ride him into the ground, the grip of his fingers around her thighs the only reminder she isn’t just angling toward oblivion. When he presses his thumb between her legs, it’s a weird sort of anchor—like hearing a voice pick up on a line you thought was dead. She has a body, and here’s someone on the other end of it, caring about her release. As soon as that thought hits, the relief shudders through her; she keeps rocking long enough to feel Dick follow, a stutter and a grunt, before she collapses boneless over him, the sweat of his skin a comforting stickiness against her cheek.

Internally, she apologizes to Bruce for desecrating his training space. Then again, they’re hardly the first of the Justice League to get handsy in less than appropriate places. She’s seen how Black Canary and Green Arrow act around each other.

Below her, Dick catches his breath. The rush of blood—his or hers—is loud in her ears.

“I didn’t think you’d be so…” Giving, she means to say, but it gets lost on her tongue. “I mean, Zatanna…” she trails off again.

If Dick’s embarrassed at the prospect of his ex-girlfriend having blabbed about the details of their sex life to Artemis, he doesn’t show it. His fingers find a snag in her hair; gently, he works it loose. The air smells hedonistic. He keeps combing. Nice is the only word she can think to describe it, and that makes her want to cry again, so she squeezes her eyes shut.

“Thank you,” she whispers against his chest.

Dick pauses his ministrations. He flattens his palm against the base of her neck and just—holds her there.

“Don’t mention it.”

When she goes home that afternoon to shower, she runs the water on full blast for a long time.

Armed with Chinese food, she visits Dick’s place the next day intent on making amends. Dick doesn’t even act surprised; he just points to the glass coffee table where she can set the bag of chopsticks, napkins, and takeout.

“I’m trying to decide what to watch.”

There’s really no need for him to stand in front of the TV the way he does, one hand propped on his hip as he clicks through options with the remote. Artemis lets herself ogle, a bit. The surest way to blow past what happened between them yesterday is to be honest with herself, right? And as far as coping mechanisms go, Artemis could have done worse. At least her method has a gymnast’s ass.

“Any preferences?”

“Between what?” asks Artemis, cracking open the carton of lo mein and settling back against the cushions. The Netflix suggestion algorithm onscreen paints a condemning picture of Dick’s tastes. “True crime or… true crime?”

Wally had been really into nature documentaries. One time during freshman year, when they were still living on Stanford’s campus, they’d gotten high in Wally’s dorm room and watched Blue Planet. Wally had cried when the seal got flung apart by killer whales.

“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark it is, then,” says Dick. He settles next to her on the couch, peeling back one of the orders and sniffing its contents. “What’s this one?”

“Salt and pepper ribs. They were today’s special.”

“Artemis.” Dick beams. “You really do care about me.”

Ten minutes into the episode begs a single question: “Isn’t it sort of depressing that you spend so much of your day fighting crime, and then you go home to unwind and just watch… more of it?”

Dick shrugs. “It keeps me sharp. And it’s nice seeing other people solve problems.”

“Well, if you ever feel like branching out, there’s a short film about Rubik’s cubes you might like.” Artemis nudges his side. “Remember when you were a scrawny math geek?”

Bringing both hands behind his head, Dick smirks. “Still a math geek. Just not scrawny.”

Artemis stares. That was just a bit of friendly showboating, right? Or was it a flirt? Not trusting herself, she whips her gaze back toward the TV. What feels like eons later, the credits roll.

“Artemis,” Dick says, too soft for having just finished a show about murder. He taps the corner of his mouth. “You’ve got some food stuck.”

She wipes with the back of her hand; a breaded piece of orange chicken emerges as the culprit. Without thinking, she flicks it off, sending it flying somewhere onto Dick’s carpet.

“Oops.”

Chuckling, Dick shakes his head. “I need to vacuum tomorrow, anyways.”

The mention of tomorrow stirs her. “Right. I should head out.”

“Yeah.” Dick rises to help her clean up their mess, holding open the plastic bag so she can toss in the soiled napkins and other bits of trash. “Or—”

He hesitates, but the hesitation’s enough. It might as well be a hand on her wrist, with how it stops her in her tracks. All night, despite what she told herself, she’s been looking for proof: proof that his aloneness fits the shape of hers, that he needs her, too. This time, Dick makes the first move—cups her face in both hands and kisses her, slow and deep and full of heat. Some pepper from the food they ate still lingers on his lips, making her mouth tingle, and Artemis is dizzy and flat on her back on the couch before she knows it, giving in.

Not scrawny at all, she thinks, admiring the solidness of Dick’s knees on either side of her, the weight of his frame as they grind together. The sheer mechanics of it feel very horny-teenager-after-prom, but the way Dick sucks her bottom lip and swallows her breath down with it is decidedly adult. These days, Artemis practically lives in her sports bra, which doesn’t exactly grant easy access, but when Dick’s fingertips skim over the cotton covering her breasts the sensation zings all the way down her spine.

“Need… off…”

“Yeah,” Dick murmurs, humming as he moves down the column of her neck. “Gimme a sec, I’m working on it.”

She’d worn sweats because she figured their bagginess would keep her from sparring again and any potential… situations that could arise from that. Instead, all it means is Dick unties the drawstrings easily, sliding her pants down her legs. Cool air brushes across her as he shifts positions; she wants to sob in relief. His teeth graze her hip and then catch the edge of her panties and—oh. Fuck. The moan tears out of her and she scrabbles at the armrest, hips rising of their own accord. Next time, she is handcuffing Dick to a bed, because what he’s doing with his tongue and fingers should be illegal. She can feel him grinning, the bastard, and the only thing keeping her from crushing his head to a pulp between her thighs is the maneuver he pulls where he hooks her knees over his shoulders, so he can change the angle and plunge in deeper. Artemis shoves the edge of her T-shirt into her mouth at the last minute, only barely managing to muffle her cry.

Dick surfaces from his solo mission looking entirely too satisfied, mouth glistening. Trembling, still, from her orgasm, Artemis squints at him, possessed by some combination of unbridled lust and rage.

“Dick.”

“You calling, or asking?”

“Shut up,” she hisses. She feels like a newborn foal, after what he just did to her, but the urge to dismantle him just as thoroughly sends her surging upward and pushing him back. Dick welcomes their reversed positions by peeling off his shirt and tossing it over his shoulder, all while Artemis works furiously at his belt. It shouldn’t feel so good, to hear the metal clink against his button and watch the leather slide through the loops. To see the shadows the light of the TV casts on him—the lashes on his cheeks, the hollow of his throat. Artemis hadn’t paid much attention the first time, too desperate and caught up a bit in self-loathing, but now she’s actually enjoying this, savoring the flex of Dick’s abs as he pushes up to meet her, his skin pebbling at her touch.

“I’m going to take you apart,” she purrs.

Dick groans and bucks. The sensation sends a sharp spike of pleasure through her, and she clamps down on him tighter, refusing to yield.

“Try me, Tigress,” he rasps, pushing himself up on one arm so he can mouth at her collarbone. With his other hand, he pulls off her hairtie so her hair comes free of her ponytail, and this is going to be a thing with him, isn’t it, him wanting to fuck her while her hair swings loose around her face. She indulges him for a few minutes, claws his back and bites his shoulder for good measure, but then she’s pushing him back down and stretching out her body as languidly as possible to remind him who’s boss. Their pace slows. Dick keeps a hand fisted in her hair, so he can tug her head back in order to keep her neck exposed to his wanton mouth, but his grip gets less sure the closer she pushes him to the edge.

“Art—” says Dick, the single syllable like a painting pinned to the wall, fraught with desire, and then he just lets it drop, the tresses of her hair falling through his fingers. She wants to tell him that he’s beautiful, that he does look like a boy wonder, right then, in the midst of coming undone, chest flushed and hair mussed and pupils blown nearly wide enough to overtake the blue.

She doesn’t, but she stays the night, and that’s close enough.

High-functioning, Artemis’s therapist had called her, before Artemis moved back to Gotham. And it does feel like a high—the sneaking around, the after-hours meet-ups, the back-and-forth. There’s no one really keeping tabs on her, though Artemis has plenty of cover stories if anyone asks (new intel, side reconnaissance, etcetera, etcetera). Her mom eyes her and says, “As long as you’re not planning on staging your own death again, because I will find out and I will kill you this time,” and that’s that. Artemis nearly laughs. If anything, what she’s doing is the opposite, a small resurrection. An entire month and a half passes this way: day trips and dinners and movie nights and Dick and her in a bathtub, in the shower, against a wall. She even wears a gown and heels once, not because they have an actual event to attend, but because Dick has a fantasy that involves taking her from behind in the Wayne Manor library.

They’re in his apartment on a Sunday morning bathing in the afterglow, sheets tangled around their waists. Thank god Dick is one of those assholes that splurged on not only a nice mattress but also a solid bed frame. Artemis reaches over to push the hair out of his eyes. The black tuft on the back of his head that she likes grabbing is fluffed up like a duck's tail, and under the sunlight slanting through the windows, he looks angelic.

“Are you falling back asleep?”

Yawning, Dick snags her around the waist, dragging her to him. She should not delight this much in being manhandled.

“You wore me out,” he complains, tucking his chin over her shoulder.

“They just don’t make them like they used to,” Artemis sighs. Dick growls a little at the dig, fingers tightening against her hip.

Well. If he’s going to nap, she is, too. Comfortably spooned, she snuggles back against him, prepared to drift off.

“Do you think Wally would have wanted…” Dick doesn’t finish the thought.

Artemis turns in his arms. Dick has long eyelashes, and he’s looking at her through them almost bashfully. She places a hand on his chest. Feels his heartbeat thump once, twice.

“I think he would want us to be happy.”

“Are you?” Dick’s voice fades out and he has to swallow hard to clear his throat. “Happy?”

“I’m not… miserable.”

Dick runs his hand up her bare arm, over her shoulder. “Me neither.”

“You know, Wally and I thought…” She bites her lip, remembering a whoosh of air, Wally speeding to her side to kiss her and interrupting her report on the disabled Paris MFD. I know we promised each other we’d get out of this game, but maybe we can have our life together and play hero, too. “We thought we’d have everything.”

Dick’s response isn’t mournful; it’s matter-of-fact. “After my parents died, I never really convinced myself that I could have it all.”

“That sounds like something Batman would say.”

“Does it?”

“A little.”

Once upon a time, Artemis had stood before the team ready to lay bare her darkest secret, waiting to be kicked out. And Dick had shown his hand: he’d known from the beginning and hadn’t cared. You aren’t your family. You’re one of us. She knows he’s second-guessed himself over the years, wondering how fit he actually is to play leader. But for her, trust has always been the easiest thing about the two of them. It was why she’d said yes so easily to his deep cover mission—because she knew that he wouldn’t quit until he’d brought all of them home, that he would do whatever he could to keep them safe.

Taking his face in both her hands, she looks deep into his eyes. “You deserve good things, Dick Grayson.”

“Mm.” Dick smiles into her kiss, hooks his ankle over hers. “Keep telling me that. I’ll start to believe it.”

Jade abandons Will and Lian on a Tuesday, and Artemis’s carefully crafted equilibrium falls apart. At least this time she’s not the one directly being left, unlike when she was a teenager. Her expectations of her older sister had hardly been high, but if she’d plotted them on a graph they’d have trended upward. Now they’ve tanked.

“Did she leave any hint of where she was going?” Dick asks over the whir of his juicer. He’s gotten really into squeezing oranges lately; Artemis can’t complain because he always gives her the first glass.

“It’s Jade. She never wants to be found, and I hardly think she’s about to try an Eat Pray Love type thing.”

“Eat Slash Steal, maybe?” Dick offers, dropping two ice cubes into a drink and setting it in front of her.

Artemis sips, balling up a napkin and throwing it at him at the same time. “Watch it, that’s still my family you’re talking about.”

“I’m sorry. How’s Will taking it?”

“As well as any dad trying to raise a two-year-old by himself would.”

“So, poorly.” Dick taps his finger against the table. “Are they coming here?”

Artemis looks at him blankly. “Why?”

“I figured they might want to be closer to you and your mom now that Jade’s gone. Gotham’s not so bad—you and I turned out fine. And Will probably needs to look into preschools and a babysitter for Lian soon. If you move in with me, you can bring her over whenever.”

The last piece of information slips in so casually she thinks she’s misheard. “What?”

“If you move in with me, you can bring Lian over whenever,” repeats Dick. “This place is as good as yours. You’re over here all the time anyway.”

Suddenly, she can’t breathe. “You’re serious.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

She can’t meet his eyes. “W—Will’s home is in Star City. He’s not going to move.”

Slowly, Dick says, “Okay. But my offer doesn’t really depend on Will.”

Her stuff is still in boxes. She’s still paying for a storage unit almost 3,000 miles away. And Dick is waiting on her so intently it makes her chest hurt.

Artemis stands up. “We’re not doing this.”

Dick’s eyebrows rise. Annoyance, or maybe anger, flickers across his face. “You wanna fill me in on what exactly it is we’re doing, according to you?”

“We’re not going to fight about this like we’re…” In a relationship. In love. In anything other than a messy configuration started by shared grief. She doesn’t say any of it out loud, but she doesn’t need to—Dick’s always been great at reading people, and he’s known all her tells from the start.

“Right.” The single syllable comes out as cold and pointed as an icicle. He pushes his chair back from the table and stands up. The clouds are rolling in, throwing shadows across his features. Even now, Artemis wants to kiss him, wants to be the one to smooth the furrow between his eyebrows away.

“Dick…”

“Do me a favor, will you?” Dick grabs his jacket from the hook by his door, shrugging it on. He pauses, briefly, in the doorway. “Lock my door on the way out.”

That night, she lies alone in her bedroom next to the picture of her, Wally, and Brucely. Brucely snuffles at the foot of her bed and then leaps onto the covers, and this time she doesn’t shoo him off. Neither does she fall asleep.

There was a song Jade had liked to sing, passed down from their mother: a Vietnamese lullaby about a yellow butterfly, to the tune of “Frère Jacques.” The butterfly flies all over the sky. Come and see. Come and see. When it became clear that Artemis’s hair would grow in blond, not black, Jade started pulling it, making her giggle. You’re the yellow butterfly, see?

The taxicab she calls for the airport is bright yellow in the morning light. Plain old civilian travel for plain old civilian business. You don’t need to be a superhero to fly across the country and move in with your brother-in-law and your niece. She’ll sing silly little songs and wash Lian’s hair, and they’ll be a family same as anyone else’s: clumsy, incomplete.

“Artemis.” Dick coalesces out of the fog. They haven’t seen or spoken to each other in a week, and she should be mad that he’s here because it probably means he’s been monitoring her web traffic and caught wind she’d bought plane tickets. Still, all she feels is relief.

Jade had laughed when Artemis had let slip what she was doing during one rare sisterly bonding moment. “Oh, darling sister, your thing with your little bird boy isn’t about moving on. You’re using him as a holding pattern. Try not to damage him too much, hm?” Rankled, Artemis had hung up the phone—what did Jade know about anything, besides shoving it under the rug and pretending it didn’t matter? Now, though, Artemis sees things more clearly. Jade did know something about bodies and what they could and couldn’t fix; after all, isn’t that why she ran?

She worries with the strap of her duffel bag, letting Dick approach.

“If this were a romcom, you would have waited until I got to the airport and then run through security.”

“If this were a romcom,” says Dick, stopping in front of her and shoving his hands in his pockets, “I’d be trying to make you stay.”

She thinks he might be the one person left on this planet who knows her best. She thinks they could save each other, if they’d let themselves try. But they each have work to do on their own, first.

Setting down her bag, she tucks her face into the crook of his neck and breathes him in. Wherever else she goes, this spot will always feel like forgiveness. Nose buried in her hair, Dick squeezes her back.

The taxi driver rolls down his window. “Is this guy coming with us or not?”

Artemis pulls back, and there’s so much sky in Dick’s eyes.

“You know where to find me,” she says.

| STAR CITY

| JULY 29, 2018; 7:30 AM PST

“Who are you here to recruit this time?” Will asks, leaning against the doorframe, but Artemis doesn’t need an answer, doesn’t need any details but the black hair she can see just over Will’s shoulder, Dick’s voice at the end of a line.

He jumps, and she jumps with him. They’ll figure out everything else as they go.

Before Dick can respond, she says: “I’m in.”

#young justice #artemis crock #dick grayson #traught #dick x artemis #my writing #fanfiction #ff: yj

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feminaexlux · 4 years ago

Text

All That Matters (Pt 2: They’re Multiplyin’ and I’m Losing Control)

Part 2 of All That Matters. Part 1 here

Find this on AO3 here!

⁂

Ladybug convinced a newly transformed Dragon Noir to use Water form and launch himself into the sky. He'd be able to get a look at what was happening from a bird's eye view and find Queen Wasp and the other Miraculous holders. Dragon Noir was hovering above Paris in a large water bubble at the peak of his arc when he contacted her. "Hey 'Bug, she's at the Trocadero, and… you're right," Dragon Noir sighed. "She's got the other heroes all brainwashed and suited up. Except Ka--uh, the fencer girl is just… standing there."

"Is she okay? M-Master Fu isn't with them, is he?" Ladybug asked nervously.

"I think she's fine, just… non-responsive. I don't see him. Am I supposed to see him?" Dragon Noir asked, concerned.

"No! No." Ladybug breathed out a sigh of relief. "Just… just that Queen Wasp doesn't have access to all of the Miraculous then," Ladybug said. Okay. Master Fu was still safe, to a degree. Even though he wasn't really the Guardian anymore.

"Master Fu" was, in fact, not even a real person anymore.

There had been one too many close calls with Master Fu being nearly discovered by Mayura and Hawkmoth, and with Marinette being as hyper-competent as she was, Fu made the decision to retire earlier in the late summer. After all, the Order had been restored and he was no longer the last of his kind. Marinette had proven herself worthy of Guardianship time and time again. He was just too old, too weak, too slow to react and adapt.

Fu had handed over the Miracle Box to Ladybug at the end of summer. His penultimate act as Guardian was to tell her who King Monkey was after handing out the Monkey Miraculous to Kim. Ladybug became the new Guardian of the Miraculous in secret, and the person that was "Master Fu, Guardian of the Miraculous" was no more after he lost all of his memories.

There was one final "gift" that Master Fu had left Ladybug before his memories were erased. Fu had given her his blessing to use him as a decoy. Better to have Hawkmoth track down and find a dead end in a broken old man than wreak more havoc with more Miraculous under his command.

The knowledge of whoever Chat Noir was underneath the mask got lost along with Fu's memories. But that was fine to Ladybug. Chat Noir was simply her partner, and that was enough.

Though losing Master Fu as her mentor and confidante had been such a huge blow to Marinette. She had spent a week crying in secret until Luka had surprised her one day, visiting her in her room. "Thought I'd join you here if that's alright," Luka had said, and Marinette let him stay with her. He'd just smiled and held out his hands to her. He hadn't even asked what was wrong. He was just present, letting her cry in his arms until she couldn't anymore. "If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

It had been a good long time until she was able to speak again. "You're already helping me," Marinette had said quietly, pressing herself into the hug. "This is all that I need."

Ladybug shook her head to get back to the present. She stuck her head out of the water and took a quick scan of her surroundings, making sure she wasn't spotted by anything. She got out of the river, drying out the Lucky Charm scarf as best she could. "Tikki, Mullo, Unify!" This was another Big Secret Marinette kept to herself: that she'd been keeping Mullo's Miraculous on her. It had changed a bit recently, now representing itself as a necklace with a pendant shaped like a guitar pick that she hid under her shirt. Marinette was paranoid enough that she couldn't let anyone see her wear the necklace. Multimouse had detransformed in front of Chat Noir, after all.

Sometimes she transformed into Multimouse without any akumas to deal with - breaking her own rule of not using the Miraculous for personal reasons - to be as small as she felt sometimes and hide away from the world. She and Tikki had a lot of heart to heart conversations tucked into a hatbox in one corner of her room.

This time, she was using it to just be stealthy. She used Multitude to split into several smaller versions of herself, fanning across a large area and running down different streets and alleyways toward the Trocadero.

"She's calling herself Miracle Queen," Dragon Noir mused. "The… the others are surrounding her to defend her. I'd say we're in quite a pickle, my Lady."

Multibug didn't stop running. "How do you feel about trying to draw the honor guard away?" one of her asked.

Dragon Noir snorted. "On it. Easy as pie." Over the comms Ladybug heard her partner shout "Hey there demons, it's me, ya boi Chat Noir! I'm standing right here. You brain-dead zombies want my miraculous? Come and get it!"

…

Okay…

One of the Multibugs pulled out her yoyo and took a look at the screen. Dragon Noir's spot on her map kept jumping around, pulling the group of the other heroes away as they all chased after him. Pegasus was using Voyage to keep trying to intercept but Dragon Noir bounced off in a different direction as fast as lightning. She had to give props to Chat, he sure knew how to play that cat-and-mouse game well.

But Dragon Noir wouldn't be able to keep this up forever if Viperion was working against them. She needed to take down Viperion and this Miracle Queen, and she needed to do that as soon as possible. She kept moving forward, scurrying across as fast as she could to get to cover or hide behind or underneath things, trying to close in and surround Miracle Queen from as many angles as she could get at the Trocadero.

One of her got close, so close. Miracle Queen was standing in front of a line of golden statues, and a Multibug was hiding behind one of the statue plinths when she got grabbed from behind. "Aahhh!" she squeaked out loud.

"Not ssso fassst, little moussse," Viperion said as he turned her toward his face, stressing his s's in what was probably a mockery of Sass. "You'll never get the drop on me, can't you see?" He turned toward Miracle Queen and bowed to her with Multibug firm in his grip. "I've found a pest, My Queen."

Multibug held back another squeak. "Lu--Viperion! Viperion, don't do this, don't listen to her! Don't let her control you!" She had been so sure that Dragon Noir had led them all away, how did Viperion surprise her?! She realized he must have used Second Chance and timed it so he knew just when to turn back and stop her. The other heroes must have coordinated to trick Dragon Noir!

Miracle Queen turned her head lazily, examining her nails with a sour look after giving a quick glance at Viperion presenting her the Multibug in his left hand. "Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous. A rat? That's the best you could do, Ladybug?" Miracle Queen leaned in and looked closer at Multibug. "Hmm. Although you do have your Miraculous, but they're so tiny. I don't know how much more useless you could possibly be, but…" A wasp manifested above the Queen's hand, hovering and ready to strike.

There was a lightning fast zzzip and a yoyo snatched up the wasp from right in front of Miracle Queen before she realized what happened. Miracle Queen cried out, looking up only to have a pair of Multibugs drop down from above and wrap the scarf tight around her face, blocking her vision entirely. "What the-- Aaaah!" Miracle Queen screamed as she stumbled backward.

Viperion started reaching for his bracelet but the Multibug in his hand reached out as fast as she could and held back the serpent's head to prevent the reset. The two Multibugs that dropped merged together, and another larger Multibug emerged from the shadows. The 2 larger Multibugs lassoed Viperion's left and right wrists with their jump ropes and pulled away from each other, forcing Viperion's arms apart. They coordinated and pulled their ropes backward, unbalancing Viperion and dragging him off his feet to slam his back up against a statue plinth, knocking the breath out of him. This allowed the Multibug in his hand to wriggle free and pull off his bracelet as he struggled against his bindings.

Miracle Queen pulled off the scarf and threw it on the ground just as a detransformed Luka fell to his knees, the jump ropes untying smoothly from his wrists as the Multibugs pulled away and sprinted off in different directions. "DISGUSTING! Ugh!" She stomped toward Luka and grabbed the collar of his shirt and forced him to look up at her. "You're so useless!"

"Hey! Leave him alone!"

Miracle Queen looked to her side, where a fully sized Multibug was glaring at her. "What, this piece of trash?" Miracle Queen mocked, picking a struggling Luka up by the throat until he was hanging a few inches off the ground. "He belongs with the rest of the filthy garbage!" She threw him at Multibug.

"Luka! No!" Multibug rushed in to catch him and they collided, sending them both tumbling to the ground. She sat up with Luka cradled in her arms, he was still dazed from the impact and mind control but it seemed like he was slowly recovering. Her face was set in rage when she looked up at Miracle Queen. "How could you?!"

Instead of responding Miracle Queen summoned a new swarm of wasps. Miracle Queen commanded her wasps to "Get her!" just as Multibug's earrings beeped, starting the countdown to her powers running out.

Multibug growled, trying to decide between letting Luka down to deal with the threat or getting them both out of there as fast as possible. She made her decision, throwing out her yoyo and hooking it onto a railing, pulling her and Luka away from the Trocadero as fast as she could manage trying to outpace the wasps. But even after a few swings the wasps were still pursuing and inching in closer, much too close for comfort. Multibug wasn't sure where she could go that would be safe so she gritted her teeth and dove both her and Luka into the Seine.

⁂

Luka's head was swimming in black and white static. It felt like he was floating in a sea of quicksand, getting swallowed up and drowning in grainy noise. He couldn't have any thoughts of his own last longer than a second, they'd all been drowned out by this stupid buzzing. He must have gone crazy.

"--bzzzkrrzzzzkstshshhbzzzshzzzLuka!bzzzsrrkzstzz--" Wait, that was… that sounded like-- "--rrrbkzzzzshshkstbzzzssskchssshbrLuka!rssshkzzzbzkrrrrbzzz--" Marinette! For one split second he saw her. She'd been panicked, looking up at him with worry. He hated that he made her feel this way.

He felt his legs being forced to move. Something was tugging at his hand, something warm, something small, but the sensation of it kept slipping away unless he fought hard to concentrate on it. Then it let go, letting him fully sink back into the static. He could sense that he'd been walking for some time, and then he stopped. There was this… grating noise on top of the static that must have been someone's voice tell him something… something about… the Miraculous?

Hissing sounds started overlying the buzzing in the background. He felt something tightly coil at his wrist, and when he could stop and focus against the pressure wave of sound that pressed into him from all sides, he noticed that a lot of that hissing came from… that coil? It was shapeless, the definition of its boundaries lost in the black and white grainy spots that covered his vision.

He felt that thing that was hissing bite into his wrist, and man, ouch, what the heck was that-- He started seeing distinct outlines and colors, forms and shapes, could hear silence beyond the buzzing… He could faintly see Sass? That little guy was sinking his fangs into Luka's wrist… He almost got back in control of his senses with the pain from Sass' bite when it felt like his head got yanked back by an invisible hand and it slammed his head forward into the static, sending him back into confusion.

Wait, could he… he couldn't tell if he was breathing, but he could still feel his heartbeat. He needed to focus on that, maybe try to feel the pattern, feel the pulse, meditate on that constant rhythm like a metronome. Could he break free from the static with that?

Sass bit him again. Luka was hoping it was the kwami trying to help more than hurt Luka. He trusted Sass, didn't he? Yeah. Yeah, why did he question that? There was a blinding flash that forced Luka to blink and he forgot about both his meditation and Sass trying to get his attention. What might have been an eternity or a few seconds later, there was another flash, but Luka tried to keep his eyes open. He could swear he saw Sass more clearly in that flash, but what did that mean?

There was another flash. Followed by two more. He'd grabbed something in his left hand. Mouse, he suddenly thought. "--zzzzzzbzzzzhssssssssshshshchtchssszzzzViperion!brrsssszzzzzrrzzz--" Viperion? Was that who he was? Were the blinding flashes his use of Second Chance? Wait… who was calling him? He had the faintest impression of red, or pink maybe, or blue-- Marinette's eyes were staring back up in fear, in pleading -- why couldn't he help her? He wanted to make her happy but he'd just been so--

"You're so useless!"

Yeah. He knew that.

The static noise abruptly stopped and he was looking up at yellow and black, the masked face of Miracle Queen. Her magenta eyes were narrowed and mocking and full of derision. She lifted him by the throat and he was struggling against her, but then he got flung aside. Marinette's voice cut through the lingering thick fog in his mind. "Luka! No!" He landed on something softer than the concrete ground. "How could you?!" Marinette yelled at Miracle Queen, sounding the most angry he'd ever heard her.

Wait, this wasn't Marinette… was it? Luka had tried to get a better look at the girl who was holding him up but then she sent them both soaring through the sky, pulled along by her… magic yoyo. Ladybug? She didn't look like Ladybug… or no he saw some red and black along with the pink and gray of the rest of her suit.

His face was right next to hers. He heard the beeping of her earrings get faster. He also heard Chat Noir's voice coming through Ladybug(?)'s earrings. "Sorry 'Bug, I'm out -- I gotta recharge!"

"Me too!" Ladybug replied, yelling over the wind. "Sorry Luka, we're going in," she said more quietly, pulling him in closer and cradling his head against her chest. Then they both plunged into the Seine.

⁂

To be continued...

Oh boy what a pickle >_>

#fxl fic #lukanette #lukanette endgame #endgame lukanette #ladybug #chat noir #dragon noir #multibug #luka couffaine #marinette dupain cheng #miracle queen #viperion #akumatized(?)!viperion #lbscexchange2021

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sincerlypadfoot · 5 years ago

Text

Dungeons And Dragons (3)

Word Count- 1137

Send Requests Here

I looked up at the doors of the ministry, rubbing my hands together and watching people walk past me, in and out of the building.

“Excuse me?” A woman said jumping me out of my thoughts. “Are you lost?” She asked smiling at me. “My names Gemma Brail,” She said putting her hand out.

“I’m Lyla Weasley, I’m just looking for the Magizoology section of this building,” I said looking at Gemma then back at the building.

“Easy, I can show you there, that's a strange choice in careers,” Gemma smirking walking towards the building. “Come on, follow me and keep up,” She said walking in.

“Yeah, it is I guess,” I chuckled following closely behind her. “But I thought since my husband is studying Dragons, I could do something I like too,” I smiled turning into an elevator.

“Husband huh, you don’t look old enough to get married,” Gemma chuckled leaning against the wall. “Just wanna warn you, these beasts aren’t very nice, I’ve had a few encounters myself,” She huffed shaking her head.

“Yeah just freshly out of school, it was a surprise,” I chuckled holding up my hand showing my ring. “But I’m sure I can handle myself, they’re pretty interesting to me,” I smiled getting cut off with the elevator ringing.

“Just go straight, you should find a woman dressed in black sitting at a counter, she’ll send you where you need to go,” Gemma said as I stepped out. “Good luck and hope to see you around,” She smiled as the elevator door slammed and she was off.

“Lyla Weasley,” A toned planned voice said causing me to turn around. “Your late let’s go,” A woman dressed in black said walking down a hallway.

“I’m sorry, I just moved here, I’m here now,” I said quickly walking behind her. “What can I do?” I asked nervously.

“Go find the nifflers that are loose in the building please, our other rooky let them loose, that's your job for the day, find them and I’ll consider not firing you,” The woman said walking into a room and slamming the door making me jump.

“Nifflers, that can’t be that hard huh,” I whispered walking away from the direction the signs pointed to. “Nifflers,” I said looking at the sign, turning into a stairwell. “Easy peasy,” I chuckled pointing my wand throwing a niffler into the air and towards me. “Hello there,” I smiled looking down at the little black and white Niffler that sat in my hand with a smile.

“Oh goodness thank you so much, there you are bambo,” A boy with blue hair said running up the stairs towards me. “I thought I was gonna be fired, you just saved my life,” He chuckled standing in front of me. “Anick Wanda,” He said putting out his hand,

“Lyla Weasley,” I chuckled shaking his hand. “Well, I would have been fired too apparently if I didn’t catch these little guys,” I chuckled handing the nifflers to Anick.

“Don’t take Mrs. Norris too harshly, she says that to everyone,” Anick chuckled walking down the stairs. “Follow me, I’ll show you around, have you ever encountered any of these creatures?” He asked, I followed him quickly down the stairs.

“Not particular, just the Niffler,” I chucked stopping at the bottom of the stairs. “I’ve studied them, never seen them but I’m pretty interested too,” I said, I watched Anick put the Niffler back into a little cage-like thing.

“Okay well follow me, I’ve gotten a couple of things you’ll love,” he said walking into a hallway. “I know we’ve just met but trusted me okay, you’ll love this,” Anick chuckled opening a door, we walked down another staircase. “Meet Phoenix,” Anick said opening a door, we walked into an African environment.

“Phoenix?” I questioned looking around, a large bird-like thing landed in front of me. “Oh a Thunderbird,” I smiled looking at the big bird who looked at me like I was a snack.

“Put your hand out, just put your hand out and let him come towards you,” Anick said, I did what he said, I placed my palm flat in front of me, Phoenix came slowly towards me, his tongue slashed across my face making me laugh.

“I love it,” I laughed petting the big bird that now sat in front of me. “Hello you,” I said petting his beak.

“I’ve never seen him like someone so much, that’s good because he hates being fed by anyone, maybe you’ll change that Lya,” Anick chuckled walking out, if you’d like you could clean up his area a bit, feed him some food, then come find me when you're done,” Anick said closing the door, leaving Phoenix and me alone.

“Don’t kill me, it’s my first day okay,” I chuckled petting the thunderbird on the head and walking towards the bucket of fish laying behind me. “You want some fish?” I asked grabbing a bear fish with my hand. “Here you go!” I shouted tossing the fish in the air, Phoenix jumped up in the air catching the fish in his mouth. “Oh that's a good boy,” I said looking up at the bird who was looking at me with his head tilted. “Another one, okay,” I chuckled grabbing another fish and tossing the slimy thing into the air.

“Charlie you wouldn’t believe the day I had, it was amazing!” I shouted walking through the door of our house. “There was this big thunderbird and I got to feed him and I got to look at these little green stick bugs, they were so cute,” I excited said walking into the living room where Charlie was sitting with a smile. “How was your day?” I asked sitting on the couch.

“It was good, I didn’t do much, just starting out but I got to see some Dragons, I’ll have to bring you to see them,” Charlie said turning his body to face me. “I missed you today, and I’m glad you had a good,” Charlie said leaning over and wrapping his arms around me.

“Yeah a whole semester studying Dragons, i’m jealous,” I joked kissing Charlie on the cheek. “Whats the?” I muttered looking down at my pocket, Bambo had my ring from my finger in his little pocket.

“Who’s this?” Charlie asked grabbing Bambo and looking at him. “Your a little cutie, can we keep him?” Charlie asked making the Niffler giggle at him.

“They have tons of these little guys at the ministry, we could keep him, there’s about ten of them that look like him,” I chuckled petting the little guys head. “His names Bambo,” I said taking my ring back and slipping it back onto my hand.

“Well little guy, welcome to the family, there's some rules,” Charlies said smiling and placing the guy on his lap. “No stealing anything, we’ve got tons of food,” He said making me look at the him with a smile.

#CharlieWeasley #charlie weasley #charlie weasley x you #charlie weasley x reader #charlie weasley x y/n #charlie weasley x mc

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the-awkward-outlaw · 5 years ago

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Hi! I wanted to request something where the gang enjoys a thanksgiving or Christmas together?? :-)

Honestly, Anon, I’m surprised I got to this before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Anyways, here you go!

Masterlist

Read on AO3

Holidays are a rare thing for the gang to enjoy because the lifestyles they live prevent them from doing so. Most of them don’t get much more than a “Happy (whichever holiday). Same goes for birthdays.

However, Dutch and Hosea feel that Christmas is an important holiday that needs celebrating. Not because of the religious factors, but because it’s a holiday about love and unity. The gang needs to be reminded that they all care about one another sometimes.

Most of the planning goes to Hosea, and he often has to remind Dutch to help out. He doesn’t mind though because when Dutch does get down to plan, he puts his whole heart into it.

No matter where the gang is located, everyone pitches in to try and decorate camp without drawing too much attention.

Arthur and Charles cover the hunting bit, gathering turkeys or geese for Pearson to cook.

Although Pearson’s knowledge of different kinds of food are pretty limited, he made sure years ago to learn a good recipe for roasting birds on an open fire. Everyone appreciated it immensely.

However, it wouldn’t be Christmas if Lenny and Sean didn’t pull a trick on Pearson. One year Pearson was making stuffing. He turned around for two seconds and his bread was replaced with corn meal. He didn’t realize it until half the bird was stuffed and then he had to pull it all out. He shouted himself hoarse at Lenny and Sean, but they were too busy laughing to care.

Abigail will usually take Jack and a disgruntled John to town to buy some sweets, and if there’s enough money, maybe even some baked goods. There was one memorable year where John snuck away from them to play poker. He won a decent hand and used it to buy a double layered cake. An extremely rare treat.

Tilly surprised everyone her first Christmas with the gang by baking a pie in Pearson’s dutch oven. It was so good she’s required to make them every year. Most of the gang agrees it’s not Christmas without Tilly’s pies.

Karen and Uncle oversee the liquor supplies for Christmas Eve and Day. Uncle always pulls his usual trick of going into town, saying he’s going to buy more booze, but then he’s always found passed out in the saloon. Usually by Arthur and John who always give him an earful and sometimes a good kick.

Grimshaw is a near terror the week leading up to Christmas. She flaps around camp and shrieks even more at the girls to get the place spick and span. By the time Christmas Eve comes, just about everyone, including the men, are about ready to shoot her. She makes it up by giving out some of the best gifts.

Speaking of gifts, everyone’s very limited on what they can give simply because of money and availability. A rule was decided years ago when the gang started to get big that no one would give a gift for everyone. Instead, drawings were done and each person was assigned to give a gift for one person. It was Arthur who gave Mary-Beth her first real journal to write in.

Grimshaw however is the only person who gives a gift to everyone. Dutch will usually give her a portion of the camp’s funds to go (usually after she argues with him about it) and then she goes into town with Tilly to buy everything.

As far as decorations go, there’s usually a wreath hung up on Pearson’s wagon and mistletoe hung up somewhere. Lenny and Karen usually avoid that spot like the plague while Uncle and sometimes even Swanson will hang around it. Molly usually finds herself beneath it, hoping for Dutch to meet her under it. He usually does.

No one really thinks about getting a tree as they’re too much hassle, but a few days before Christmas, one will just appear sometime in the night when everyone’s asleep. It was a real mystery the first year it happened until on Christmas Day, Trelawney strolled in, looking his finest. He made the slightest comment about the tree, trying to be sly, but everyone knew he’d done it. He’s done the same thing every year and everyone lets him think he’s being sneaky.

When Christmas Eve comes, Pearson will lay out a huge dinner featuring the turkeys and geese. He also makes a mountain of mashed potatoes.

Candles are laid out around camp and lit, which brings a lovely light to camp.

When the food’s gone and everyone’s stuffed with second helpings of Tilly’s pie, the entire gang gathers around the campfire and sings songs and shares stories.

Javier always tells the same story of Christmas in Mexico. How his sister would make small stuffed toys for children throughout the entire year and then he would go with her every Christmas Eve and give them to the children of his village.

Charles will talk about his father, though very briefly. Christmas was not a big thing in his mother’s tribe as they didn’t celebrate it, but his father would always take him out of the tribe for a few hours every Christmas Eve and they’d watch the stars on clear nights or they’d go and make snow figures.

Before bed, Dutch will usually ask Reverend Swanson to read from his bible about Christmas. However, Swanson is usually too drunk or will come up with an excuse not to do so. Arthur and Hosea are the only ones who know that his bible is fake, that it really hides his supplies of morphine. That doesn’t stop Swanson from reciting a scruffy rendition of the story, even though he sometimes gets it wrong. No one minds though.

On Christmas Day, everyone wakes up with Grimshaw’s gift nearby. She likes to surprise them with the gifts. Most of the time, the gifts are things they need but they’re nicer quality, such as new clothes. That was how Arthur got his blue striped shirt. It was a gift from Grimshaw after his father’s shirt finally fell apart. He liked the blue one much better, mostly because it never belonged to his father.

On the year when Abigail was pregnant with Jack, John received a miniature cowboy figure that looked surprisingly like him. He got so annoying with it that it disappeared. No one could confirm it, but it was suspected Abigail hid it.

Pearson and Mary-Beth work together and make a big breakfast in his cast-iron pot, putting scrambled eggs, boiled potatoes, green onions, sliced peppers and other ingredients into a big cake-like structure. Strauss got haughty about it his first year and called it the mountain-man breakfast. The name stuck much to his dislike.

After breakfast, the gang gathers around the tables and exchanges gifts. Sean will make fun of everyone’s gift, but he’s the most excited to receive his own.

Lenny and Hosea almost always receive a book. One year, Dutch was giving to Lenny and he gave him an Evelyn Miller book. Lenny never read it nor did he want to.

Micah’s the only one who never joins in the festivities, but Arthur and John got him for it. John was assigned to gift him, so he and Arthur went to the market and found a large fruit stand, which was selling pumpkins left over from the season’s harvest. They found the oldest one (this was a few weeks before Christmas) and they left it out in the sun for days on end until it was beginning to rot. They punctured a small hole in it so that bugs could crawl into it.

When Micah opened his box with the rotting pumpkin, everyone laughed except for him and Dutch. He tried lifting it from the box but the stem ripped the top part of the pumpkin off, revealing the insects inside it. He spent the remainder of the day pouting on the outskirts of camp.

By nightfall, most of everyone is drunk and singing loudly. Karen is usually pulled away by Sean, but Abigail and John almost always get into an argument. Usually in regards to John being a less-than-satisfactory father to Jack.

Jack is by far the sweetest member. Days before Christmas, he begs Abigail to go into town and they buy small bundles of flowers (or they go pick them themselves depending where the gang is located at the time). Jack makes a flower crown for everyone.

Bill says he hates the crowns, but he secretly loves them. He wraps it around his hat, which hides his hair that he’s slicked down with hair pomade. He tries to look a little nicer every Christmas but usually gets made fun of for it by John and Arthur.

Dutch will always end the celebrating by telling everyone how much they matter to the gang, how life could be a lot worse without their efforts.

Everyone goes to bed feeling good about themselves and their situations.

Arthur will usually stay up later than anyone else, watching the stars if they’re not hidden behind clouds. He feels a certain fondness towards everyone (except Micah) on these nights, but often wishes he had someone special to share them with.

#rdr2 fanfic #red dead fanfic #arthur morgan #Van Der Linde Gang #awkward asks

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mightydragoon · 5 years ago

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Toxic

Summary: In which Luke crashes his X-Wing into Vader, crash lands. Eats a toxic vegetable and confronts Vader. All in all, a stressful week.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25118062#main

For paradoxsoup

Thanks @silvereddaye for beta reading it

ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The shrill noise brough Luke to attention. He was currently in a dogfight flying in the sky above in his x wing. He gritted his teeth; he had to focus– oh wait, no! He pulled away just in time as an Imperial fighter just skimmed off of him. That was close. Too close.He didn’t know how long he could keep this up. There weren't a lot of fighters left now and the tide could change on them any second. So he had to keep his focus. His hands tightened on the steering yoke and he fired.

BANG!

Another fallen foe. Three Imps left, five rebel fighter ships left including him.

“Artoo what’s the status?” Luke asked.

R2-D2’s shrill response told him that everything was fine. But that was short lived. A TIE Fighter came shrieking out of the thick grey clouds, and before Luke could blink, it shot down two of the Alliance fighters.

KRIFF! Vader. It was Vader. Luke thought to himself. No one one else flew a TIE Advance X1.It could only be Vader, the man who betrayed and murdered Luke’s father, who slain Obi-Wan right in front of his eyes, and who ordered his Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen execution. The one who took everything from him.

Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Luke could hear his racing heart, was this really it? The End? His breath was growing shorter and shorter as he desperately tried to soothe his nerves by taking deep breaths. This wasn’t just about him. Leia. Alderaan. The Rebels. That’s not even considering all the other worlds the Empire has subdued and colonised for their own needs, all of which Vader has participated full heartily in. How many more worlds has Vader struck down with impunity?!

With no remorse. No regret. No mercy.

Vader was a monster.

How he even existed, vile and corrupt was beyond Luke? Luke began to sweat and his hands began to shake. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth in anger. Accepting his oncoming fate. His shaking stopped. His fury dispelled. Luke was in the eye of the storm now, in his mind. Calm and silent compared to the unstoppable inferno of flying debris of the burning ships and gunfire on the outside. Luke’s life meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. He was tiny. Insignificant. But perhaps...He could do something with it. Such as taking down this monster.

Luke had a plan. He might go down with Vader but it was his only chance. He might not get this again. He could hear yelling. It could have been command shouting through his commtelling him that he was veering off course or the rational part of his brain telling him how stupid this was.

Luke didn’t care.

“Artoo close comms,” he ordered and silence consumed him.

His heart was thumping widely and he started to sweat profusely. He was going to take down this monster and didn’t care whether or not he lived. Just the thought of Vader dying brought Luke peace.

CRASH!

The two ships crashed.

Everything burned. The flames licked and ate away at his ship but Luke wasn’t focusing on that. He was in for a rough landing.

He shouted to Artoo, “The stabilisers are down! Artoo, we are going down! Hold on!”

He could feel it, no longer walking the sky, but falling down onto a nearby planet below. He closed his eyes. He had no idea what was waiting for him but he called out. To whom he wasn’t sure. He only hoped someone could hear.

I’m sorry. _____________________

The Force was with him when he landed.

He was in a massive jungle, one that thrived off of decay and ruin than light and substance. What an awful place he had found himself in but in a way, it reminded him of the home he lost, not so long ago.

Luke threw off his helmet, the sun came in through the hole his fighter had caused in the canopy above. The light was blinding and cooking him. Yep, just like home. He gave a hollow laugh. He clambered onto the wing of his X- Wing and looked at his droid. Once Artoo was out, the next thing Luke was focused on was communication. It was a big planet. He knew that much, so it could take a while before they found him. Plus, how could he forget it wasn't just Rebels out here, but also Imps?

Luke had a feeling that Vader wasn’t gone. He felt it in the force, the blackhole that consumes everything positive and kind, leaving only darkness and decay behind A horrible feeling, that drowned and consumed everything in sight. It still tainted the force, with its energy. It seemed his suicide kamikaze into Vader didn’t work as planned. Luke groaned and looked at his radio. It had been damaged during the crash and no matter what he seemed to adjust or press, no response seemed to come from it. Something must have broken on the inside. This was going to be a problem. Here he was on a planet, alone, no supplies, no shelter and Imps and Vader on his tail. What fantastic luck Luke had.

Why did Force love to mess with him like this?

He couldn’t stay here as the smoking remains of his fighter was too much of a signal for any scouts looking for him. Luke grabbed what tools and equipment he could that weren’t blasted and with Artoo by his side, he entered the forest.

Before long it was nightfall, and he had found himself amongst large windy, spindly trees with leaves the size of saucers. He gathered some firewood and created a small campsite. The silence was deafening and it was killing him. It wasn’t meant to be this quiet, where was the wildlife, the chittering, the squeaks, the squakes? There was only quiet. Luke could see no creatures, no birds, not even a single bug.

It drove an eerie feeling into Luke, it only made him more alert. It didn’t sit easily with him and it brought up another issue. Namely scavenging for food would be a lot harder than he expected. Using his lighter, Arto ignited the wood and Luke felt alive for a moment. Yet, the rumbling in his stomach reminded him of the little supplies he had. He was lucky to have a canteen on him, but the emergency rations in his X-Wing had been damaged. He laid on the ground with Artoo keeping watch and ignored the pain in his stomach. He patted the droid’s robotic head letting Artoo know that he appreciated him so very much before finally drifting into the realm of dreams and nightmares.

_________________

Several days had passed and Luke was still struggling to contact the Alliance. He hadn’t been able to fix his radio despite taking it apart and putting it back together. He thought time and time again he had finally fixed what was broken, only for his hope to fade when the radio failed to turn on.

Hunger. It panged and ached. He was constantly exhausted and didn’t seem able to find much food.But If this kept up, he could . . . No, he resolutely said to himself. You are not dying here Skywalker and you know it.

He hugged himself trying to keep in the pangs but to no avail. On one hand, he was fortunate to found a steady water supply. Years of working as a moisture farmer have served him well in that regard. He knew what good water should look and taste like. But he was also on an unknown planet with no idea, what was safe and what wasn’t to eat. He knew little what was edible in a jungle. It was a far cry from the desert planet he grew up on.

Luke trudged into the forest once more searching for anything to eat. He kept his eyes peeled for something, anything. There, near him beside the bushes, was a bundle of root vegetables just poking free of the dirt. Was it safe to eat, he asked himself. But before he could even properly debate this, his hunger won out. He dug up the roots and without thought, he began to chomp away at it.

Blurgh. He spat it out. Yuck.

His rational mind walloped his starving belly. What the kriff was he doing? Eating something he didn’t know. He had a bad feeling about this. He grabbed what was possibly a toxic vegetable. If it was toxic, did he need to find an antidote or cure?

Luke vomited in his mouth. He retched up whatever food remained in his stomach. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve. Great. He was sick. He stood up and began to stumble. He could barely step one foot in front of the other. Somehow he made it to his makeshift camp where Artoo was beeping furiously at him. He didn’t pay attention to that because he collapsed on the ground, unconscious. ___

Vader’s son was strong in the Force. He knew that much. He walked through the forest and cut the large branches out his way. His son was akin to the blazing suns of Tatooine in the force. How hadn’t he ever realized that before? Was he truly engulfed in shadows and despair to ignore the light and hope his son radiated? His child. Their child. Padmé.

It had been so long. It was a miracle the boy was alive as he thought him dead. He and his son will rule together side by as rulers of the universe. It was Luke’s birthright. It was his as well.

When his son crashed into his fighter, he was shocked, yes, but also impressed by Luke’s abilities in the force. Luke burned bright and fiery, an eternal inferno that warmed the freezing ache in what was once his heart. A forgotten feeling. His son still had a long way to go. He wasn’t a Jedi, yet. That much was obvious and if Vader could get to him, he would never be a Jedi.

Vader allowed the Force to guide him. He would find his son no matter what. He trudged through the sticky mud of the forest and sheared the gigantic leaves of the trees and bushes out of his path with his scarlet lightsabre.

Luke was near. He knew it. He could sense his son, but something was wrong.

His son was an inferno, much like one of the twin suns of Tatooine he blazed in the force, impossible to look away from and so very strong. This was not what he felt at this second. His son presence flickered in and out of existence. It was more difficult to see him through, the bright supernova that was Luke was enveloped by the overwhelming existence and consumed by the familiar grasp of death. The light was being snuffed out and wavered more unsteadily by the minute.

Luke was dying. He was sick. He must’ve been poisoned by something. Something in the jungle had gotten to him.

He began to race towards the wavering and weakening presence of his son through the thick bushes and trees.

Luke.

He called out in the Force.

Hold on.

___

Luke rolled on the ground, clutching his belly, choking in agony. He was such an idiot. Kriff his hunger for enhancing his stupidity.

Luke.

He could hear a voice. Either it was the Force or that blasted vegetable induced some crazy hallucination. Though it was probably the former. Who was calling him though?

“Ben,” he cried out, though he was certain the voice wasn’t him. “Ben is that you?”

Found you.

Luke couldn’t turn around, but he felt a horrible chill go down his spine. His blood clotted; his heart on the precipice of attack. Cold. So very cold. Luke had a bad feeling about this. He weakly struggled to lift himself as he had to hide. Now! Using his instincts he spotted a massive fallen over log, he limped over to it, and slumped behind it.

He was only buying himself time. If Vader didn’t kill him, whatever he ate sure as he would. That didn’t include any Imperial ships tracking him down. How did Vader find him,and what did he want with him? Luke recalled their first proper meeting on Cymoon 1. He had been flung to the side with no care or attention by Vader’s impressive use of the Force. Luke’s screams for justice for the death of his family, his father, his aunt and uncle, Ben, were brushed aside much how one might brush aside a cat.

Luke knew it was him. Vader. He held his breath and heard loud resonant footsteps marching towards where he had been minutes ago. He didn’t look back but he could hear Vader’s blood-red saber humming. Would he be the next victim to it? Did his father die to that blade? Luke blinked in and out of consciousness, when he sensed a lingering shadow hanging over him, a spectre of death and decay. Vader.

He had found him.

Then Vader did something Luke never expected him to do. He extinguished his saber and gently caressed his face, much like how Aunt Beru used to during the night when the twin suns finally set. Her warm smile made him feel so loved. Except this was not warm, this was possessive and tentative and cold.

Luke somehow managed to find the strength within and pull away from Vader. Why wasn’t he dead yet? Why wasn’t he skewered with the red lightsaber, choked to death, or has the toxin finally claimed him?

“Why?” Luke laughed bitterly at him, his eyes blazed with fury. “Why leave me alive?”

Vader took several heavy breaths.

Kush. Kosh. Kush. Kosh.

“You have no idea how important you are.”

His low voice dominated the scene. Even with the mask, Luke glanced at his soul for a moment and saw it open, vulnerable, but why?

Luke belted out a short burst of laughter. “Important. Ha, sure I shot down the Death Star but when I faced you on the Cymoon, and probably even back on the Death Star, you looked at me like I was nothing. What changed?” He had mocked Vader, clutching at his stomach, tighter as the pain increased. He gritted his teeth and spat the next words out. “Heh, what changed?”

Vader was silent. Luke didn’t like this, he didn’t like this one bit. His nose scrunched up as Vader spoke, “I’ve discovered that some things that I once believed as truth were, in fact, lies, namely the one where you were dead”.

Luke frowned. He didn’t have enough strength to fight, no matter how much he wanted to. But he pushed on. Maybe he could make his life count in some meaningful capacity even at the end. “Me? What the kriff do I mean to you? You betrayed and murdered my father! Just get this over with and kill me!”

“No. I did not betray or kill your father. I am your father.”

...What.

Luke was silent. Vader was lying. He had to be but no, no, no, NO!

“Search your feelings, you know it to be true.” Vader spoke quite bluntly and concisely. It was almost like his voice was gleeful due to finally reuniting with his son.

Luke grabbed his hair and started to scream in anguish. Anakin Skywalker was the one he had idolised and longed to become. He was to be a Jedi like him. But now that pristine and proud pedestal Anakin had stood on was crumbling. Anakin was Vader? Vader was his father?

“NO!” Luke shrieked, shifting away from Vader, but there was no use trying to escape, much like a fly he was trapped in this web of deceit, lies and revelations.

“Come with me, my child. I can save you. We will be a family once more.”

Luke's stomach churned and twisted as he screamed in pain. He did not know if it was because of the revelation or his physical disposition, but it did not matter. Ben...Why didn’t you tell me? Luke began to cry, lost in the agony of truth. He was drowning. Why was it true? Luke was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t notice Vader kneel down before him and place his gloved hand over his head. Luke struggled to remain awake, but both his body and Vader’s strength in the Force was too much for him to handle. He drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Vader quickly scooped Luke into his arms and carried him off. He should not have had to wait until Luke was an adult and seriously ill them to have met. Luke should have grown up at his side, learning the ways of the Force. Obi-Wan should’ve died a slower death for his actions but no matter. Vader had Luke now. The galaxy should’ve been Luke’s and he should’ve known that all along. It would be his, though. If Vader had anything to say about it. He cradled his son and made his way to the waiting Imperial ship to get the antidote and finally take Luke home.

With him. ____________

#self promo #my writing #my writings #star wars #luke skywalker #darth vader #luke skywalker and darth vader #the case of the toxic alien root plant #luke centric #luke and vader #dad vader #just under 3000 words #short fic #one shot #star wars summer ficelt 2020 #2020 Star Wars Summer Fic Exchange #toxic #sw

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justbeyondthebracken · 4 years ago

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The domed roof of the hut sagged under the weight of the snow. Every so often Swift and Steady would rise from his pallet of pine needles, hoping that he would not wake his lover, and brush snow from the smoke hole. When the snow piled it become stuffy and the lingering scent of thickened smoke became sickening. The bark and reeds covering the hut were successful in cutting the morning’s bitter wind. The deerskin flap was held firmly in place with hooks, the wind occasionally buffeting against it, sucking it in than out and creating the occasional slapping sound. It was this sound that had woken Swift and Steady to begin with, this sound that had reminded him that the smoke inhalation was irritating and would disrupt his sleep. Not that it mattered, the sun was close to rising now and he found that sleep alluded him.

Swift and Steady looked up his lover. Admired the way his antlers hung off the pillow, the soft, velvety fuzz that he occasionally stroked as they embraced. Swift and Steady knelt at the pallet and caressed the antler with his knuckles, with the back of his hand, and smiled. His lover stirred, eyes squeezed shut, lips curled in the naive smile of sleep that could not anticipate the hardships of the day. His lover reached out, found no purchase in a body next to him, and curled his knees toward his chest, a pill bug beneath the woolen blankets.

———

Swift and Steady donned the ornamental crown of his tribesmen. He had been crowned chieftain by the elders and today he was to perform one facet of his duties: treaty with the civilized.

It was important that the sacred lands, that the burial grounds of his people remain their own to hunt, to gather, to grow and cultivate. Intrusion upon these lands would be an affront to his father and his father before him. These great men and women who wore the ceremonial crown of his tribesmen before him and who had held the line when the wolves of the castle came to circle their prey.

Blessed by Sunlight moved closely to his side. He found the empty space between palm and hip and laced his fingers into Swift and Steady’s fingers. He give a quick squeeze, strong, firm, but tender. The two men looked to each other, each just glancing from the corner of his eye, to find his partner steadfast beside him. Swift and Steady leaned slightly, pressed his shoulder into Blessed by Sunlight’s shoulder, leaned his antlers toward his partner until they rubbed gently, then straightened.

“Have my scouts reported,” Blessed by Sunlight asked.

“Not yet,” Swift and Steady replied. “But the day has only recently graced us with the light of dawn. The King Regent will be slow in arriving. He is unaccustomed to cruelties of winter this far from the amenities of his castle.

“The wind drifts are half a man tall in some places,” said Blessed by Sunlight. His reply was no more than a nod from Swift and Steady.

The smells of the breaking fast of the tribesmen pulled Swift and Steady from his thoughtfulness. His stomach was the thousand knots of a bird’s nest. He groaned. Equal parts hunger and nervousness. Blessed by Sunlight sensed his unease. “You hunger but fear the retribution of your stomach?”

Swift and Steady provided another nod then adjusted the floral crown that wrapped about his antlers. Purple crocus, hellebores, berry laden holly and juniper. Come spring this crown which spoke for his people would take on a new life as the warmer, wetter months ushered in flora of new varieties.

A young woman dressed in camouflaging clothing, clothing that was sun bleached to a stark white with dark lines to mimic the bramble and branches of the woods, emerged from the tree line surrounding the clearing. “They arrive, brother.”

“Have you informed the elders?” Swift and Steady asked.

“I have made it known to them that arrival is imminent,” she replied.

Blessed by Sunlight squeezed Swift and Steady’s hand, a hand grown clammy with cold sweat. It is a small comfort to be by your side, Swift and Steady mused. He squeezed back.

His sister stared at him, her gaze lingered on the lovers, worry — a paragraph quickly written atop her brow. “You think I’m wrong, you don’t believe what the gods have told me? You don’t believe that the elders have sold me, have sold us — all of us, to be enslaved so they can know comfort before death?” His whisper was cold, acerbic.

“In my life I have never doubted you, brother. I only worry that what comes to pass may be our undoing regardless of outcome.”

Swift and Steady’s eyes softened. This moment of fear could infect them all, a darkening cloud spreading amongst them, a torrential storm to flood out the gates of strength and wash them all away.

“Today, sister, we fight against tyranny, against rulers who have little respect for the ways of our people. Against rules who would have us shave our proud antlers to nubbins simply to integrate into their society. Whose tyranny is further forced upon us by elders tempted by the honey pot of greed,” he paused listening. The song of the summer bird whistled through the mellow murmurs of morning. “The time is now.”

— — —

The King Regent wore the colors of his highness, a deep purple and rosebud red. The namesake red flower was stitched into the tabard of the bannermen beside him. The purple tabards did little to hid the chainmail beneath, though it was no sign of aggression it did not ease the mind of Swift and Steady as he wondered at the outcome of this day.

“Lord,” Swift and Steady said, nodding his head in accordance to the politics of the court. In this Swift and Steady saw himself, carried himself as an equal. “For generations the people of your kingdom have traded with my people, even before there was castle proper, so the oral histories have told me. I stand before you as chieftain. I am chosen by the elders as the highest emissary to you and your king whenever conflict should arrive. I am Swift and Steady, high chieftain of the Uk’uroth tribe.”

The King Regent nodded. Swift and Steady continued, “Today we meet to make treatise until the next mid-winter. After we have agreed upon terms we will, as always and ever, invite you to share in our customs of song and story, and to dine with us.” He stopped, gave time for the King Regent to reply but silence rang out for an uncomfortable moment. Swift and Steady let the silence linger and then spoke again, “I suspect you have the terms...”

The King Regent raised his arm high into the air and swiped in an arc away from his body. The summer birds sang in a chorus befitting a morning typically followed by the longest of days, yet winter still held fast. There was a scramble in the woodlands about them. The sounds of drawn bowstrings thrummed but no arrow met its target. Men and women grunted, shouted in pain, and then the silence, the awkward, uncomfortable silence returned — this time Swift and Steady held his tongue.

#fiction #short story #flash fiction #fantasy #fantasy fiction

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