#targets are. bastard. and two other bastards tasked with guarding bastard

[albatris]

happy final day of camp nanowrimo!!! there's only about two minutes left for me and I'm very happy to announce I did hit my target of 35,000!! wahoo

I was worried I wouldn't for a hot minute there hahaha

anyway taglist hello hello taglist @goosemixtapes @multi-lefaiye @itisi-asimplegay @nicola-writes @the-one-who-makes-negative-noise @ambiguousfiction @tracle0 @writeouswriter

today's wordcount is 35,072!

and oh man, I forget how pouring all my creative energy into Writing for a whole month just leaves me itching to draw by the end of it jfdhjgkdfghjkhg. good news for those I've promised art to hahahahaha

this weekend has been unbelievably busy for me and I'm absolutely so out of it and exhausted. forgive me if I'm behind on responding to tags yet again. also forgive me if there are any weirdass typos in this update I am wearing long wacky acrylic nails right now and they feel SO uncomfortable but they're pretty so I allow them

also, good news, exciting news, I'm finally going to get my loan insulin pump next week! the journey has absolutely sucked, my friends, but at least it's almost over! yeeeeeeehaw

I hope you're all doing well!!

today's mood is aqueduct of midbrain and today's jam is "love today" by mika!

today's excerpt is from yesterday's writings actually, I was just too exhausted to update yesterday lol. Alex and Nat only go on one vampire bro murder roadtrip in book two to eat some objectively terrible people. Nat enjoys it and Alex does not; this is fairly standard

honestly it's not a very exciting excerpt to finish on but it's the only recent bit I had at my disposal that didn't need a bucketload of polishing

today's excerpt is,

"Shh," Nat said, his lips almost brushing the microphone. He stifled a silly, cheerful giggle. Though he couldn't pinpoint exactly where the humour in the situation was hiding, he could feel it in there somewhere. "Shhhhh. Ease up. I can't understand you when you're yelling."

The crackling syllables rolling from the radio didn't pause for even a second. So harsh and barking. Rattling at his sensitive eardrums. His own voice had not gotten through.

"Ah," Nat said, peering at the little machine properly this time, his attention wandering down the array of buttons on its face. He jabbed the one that looked the most relevant with a pointed claw and cleared his throat. "You have a dreadful voice. Just terrible, just terrible. Really grates on the ears."

The incessant chatter paused. Nat nodded approvingly, but he'd barely opened his mouth to continue speaking when the noise snarled to life again in a burst of ringing static.

"The fuck are you talking about, Jackson?" the voice barked, slightly clearer now at least. "Why's your voice so—crackly? Are your batteries—look, never mind. There's a situation with Carmen."

Interesting.

Nat flipped the radio playfully round in his hands and abandoned the body on the couch to slump to the floorboards. He tilted his head against the back of the couch and kicked his legs out. This time he did laugh, just shortly, just a little bubble of glee fumbling its way up through his chest. He jabbed his claw back into the button.

"Well, there's no Jackson down here, actually," he replied, an almost lazy drawl to his voice. He felt like he ought to have one of those curly phone cords to twirl around his fingers like Quinn did sometimes. "Only me now."

The reply was instantaneous and glaringly hostile. "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm the vampire that just killed him," Nat said. "Jackson, I mean. And listen, I hate to be a bother, but I'm still kind of peckish. There's another tasty morsel tucked away for me upstairs, yeah? I was told there would be."

There was a short click and the crackling machine went dead.

"Aw." Nat frowned. He leaned forward to peer at it. He jammed his claw into the button a few times. He jammed his claw into all the other buttons, too. He shook the unresponsive thing around, hoping it would make some kind of noise. It did not. "Fine then," he muttered. "Be like that."

He waited a few more moments, relaxing back against the couch, but still keeping his ears tuned towards the stairs for any brush of movement. When nothing heralded the second human's approach, Nat hmphed and gathered himself upright, despite how warm and lethargic he felt. He was still peckish, but only a touch, and trudging upstairs felt like a lot of effort for very little payoff, considering all he wanted to do now was curl up and sleep.

Often, humans were remarkably prone to rushing in to investigate horrific danger firsthand, which was kind of them. If his second course wasn't going to come down to meet him, he supposed he had no choice but to bring the horrific danger upwards instead.

[fluorescentbalaclava]

training season's over

Chapter 2: Charlie Foxtrot

Summary:

Charlie Foxtrot / CF / cluster fuck Chaotic situation with all plans disintegrating in all directions.

TF141/female reader

spy reader, forced bonding, slow burn, slow build, militar inaccuracies, sugestive language, language, canon typical violence, second chance

previous: chapter one "Ground Zero"

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Everything felt relatively normal...for one month. You tried to avoid Ghost to the best of your capabilities, considering that he ( allegedly ) lived on the floor above yours. Awkward lift rides occurred but weren't so frequent. 

After spending three weeks in your new home, you were called back. The task wasn’t hard at all, just to pose as a sniper while a small team of rookies conducted a RIF on a Konni base, which apparently held some important cargo that soon was going to be on the move. Your duty was to back up the team in case things got hairy and to observe the strength, deployment, preparedness, determination, and other tactical data of the target for a future raid.

You packed up only the necessary, as it was a short affair, and once you were ready to leave, you double checked all the entries on the flat, to make sure it was all locked. Once in the hallway you pressed the down button in the lift, and you weren't surprised at all when you saw Ghost going down as well, you just sigh to yourself, standing next to him as the door closed behind you. Does this man live in this lift?

"Going somewhere?" He asked, checking you from the corner of his eyes. 

"With some friends for the weekend" You answered nonchalantly, looking up as the lift went down. Just one more floor. 

"I see," He answered, leaving it there. The door opened and you basically sprinted your way out of the building. 

After taking a nap both on the transfer and the plane to the safe house close to the target, you were all equipped and ready to go. Your face mask leaving only your eyes uncovered, your hair in a bun, your dark blue uniform on and the case where you kept your sniper rifle hanging from your back. Your station chief gave the team their assignments before leaving. The scouting team had weapons free order, while you were given weapons hold order, only engage when engaged. 

The recce team were in motorcycles, the idea was doing a hit and run, and see what the Konni soldiers used to fight back, and how many were visible. You were dropped midway by them, and you walked to your position. The warehouse was surrounded by fields, some wind turbines could be seen in the distance, and you made your way to an abandoned watchtower that was the perfect sniper nest. 

"Sage to Control. I'm in position, I have visual." You said as you settled down on your stomach on the floor of the dome of the top of the tower. 

"Copy, Sage. Control to Delta team. Delta, you're clear to engage." The voice on your comm answered. 

After the order was given, you could see through your scope three motorcycles from the Delta team, each one with two people on them, one driving and the other shooting, quickly approaching the place.

"Delta-1 to Control. Control, we have contact." The voice came through the comm followed by the sound of shooting, and you could see through the scope the whole scene. 

"Control to Sage. What do you see?" 

"Six armed personnel. Automatic weapons...they don't seem very prepared." You said as you zoomed in on the scope, and you could tell everyone there was caught by surprise, unorganized men rushing to shoot back, no heavy weaponry in sight. They sure are disorganized for people guarding an important cargo. 

After a few more minutes of combat, two hurt Konni soldiers, and with no changes in the defences, the team was called back to retreat.

"Control, how reliable was the intel? These poor bastards couldn't even defend themselves against an angry dog" You said as you kept looking at the warehouse, everyone looked as if they were angrily talking to each other, clearly still on edge. 

"It was a tip, reliable source so we thought it was worth a check. I'll tell Delta to pick you up on their way back”. 

"Thank you very much" You said as you stood up to start disassembling your rifle, carefully putting it back to its case, and hanging it in your back.

As you came out from the tower, you were greeted by a very heavy and unexpected hit on the face and when you felt something warm and salty in your mouth, mixed with the sharp pain that made your head hurt and left you stunned, you were pretty sure it broke your nose. Your mask was starting to get wet with blood, as you fell on your back on the floor, and when you focused your sight you saw a big figure towering over you, with a knife. You quickly kicked it on the stomach, a deep grunt was heard, and they answered with a cut on your leg that made you hiss in pain, but you used the same leg to kick their arm, throwing the knife across the room, hitting one of the walls. The figure was already charging at you again when a shot impacted on the wall of the tower, prompting the figure to quickly flee to the woods. 

"Motherfucker...fucking shit, fuck" You took off your mask, whimpering at the pain. You spit a mix of saliva and blood to the floor, as you tried to clean your mouth with the back of your hand, which made you wince in pain as you accidentally brushed your nose. 

"Jesus Christ, Sage, what the hell was that?" The man that you only recognized as Delta-1 approached you quickly, lowering his gun, looking down at you at the floor. 

"Do I look like I fucking know?" You shot back, glaring up at him. This was not the first time you got punched in the nose, however it was the only time where you got it broken, and the pain was making you dizzy.

"They left their knife," Delta-2 said, picking up the stray knife from the floor close to the wall. Nothing remarkable about it, just an average hunting knife. 

"Come here, mate" Delta-1 said, letting his gun go from his hands and hang behind him, as he crouched over and carefully helped you up from the floor. Your head was killing you, and the cut on your leg wasn't as terrible but you felt it with each step.

Two days later, you were dropped in the corner of your building. Gauze wrapped around your nose, and some packing stuffed inside it to provide support while it heals. If you thought a broken nose was bad, it was because you haven't heard about the recovery of a broken nose. You felt like it was constantly stuffy and you couldn't do anything about it, your head hurt very often, and you could only breathe through your mouth, making it dry and your lips constantly chapped. Additionally, you were given a three-week medical leave, with no strenuous activities or heavy lifting, and some purple was starting to show under your eyes. You entered the building, bag in your back, and you lazily walked to the lift. As you were waiting, you heard heavy footsteps behind you. Jesus Christ, have I not suffered enough? 

“Morning" You heard that husky voice you were familiar with behind you. 

"Hey" You answered back, doing very little to hide the contempt in your voice. And as the lift opened its doors, you entered, followed by Ghost. 

There were some minutes of silence, which made you believe that he wasn't going to try to be a smartass, but then...

"What happened to your nose?" He suddenly said, looking down at you. 

"Rhinoplasty" You answered flatly, shrugging.

"It looks the same to me" He answered in a matter-of-factly tone.

"That's because the swelling needs to go down" You answer in the same tone. 

"You're limping" He poked again, still looking down at you. 

"Got fucked." You answered once again, nonchalantly, and if you were looking you could see him arching a brow under his mask at the blunt answer. 

"With a broken nose?" 

"Don't tell my doctor" You said as you reached your floor, exiting the lift.

Once inside your flat you locked the door behind you before laying on your couch and basically passing out on it, without even bothering to change your clothes. You already knew that Ghost knew. If he didn't know who you were exactly already, he for sure was close to it after today. 

For now, you just hoped he would spare you for the night, as you slowly started to drift asleep on your couch.

You don't know how much time has passed before loud knocks at your door woke you up. You grunted as you got up from the couch, and you went to your desk and looked in the drawer for your handgun...you were surprised to see that it wasn’t there. Someone was here.  You were so tired that you didn't even check.

Your body tensed, as you went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife, the second-best option. You held the knife on your back, slowly opening the door. 

Bucket hat = Price

You froze as you stared up at him, and when you lowered your gaze you noticed how he was carrying your gun. 

"Think very well about your next actions, kid" He warned you, taking the safety off your gun. Why does everyone in that damned unit have the same husky voices?

You were a fighter, but you weren't stupid. So, you moved the hand off your back, and handed him the knife. 

"Atta girl" He said as he stepped back, making a gesture with his head indicating you to step out of your flat. "Let's go for a walk.” 

The next hour or so was kind of confusing. He got you into a car, putting a bag over your head, making you flinch when it touched your nose. Then, at some point in the ride, you felt a sharp pain on your neck, then everything went dark, as you heard a distant female voice talking. 

When you felt yourself slowly regaining consciousness and getting back to your senses, you blinked a few times, trying to clear your blurry vision. You looked around a bare grey room, a table in front of you, a blinding light hanging over it and Price sitting across it. Behind him, a blonde woman standing against the wall, looking at you as well. You tried to move, but both your feet and hands were tied up. 

"Easy, girl. Try to focus" You blinked a few more times, taking a few deep breaths, your mouth felt dry. "You are slippery and hard to find, I give you that" He added, as you tried to concentrate on him.

"Where am I?" You managed to mutter, but your words came out a bit slurred. 

"Don't worry 'bout that for now..." He answered before he started. "I can't begin to explain the pain in my ass you've been these months. The higher commands have been chewing my ear off bitching about how we spent taxpayers’ money to purchase the intel from some contracting company that magically got to it first. It could have been a coincidence, yes. One time? Sure. Two times? Maybe. But seventeen fucking operations frustrated in the span of 8 months? Someone was on us." 

You started to be able to see his image more clearly and the haze you were in started to wear off. You were in an interrogation room...and the camera was off. Off the records, bad sign.

"So, we started to look back, every detail, every camera, every mistake we made, anything we could find. A shadow in the middle of the smoke in shitty quality footage of some warehouse, which led us to multiple street cameras, until we saw the same figure getting in an unregistered car. The unregistered car led us to some tax haven in God knows which island, and then back to our old friends from KorTac, but your profile didn't match anyone we knew from there before...but we got a solid lead a couple of months ago and we went with it. And three days ago, we managed to confirm it by pulling some contacts, and dropping some fake tips...I'm sorry about your nose by the way, my hand slipped, and I punched harder than I was expecting to."

“Son of a bitch..." You muttered under your breath.

"When Captain Price showed me the footage, I ran your face through facial recognition..." The blonde woman that has been silent since you woke up suddenly said, before handling Price a tablet. You were sure it was the voice you heard on the car as you blacked out. "...and imagine my surprise when I saw that on our database." 

You turned your attention back at Price in front of you as he showed you the screen of the device. You saw a much younger picture of yourself, when you first enlisted, and then the word "Corporal" followed by your full name. 

"I spoke to your old sergeant, and he said amazing things about you. He was happy to hear about you again. He remarked on your exceptional performance and leadership abilities. And of course, he started boasting about your good records in basic and advanced individual training, and he said how excited he was for you to take the test and pass the SAS selection, and how he was even planning to write you a recommendation letter..." 

You lowered your gaze; you already knew this story. 

"And how shocked he was when he learnt you put your 28 days’ notice after two months of signing your contract." He then swiped his finger, showing the scan of your formal letter of resignation, to which you looked away. I already saw that bloody paper before . “Is that when you joined KorTac?"

"I wanted more liberties, not being tied up for four years" You said in an attempt to put on a nonchalant tone. 

"Are you sure that’s the reason?" The woman said from behind Price, to which he turned around, and the woman nodded at him. 

He then swiped again on his tablet, revealing a photo of your parents. You felt how your whole body went stiff, as you felt yourself immediately getting sick, bile threatening to go all the way up to your throat. 

"Cunts" You manage after some minutes, trying to desperately free your hands from the handcuffs to the chair, the sound of metal clicks echoing through the silent room. "Leave them out of this.” 

"We are not planning to hurt them." The woman spoke again, but it did little to calm down your growing anxiety. "We were worried that since you're officially MIA in KorTac's records, that they would try to...tie other loose ends" She said as she swiped through more pictures of your parents and judging by the looks of it, they have been under surveillance for weeks. 

You felt nauseous, you haven’t even thought about that. Once you joined, you tried to leave all your old friendships back home, and keep the contact to your parents at minimum, since you couldn't just cut them off completely. It was easy to blame not having signal while on the move. 

"They're actually very nice people but imagine my surprise when I was informed that they think you're still in the army" You started to feel like you were about to have a panic attack. All your lies catching up to you at once. 

"I...W-We needed the money..." You answered after a few minutes of struggling to the strength to talk, your voice still came out strained. 

“And…?” The woman said, and by the look in her eyes, you could tell she already knew the answer.

“KorTac had someone in the army, they would contact the recruits with the best performances to work for them. They showed me what they could pay me, if I joined…my parents are not young anymore, and they need money for the mortgage, bills, healthcare…I just wanted them to have a good life…I wanted to have a good life.”

"There you go, kid. Doesn't it feel nice to say the truth for once?" Price said, putting the tablet on the table and returning his attention to you. "The boys are with them right now, playing along with your lies...for now. They're going to move them to a safe house, until we can find another place for them to settle."

"Why...?" You looked between both Price and the woman. Why protect them? What's the trick?

"Your parents are not to blame for the things you've done. Legally, you should be prosecuted for high treason, and you'd get at least 7 years. And how do you think your parents react when we tell them their daughter, who they thought was serving in the army, is in prison?" Low blow. You just stared up at him, clenching your jaw. "However, Kate and I discussed your situation before bringing you here..."

“You have potential, kid" She said from behind him, still leaning against the wall. 

"What is this? Some kind of intervention?" You said looking between them, anxious and confused in equal measure. 

"We can always just send you to prison, if you don't want to hear us" He said, crossing his arms, and you just leaned back to your seat, staying quiet and listening, your body still tense. "That's what I thought."

"We could use a person of your abilities...and your experience." Kate said again, still glancing over you. 

I'm fucked, I'm so fucked, so, so, so...

"What's the catch?" You asked, still looking at them.

"Instead of spending time in prison, like you should, you'd serve in the army again" Price started explaining again. "You'd get an ankle monitor, you can't leave the base unless someone from the team is with you or for deployment, you'd serve for 5 years, and you would be demoted, from your fancy sergeant title in KorTac back to corporal." 

"So like parole?" 

"Sort of" Kate answered.

"And if you break any of the terms of the agreement, you'd go straight to jail, no third chance" Price added. Both were just staring at you. 

"Truth be told, you know too much. You're a liability for them and for us, however we could be more...understanding. Can you say the same about your friends back at KorTac?" Kate added, making you lower your gaze, contemplating her words. 

Your leg was shaking under the table, and you bit your lip, still looking down. Your life's work goes down the drain, but at the same time you were getting a second chance, besides going back to the army would mean you'd stop lying to your parents. This is the worst day of my life.

"Would I still get paid?" You asked looking up, meeting their gazes again. The question made Price sigh.

"Yes, you would. But while on duty, your accounts will be controlled by your commanding officer, and any purchases or transfers must be authorized by him" Kate explained, making a gesture with her head pointing at Price. 

You stayed quiet for a few minutes, contemplating. Not that you had many options, jail or the army. But you still stopped to try and put yourself together to meditate and try to get a thought out of the mess your head was. 

"Can I talk to my parents?" You asked in a small voice, looking nervously between the both of them. Price looked back at Laswell, and she nodded.

You felt your heart beating in your ears, your hands shaking and your palms sweating. You haven't spoken to them in months with the excuse of being in deployment, it always made you nervous. They were proud of you when you joined, praising you for following your dreams. It broke your heart a little to see the glint of sadness when you explained how you couldn’t frequently talk to them, but they still supported you.

So lost in your thoughts you didn't even hear what Price said before he put the phone on speaker.

"Darling...?" You heard your mother on the other side of the phone. 

You felt some tears forming in your arms, as a smile appeared in your face, your demeanour visibly softening. 

"Hi, mom" You answered as clearly as you could with the knot on your throat, trying not to worry her. 

"Hey, love, I'm so glad to hear you. How are you?" She said, her voice sounding worried but slightly relieved to hear you. "Is everything alright? When we saw three soldiers on the door, we thought the worst.” 

The lump on your throat felt tighter, and you bit your lip trying to control yourself at the thought of your parents thinking that you were dead at first. 

"Yeah, everything is alright, mom. Those are my...colleagues" You explained while looking at Price. 

"They told us they're going to move us, that we should leave the house for a few months, that they will pay for a new place for a bit. What's wrong? Are you in trouble?"

Ah, mom, I'm in deep shit.

"It's for security. We just got back from deployment, and we bumped into some...dangerous people, I told them it wasn't necessary but they insisted on relocating you for a bit, everything is going to be alright, just do as they say, everything will be fine, it's just for prevention...army things as you always say" You said with a soft smile, looking at the phone. "Maybe they could even get you a place with a heater that actually works." 

That made your mom chuckle, and her tone audibly was more relaxed, and it made you chuckle too, which prompted some tears to fall down your cheeks. 

"Well, you're not wrong, maybe a change of air would be nice..." She added. "Did you get hurt?" 

"Just a broken nose, that's why I didn't go there, had to stay for a check-up, but I'll be fine" You answered, just to hesitantly add. "Are...are my colleagues treating you and dad okay?" 

"Please tell me what the doctor says...and yes, dear, your friends are lovely. We were having tea while we waited for you to call" That confused you, and you looked up at Price who had a small smile on the corner of his lips. "Johnny and Kyle are very sweet, but uh..." and then she added whispering "...is the man in the mask your colleague as well?" 

You glared at Price, and he was visibly trying to hide his smile. Of course he sent Ghost.

"Yes, mom, he is... he's just a... little shy" Your unsure answer made Price chuckle softly. 

"Your father invited them for a barbecue later on," She added, sounding excited. 

"Of course he did..." You said with a sigh, closing your eyes. "Mom, I need to go now, yeah? I'll call you as soon as I can, please do as they say, okay?" You said as you looked at both Kate and Price.

"Alright, sweetheart. Tell me what the doctor says later, we are so glad you're alright" You smiled again, looking back at the phone. "Your father and I are very proud of you. We love you.” 

You couldn't do anything to wipe your tears as your hands were still handcuffed.

"Thank you...I love you too...Bye, mom, I will call later, I promise" You answered in a soft voice, still trying not to give away how upset you were. 

"Alright, love, bye-bye" She said one last time, before the sounds gave away that she must have passed the phone back to someone, to which Price turned off the speaker and put the phone back on his ear, standing up and leaving the room for some minutes. Kate walked over you and wiped some of your tears quite gently with a handkerchief, and you felt so defeated that you just let her. 

After a few more minutes, Price walked back into the room, phone back in his pocket. 

"Your parents are packing to go to the safehouse. Nothing out of the ordinary in the perimeter, and the guys will keep them safe." He said, his hands behind his back as he looked down at you. "Do you have your answer, kid?" 

"I'm in"

next chapter: Chapter three "Foxtrot Oscar"

if you like it leave me some kudos or suggestions on ao3! <3

[imnotoverlyobsessive]

Confessions of an Imperial Concubine

Chapter One: Best Laid Plans

AO3 Author’s note/glossary/info one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven epilogue

All my work is 18+.

Throw me in a landfill; don’t think about the consequences.- Daughter, Landfill

Sera hadn’t attended the Emperor's speech, as she hadn’t cared what he had to say. He’d made such speeches on dozens of planets in the five years since he’d ascended to the throne, and Beakkal was no exception. She wondered if anyone had actually thrown rotten vegetables at him, the way they’d bragged about having planned to do. Clearly no one who’d boasted their intent to kill him had done so, at least. But then, no one but Sera had actually prepared for the task.

She’d trained for months, and she’d fully accepted the likelihood of her own demise, whether she was successful or not. That was fine, she figured; one less mouth taking food from her younger siblings. Her mother always said she ate too much of the bread they made to sell, and that it showed.

She wasn’t skilled enough—or strong enough—to best a warrior like Paul Atreides in combat, so she was relying on the element of surprise. She’d have one chance at cutting his throat with her knife. One chance to right the wrongs he’d done, avenge the lives he’d taken in his foolish war of revenge.

The late afternoon sun was hot on Sera’s back as she moved silently between the buildings, noting the shift in material as she moved between the buildings the Emperor walked past; rotting wood that changed to well-kept stone in the rich part of town. This was good— there were less people here. Not that anyone would get in her way, of course. No one on Beakkal would take issue with the Emperor being killed.

Except, she thought with a smirk, the glint of her dark green eyes locked on her oblivious target, for those idiot officials who didn’t think to instill extra guards to protect the Emperor, of all people.

Well. Their foolishness was Sera’s gain. No, it was the Known Universe’s gain. Every single one of the Atreides’ subjects would benefit from his death, they just didn’t know it yet. Centuries from now, they’d thank her. She didn’t need to be a martyr, didn’t need to be a hero, but it sure as hell wouldn’t hurt if people appreciated her taking one for the team. There was no way she’d make it out of this situation alive, but she’d do her damnedest to take him down with her.

She inched closer to him. Damn. He was so much taller than she’d expected; men on Beakkal didn’t tower over her half as much, but this snooty rich boy born of the Bene Gesserit breeding program must’ve had at least a foot on her, the bastard. She’d have to use the extra weight she had on him to her advantage. That was fine; she could do that.

She was close enough now. Just a few more steps, and then…

Sera launched herself at him, tackling him to the ground and straddling his waist. Her knife wasn’t the best quality, but she put it to his throat anyway.

Except—

The air around his form vibrated and changed color, much to her astonishment, and she realized there was a crucial fact she hadn’t thought to account for:

The bastard could afford a shield.

Frozen in shock, Sera looked into his eyes. A strange, incomprehensible feeling washed over her.

You, her mind told her in an unfamiliar, echoing voice. I am meant to know you as I know no other. I was crafted for you and you alone.

To make matters even worse—if that were possible—he was staring into her eyes intently, the blue glow of his gaze eerie, and then he reached up and yanked the cloth that covered her face down so that it pooled at her neck. An unmistakable glint of both recognition and awe filtered into his shocked expression.

“Sera,” he breathed.

Her eyes widened, and before she could blink, she was pulled off of him with a jerk.

Two of his guards held her by her arms so her feet were barely touching the ground. “How do you know my name?” she demanded, the abrupt hiss of her voice hiding the sharpness of her fear.

She’d assumed that in the event of her failure, she’d have been dead by this point. Instead of ordering his men to execute her, however, the Emperor stood to his full height, towering over her even on her toes, and addressed his guards with the commanding tone of a man who was used to being obeyed.

“Don’t harm her.”

His guards froze, and Sera stared at him in shock.

“In fact,” he went on, “release her.”

The guards raised their eyebrows at him but obeyed the command instantly.

“Leave us,” the Emperor said shortly, not taking his eyes off her.

“Majesty—“ one of the guards spoke up hesitantly.

The Emperor fixed the man with a look, and both guards immediately walked away.

Sera had heard about the glowing blue eyes of the Emperor, but she hadn’t been entirely sure the rumors were true. They very much were, though— the Atreides had a spice addiction, and the effects on his eyes were most certainly unnerving.

“You tried to kill me,” he observed.

Sera said nothing. 

“Why?” he demanded.

She still didn’t respond, and he tilted his head slightly, his unnervingly blue gaze flitting over her form as if he were trying to see everything that she was.

He wouldn’t tell her how he knew her name, so why should she tell him why she’d tried to rid his Empire of him?

“Very well,” the Emperor said with a sigh, “I’ll take you home. Your parents should hear of this.”

Sera blanched. “Kill me instead.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’d rather die than be taken to your parents?”

Again, she said nothing. She was being melodramatic, true, but she wasn’t about to tell him that.

“Then that will be your punishment,” he decided.

Sera gaped at him and wondered why in the hell he was being so lenient, so merciful. Before she could even think to ask how he knew where she lived, she was being led home.

“Seraphine,” her mother snapped the second the door was opened, the syllables of her name drawn-out and enunciated; See-ruh-feen. “Where have you been, you ungrateful girl—“ she cut herself off upon seeing who her daughter was with and quickly swept into a deep curtsy. “Your Majesty!”

“My lady,” the Emperor said politely, inclining his head in acknowledgement, though he must’ve known full well that Sera’s mother held no title. “I wish I came bearing happier news,” he continued, “but I’m afraid that your daughter has committed a most egregious crime.”

Hands on her hips—wide, much like Sera’s own, though her mother would never admit it in a thousand years—, she asked, “What’s she gone and done now?”

“She attempted regicide,” the Emperor said apologetically.

Sera glared viciously at the back of his head and wished very much that the dirt floor would swallow him whole.

Putting a hand to her chest as if she hadn’t known full well her daughter had been planning the assassination for months, her mother exclaimed, “I am so sorry, Majesty. She is a vile and willful girl; I pray you will not judge our family as a whole on her misdeeds.” Before the Emperor could speak, she added, “You may do as you will with her. I’m far too ashamed to keep her here.”

The Emperor froze, and Sera could hear the shock in his voice when he spoke, though she stood behind him and couldn’t see his expression. “You’d give your own child up so easily?”

Her mother crossed her arms and glared fiercely at Sera. “She has dishonored our family. I have no use for her.”

“No use for her,” he mused softly. “Very well then.” Turning abruptly on his heel, he strode back out the door, stopping once he’d stepped over the threshold and realized that Sera still hadn’t moved from where she stood. “Let’s go, Sera.”

She followed in a sort of daze, though she snapped out of it once she passed through the door. “I won’t be your servant,” she snapped. “You’ll just have to kill me.”

“You’re not going to be my servant,” the Emperor assured her, “and I’ll not kill you, either. You’ll be safe with me.”

“Safe,” she scoffed. “I’m safer here.”

Pausing his stride and turning on his heels to face her, he said, “How is a life with a woman who is willing to give you away at the first opportunity better than a comfortable life with me?”

Sera’s jaw tensed and she lifted her chin defiantly. “A life with anyone else is better than a life with you.”

And then, for the first time since she’d met him, the Emperor smirked, and he said, “Give it time. You’ll change your tune before long.”

Before she knew what was happening, she was flying offworld, bound for the new seat of the Golden Lion Throne:

The Atreides homeworld of Caladan.

In collaboration with @dunefandomevents for the Dune Mini Bang 2022. Art by @alexagirlie, moodboard by me, brainstorming with @meetmyothersouls, and betaing by @patronsaintofthetwinks

Tag list: @meetmyothersouls @ellamaianderson @shika1200 @blackqueenstarseed1 @gatoenlaciudad @esmaada @mariaelizabeth21-blog1

To be added, please ask 💗

[yostresswritinggirl]

Modern Scenarios with Genshin Boys

Brainrot time - be glad, today was supposed to be angst but I had a change of heart.

"Hey, pick on someone your own size!" The first time you met Childe was when you were being bullied by some annoying bullies that had nothing to do but want to pick a fight. It was something you can handle really, and you were about to disperse the commotion when this big guy suddenly appeared as if you were his knight in shining armor. "It's the duty of the strong to protect the weak!" Did he just-?! THE AUDACITY!

Spurred on by your annoyance and your want to prove your strength, you joined the Karate club in your school where you heard he is part of. And in under a month you reached the second tier of the yellow belt. But you needed to become stronger, to reach that guy's black belt status so you can spar with him. He was too high to be directly involved with your training after all.

Finally when the fateful day comes, he looks at you with admiration at the other side of the mat, your determination and fast rank up had him enamored. But you had different plans. When the spar session started, you maneuvered around his kicks and finally did what you've always wanted to do— you wiped your dirty, uncovered foot against his face in a kick. Somehow he fell in love more.

You've been his lover for a while now, and restaurant dates are nothing uncommon in your relationship. And you know his habit of leaving behind his wallet even if he offered that tonight's date would be taken care of. After your lovely dinner session, lo and behold, he DID forget his wallet. But as the considerate lover, you took the liberty to bring your wallet with you even if he said you shouldn't-

Only to realize you brought the wrong wallet, only counting spare change for chicken nuggets. As compensation, you two spent the rest of the night forced to pay off your late bill by doing the restaurant dishes. It was not at all part of your itinerary, but as you start singing to alleviate the boredom and with Zhongli singing along, you had the most fun dancing around the kitchen with soapy arms and loose aprons.

You didn't even know that Zhongli could sing and dance that well! Plates were cleaned faster than any of you expected, and after the IOU contract that you're for sure fixing the next day, the two of your walk home hand in hand with the brightest smile you two had ever shared.

Oh, god, more frogs. Welcome to Biology class! You are partnered to be laboratory buddies with the ever enigmatic, science genius Albedo. He was so epic during Chemistry class, and you were praising the gods for finally bringing this ray of hope to raise up your grades effortlessly. You would think this class would flow by ever so nicely as you finish the plant studies, that is until zoology started and the professor starts talking about dissecting kits.

Your first project was to bring a frog to school to prep up for dissection. Okay, very wack, you thought as you turned to Albedo to ask how you two would even get a frog for the project. Until you saw a curious glint in his beautiful, teal eyes. Next thing you know he was over your house and as you two go around the fields in casual wear.

The fact that stores exist for buying frogs SPECIFICALLY for Biology and dissections was something Albedo held back from you, opting to wish to experience the class firsthand and beyond. It was in all honesty to get to know you better, even if most of the time you tripped on your ass over the mud of the fields trying to chase or run away from a frog. In the end he finally suggested to just buy one, to which you were furious, thankful and elated that you at least got to know the genius more.

Heavily inspired by Driver's License. You've just recently broken up with your boyfriend a day before you got your license to drive, something you were so proud of and excited to exercise together with your lover. But yet here you are crying your eyes out as you drove on the long and winding road of... somewhere. A deserted area with the next stop over or town miles and miles away, so when you happened upon a dejected voyager who clearly needs a lift, you offered him to be a hitchhiker. Xiao was thankful, really, but the ride was ever so awkward with the obvious puffy eyes and tear stains on your cheeks.

At one point, you remembered your ex once again and had to pull over before you end up killing the both of you through tear-stained vision. With sympathy, your hitchhiker offers to drive and a listening ear to your burdens, and it indeed lifted your spirits as he offers helpful advice on your pain. You part when you reached his home with a huge thank you for the lift, and you realized that you were just a town away from him.

The next time you saw him was an embarrassing moment you didn't expect to happen or come by so fast. Awkwardly standing by the roadside where your car was supposed to be, towed away because you didn't realize it was illegal to park there, an motorcyclist with a neon decorated bike suddenly pulled over in front of you. And when he takes off his helmet to offer you a ride, the smirk on Xiao's face doubles the embarrassment. You accepted the offer.

You are a secret agent tasked to assassinate a target you've been following and gathering data on for weeks now, the perfect opportunity happens to be a gathering of high class people, a party or ball even. You thought it would be a quick and easy operation until you realized a man named Kaeya seem to be hovering around your target too closely for your taste and ease. It seems the guy has a body guard in hand. Now your focus was on swaying this bluenette, who was thankfully very, very receptive and welcoming to your advances.

When you finally FINALLY managed to let him off your case and successfully separated him from your target, you hurried over to finish the assassination as you realized you've been lingering for far too long— only to see Kaeya about to stab your target before your interruption. It seems that instead of his body guard, Kaeya was actually a hitman hired to kill your target too, and had been dancing around together with you because he thought YOU were the body guard.

"Woah, this your target too?" "Hell yeah." "Yoooooo!" How ironic, you two laughed the coincidence out nonchalantly as your target bleeds to death besides you both. After escaping your almost jail time when the true body guards came to check on their boss, which made a very awesome action sequence as you exchanged bullets next to Kaeya, you learned that your agency had recruited a new fellow under its ranks. You didn't need a name and face to know who the sly bastard was.

You're not really the type of person to be into parties, not since high-school, and still no in college. Things were already a pain to deal with as the midterm examinations rolling in, but your roommate somehow managed to drag you into a popular college organization's midyear party before unceremoniously dipping to drink with the org members. As you cradle your alibi cup in a corner, staring into the raucous party, you realized someone else who's solo is accompanying you in silent brooding.

The two of you awkwardly introduce yourselves to each other before realizing that you've already met once or twice in campus grounds. "I don't really wanna be here." "Me neither." "Wanna dip?" Your relief didn't even need words to confirm your wants as you two slipped away from the mess, growing in intensity that you wouldn't even be suprised if the local authorities were to be called later on.

A little food date in the local 24/7 fast food restaurant nearby and exchange of numbers made your night a little bit better. So when you two found each other in another party you were dragged in again, your hand was held warm and tight within his as you two snickered, skipping out of the venue to have your own little party.

Hello there, welcome to the start of the fluffy days. Figured you're all sad and broken enough to finally enjoy some good ol' flutters.

@sk1nnyangelic @kookieyachi @bunniesrorange @anormalguyreader @scarletroseneko @albaedhoe @xiaophilia @heisenwurst @moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre @traveler-lumine @nonniechan @creation-magician @hanniejji @gojos-baby @just-some-stars @volleybloop

[amethysttail]

Nyx Week Day 4- Heaven in a Fruit

Hi Guys! Here is Day 4 for the Nyx week writing challenge! 

Prompt: Loyalty, Guard Duty, Magic

Summary: Pelna gave Nyx a very serious mission this fine summer’s day- distribute his payload to the glaives on guard rotation without being caught by the Lucians. Easy, right? 

Nyx crept along the brick walls and pillars of the kingsglaive wing of the citadel. He sunk into a crouch behind a pillar as a crownsguard strode past. He couldn't help the grin tugging his mouth. He just had to make it around the corner and past the reception desk into the citadel proper to get to his first target. 

             Summer sunlight streamed through the multicolored glass, painting the marble floors shades of beautiful colors. Nyx flexed magic down his spine. The shafts of colored light bent around his form as he snuck forward. 

           His prize clunked against his back in its case. Jungle melon. Delicious. Impossible to grow here. Yet still the Khara clan had managed to grow some in the ghetto of all places. Pelna had offered him one WHOLE melon as payment for the task of sneaking ice cold melon slices to the glaives on guard duty this stifling summer day. 

            Nyx waited for his opportunity. The receptionist yawned-and he warped as quietly as he could. Nyx struggled to bite back a chuckle- the receptionist did not see a thing! He landed silently, creeping around a pillar. It was a fun game- a training exercise. Run the circumference of the citadel and drop treats to the glaives on guard duty without being caught. He was stealth, he was the coeurl, none could catch- a tap on his shoulder interrupted his internal monologue. 

Crowe gave him a flat stare. Nyx grinned sheepishly. 

“Delivery! From the Khara clan.” He quickly opened his satchel, presenting her a slice of melon, still dripping from its icy packing. 

“...You suck at sneaking around. But I accept.” She snorted, before tearing into her prize and waving him through. Nyx saluted her sharply and spun on heel to duck into the next corridor. 

The next several stops were easy. Axis intercepted him- stealthy little bastard. Nyx squeaked around the blade at this throat that he had a delivery. Axis smiled at the melon and released his hold, letting the mission continue. Sonitus raised an eyebrow, but softened when he saw the melon. It had been years for many of the galahdians. Sonitus accepted gratefully, and looked the other way as Nyx snuck closer to the councilroom entrance. 

Libertus and Tredd stood at attention, guarding the councilroom doors. Currently in session- the stuffy lords of the realm argued about the taxation of food imports and exports. Horrifically boring, but the glaives had to maintain appearances, even in this heat. Nyx could see by the set of their shoulders that Libertus and Tredd were downright irate and likely to start arguing the second their shift was over. 

Magic flexed- hiding Nyx’s form. Stealing over to Libertus’s side he hid in the indentation of stonework and inlay. He tapped his hunting brother’s hip. Libertus barely contained his jump and shout. Tredd looked over at the disturbance sharply. 

“Shh. Delivery- complements of Khara Clan.” Nyx whispered, and worked on cutting two melon slices into small pieces. Libertus could not move from his post or attentive stance- the pompous lords would try to take their funding away if they looked like less than perfection. Libertus stiffened and his eyes grew watery at the smell of melon nectar. It had been far too long. Nyx raised a chunk to Libertus’s lips. He gratefully ate off the knife, trying to remain watching straight, minimizing his chewing. He managed to finish his slice unnoticed. Tredd looked suspicious, glancing over, looking like he was about to say something. 

In one smooth motion Nyx warp rolled across the entranceway, stepped on Tredd’s foot, intercepted the punch of retaliation, and popped a chunk of melon past Tredd’s snarl and into his mouth. The redhead immediately relaxed into the hold, chewing happily. 

“Stand up like a good boy and you can have more.” Nyx breathed. 

Tredd looked rebellious for a fraction of a second, but the cold juice had been divine. He straightened up just in time for the lords to glance over and resume their arguing. Nyx fed him bits of the fruit, gaining happy little hums in response. 

Nyx repacked his bag getting ready to move. The council would be ending soon, he had to get out of there before then. Two more slices to deliver. 

Drautos and Luche normally had their debriefing around this time. He just had to catch them before they went home or a councilperson came to berate them for something stupid..

A vice grip descended and caught Nyx by the scruff, effortlessly lifting him and pinning him to the wall, invisibility be damned. Nyx’s squeak of surprise was buried into brick. 

“Getting a little bold for setting up another prank war, are we?” Drautos chuckled, twisting Nyx’s arm further behind his back. 

“Not a prank, just a-ahhh!” Drautos twisted his arm sharper. 

“I don’t believe you. We just got the stains out of the ceiling. I am going to have to up your training if you still have energy for this silliness.” Drautos hefted Nyx again by the scruff, hauling him into his office, ignoring the squeals of protest. Luche looked up from a stack of papers. The blonde raised an eyebrow. 

“It's a delivery from the Khara clan! Not a Prank!” 

Drautos shook his head, then shook Nyx like a naughty kid. Luche huffed, and searched through the satchel. Drautos turned when his second froze, waiting expectantly. 

The blonde pulled out the two jungle melon slices, looking thunderstruck. Drautos, the unshakeable captain, froze as well. 

“A gift. Enjoy.” 

If the captain forgot himself and gathered Nyx up into a hug, or that Luche got misty eyed and whimpered at the taste, well. Nyx wasn’t going to tell.

[magicalqueennightmare]

Ask the Task Force

Task Force X's opinions on you and Rick as a couple.

The Soldier and His Witch Verse

Warnings are cursing (as always)

If anyone asked Harley she would at least at first give you the clinical reason as to why she thought Rick and you were a good match.

"Yeah Switch is a criminal or whatever but do you know who she killed? Abusers. She worked with a domestic violence shelter when she was younger. First time she killed someone was when she was seventeen years old. She had his wife and two kids hiding behind her and did what she had to do. You know who else would've killed the bastard? Flag. No matter their pasts those two have a lot of the same beliefs and the differences they have compliment each other. Their personalities are compatible, imperfectly perfect ya know?"

Of course being Harley she'd also have to laugh and add "Besides have you seen em? Switch is fuckin gorgeous and a badass to boot. Flag is easy on the eyes and handy in a fight. They're a good couple and anyone who says different can suck it"

If anyone asked Floyd he'd roll his eyes "Switch has been my friend since before either of us got locked up. Believe it or not a few times she beat me to the draw on a target. When we started on the task force I knew she had my back and she knew I had hers. When she got her deal offered she negotiated my release man I'll always owe her for that. As for Flag? He's an alright dude. I mean he had a stick up his ass at first but by the time that mission in Midway City he was done he was a lot more chill. The situations where Switch would fly off the handle, Flag manages to calm her and vice versa. All I know is they make each other happy. There's no one else I'd rather have in my corner than those two plus my daughter likes em. Don't tell em or they'd get the big head but they're actually who I picked as her godparents seeing as she never got any when she was born cause of that mama of hers" 

Then he'd have to add "Why you asking anyways? You got a problem with either of them? Cause if so you got a problem with me"

If anyone was to ask Boomerang at first he'd give an eye roll same as Floyd but then he'd level them with a glare "You really are that fuckin dense huh? You're asking why those two are a good match is proof you ain't never seen em in a fight together. They move like they can read each other's minds. It's a thing of beauty seeing them take people out. A certain art to it. As for them romantically? First time I called it was when she got her ribs hurt saving his ass well all our asses really. Flag stayed the whole time she got looked over by the doc then I heard him telling every guard on duty if she complained of pain to call him. Switch is one helluva woman. Flag would be an idiot to not see that and the way he looks at her? He worships that girl. It's what she deserves ya know? She's been through some shit. They make each other happy and I'm happy for em"

Waller knew long before it ever became public. Hell, Waller knew before you and Rick knew. She "overheard" an argument between Rick and June right before June decided to head back to North Carolina. It was over a candle of all things. Rick said the smell distracted him and reasoned that when he was off work with June he wanted his mind on her and not other things. Through methods only she had Waller managed to track down what candle it was and when she identified the scent she realized why it distracted Rick. It smelled like you. The name of the scent was stormy nights. It was due to your powers and the tie to the weather that the scent of a storm clung to your skin. Rick didn't want the candle because he didn't want to think about you when he was with June.

Not long after June left Rick started refusing to work with anyone who didn't have a good track record of working with metahumans. Then you got an apartment in the same building as him when you got out. She got reports. She knew that not only did the two of you work side by side but you spent most of your free time together. Then of course the matter of Nikolas Morgan ending up with a broken nose and no explanation besides he refused to work with the task force further. What did she care? The two of you were efficient, that's what mattered.

@lacontroller1991 @xoxabs88xox @cluelessnitwhit

[chibimyumi]

what do you think of BOC ep1?

Doesn't it feel like the repetition of the many failures of the trio idiots, and the perfection of Sebastian, the butler? More or like the 1st chapter of BB manga or 1st episode of S1?

Dear Anon,

💖 I like BOC episode 1 a lot. It was admittedly not an impressive episode, but unlike 1st episodes of most anime, BOC's didn't need to draw in a new audience and impress everyone enough to stay. With BOC (being aired in the middle of the night), the target audience is one that already knew Kuro to be worth their time. Therefore episode 1 only needed to be an introduction to the axis of the show; the kidnapping case. Since it fulfilled that purpose excellently, it's an excellent episode 1 in my opinion.

Let’s unpack this episode. (*´▽｀*)ノ

"Just a repetition of the trio idiots"?

Ah, I partially agree with you. I do think the first episode is a showcasing of the trio idiots' failures in juxtaposition of Sebastian's perfection. However, I also think the first episode has more legitimacy than just going: "OMG Sebas, kyun💗", because for the Circus Arc this display of the trio's incompetence is functional. This is in stark contrast with most other adaptations of Kuro and in the beginning of the manga, which were little more than glorifications of Sebas.

The trio's incompetence display plays a key role for the series, because this image given to the audience is the same image the Circus Member would have had of the only remaining staff guarding the Phantomhive estate. I believe that this element of surprise is part of the Phantomhive strategy; intruders can't prepare themselves for 3 human war machines if they don't know of them. This is also reflected in what I read to be Sebas' main M.O. as described here, and now in retrospect it makes sense that it had been Sebas who recruited Bard and Meyrin.

This surprise that the Phantomhive servants are actually talented private soldiers is also not just there to "outsmart the audience, jokes on you!!" It showcases how well-organised the Phantomhive household is under Ciel and Sebas, under the same main strategy: "play with everyone's non-suspicion."

Indeed, with the first episode having shown how Sebas alone can handle any mundane housekeeping task, one is invited to question "why hire such fools in the first place for these jobs?" And the answer is clear now: "there was no need, and they were not hired for 'these jobs'." They were hired for the jobs of private soldiers, just put under guise of maid, chef and gardener, respectively. Of course they wouldn't be good at their not-jobs!

Potent introduction to the protagonists

Another reason I think episode 1 of BOC works well is because it introduces its two protagonists very effectively. The surface checklists of Sebas and Ciel are of course ticked, but it also does more than just that: episode 1 exhibits the mutual bickering between master and servant, Ciel's testing personality, and Sebas' passive-aggression.

When master and servant were walking down the corridor for example, Ciel told Sebas he "was not looking forward to it". Sebas however, interpreted it as his master was talking about the meeting with Brandel. That is quite telling for the way Sebas' brain works, because the demon consistently works only with very clear, transparent messages. If someone does not convey clearly what they mean, Sebas will have no choice but to guess.

It then turned out Ciel was actually talking about the dancing lesson, and Sebas then says: "I see. Do you mean to say that you wish to demonstrate your 'staggering waltz' to the Lady Elizabeth?" Defeated, Ciel only replies: "you snide bastard."

This conversation is likewise very characteristic of these two. Here again Sebas is interpreting, because it is unclear to him what exactly his master wants him to do with this information. Was he simply complaining? Or was he hinting for Sebas to cancel class? (Just pay attention to how much people "communicate" only implicitly through hints. For Sebas this "code of communication" must be as consistent as guesswork.) In Ciel's dismayed reply "you snide bastard", we get a hint that Sebas might not have been too wrong in his interpretation either, because it clearly touched a nerve. Had he been wrong, then Ciel would undoubtedly not have given Sebas the satisfaction of letting him know his comment hit something, and instead simply corrected his butler like he did about Brandel. This back-and-forthing is in my opinion an innocent but excellent taster of their toxic dynamic.

Potent introduction to the series nature

Another thing this episode does well is how it represented what this series is in its core; a comical dark fantasy. When Brandel was convinced that his assassination attempt had succeeded, he boldly hid himself under the table laughing, and when he emerged from underneath it was just total peace. I really giggled at the anti-climax and secondhand embarrassment, it was SO GOOD.

Then when Sebas congratulated Brandel for winning La fève, it was just so casually macabre, I loved it!! I really loved the skin-crawling feeling of Sebas having done a mass-murder, and just casually breaking it to Brandel like the most trivial thing. Because it WAS the most trivial thing to Sebas.

Once again we see just how terrifying the Phantomhive household is, what the "Phantomhive Hospitality" means, and what "Phantomhive" means.

When Sebas crowned Brandel I really loved his mirth at the man's terror. And when Ciel revealed his contract eye saying: "do you have any idea why nobody has spoken of how the Watchdog inflicts punishment? It is because dead men tell no tales." it was so bone-chilling, it was amazing. In my opinion it was a very effective way to impart "old information" to viewers, without it feeling like: "exposition, exposition, exposition".

Conclusion

So yes, though the first episode of BOC is not really impressive on first glance, it gives the audience a lot to unpack and understand what this series will be about.

The first episode effectively disclosed the universe's law: The Queen's Watchdog is relentless with "Phantomhive hospitality", made possible through his strategy and the demon butler's powers

It constructively introduced the character dynamic of the two protagonists: an unconventional master-servant relationship with back-and-forthing.

It practically sets up an image about the idiot servants, which is not a lie, but does paint a different picture of the full truth.

And finally, it faithfully shows the audience the atmosphere of the universe: a comical and macabre world where atrocious crimes are trivial to our protagonists from Hell.

In short; as an introductory episode for BOC, it's more than successful in my opinion. The episode was written by Yana herself, so naturally it understands the source material well. Yes, it's indeed not a very flashy or impressive opening, but for those who are interested, I do recommend giving this episode another investigatory watch rather than a passive watch.

I hope it had been an interesting read ^v^

[captainrexisboo]

Shameless Flirt

Hey hoes! I’m (partially) back!!!

I had a sudden burst of writing inspo. I am very excited to finally give y’all my long awaited Hevy X Reader fic!! I loved writing this, Hevy was so fun to get into the head of. I was going to post this yesterday but then (of course, right as I wanted to start posting again lmao) Life Happened aHA-

Anyways! The Reader Is A Lady (although, it’s not really specified aside from she/her pronouns. still tagging it as female reader though)! No warnings apply, just a lot of flirty banter and a bit of smoochin! Reblogs, replies, and comments are highly encouraged. I love hearing from y’all! Enjoy!!!

~

Technically, it was your day off. However, being the workaholic you were, and bored just sitting in your quarters, you decided the best course of action was to pick up some things you had left at one of your workstations in the ARC training sector...like the stopping point of your last project. You waved and smiled past the guards and troopers patrolling the halls, the vode knew you so it’s not like they were surprised when you strolled through the stark fluorescent halls in your lounging civvies you brought from Corrie. It’s not like you didn’t do this every other off day. It’s not like they haven’t tried to stop you- but not even ARC Commander Blitz could give you orders to go relax as you hunch over another blaster, detonator, or even some type of launcher, without you grinning like a cheeky loth-cat, “I am relaxing, Commander.”

After the first few months of working alongside Blitz, he came to understand that nothing was going to come between you and your work. At least nothing short of the consequence of you kicking and screaming all the way back to your quarters. So he let you be. “Don’t mind her, boys, that’s just our weapons tech. She’s always at the armory, or here in the target range. Think of her as a part of the training- don’t you dare get distracted.” Every new batch of ARC-trainees got told the same thing, and everytime you’d smirk into your work with a casual but polite wave over your shoulder, not even bothering to look back-

“And what about after training, Commander, will she still be ‘distracting’ up here?”

-until today. His shameless intention laced his words, and you could feel his eyes run up and down the curve of your spine, following the shape of your legs. You stood straight from your bent position over the standing turret, turning around with an unimpressed brow as you cocked out a hip, “I sure will, but you’ve got curfew to make, trooper.”

It was easy to single out the flirt, even if they were all wearing helmets. There were five trainees this time, four of them had their shoulders shaking as they choked back giggles with varying snorts and fake coughs at their brother’s expense. The one second from the end to your right seemed taken aback by your retort, spine stiff, and visor still looking at you dead on. You slid your eyes over to where Blitz was sighing and shaking his head, taking as step forward as he ordered, “Fives, thump your brother’s helmet for me.”

“Aye, sir,” Fives managed to breathe out the two syllables without breaking, but needing to clear his throat before swatting the upside of the flirt’s head, effectively taking his gaze off of you and immediately to the floor. Blitz made his way across the room to stand in front of the trooper, and even though they were the same height, Blitz carried himself in a way that made him seem to loom over the younger soldier.

“CT-782, you said your name was Hevy, right?” 

“Yes sir,” Hevy confirmed, voice coming out low, in a natural huskiness some clones seemed to have, as he stood even straighter, trying to mimic the Commander’s practiced stance. Blitz nodded a couple times, humming sagely- you recognized this though. He wasn’t thinking at all, he was just adding tension, the dramatic bastard. You couldn’t help but scoff silently at his demeanor as he took an inhale before continuing.

“I’ve read up about you and your brothers, soldier. The outpost at Rishi, getting recruited into the 501st, your entire batch surviving every fray, hells I just saw all five of you in action during the Separatist invasion just a couple days ago,” Blitz took a moment to exhale, something that could have been mistaken for a sound of intrigue, “You no doubt deserve to be here. An entire batch making it to ARC training? This hasn’t been done since the last batch made specifically to be ARCs themselves. But son-” in the pause, now you could never be sure, but you were positive in that moment you heard the grating clicking of Hevy grinding his teeth at the term, “-I don’t recommend playing with fire. Lucky as you all have been, even in ARC armor, you’ll get burned.”

Hevy stole a glance back at you, to which you gave him a mock salute with your screwdriver and a delightfully crooked smirk before turning back to your work.

Instead of taking his Commander’s words to heart as a warning, he took them as a challenge. From that day on, whenever he found himself in the same room as you (provided Blitz wasn’t there to reprimand him) he would try his hand to win you over. Admittedly, it was very fun to trade bouts of wit with him. He was a cocky brute, but held a sharp tongue. His hot-headedness made it especially entertaining to get him all riled up, teasing him back, only to give him a flick on the nose or a poke on his chest plate. Hell, there was one time you went as far as squeezing his bicep. Specializing in weaponry, especially the heavy duty kind, his arms were definitely impressive. How could you not take that chance? 

On the slower days, when he was too tired to even run his eyes over you, he’d still find you hunched over your workspace in the armory to watch you perform your task of the day. An arms specialist finding interest in a weapons technician’s work? Shocker. Still, being surrounded by the blasters and countless ammo and bombs in the armory, listening to the gentle clicks of your tinkering and watching your fingers go through repeating nimble motions over metal plates and little rivets did seem to put him at ease after a rough day. It was something you could much too easily relate to. Over the course of Domino squad’s ARC training, those days where he gave you quiet, warm company were your favorite.

Today was not one of those days.

You had been given a new assignment, transferring from the training base...to travel with the Domino squad once they graduated in the next few days. And it seems like they just got the message too. You rolled your eyes as you heard his low whistle from across the room, but from the safety of being turned around you couldn’t help a sly grin take over your face. 

“And what, praytell,” Hevy’s gruff voice fills the armory as his boots echoed off the walls with their weighted falls, like you could hear the sway in his step to the beat of his walk, getting closer to you as you continued to lean over your work table, “Did the Domino ARCs do to get a pretty little thing like you to be our weapons technician?”

“Oi, leave her alone, Hevy,” ever the gentleman, Echo tried to ‘defend your honor’ from the shameless flirt as he walked in not a moment later, “Unless you want her to issue herself for a transfer to a different band of ARCs? Keep talking to her like she’s some meat pie, see where it gets you.”

“Awh, thank you, Echo,” you cooed over your shoulder before pushing up your goggles to give Hevy a sugar-coated pout, “Eat shit, Hevy.”

Hevy knew this game, taking his helmet off he shot you a charming wink, before turning to his brother, “What other ‘band of ARCs’? We’re the only notable ones, all the other ARCs are in CO positions, or are riding it solo and getting contracted to separate battalions for separate missions every day! We’re the only full squad of-“

“Half a squad,” Echo interrupted, taking off his helmet to shoot his brother a criticizing arch of his brow, “You realize a full squad is nine soldiers, right? This stuff has been drilled into us since decanting-”

“Then why do they call us the Domino squad?”

“Rolls off the tongue better than Domino batch,” you grumbled into your work, slipping your goggles back on and trying to focus amidst their conversation, “Look, are y’all actually here for something, or-?”

You trailed off, continuing your practiced movements as you waited for an answer. Hevy leaned next to you on the table, careful not to jostle it, or you, with his weight. He had learned that lesson the hard way...some nights his shin still throbbed with the memory.

“We’re gonna celebrate, not just the graduation, but now with you getting to tag along!” Hevy’s unusual cheeriness made you pause in your work. You turned to him, about to say something when he continued, “And we want you to join in the celebration too, mesh’la.”

You blinked at him, surprised by his offer. Sure, you were friendly to the troopers, and Hevy seems to have gotten especially comfortable around you, but you didn’t think they’d want to invite you to something as special as that. You pulled the goggles completely off your head, setting down your tools as you turned around to lean against your table, “I’ll bite. What’s the catch?”

Echo and Hevy looked between themselves, before glancing at you with mirroring expressions of confusion. 

“Why do you want me to join?” you elaborated, bringing up a hand to count on your fingers, “You wouldn’t want me there unless you had a reason for me to join, what is it? Contraband liquor? Snacks? Do you want me to secure the armory for the get together so you don’t have to have it in the barracks, or my quarters, or what?”

“The catch,” Hevy took a careful step into your space, mimicking your new pose, giving you an amused if not surprised smile, “is for you to have fun, not surrounded by guns and ammo.”

“And that’s coming from Hevy,” Echo scoffed, but agreeing with a wide shrug of his shoulders as he crossed his arms. You looked between the two of them as the moment stretched out for what felt like a lifetime… for Hevy at least. All the times he spent with you, all the terrible flirting and unashamed eyeing- he really wanted you to join. He could feel sweat begin to creep down his neck, the longer he waited for a response, swallowing down a gulp of dry air as his gaze flicked nervously over to Echo. Echo simply rolled his eyes- all of Domino Squad knew about Hevy’s true feelings for you. It was hard not to take notice when Hevy was just, well, like that. But they never seemed to learn about Hevy’s quiet times in here with you, how you two would partake in silent togetherness, finding peace in each other’s company. Not that Hevy was embarrassed, far from it, but he liked having that little piece to himself. Of course, he wanted more of you to himself, but for now those comforting silences while you built and rebuilt blasters were enough for him, because they were enough for you.

You kept your gaze neutral as you weighed the option of joining in your mind. It was far from a bad option, you liked this batch. They had been through a lot together, loved and protected each other like brothers should, and along with Hevy they accepted you as one of their own. What was one night?

“Yeah, alright,” you looked between the two ARCs, a grin forming as you stole a glance at Hevy, “I’ll join in. When is it?”

Hevy could jump for joy at your agreement, but he was still leaning on your workspace. Instead he smiled wide, tattooed cheeks crinkling parallel to the corners of his eyes, letting out a relieving breath, “Tomorrow night, the eve of our first deployment as ARCs. Be at our bunks at 1930…and if you do have any liquor-”

“Hevy-”

“Of course I have liquor,” you interrupt Echo’s chiding with a wink to the heavy gunner, bringing your forefinger up to trace Hevy’s jawline, gliding along the sharp edge, the pad of your fingertip calloused from years of work, and swelling with pride at how his dark eyes fluttered shut as he leaned into your teasing touch. Coming off with a playful tap to the tip of his chin, his eyes snapped open at your sultry chuckle, “See you tomorrow, soldier.”

You turned back to your work, slipping your goggles on a final time, but not before a quick and casual wave over your shoulder, “Later, Echo.”

Echo couldn’t figure out your mood toward Hevy worth a damn. He looked between your aloof manners and Hevy’s moony grin, deciding it just wasn’t worth trying to pick your brain at, partially because he was smart enough not to get involved, but also he wasn’t certain he’d be able to stomach the answer. Catching his brother's eyes, he made a discreet gagging motion to him before fitting his helmet back on and walking out the door, “See you, techie.”

Hevy stayed back a bit longer, continuing to watch you work. He was completely quiet, but his silence was deafening. You breathed out a huff of laughter, the tops of your ears beginning to heat up at his attention, wetting your lips, “Well?”

“Hm? Well what?” he shook himself out of his stupor, blinking back into time at your voice.

“Are you gonna leave now n’ let me work?” You cursed inwardly at your harsh words. You liked Hevy, deep down he was a real sweetheart, but you always found yourself being so coarse to him. Thankfully, he was as much of a hardhead as he was a hothead, and he met your indifferent glare with a devilish grin that made your heart jump doubletime.

“No, I think I’m gonna sit right here and watch your lovely hands make something amazing.”

“Amazing?” you scoff, shaking your head at his compliment, “I’m just fixing up another DC-15A that some cadet broke. You need to head to the med station if you think that’s amazing. We both know the Z-6 rotary is far superior-”

“When you’re done with it, it’ll be the best DC-15A in the GAR,” Hevy interrupted, eyes shifting between your face and your hands, “Everything you do is amazing.”

You stopped what you were doing at the genuinity that filled his praise. He always spoke to you with a hint of truth, a bit of heartfelt sincerity to make his easy way of speaking more personal to you, more interesting. But there was something in his expression, maybe the dreamlike haze filling the depths of his eyes, or the way that his accent rolled off his tongue that had you placing your palms flat on the table before speaking low to him, “Hevy, what are you doing?”

“I thought I was pretty clear,” he shrugged with a sideways grin, still careful of the lean on your table, “I’m watching you. You’ve let me before-”

“I mean with the…” you gestured to his full self, keeping your eyes on your now resting project, “The whole...flirting thing.”

You caught him off-guard. The two of you have been at it for months now, but neither of you had ever said or acknowledged anything about it. It was like a silent pact between the two of you, continue the performance, but don’t mention the game. To suddenly come out of the unsaid arrangement, Hevy felt himself draw back, slowly lifting his weight off the table, “Do you...not like it? I mean I figured that you...you know, you’ve always responded…”

You couldn’t believe it. After always having something to say, being able to trade quips, building a friendship over the shared banter and ripostes, the fearless ARC trooper you’ve seen grow so much these past few months was babbling out broken sentences at a single question.

“I can stop, if you’d like.”

It was that whispered phrase that brought you back into the moment, turning to him with burning cheeks, “I didn’t say that.”

“Well then what do you want?” He took a step into your space, brow set and a jaw flexing as he frustratingly tried to understand your sudden shift, “We’ve been...flirting-” the word left him like he was saying it for the first time, each syllable carefully leaving his lips- “since the day I met you. Mesh’la, if you don’t like it, say something! We’re about to go to work together, travelling the galaxy for a long time-”

“Exactly,” you countered, poking at his chest as you stood defiantly to him, tearing off your goggles and mussing your hair off to the side, “Whatever this is, are we gonna continue it? Continue dancing around each other like some kind of goddamned soap opera where everyone but us gets off on our own self-denial?”

“Self-denial?” Hevy repeats, an incredulous sound leaving his chest as you saw a fire spark behind his stare, “Sweetheart, I’m not denying anything, especially things I haven’t been asked!”

“Alright then, fine!” Somewhere down the conversation, your voices had raised to shouting in the small space, even as you two stood almost nose to nose, and your breath hot on his lips you asked, “Do you like me, trooper?”

“Like you? It was love at first sight when you first told me off,” Hevy couldn’t find it in himself to be embarrassed at his confession, just focusing on fueling the flames between you, “And what about you, techie? How do you feel about me?”

“I think you’re a smartmouthed asshole with a heart of gold and a pretty face- yeah, I like you a whole fucking lot!” 

This was ridiculous. You knew it was ridiculous. You could see it in his face too, the two of you breathing heavy, barely a hair’s width away from each other. You’re unsure who started it, later on you two would always claim the other giggled first, but eventually you found yourselves holding onto each other for support as you laughed out the rest of your pointless venom. His arms fit around you perfectly as your hands held strong to his wide shoulders, your laughter filling the room together, the sounds swirling in their melody as everything started to click perfectly into place. Once everything quieted down, your head resting against his chest as his hands ran up and down your back, you exhaled low and steady against him, slowly rocking in his hold, “Plastoid isn’t that comfortable to rest on, huh?”

“You should try wearing it,” Hevy snorted at your comment, leaning over to rest his cheek on the top of your head, “So...what now?”

You hummed, feigning thought before angling your face to brush your lips over the column of his throat, murmuring into his skin, “I wouldn’t be against a kiss.”

Something rich left his throat, the sound deep and thrumming through his chest before one of his hands found its way into your tresses on the back of your head, tugging gently at your hair to guide you to his lips. You couldn’t stop the brief hitch in your breath at the daring move, but you wouldn’t have expected anything less from the brash soldier. At your word he took the lead, slanting over your mouth in a soft motion, breathing you in as easy as air. You followed in confidence, welcoming the boldness with which he kissed you as the same boldness that had him playing the game you both set up. A small noise of satisfaction left you, not just from the perfect pressure from his lips moving so softly against yours, but also from the way his hand gripped so firmly at your waist through your canvas jumpsuit, his other hand still carding so thoughtfully through your hair; it was a sweet little gasp that Hevy swore he’d be replaying in his head for a week. Or at least until he was able to make another sound tumble out of you.

Your hands came up to cup his cheeks, thumbs tracing the edges of his tattoos, pulling him impossibly closer. The payoff of this single kiss was absolutely worth all those months of gentle torture, the teasing touches and glances, discreetly watching his lips when he’d talk and thinking about how he’d feel against your own. Or even how he’d taste. In a stroke of your own audacity, you ran a slow, languid lick of your tongue against his lips, and the growl that came from him made the most delightful of shivers shoot right down your spine.

He had a robust, spicy taste, earthy and rich with a bit of heat that came tickling at your tongue. It wasn’t too surprising- he smelled the same way, smoky and hearty with the biting musk all clones seemed to carry with them. What did surprise you was the honeyed velvet of his own tongue eagerly coming to meet yours as you repeated your action. You could feel his infuriating grin at the helpless whimper that dripped from you at the feeling, and you nipped brazenly at his bottom lip in retaliation.

Before he could respond to your playful attack, the two of you froze as a throat loudy cleared from the entryway of the armory. Hevy almost didn’t pull away from you, a near silent broken whine coming from him (for your ears only) as he came off of your lips with a wet smacking sound. After a quick flex of his fingers, he removed his hands from you just as slowly, your own hands sliding down from his face to clasping behind your back. You both turned to face the bucket of Commander Blitz, arms crossed and stance wide in the doorway. He nodded toward the hall, “You left the door open.”

You cleared your throat, pursing your lips to keep from saying something ridiculous. Hevy clenched his jaw, trying to accomplish the same thing. Blitz’s visor smoothly slid to gaze over you, and you straightened in the mimic of his cadets. “You finally relaxing, techie?”

A short chuckle escaped you, lips twitching up in a coy grin, “I am, Commander.”

He nodded, that same dramatic humming leaving him as he turned then to Hevy, who tensed at full attention to the ARC Commander. “What about you, son. How’s that burn feel?”

“To be perfectly candid, sir,” Hevy, always pushing the limits, turned to shoot you a look with a quick lick of his lips before responding, “Absolutely thrilling.”

Blitz nodded again, taking slow steps into the room, like how Hevy had earlier that day, letting each step echo off the walls until he was about two feet away, “I’m happy for you both, but please. Don’t be stupid. You’re lucky it was me walking by and not one of the longnecks, or the nat-born chief trainers. Close the doors. And do me a favor, wait till you’re both off Kamino for any of the heavier stuff, okay?”

You and Hevy both confirmed the Commander’s request with quick nods and mumbled “Yes sirs,” making him let go a long breath. Uncrossing his arms, he pointed to Hevy, “Trooper, hit the showers. Move it.”

Hevy shot you one last look, if you didn’t know any better you’d say he was bashful, before saluting Blitz, grabbing his helmet and marching out of the armory. You stood straight, still under Blitz’s cold stare from his visor, until he sighed, slapping a companionable hand on your shoulder, “If he steps out of line, I better be the first vod you call. I will kick his ass so hard, he’ll be knocked back to failing the Citadel the first time-”

“At ease, Commander,” you rolled your eyes, you hand coming up to hold onto his, brushing your thumb over his knuckles with a soft breath of laughter, “He didn’t lay a hand on me until I asked him to.”

Blitz squeezed your hand, taking off his own helmet to look at you. He looked a little older than Domino did, cheeks slightly hollowed and eyes a bit deeper set, a bittersweet shine coming over his amber stare, mouth twitching up into a lopsided smile, “I’m gonna miss you, after you go off with those fools.”

“You’ll make great friends with the next techie who comes along. Who knows, maybe they’ll actually listen to you,” you smile back at him, the two of you masking the tears threatening to fall from your lashes. He pulls you in, touching your foreheads together, before giving two more pats to your shoulder.

“And remember,” he pulls off of you, placing his helmet back on and causing his voice to come out in a soft static, “Please, for the love of Jango, don’t-”

“Don’t be stupid,” you salute to him, winking for extra effect, “Aye-aye, ori’vod.”

[lazaretskies]

TITLE | Behind the Bookshelf

LENGTH | Drabble [but it became 1.2k]

CHARACTERS | Markus [my OC] & Theo [@popcornaddict500]

AUTHOR’S NOTE | “I’ve been fed brainworms so I shall farm them well. This is very ROUGH though and I wanna rewrite but to hell with that. This was literally based on our last convo hehe. Fic under the cut cuz it got a little longer than expected.”

Silencing one’s footsteps is no mere task. It sounded simple, far simple when heard in everyday conversation. People always thought that all you needed was to go slow or have the right pair of shoes. But to be light and silent on your own two feet is a genuine skill, usually taken by those in practice or a profession that requires stealth and agility. A thief, an experienced one at that, would be an adequate example.

And Markus, as much of a teasing and cocky bastard he is, had quite the background. He had entered countless homes of nobles and politicians alike, each one with stricter security than the last. Yet the man had most of the time, left unscathed and unseen. At the rare moments that he was caught, picking locks and invading guards was also a familiar field. The young man was skilled and he had the experience to hone it.

- If only he did not choose to use said skill in the most stupid of situations.

Sliding into the Library without him knowing was already impressive on its own. Markus knew well that the librarian was keen on his job and is not one to laze about. So the man even went to the lengths of climbing into a window and slipping into the far back. Really, he was just passing by when he saw the familiar face through the glass and thought “Why not?”.

If it weren’t for the numbers on the shelves guiding him, Markus would’ve called the place a maze with how many turns he took until he found the front desk. Weirdly though, the person he was looking for was nowhere to be seen.

That was when he heard the clutter in a section a few shelves down, followed by a soft muttering of a familiar voice. A mischievous grin spreads across Markus’ face as he went straight where the sound came from, peeking behind one of the bookshelves and finally locating his target.

Theo had his back turned on him, picking up a book that fell off the shelves that he was restocking. He was of course thankful for the people who would visit the library, but was it too much to ask them to properly return the ones they used? A groan left his lips as he straightened himself and reached up to put the encyclopedia back in its proper place.

“Just a little more…”, Theo grumbled, having to get on the tip of his toes to slide the book back. He was just about to get it all the way in between the other reference articles when a sudden pair of arms appeared out of nowhere, wrapping themselves around his waist without warning.

“Eeek! What in the-“, the startled fellow shrieked, letting go of the heavy leather-bound book to look behind him. “Markus?!”

“Hey, Theo~”, the curly-haired man beamed with a cat-like smile, playfully wiggling his brows as he lay his chin on Theo’s shoulder, completely unaware of an upcoming danger from above. “Did you miss m-“

THUD.

The encyclopedia Theo was trying to reshelve fell right back down and landed directly on Markus (big) head, its spine meeting his skull with a solid thud. The sound of the book hitting the floor after giving Markus a possible lump echoed around them. For a moment, the two were completely silent. Theo from surprise and Markus for the blow to his head and his dignity.

“…Fuck, that hurt.”, the thief finally decided to break the silence, rubbing his head with one hand and groaning under his breath. Theo took the chance of Markus letting go to turn around and face him properly, but not without taking notice of how Markus still kept one arm around his waist.

“Markus, I swear to the heavens!”, he whisper-yelled, glaring up at the male. “I told you not to startle me, remember? And where did you even come from?!” But unlike the many times that the thief got himself in trouble, instead of a snarky remark, the only reply Markus made was another groan, lowering his head a little as he rubs the point of impact.

This had made Theo recoil on his initial nagging tone, lips pursing as his glare turned to concern. “…D-Does it hurt? Are you okay?”, he sighed in defeat, reaching up to the hand Markus had above his head.

This made Markus look up, eyes peeking behind his bangs at the other’s worried expression. He blinked, then an idea came to mind and he immediately began making more 'pained' noises. “Ugggh… What do you think?”, he pouted childishly, meeting Theo’s eyes. “What is that book made of? Rocks? I think I might have a concussion… Shit…”

Theo glanced at him suspiciously. “O…kay. Where does it hurt then? Let me look.”

Markus lowered his head again as an answer (and to hide an impending grin), taking Theo’s hand and guiding it on the spot he was hit. “Right here…”, he began to coo softly, his tone changing as he used the arm he had on Theo’s waist to pull the other’s body closer to his. His other hand remained on Theo’s, keeping it atop his head.

“Care to kiss it better for me~?”

The sudden proximity and request caught the other off guard and Theo’s face erupted into a bright red. “H-Huh? Wha--”, he gaped, lost for coherent sentences nor thoughts for a few seconds. “But… you weren’t hit on your lips…?”

Markus raised a brow, amusement in his eyes. “…I meant my head, though.”, he stated, smirking knowingly. “Why? Did you wanna kiss me on the mouth instead? Don’t worry, I don’t mind~”

The thief watched as Theo’s already flushed face got even redder, reaching even the tips of his ears. “O-OH!”, he managed to get out, embarrassed to the core. “N-Normally kisses are on the lips! I just assumed is all…! B-But fine, I will!”

The smaller of the two then took both sides of Markus’s head, pulling him down and kissed the injured spot. “T-There. Happy?”

Markus couldn’t hold it back any longer and let a soft laugh slip out from how flustered the other looked. Markus grinned, putting his hands atop the ones Theo had on him and guiding one of them down to his lips, placing a kiss of his own. "Very."

Then he takes the chance to swoop down, landing a peck on Theo’s lips and smiling wider at the surprised expression.

“M-Markus! Don’t just-”, he exclaimed but was cut off by another kiss, a little longer than the other. Markus pulled away and only smiled, clearly proud of himself. Flustered and defeated, it was Theo’s turn to groan, hiding his face in Markus’ chest and weakly punching him. “Why are you like this…?”

The man only proceeded to wrap his arms around him in an embrace, with a peal of gentle laughter that only Theo could hear. They stayed in that position for a little longer, neither one wanting to leave.

Maybe an encyclopedia to the head was worth it after all.

“Hey, Theo?”

“Yeah?”

“…I think I might actually have a concussion.”

[neakco]

The Lost Temple Ch.6

Ao3 First Previous Next Masterlist

They may be trapped underground and separated from their friends, but at least they found the temple. Right?

Ch.6 Treasure?

Tim took no time in grabbing a light from his utility belt. He was about to look around for Marinette, he knew he saw her land okay, when his radio cracked to life.

 

“Rob, are you and the lady okay?”

 

“Yeah, we’re fine, but the ground seems to have collapsed. Think you can make an entrance with out touching the ground?”

 

“Probably, but from what I see, that cave in is all that’s keeping the roof above you from collapsing as well.”

 

Tim swore before finally looking to Marinette. She was looking around with a large spotted lantern, where the hell had she gotten that? Just something else to figure out later.

 

“Impulse, report. Where's the target?”

 

“They walked directly to you guys before the ground started shaking. I lost track of them after that. The magic telling me to go away is weaker but I think the ground swallowed them.”

 

Directly, that made no sense. How did they know? He was sure there weren’t any trackers on him or Marinette, well none he hadn’t placed. They only ones that had been alone at any point were Bart and Adrien. He trusted this Bart but the timing had been wrong for it to have been Adrien.  The only thing he could think of was that someone must have been nearby and when the magic weakened they were spotted.

 

“Impulse, I need you to pack up camp and ready our escape. I have a feeling we're going to need it.”

 

“On it.”

 

He walked closer to Marinette after that to try and discern what she was yelling at the ceiling…or maybe why.

 

“We're fine for now. We can always try and find this treasure and look for another way out.”

 

“Hate to intervene, but Impulse Reports that the enemy was last seen heading straight for us before being swallowed by the ground.”

 

He watched her face very carefully for any sign of betrayal. He was quite happy to see surprise, confusion, and anger flash through her eyes in a blink of time.

 

“No more choice.” She muttered suddenly before turning back to the ceiling and exclaiming, “Change of plans Chaton. Destroy it.”

 

Tim was about to ask for an explanation when he heard Kon swear before a large part of the ceiling just disintegrated.

 

A boy dressed as a parody of Catwoman graceful spun through the air before his staff extended to catch him and lower him down. Tim started to get into a defensive stance when Marinette disappeared in a flash of pink light and was replaced by a girl in spotted spandex.

 

“Surprise.”

 

Just like that everything clicked into place. Every small piece he had filed away as celestial weirdness made sense. Marinette and Adrien were Ladybug and Chat Noir, heroes powered by small gods. He remembered Diana warning them years ago that these heroes were the cosmic balance of the universe. Shit. “This is a Miraculous temple.”

Kon, who hand finally landed next time him actually gasped in surprise, he probably still remembered Diana's threats.

 

Both Parisian's had flinched at his words. Finally Ladybug sigh as Chat tossed his hands in the air, “Of course you know that! I swear you know everything.”

 

“Explanations later Kitty. We need to find this treasure before those others. They are likely somewhere in this temple and we don’t know if they are still tracking us somehow.”

 

Tim nodded. “You’re the embodiment of good luck and this is your temple, where are we going?”

 

He watched as she looked around before she saw or felt something they couldn’t and took off at a sprint. Tim had thought her fast before but now she moved as if even gravity didn’t slow her. In this labyrinth of stone it took everything he had to keep up.

 

Then the walls opened to reveal a beautiful chamber untouched by the ravages of time. There was no dust, no moss, every surface shone as if freshly polished to perfection. At the end of the room there was a glowing pedestal with something floating above it.

 

Kon laughed, “You guys think this is it?”

 

Tim smiled, “That or a trap.”

 

 

Marinette glanced back to the American heroes, “It is both.” She stepped forward a bit to grab Adrien's tail. “There are spells here to set off traps if any kwami come to close.”

 

She could see Red Robin studying them as they detransformed. “Just what is a kwami?”

 

“We are not a what, we are a who.” Marinette turned to see the tiny horse-like Kwami scolding Red Robin.

 

“Kaalki, that's rude, we talked about this.” Tikki came flying over to pull the other Kwami out of Red's face.

 

She could hear Plagg pulling a tin of cheese out of Adrien’s small bag and inhaling it. She sighed. “I promise I will explain when we have time. Can I ask you two to stand guard while we try to disarm the traps?”

 

Superboy shrugged and looked to Red Robin who in turned took a slow breath before nodding.

 

“If you are sure you have it handled.”

 

“If it comes it I can just toss Adrien as hard as possible towards the scroll.”

 

Superboy turned quickly towards Adrien at that, “you’re okay with that?”

 

Her loyal kitty smirked, “If it keeps working why should I ask her to stop?”

 

“You know what, never mind, you both need therapy.” He turned back towards the door.

 

“Bold of you to assume we haven’t tried it.” She laughed as she and Adrien started to poke at the pedestal.

 

She saw him stiffen slightly out of the corner of her eyes as Plagg landed on the poor man's head. She didn’t think much of it until she Plagg spoke up lazily.

 

“If I were you Pigtails I would hurry it up a bit. You are going to have company soon.”

 

She tried, but it was like a tangle of threads and wires. She needed to free one specific cord but to do so she needed to untangle several others. It was a nightmare and only went as well as it did because she had practice every time Plagg had gotten into her yarn.

 

Adrien grabbed the item on her signal and revealed it to be a scroll. They exchanged a worried glance before quickly opening it . She started to tremble, and she saw her kitty pale.

 

The scroll contained a spell to control the minds and will of Miraculous users.

 

“Those old bastards,” Adrien hissed, “We do this job and it isn’t just worries we won’t have anymore.”

 

Just as she opened her mouth to try to reassure him a bullet flew past her.  Looking up she saw a magical nexus confining Superboy and Red Robin nowhere to be seen, she felt him though, to her left. He had melded into the shadows.

 

“Drop the scroll and we let you go peacefully.”

 

Superboy seemed to growl, “Just why should we believe you?” She could see him straining against the magic. Just a few minutes longer and he could break free, it was meant to hold Kryptonians.

 

“We were hired by the Order of Miraculous. “ That had her attention, did those old men really… “Only a member of their order can use the power in that scroll, so no point in you keeping it.”

 

Adrien was muttering quiet curses as he roughly shoved the scroll into his bag.

 

“If what you say is true then we should be allies. The Order are the ones that hired us as well.”

 

The man laughed and she spotted a couple of his men with artifacts she recognized. They hadn’t been tracking them, they had been tracking magic, and her presence had amplified it enough for them to get a signal.

 

Tsk, “You really shouldn’t have said that girly.”

 

Oh good villain monologue, she liked those, gave her time to plan.

 

“Them monks warned us of some pretenders.”

 

She saw the magic on Superboy about to snap and smiled to Adrien.

 

“See, we’re to kill you on sight.”

 

“Spot's on!”

 

“Claws out!”

 

Just as they transformed the magic bindings snapped and the resulting light was enough to temporarily blind their opponents.

 

The men began to fire blindly but bullets were a poor weapon choice against the three powered heroes, one of which was completely invulnerable.

 

She stuck an arm out to stop Superboy from attacking as a small part of her prayed Red Robin was okay in this chaos.

 

Calmly through the storm of bullets she walked forward until she was close enough to grab Chat Noir's hand. They hadn’t done this often and never before had they used it on so many.

 

“I am Destruction, a true Guardian of the Miraculous. For your crimes against us your memories shall be destroyed.” He began to glow a powerful green.

 

Bullets were still being fired, magic artifacts were being triggered, but all dissolved in the green light.

 

“I am Creation, a true Guardian of the Miraculous. Since you were tasked to preform your crimes by others you shall be granted new memories to replace those destroyed.” She began glowing a fierce pink.

 

Then they spoke as one, “We are the chosen balance, our will is universal law.”

 

Their lights flared, combined , and took over the room. When it faded the men were gone and their transformations had faded.

 

Then their legs gave out and left them leaning on each other just to remain upright.

 

“Life with you is never boring M'lady.”

 

She chuckled before looking up to see Superboy and Red Robin staring.

 

She was glad that Red was okay but she couldn’t help but wonder where he had appeared from.

 

“What the ever loving fuck was that?” Red was pacing now. Is it bad she found it cute? “What did you do to them? What are you two?” He stopped and pointed at Adrien, “And what the hell is on that scroll?”

 

Adrien, her ever loyal yet sometimes useless kitty, just started laughing. She kind of wished he would share the joke, she could use the pick-me-up.

 

“If you stop yelling and sit so I don’t have to look up at you then I will gladly explain.” Was that a little harsh? Probably, but she was at the low end of energy now.

 

He took a deep breath before crouching like a gargoyle. It wasn’t quite sitting but she would take it. Superboy sat next to him, he looked a little lost. She would probably feel bad later.

 

“That was a ritual that can only be preformed by two guardian's that hold the black cat and ladybug miraculous. It works by temporarily combining the powers. This can in theory be done by one person wielding both miraculous , but that tends to throw the world into disarray, possibly even ending it.” She could remember that Wonder Women had warned the Justice League about the wish and its consequences so the concept shouldn’t be new.

 

“As for the men, they should be back at their camp. Any memory of finding us or the temple have been replaced by now. They will remember finding nothing but overgrown rubble.” She paused to take a breath and muster all the remaining energy she could into sounding confident. “As for who we are, we are Ladybug and Chat Noir, The true guardians of the miraculous and the gods inhabiting them.”

 

“And the scroll?”

 

“The scroll contains an ancient spell meant to be used if a miraculous user goes bad. It can take away the will and control the mind of anyone is possession of a miraculous.”

 

“Actually, it is dust.” She looked back with more energy than she thought she had to see Plagg with a beaming smile.

 

“You owe me so many Cheese pastries for this Pigtails. I have a list.”

 

“we can discuss it once our family is safe.”

 

Superboy cleared his throat to get their attention, “I don’t mean to be a downer,” he spoke softly, “but I think your light show sealed us in. I can’t see the hole he created anymore.”

 

Of course, to alter the memories they also had to alter reality, if someone was to come back there really would be nothing but overgrown rubble to find above ground. “Kaalki, may you please bring us to Impulse?”

 

“Is he famous?”

 

If she had more energy she might be angry, why couldn’t the tiny horse bend her weird rules just this once?

 

“Technically we all are.” Red Robin smiled at the kwami, “Impulse, Superboy and myself are member of Young Justice and known the world over.”

 

She was so thankful to the man for saving her an exhausting argument.

 

“Oh wonderful, It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kaalki and I look forward to meeting this Impulse.” The kwami flew in an excited circle before addressing Red Robin again, “Would any if you happen to be unattached and looking for courtship?”

 

“Not now Kaalki!” Why? Why did all the kwami like to embarrass her?

 

“Very well my guardian. Please make note that I believe the red one to be most suitable for you.”

 

She felt her cheeks heat up and hoped it was dark enough that no one other than Tikki or Adrien could tell.

 

“The portal Kaalki.”

 

Portals opened up under all of them and dropped them from the ceiling of the escape vehicle. She wasn’t sure if it was an airplane or a weird space ship, but she did know that Kaalki was not getting any sugar for a long time. The kwami had purposely dropped her on top of Red Robin.

 

She knew she should get off the man but she was completely out of energy now. She thinks she managed to apologize but honestly the only thing she could think while drifting off to sleep was that all in all everything was working out okay.

Just the epilogue after this. I hope you have enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing.

Taglist @toodaloo-kangaroo

[glassessence]

PGR - OC

I got so inspired by everyone’s creativity that I created my own OC ^^” Even though she’s a member of the Purifying Force, I hope she’ll still be received warmly. Special thanks to @punishing-gray-raven-ocs​ for their detailed posts about character creation that really made me think about Lydias! 

Warning: I may have gone a bit overboard with the detail. It’s a long read! Also, I threw in a not-so-subtle reference to the most traumatic Memory Rescue mission lmao. So proceed with caution, I guess HAHA

Name                          Lydias: Umbral

Type                            Offensive Support-type Construct

Service time              1 year

Psychological age    24

Activation date         15 March

Height                         167 cm

Weight                        59 kg

Vital fluid type          O

Faction                        Purifying Force

Rank                            A

Weapon                      Chakrams (preferred) /  Gun

Damage type             70% Dark, 30% Physical

Lydias is a support-type Construct modelled after Watanabe’s Astral frame. She has extreme stealth capabilities and excels at tracking, making her ideal for the execution of rogue and infected Constructs.

Her missions mostly involve infiltration and spying, although she’s also been deployed on assassination missions. Those orders come straight from Nikola and their records are kept top-secret, inaccessible even to Bianca.

Her frame is designed for long-range sniping and comes equipped with visual accuracy enhancements and superb calculative powers. However, Lydias prefers to engage her targets in close combat. Killing Constructs from afar feels cruel and cold, like they really are meaningless machines instead of former comrades.

She truly believes in the good of the Purifying Force, but hates the things she has to do. She doesn’t feel like she belongs, but also can’t see a future for herself anywhere else.

Her fighting style is very graceful, featuring a lot of spins and flips that are reminiscent of a dance. Her signature move is called “Blade Dance.”

B A C K G R O U N D 

Lydias was born to a wealthy family in Babylonia. Her mother joined the war effort as a Commandant shortly after she was born and is known as the leader of the elite task force, Cybele. Since then, Lydias has always wanted to follow in her mother’s famous footsteps.

Originally a Commandant of the Black Wolves, a certain incident caused her to give up the position and apply for reconstruction. Despite having low compatibility for Tantalum-193, her application was approved after negotiations with Nikola. Following her surgery, she was transferred to the Purifying Force.

P E R S O N A L I T Y

Shows affection through actions rather than words. Bakes cakes for the humans of Babylonia in her free time

Philosophical, often ponders on the nature of humans and of the war

Likes to make dirty jokes and tease others

Obedient to a fault because she doesn’t trust her own judgement

Comes across as cold, but is just awkward with introductions

Doesn't think very highly of herself. Ignores it when other Constructs call her "traitorous hunting dog" but secretly thinks they're right

Loves the sea and the fathomless depths yet to be explored. Likes to go swimming at every opportunity

Prefers to work alone, but overprotective of her comrades when in a team. Frequently throws herself in harm’s way to shield her teammates. Knows it’s not good, but is too haunted by her past

Trusts easily, but is very guarded with her heart

Knows how to dance a lot of old-school styles like ballroom and ballet, but is too shy to ask anyone to practice with her

S E C R E T S

Has memorised a lot of poetry from before the Punishing Virus outbreak

Gets intensely lonely and jealous when seeing close squad camaraderie like Gray Raven’s

Avoids Kamui because he reminds her of someone she’s lost

Has spied on Watanabe extensively under Babylonian orders and is deeply fascinated by him

Doesn’t trust Nikola, but is unable to disobey his commands

Secretly harbours doubts about Babylonia’s mission to reclaim Earth

Has obtained special permission to download the data of the Black Wolves and often reads the records to keep them alive in her heart

V O I C E   L I N E S

“Team leader? No, I refuse. You’re making a grave mistake.”

“I’m not suited for protecting people.”

“My opinion on the Forsaken? They’re hardworking, loyal, and--Nevermind. We seem to share a similar goal.”

“The Black Wolves? Where did you hear of that name?! Don’t mention it again!”

“I baked a cake today. Would you like some?”

“Yes, I can dance. But I’d prefer it if you didn’t tell the others…”

“I can teach you to dance. Privately, if you’d like. Haha, just kidding.”

“Becoming a Construct was a decision I made rashly. I don’t necessarily regret it, but…”

“Are we really doing the right thing? This endless war… All these years… What have we really achieved?”

INTERLUDE

D U S K F A L L

A voice cracked over the intercom. “...dant…Com...ant...Commandant, do you hear me?!”

Lydias blinked. The urgency in his voice caught her off guard. Ferdinand kept his cool even in the most dire of situations. Something was very wrong. “Tell me, Ferdie.” Static. “Ferds? Come through!” Nothing. Communications had been poor ever since they’d entered this area, but they’d managed until now. For it to suddenly fail like that… it couldn’t be a coincidence.

“Shit,” she said, turning to the other two Constructs with her. “On guard, guys. Something’s coming and comms are down.”

Ilya grimaced. “Sure it’s not one of Ferdinand’s pranks again?”

“I wouldn’t put it past him,” Flora offered, even as she tightened her grip on her lance. “Pesky little bastard would find it hilarious.” Lydias said nothing. She was too tense. There was a taste in the air, a metallic tang that churned in her belly. Sweat dripped into her eye. Suddenly, a hand slapped her on the back. “Relax, Commandant,” Ilya chuckled. “We’ll protect you like always. No need to be so scared all the time.”

Something in her loosened, just a bit. “Shouldn’t I be the one protecting you?” she retorted, trying to project confidence. “You guys with your fragile little M.I.N.Ds?” Flora laughed, a deep-belly rumble that Lydias loved. The knot in her stomach unravelled some more. “You do that, Commandant,” Flora said. “We’ll just twirl our pointy sticks at the bad guys.”

Lydias was just about to say something snarky when she caught movement in the corner of her eye. She swirled, gun at the ready. There was still no word from Ferdinand. “I’m sensing a large Corrupted force in our perimeter,” Ilya reported. His voice had lost its casual lilt. “They’ve got us surrounded.”

Lydias cursed. “How’s that Memory retrieval coming along?”

“Slowly,” Ilya replied unhappily. Flora clicked her tongue. The Corrupted were visible now. They weren’t like anything Lydias had seen before. They carried advanced weapons - chainsaws and spears and bows - and seemed to be organised into phalanxes. Dread coiled in her belly. “We’ve been ambushed,” she breathed in horror. “Ferdinand tried to warn us. They must have blocked off comms.”

“Well, shit,” Flora grunted. The Corrupted army was within gunshot range now. “When the fuck did they get so smart?”

“Someone must be leading them,” Ilya said. “How did the information leak?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Lydias said. “We need to retreat. Now.” A bullet flew by her head, burning the shell of her ear as it passed. Her heart hammered. “Back off,” Flora growled. She twirled her spear, eyes flashing as she impaled the Corrupted soldier. Beside her, Ilya stepped forward, fast as a flash, and stabbed one through the neck. Lydias fired off three shots, watching in grim satisfaction as two buried themselves in the heads of two infected Constructs.

The scene descended into chaos just as Ferdinand’s broken voice sounded in her ear. “...n...way! Comm...ant!”

-----------

Flora stumbled back. She was breathing heavily. Vital fluid leaked steadily from several places, staining her coat a rich purple. Ilya was behind her, grimacing. His left arm was gone, torn away at the shoulder. Sparks flew from the exposed wires within. Beside them, Lydias swayed unsteadily. She clutched at her stomach. Red blood seeped through her fingers. All their attempts to break through had failed. Things were looking more hopeless by the minute. 

“Commandant,” Ilya said, voice strained. “Turn off my pain receptors.” Flora nodded. “Same here.” Lydias coughed wetly. Her vision was growing dim. “It’s dangerous,” she admitted, wishing she could shut off her own terrible pain. “But there’s no other choice.” She authorised the command. Her team’s face relaxed immediately. She met their determined gazes and nodded. “We’re all gonna go home. Together.”

Ilya smiled. Flora grinned. But there was a sadness in their faces Lydias didn’t want to acknowledge. Her connection with Ferdinand was still blocked. He could be dead for all she knew. She turned away from the thought. Just survive, Lydias. And take the Wolves home.

Together, the Black Wolves rose. Ilya with his dagger and Flora with her spear. Unseen by Lydias, they nodded to each other. An agreement, a pact. A promise. Renewed, they threw themselves at the Corrupted like cornered animals. Slowly, inch by painful inch, an exit was being forced open. Corrupted weapons dug into their bodies, but they pushed on. 

Lydias fought beside them, swinging her chakrams haphazardly. Her gun had run out of ammo long ago. She stumbled, half-blind, and almost skewered herself on the end of a Corrupted sword. She could hardly think straight; blood loss was making her weak. Suddenly, a voice crackled in her mind. “Commandant!” Ferdinand’s voice tumbled through her hazy thoughts. “The signal jammer is gone. What’s your status?!”

Her heart soared, bringing with it a brief burst of clarity. “Ferdie! It’s an ambush. We need support!”

“I’ve already informed Babylonia,” he said urgently. “Reinforcement is on the way. I’m coming to you, Commandant. Just hold on!” His signal blinked to life, moving rapidly towards their location. Lydias smiled grimly. Ferdinand was on his way. Support was coming. Surely, they would be okay. They would make it out of this. She just had to hold on for a little longer. 

Flora’s signal pulsed unsteadily and Ilya’s grew fainter with every breath. Lydias clung with desperation to the unstable M.I.N.Ds of her Wolves. I will protect you.

-----------

“Coming through!” A ray of energy tore through the Corrupted wave. Lydias spied Ferdinand’s face through the sea of blades. She almost wept with relief. “Retreat,” she said hoarsely, struggling to stay conscious. “Black Wolves, retreat!”

On cue, Ilya and Flora rushed through the tunnel, half-carrying Lydias with them. Between one ferocious breath and the next, they’d broken through the Corrupted circle. She tumbled bonelessly into Ferdinand’s open arms. He took a brief moment to survey her and paled. “The meeting point isn’t far,” he said. “Support will be there.” He picked up Lydias and turned to run, but Ilya and Flora didn’t follow. 

“Sorry, but this is the end of the road for me,” Flora said wryly. “Didn’t think it’d end like this.” She spat out a wad of purple fluid. “At least these fuckers will go down with me.”

“And you get the privilege of dying by my side,” Ilya said primly, readjusting his grip on his dagger. Flora laughed, an edge of sadness in her voice. “Yeah, old man, I guess I do.”

Lydias stirred in Ferdinand’s arms. “No,” she said, forcing herself to meet their gazes. “I won’t allow it.” 

“Unfortunately, Commandant,” Ilya said. “This time it’s not up to you.” He raised his remaining hand in a salute. “It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

“Go on,” Flora growled. “We’ll make sure nobody pursues you.”

Ferdinand pursed his lips, but nodded tightly. Lydias fought in his grip. She hardly even felt the pain. “No!” she screamed, or tried to. It was hard to tell where her voice was. “Don’t! I forbid it! That’s an order!” He started running. She watched helplessly as the distance grew. “Stop! Go back, we have to help them! Stop!”

In the fading light, Ilya fell and was immediately consumed by a horde of Corrupted hands. His signal weakened then blinked out. A scream tore itself from her throat. She thrashed in Ferdinand’s grip and felt his hold on her loosen. White-hot pain shot through her body as she tumbled to the ground. Mad with grief, she crawled forward desperately, mind blank except for the desire to be with her Wolves. 

Strong arms lifted her up. Ferdinand’s lively voice was dull. “Please don’t do this, Lydias.” 

“Let go, Ferdie,” she said angrily. “We have to--” Flora’s signal flickered out. Lydias felt her spirit break. “No,” she cried. “Please, no.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. Words abandoned her. The world seemed to shrink, compacting to a single thought: she had failed. 

-----------

She woke to white light. Something beeped steadily beside her. Tubes ran from her body to several machines like the tentacles of some deep sea creature. Her entire body hurt. Immediately, she reached for the Black Wolves, but their signals were absent, leaving her mind uncomfortably empty. Panic settled like ice in her veins. It couldn’t be. It was impossible. 

Surely, they had recalled their consciousnesses. Surely, she’d simply woken up early. And where was Ferdie? Gasping, Lydias stood, dragging her broken body to the wall of windows. She brought a fist to the cool glass. Nikola watched her from the other side. “Where are they,” she croaked. “What happened?”

He shook his head sympathetically. “They didn’t recall their consciousness. According to our records, Ilya and Flora died protecting you from pursuit. Ferdinand was infected.” His eyes were grave. “He guarded you until reinforcements arrived.”

She didn’t know if she could bear the answer, but she asked anyway. “And then?”

Nikola studied her for a long moment before giving in. “And then the Punishing Virus took over his M.I.N.D. He escaped because we prioritised your survival.” A desperate hope sparked to life within her. “So he’s still alive? Then there’s still a chance! Please, let me find him!”

“You know it doesn’t work like that.” 

“Please,” she begged. “Please.”

He turned away from her. “The Purifying Force has already been sent after him. I’m sorry, Lydias.”

-----------

Three weeks later

“Are you sure?” Nikola asked, studying her with intensity. “Your chances of success are only 47%.”

Lydias stared at him blankly. “I’m sure.”

“I’m afraid I can’t allow it. Commandants are valuable to Babylonia. Perhaps even more than Constructs. Few possess the will and compatibility to stabilize M.I.N.Ds. Someone as experienced as you is not expendable.”

“Then I quit being a Commandant. I refuse to lead another squad.” She looked away. “I couldn’t protect any of them. Not a single one.” Her voice broke. “I’m not… I don’t think I can--I just can’t.”

Nikola considered her with some pity. “What do you want then, Lydias?”

“You know what I want. I’m not afraid of dying.”

“I know you’re not afraid, but it seems to me like you seek it.”

She said nothing. Nikola sighed. “I’d rather not lose you completely. You have experience and ability. The Black Wolves were specifically chosen for that mission for your competence. Aife will increase our combat power significantly against the Corrupted.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s unfortunate, but these things happen at war.”

“Say whatever you want,” Lydias said stubbornly. “But this is my final decision.”

“Fine,” Nikola said. “Your attempt at redemption is admirable. I’ll grant your request, but if you survive, you’ll work directly under me. Is that acceptable?”

“Perfectly.”

INTERLUDE HIDDEN CHAPTER

F A D I N G   L I G H T

Flora: Fairfrost - Voice Log 

*sounds of fighting* I hope this reaches you, Commandant. I don’t think I’m gonna last much longer and… *grunting* I just wanna say goodbye. The old man’s already gone. I felt his signal die out a while ago. He went down taking a blade for me, can you believe it? Even though I’m the Attacker Construct. *panting* You know what his last words to me were? “It hurts.” As if our pain receptors weren’t turned off. I know what he means though. *blades clashing* After all, we all wanna go back home with you. But life’s a bit unfair, eh? For once, I don’t mind. Protecting your back… it almost makes me feel like a hero. That ain’t something you experience every day, y’know? *metal tearing* I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you. For being someone worthy of love. *crash, wet coughing* It’s been my honour and privilege to have been one of your Wolves, Commandant. You’ll remember me, won’t you?

-----------

Ferdinand: Aegis - Voice Log 

Lydias… This will probably be my last communication with you. I never would have thought this would be how it ends, but… Well, I’m just glad that I get to spend my final moments with you. I can feel my M.I.N.D. slipping, but Babylonia will be here any second now. They’ll take care of you, the way I wish I could. *sigh* Ah, there are so many things I want to say. I have nothing to lose anymore, so I hope you’re ready to listen. *deep breath* I love you. The way you laugh at my jokes and tease me. The way you can talk about anything. Your smile, your lips. I love the way you kiss me. And of course, I love our late night activities… Such as you trying to teach me to dance. *short laughter* Were you expecting me to say something else, Commandant? You--*grunt, glitching* Looks like my time is running out. I should go, but promise me one thing, Lydias. Promise me you’ll keep your heart open, so that someone else can love you as you deserve. I--You--*glitches*

DATA CORRUPTED.

[nicklightbearer]

whatever here is the fic

we happy few, nick lightbearer is once again hunted by foggy jack but this time he fights back. just..... not.... well.

this is a tickling fanfic fair warning <3

“Nick.. Nick!”

Rolling over, Nick Lightbearer grumbled and pulled the sheets over his head.

“Virgiiiiiiiiillll.. Five more minutes…” “In five minutes you’ll be dead, idiot! Up, up!”

Nick blinked a few times before feeling a small something land on his stomach- with a high-pitched screech, he sat bolt upright, scrambling to throw the blankets off. There was an oof! from the floor where they landed, and Nick shivered as he peered over the bed.

A rat. There had been a rat- wait- Virgil?

“.. What? What! You’re dead! I- I already avenged you- what do you want now??”

The rat huffed indignantly.

“Well, maybe I’m trying to keep your stupid arse alive, huh? He’s headed here already- so put some pants on, for god’s sake, and find a weapon!” “He? He who?” “Oh, for fuck’s sake. Who do you think??”

Who would- ah bollocks. Nick leapt to his feet, clutching at the wall for support as his head spun. God, even the reds and yellows were wearing on him..

“Foggy- Foggy Jack?? But I- I thought he-“ “Oh, come on. Put two and two together, Nicky.” “Ooh, if you weren’t dead, I’d right love to throttle you for the stupid vague clues…”

Virgil wheezed out a laugh that made Nick roll his eyes as he dug through the dresser.

“You may have blasted the bastard right hard, but it’d take more than a riff or two to kill a man. He’s more starstruck than ever, now.” “See, that wasn’t so hard! Straight answers, Virg, straight answers!”

The room wavered again and Nick cursed angrily as he toppled over trying to pull his slacks up.

“Who taught you how to quip back, huh?” “Could have something to do with the fuckin’.. Broken mood booth outside.”

Grumbling, he finally managed to stand up and pull his pants up proper, tugging on his jacket with only a moment’s hesitation. The blue one, yes, he’d rather wear dark colors if he’s hiding from a serial killer.

“Anyway- where is he now?”

There was a pause, and Nick looked up. The rat was gone.

“Virgil..? Dammit.”

A sudden jiggling of his door handle made him gasp, and he backed away before bolting towards the window.

“Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckit in a bucket, ooh, I don’t have my-“

The front door splintered under a heavy blow, and Nick squealed another curse to himself before nearly leaping into the bathroom and slamming the door shut.

”Guitar!” “Mr. Lightbearer.. Do open up, please! I brought ahh.. Some whiskey! A gift from a fan!”

It almost gave him pause before he shook his head wildly.

“No, no. Focus, Nicky!”

He cast his gaze around the room in a panic. Empty pill bottles littered the sink and floor, and he shoved a few of them out of the way to rummage through the cabinet. Nothing.

Nothing but a plunger next to the toilet- though he considered it, the flimsy weight felt more useless than his own fists, and he discarded it quickly.

That left.. the tub.

Wait. The tub! He leaned over to whip the curtain back, and cringed slightly at the sight of the woman inside- thank god, she was clothed. But in her hand was his goal- just last night, he’d been on the.. Receiving end of…

Pulling it carefully from her grasp, he sighed in relief before jolting at the sound of the door splintering again. Fuck, fuck! He couldn’t let Jack see this poor bird- wait-

Checking her pulse, he sighed in relief. Okay, problem for later. It wouldn’t be the first time a woman woke up alone in his house. He quickly pushed out the door again, closing it and jiggling the lock just to make sure it wouldn’t open again- yep!

Then again, that left only himself and the eye that now peered through his former front door, which was largely splintered to bits. He backed up a little before dashing to his bedroom, both hoping and not hoping that Jack would follow.

“Ohh, Mr. Lightbearer… Nicky~!” The slip from formal to a deeper purring tone sent a shiver down the rockstar’s spine, and he clutched at his makeshift weapon nervously as he pushed his back against the door.

“Hey, lock it and get back, idiot! He just broke the other one down, what happens when he slams an axe through this one??” “Virgil- ooh, you’re right!”

He’s always right. Nick jumped back, casting his gaze around the room after clicking the lock shut. Not much to work with, really, but he could.. He could hide- er- well, the closet would be too obvious, right? Or would it be so obvious that he wouldn’t check?

“No, he knows you’re stupid, Nick. Fucksakes.” “Well, what- ooh!”

Pulling open the dresser drawers, he started throwing clothes on the floor next to the window. The rat perched on top of the dresser sighed as he watched, but Nick ignored him for the moment.

“And what, pray tell, is the plan here? D’you have a gun you never told me about? A machete? Hell, even a baseball bat-” “No- I’m fine for weapon, thanks. This is- well- you’ll see!”

Shouldn’t say it out loud, not with how the door groaned as a weight was thrown against it. Nick shuddered as he pushed the clothes haphazardly closer to the wall, then scooted behind the curtain. The pile on the floor was enough to hide his feet- and the curtains were against a black window, so no light would give him away…

It wasn’t perfect. But if the closet was checked first, he’d have the upper hand.

The door splintered after only a few more hits, and Nick held his breath. He could just barely see through the fabric, having his face so close- and seeing Jack again, albeit this time with a slightly more ruffled appearance, made his heart leap into his throat. Terror was enough to keep his fist gripping the weapon, and he watched with wide eyes as the killer stalked into the room, the red glimmer from his own eyes casting an eerie light over the room as a cloud of fog rolled in after him.

It was nothing if not dramatic, he mused, almost inspired by the sight if he hadn’t been fearing for his life.

Jack hummed to himself as he glanced around the room, the familiar tune to Cheer Up bringing a grimace to Nick’s face. Genuinely, the guy was still a fan- it felt bad to be holding a weapon towards any fan for any reason, but..

Seeing the glittering knife that Jack held whipped his perspective back instantly. Fuck, this guy was absolutely bonkers- though, granted, that only made him feel worse- he couldn’t afford to be wishy-washy about this!

As predicted, Jack didn’t even notice the curtains, instead peering under the bed before turning towards the closet.

“Nick, Nick, Nick… Really, I can’t believe you’d let yourself be cornered so easily. Really, I expected more resistance. No activated security system-”

Fuck! He’d forgotten to turn it on in his drunken stupor the night before!

“No bobbies to guard the house, and not a single manager in sight.. Oh, wait!”

A flash of anger nearly made him leap out right there- but no, he’d wait and bide his time.. For just the right moment…

As Jack grasped the handle on the closet, Nick tensed.

“I suppose you don’t have one of those, do you?”

He flung the doors wide with a taunting laugh that died slowly, his outstretched arms lowering with confusion.

“What..?”

Now!

Nick leapt from his hiding place, nearly tripping on all the clothes but somehow managing to stumble so that he was standing on the bed- not unlike someone hiding away from a mouse, except the mouse was a person and that person had a big knife with his name on it, possibly literally.

However, his unsure footing made him miss his target of ‘back of the skull, god, please let me just knock him out’ and instead slam the instrument across Jack’s back. The impact made him tense, and he squeezed the handle nervously-

Only for electricity to zip out of it, making his palms tingle as the killer gasped. Oh, fuck on a stick.

But.. Something was off. Rather than immediately whipping to stab him, Jack stumbled, slamming against the dresser and clutching at his suit.

“What- what in the blazes-”

Well, no time for hesitation! He swung again, this time holding the button down with purpose. Anything to catch this guy off guard, right? It was also far easier to tap repeatedly at his body rather than his head, and… It worked.

Somehow, it worked. Jack’s arms were glued to his sides and he shimmied away from the assault, expression shifting from a confused pout to a more.. Well, his cheeks puffed out and he cringed, but a smile still seemed to tug at his lips. This smile was different, though, and seemed far more genuine than the mask let on.

“Stop- hey, stop! What- waha- wait!”

Ho. Ly. Shit.

Foggy Jack. Serial killer, menace to society, his personal fuckin’ stalker….. Was ticklish.

Okay. Okay. Well, this information was definitely going to be put to use- let’s see- right the fuck now. Nick slid down from the bed, using the Tickler to bop Jack closer to it- an easy task, given that he nearly tripped himself right onto it. With a quick push.. Perfect!

Foggy Jack was now on his bed. Disheveled, covering his mouth to hold back giggles, and with an expression bordering on infatuation shining out from behind his hand.

For a minute, he was stunned, before remembering the knife. Glancing down, though- oh, he wasn’t holding it. He’d dropped it- there, on the floor.

Jeez, it was almost like he didn’t want to kill Nick.

….. Shelving that thought to dwell on later, Nick grinned with as much menace as he could muster.

“Well, well, well. Ya know, mister Foggy Jack, you’re not half so scary like this.”

Jack yelped as the Tickler was pushed squarely against the middle of his stomach, trying to grab it but letting go quickly as Nick tapped the button a few times. The sensations of light electricity dancing across his torso quickly gave rise to more giggles, ones that he could hardly hold back for all the delight he clearly felt.

“Really! Sheesh, if I’d known about this before, all this lot of stuff would have been so much easier.. Hey, arms up!”

Nick huffed, pushing the arms that seemed nearly glued to his sides before just wiggling a hand between sleeve and shirt. For practiced fingers like his, coaxing out more shocked laughter was easy- and with the Tickler now running up and down his stomach, Jack finally broke.

“Waihihihit! No- stop! St- ahaha! It tickles!” “Well, I sure fuckin’ hope it does, lovely… That’s the point.”

Though, to be honest, he wasn’t sure how to handle things from here. Sure, he could wear out Jack and- wait, perfect. He’d just tickle the man until he properly passed out, then run and find a bobby. Perfect!

Though, as he watched the man writhe beneath him, escalated to proper laughter as skilled fingers squeezed at his sides and the Tickler continued tormenting his stomach, he was a tad hesitant. The ticklish near-agony that made shrieks ring out was… Hm, fun!

As he listened to more of that adorably broken-up laughter, he wondered how addicting this sort of drug might be.

“PLEHEASE- DON’T- DON’T TICKLE ME- IHI CAN’T, I CAN’T TAKE IT! M- MAHAHA- NNNNICK!” “That’s Mr. Lightbearer to you, mister Foggy. Go on, ask me proper to quit, maybe I’ll think about it. Probably not.” “Mr. Light- eehee! Lightbeareheher! Please!” “Please what??” “Plehehease- dOHON’T! Stoooohohop tickling mehehe!” “Don’t stop tickling you? Don’t mind if I do, sweetheart!”

Though the petname didn’t go unnoticed by either of them, Nick chose to eliminate any chance of a response by ducking down- the sudden closeness of their faces made Jack go silent, breathless with both laughter and starstruck awe. Nick winked before ducking his face down and  blowing a raspberry right against his neck, sliding the Tickler to press down against his torso again.

The response was immediate. Jack flailed wildly and cackled, beating at Nick’s back weakly as he choked out wordless pleas. Of course, none of them were heeded, and a few more raspberries were instead strategically placed on the man’s neck. In all his years, even knowing that most people were at least a little ticklish around the face (due to the masks, certainly), he’d never garnered a reaction quite this intense. Must be extra sensitive- therefore, weak, and the wheezes between laughs made Nick grin.

It was honestly.. Kinda cute. He was glad that his goal was to tickle the man to pieces, since otherwise he’d normally give a break by now.

As the struggling became weaker, and the laughs reached pitches that frequently dipped into silent snorts, Nick hummed to himself. Now would be a good a time as ever to drop a little.. Finale, let’s say. He pulled back for a moment, easily readjusting their positions- now, with Jack laying limply on the bed and only weakly with his arms linked around his waist, he climbed on after him properly. It wasn’t hard to sit above his prey, wiggling his fingers a little for extra effect- and relishing in the burst of giggles and flinch- before tapping his chin.

“Now, let’s see.. Something tells me you’re nearly tuckered out. But I’m not quite done, oh no.” “N.. No??”

Something about the way his voice was suddenly softer, even shy in a way- it made Nick’s stomach do a few flips.

“No! Of course not. You’ve been awful rude, banging my door down and threatening me. But I can put that behind us.”

Bending down again, he placed a hand on either side of Jack’s head, their faces nearly touching- once again, Jack held his breath, eyes wide.

“.. Close your eyes for me, Jacky.”

The speed at which his hesitation faded to nervousness, then to giddy anticipation.. It was adorable. Jack finally closed his eyes, then covered his face with a shuddering giggle.

From there, it was easy for Nick to unbutton his jacket- and even easier to bury his face against Jack’s stomach, nibbling through the shirt and earning a new set of squeals.

“No! No- ahaha- ooh, you-!” “Go on, give me a laugh! Just for me, Jacky! Ooh, those could be lyrics..”

He hummed a bit with the idea before returning to his previous actions- and it wasn’t long before the laughter died down, Jack barely writhing beneath him. Nick sat up eventually, finally giving it a rest as he watched the killer gasp a few times before he was silent.

… He leaned forward to check for a pulse. Yep. Hammering away, actually, but calming down.

Honestly, he wasn’t sure what to do. Sitting back on Jack’s legs, he gazed down, watching him sleep with a foggy confusion building in the back of his skull.

Sure, a bobby might.. Be able to help. But he was so tired. And Jack was warm- warmer than he expected, and…

Maybe a little nap wouldn’t hurt. He did crawl over to the side of the bed to push the knife under the dresser, first, but.. Yes, a nap.

Popping a spare Joy he found under one of his shirts, he flopped onto the bed, resolving to take care of the matter later. It was probably fine.

[lovely-necromancy]

A Cure for Insomnia CH.9

TW Purposeful misgendering of MC, and overall skeevy first POV.

MC is agender and here I started this chapter with the POV of someone out right misgendering them.

Capital He/Him pronouns are associated with Slender.

He was angry, but then again when wasn't He. You've wasted too much time on “laying low”. And now He's getting impatient, you're starting to hear whispers about potential replacements and incompetency. First you fuck up your mission then you gave Him the subpar sacrifice of that dumb hippie. He didn't want her, He wanted her. Her being your current and original target.

The girl who moved to town in the middle of March, YN. Didn't wait for the month to end or come the first week of the new one. Such a strange time to move...almost as if she was running away from something. He had taken an interest in her immediately. You didn't see what was so special about her, just another mousy girl in a small town, very obedient from what you saw.

Maybe that's what caught His attention. A new little puppet to add to His collection...but His urgency with this task didn't really fit. You knew for a fact He wasn't human but...could He have desires of the flesh? Was this a twisted perversion of your god's? The fuzzy feeling in your head gets painful at the thought.

'Ok, you aren't after some ass.' you think trying to appease Him.

It doesn't work, your apology is almost as worthless as you are to Him in this moment. You've really been testing Him lately, understandably this is your last chance so to speak. Bring Him YN or you won't be His problem much longer.

A chill runs down your spine at the ill intent you feel through your contract.

You're working on it, really you are. But she's so stupid and air headed it will take a while to break her for Him to be able to properly mold her. Not to mention she seems to have acquired a new guard dog. One that seems to have problems staying still, yet will spend hours watching her.

You'd seen him around town a few times in the past week or two, he has two other companions who aren't as bad about keeping low profiles. Yeah, you'd seen each of them at her house at one point or another. The short one seemed to have a nasty habit of slinking into her home in the dead of night as she slept. He didn't seem to go in during her drives, only when she'd be there. The tall one would come in the early morning or middle of the day, either to retrieve his partner or to snoop around inside for a bit before leaving. Aside from his partner he never seemed to leave with anything, never went in with anything either. They weren't leaving traces so they couldn't be your replacements.

Even if they had been they didn't seem too tough, you could over take them easy. Show Him you were still good for something.

But worst of all was her fucking mutt. He'd just circle the outside of the house, inspecting it. For what you have no clue, but he kept at it like he had a keen eye and could detect the slightest change of the home. One day he started looking off into the tree line and you'd almost swear he knew where you were. And while his nearly all black eyes made you think he was your replacement, intimidating you, your god suggested otherwise.

Reminding you that they weren't breaking her down for Him. That was your job.

Not only was the twink annoyingly thorough when at her home but he seems to have followed her to work today. You hope this isn't a new habit for him, you'll need to catch YN off guard at some point and you can't do that with that stupid twitching bastard around.

He bought two books and YN had seemed surprised when he came up to chat with her after finishing the first one. She's not your normal type but you can't deny she is cute talking so excitedly, you really wish that fucking mask was off her face so you could see her plump lips move. Come to think of it, twitchy was also wearing a mask. Is that why she talks so freely with him? Was all you had to do to get close to her was wear a mask? Or did she have a little crush on this guy?

No, she's speaking the same way she would with one of the Hornets. He however has a certain look in his eye while they talk. Maybe someone does have a crush...Or maybe he's just a disgusting stalker like you are. Were, like you were that is before your god saw the potential in you. And blessed you as one of his followers.

If he is a creepy little stalker tailing her you could let him do the breaking, and then you'd swoop in for the kill. Would that take too long? Better yet would your god even be happy with the idea. He can get very touchy about plans, down to the tiniest details too. You've witnessed first hand what He does to those who leave gaps for targets to get through.

Reprogramming doesn't seem pleasant. But that'll be the least of your worries if you don't get a move on with delivering Him His choice of offering. In the years you've been of service to your god...you don't recall Him ever choosing his offering. A target yes of course plenty, but His next puppet or a special meal. No this was big, testing your worth probably, very big.

'And you're failing.' that voice isn't yours.

'How, astute.' He's chatty today. That's always a bad thing. For you anyway.

You turn your attention to the bookshop across the street, coffee shops make such great covers especially when you add a laptop and act as though you're writing a novel, no one spares you a glance. It's five and that means quitting time, maybe YN wouldn't go home right away. You could run into her and plant some seeds of paranoia in her.

Mess with her head, have her freak out and cause a scene in town to discredit her further in the future. Your typical MO. After all she is just the simple new girl in town, and small town residents don't trust easy.

'This should be fun.' you think as you pack up your computer and notebook.

Heading to your car you wait in the parking lot for a moment, making it look as though you were busy with your phone while you waited to see that ugly yellow car drive in one direction or another. It doesn't take long before you catch sight of the brightly colored Kia taking the road towards the general store.

Wonderful, one humiliating panic attack in public coming up. This was something you could manage perfectly on your own. Though maybe once your god was more pleased with you, you'd ask for His assistance in giving her a few more hallucinations. After all the faster she's broken down the faster He gets what He wants.

Once at the small store you park one space away from her Kia. Normally for targets you prefer if they don't notice your car but it's not like there's room to go else where in this parking lot. Just as you're about to make your way inside, you hear more murmuring.

How the hell are you supposed to do His bidding when all He seems to want to do is keep interfering? It's getting so frustrating that you're starting to question your god's intelligence.

For your insolence you are hit hard with the worst migraine you've ever gotten since taking up a contract with Him.

'You are not the only one following them.' is the biting retort.

Moving your head despite the pain, you scan the store through squinted eyelids as you stand just out of your car. And you catch sight of him, that twitching guard dog from before. He hasn't noticed you but he seems to be sharing a cart with YN.

Did she get a boyfriend? Were you just unaware of that detail this entire time? She seems too relaxed with him for that to be anything else. They look too domestic together, you'll have fun ripping them apart. She'll probably cry like the bitch she is when you do, that's a very nice picture.

'Leave.' what now?

'Leave before he catches on to you.' The twitchy twink? You could take him in a fight, kid is practically all bones, why should you leave?

Instead of an answer your migraine intensifies. For the first time in years you are racked with so much pain that you would've collapsed on the ground if your car hadn't been near to steady yourself.

A chime of a bell sounds, “Hey pal you alright there?”, it's just Leo. Luckily you've never shopped at his store so likely hood of him knowing who you are or mentioning this to anyone isn't high.

“Ah...yeah,” you say through the wincing, “real bad migraine.”

“I got some Excedrin-”

“I'll just come back later.” you cut him off and get back into your car. Movement isn't easy for you under all this pain but you can feel His presence in your mind gaining control. You'll either wake up back in your bed or on the forest floor covered in blood and ticks. You really hope it isn't the last one as you black out just as you turn onto 3rd Avenue.

Leo comes back into the store almost as soon as he ran out.

“Everything ok?” you ask. You'd seen the man run out when you turned around to ask if he had gluten free vegetable stock.

“Yea, some tourist must'a got car sick or somethin'.” you nod at his gruff reply.

“Oh, do you have any gluten free vegetable stock?”

The old man eyes you warily.

“Kid don' tell me ya got on one a those fad diets.”

“No it's for the Picnic next week. I wanted to make an all diet friendly foragers pie.” you said shaking your head, which snaps right twice. Behind you you hear a muffled clucking coming from Toby.

Toby had hung out at the shop with you today. After he read through The Son of Neptune the two of you had discussed the series for a bit before you almost let some spoiler slip through. Toby couldn't help but laugh when you pushed him into a reading nook to finish reading the series before you ruined it for him. He got two thirds of The Mark of Athena done before you clocked out for the day.

While leaving he mentioned he needed to go shopping and asked where the grocery store in town was because he hadn't seen one in the area. You offered to take him to Leo's shop because it had everything you could need and was a small local business. Like most things in Kepler but there was a Trader Joe's that opened up in town, and they don't have much to offer when you cook from scratch. So here you were shopping together.

“I think we have organic no clue if it's vegan though.”

“Gluten free.” Leo rolls his eyes in dismissal and goes off to find the organic broth for you.

“Was there anything else you needed to grab?” you asked turning to look at Toby.

He had a list with him and had been ripping small tears to cross off what he'd gotten. He nods once then twice as his eyes find items he had yet to find, until they stop near the bottom of the list. Toby's dark brown eyes roll so hard you're pretty sure they rolled to the back of his skull. He lets out a dramatic 'agh' sound at whatever was on the list. Before crumbling it and tossing it into the cart.

“Atomic Fireballs and eggs. Can you grab the candy? Some people get pissy about their eggs.” he says cutting his eyes to the cooler containing eggs. This is probably a regular argument with the group.

With a small nod and an “mmhmm” you run off to the candy isle. You smell the cinnamon candy before you even see the container on the shelf. Before running off back to Toby and the cart, you pause debating if you should grab some M&Ms or chocolate chips to make cookies for tomorrow's movie night. You had stress eaten the snacks you bought last week only having the Surge left for Kirby, like hell you would drink it yourself.

After the week you've had baking sounded really nice. The mind numbing activity would probably be therapeutic since you haven't baked in so long. You grab two of the bigger bottles of mini M&Ms they always taste better to you, plus mini cookies tend to be a bigger hit than their regular sized counter parts. On your way to the front of the store you pass an end cap for chips. Seeing the white cheddar popcorn you like you grab a bag to replace the one you ate earlier in the week.

You should be set now, as long as Leo had the broth. If he didn't gluten free broth seems like something the Trader Joe's would have.

Toby's already at the counter with Leo, who had a box of broth off to the side. Noice. You place the Atomic candy on the counter with the rest of Toby's items. Leo looks between the two of you but brushes off whatever thought or comment he had.

“This it for you kid?”Leo has already begun ringing him out.

You see the movement of Toby's mouth open while he double checks the cart, he closes it when he sees the wad of paper. He must have forgotten something. Going over your own list you double check to make sure you have everything before it's your turn.

“N-n-n-no, can I-I-I get two boxes of condoms? St-s-st-standard and Large.” Toby's popping his knuckles a little more aggressively than normal, well what you've equated to normal for Toby.

'Oh.' the add ons sort of surprise you, but his exaggerated sigh from earlier makes more sense. Why did you even think that eggs caused that sort of reaction? It was probably because he was gonna have to ask for condoms in front of you. His new friend, nearly a stranger. Toby's agitated tics and stuttering are very valid right now.

You miss the look Leo gives you but Toby doesn't and when Leo looks back at him his tics get more frequent.

Looking to Toby when his 'mrrow' tic keeps repeating, you see the tips of his ears are a soft pink. A stark contrast to their normally grayish white complexion. Wanting to help but knowing he's most likely just embarrassed you decide to say nothing and ignore the situation. Thankfully Leo doesn't make any type of comment either as he finishes ringing out Toby and hands him his receipt.

“This it kid?” He says as he starts checking out your items.

“Um...ah, what's the pizza today?” this week isn't your normal pizza week but with the Picnic being next weekend you probably won't do pizza next week. And you have to have a slice ready for Chonk, least he decides to see what human taste like.

“Spinach and mushroom, a white pizza.”

“Yea I'll take one of those then please.”

“Garlic crust?” How very dare this man. What kind of question is that.

“Of course.”

He leaves to the back of the store yet again to retrieve your pizza. There's a silence that falls over the store as he leaves, leaving only you and Toby out front. Not an awkward type of silence but you definitely aren't going to risk a glance at Toby right now.

“I threw in an extra for that stray you've been feeding.” He says as he returns. Toby having calmed down a bit scoffs at the stray comment.

“That isn't a-a-a stray it's a fucking dem-mon.”

“Ok like that's fair, but he is kinda cute.”

“I don't care what it is, just keep it away from my store.” Leo finishes ringing you up. “Bad for business to have a wild animal rooting through the garbage.” Leo doesn't care about that stuff he also fears Chonk, and all his trash panda glory.

Once you settled your tab with Leo you and Toby go out to your car. You place his items in the backseat while you take the trunk, so no one goes home with the wrong item. Stars forbid you end up with the condom bag and have to awkwardly give that to Toby or even worse Brian or Tim. You've had four interactions with the man but already you can hear Brian's teasing banter.

Getting situated in the car you hand your phone to Toby to pick the music. You'd left your entire library open this time and not just the home page, you wanted to see if he'd pick something different or just go with the last thing played. He did scroll a bit before just clicking the last played playlist. Well at least he looked, maybe you'd make a playlist and see what he liked. He could just enjoy the songs.

While you're stuck at the light waiting to turn you remember consciously that Saturday Night Dead is tomorrow. You wonder if the trio would be joining you all. Wouldn't hurt to ask.

“Hey so are you guys coming over to the Cryptonomica tomorrow night?”

“Tim and Brian are.” Toby's eyes glance at the window as he picks at the skin around his nails.

“Oh. Why aren't you coming?” you hope you don't sound too pushy.

“Hi, I'm Toby I have Tourette's.” He says in a deadpan.

“Nice to meet you, I'm YN I have Autism.” you sass back cutting your eyes to him, “and I have tics too remember.”

“You can sit beside me. The gang never mentions my ticcing or stimming during a movie and I sit in the corner to be less of a distraction.”

From the corner of your eye you can see he peeled off a bit of skin and is now bleeding. When you slow down at the light you reach over him to the glove box and pull out a box of band-aids. Tossing the box in his lap you focus back on the road. There's a cracking sound when Toby's shoulder pop from a tic but other than that you two fall into a lull in the conversation.

From the corner of your eye you see Toby put the box in the cup holders between you. This little shit, just because he doesn't feel pain doesn't mean picking his skin is a healthy fidget.

“...I..I'll think about it.” he's still picking at his skin but maybe reassurance will help him calm down.

“Well, I hope I see you tomorrow then,” you can't help the grin on your face, you're just a touch giddy at the fact you've made a friend this fast. “No pressure though.” can't be too pushy you might scare him off.

You hear a huff as he turns more of his body to look out the window. He isn't upset his energy feels calm almost excited, it's nice to meet someone who isn't so confusing with their actions. Though you'd wish he wouldn't try to hide them. Maybe you both have the same idea of not wanting to overwhelm the other right away. You get the feeling this situation...your blooming friendship with Toby, it isn't something he's use to.

Getting to the RV you help Toby carry in the groceries, despite his protests that he can do it. It was just machismo of course, because once inside the RV you noticed how clean it was for three bachelors and their huge dog living in it. Sure there were dishes in the sink but dishes are a care chore that never ended. There was very little clutter that you saw but you also weren't paying close attention since you were just helping bring in groceries and not here for a visit. It would be rude to look, you think.

Once all of the boys' bags were brought in and either on the counter or table you saw a majority of them had blood smears all on the handles. Fucking Toby, you gave him band-aids for a reason.

“Tobais you're bleeding.”

“Thanks Captain obvious.” you want to smack him.

“Do you guys have a first aid kit?”

“Nope.” he sounds so smug when he pops the 'p' sound.

“Ok, then I'll go get the band-aids out of my car and you wash your hands.”

“Don'-uwu- Don't worry about it.”

You have to bite your lip so you don't laugh but the small stream of air coming from your nose let Toby know you were laughing. Despite his mask you can see his pout clearly when he turns to you.

“I...I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't...but it's too,” your giggling is breaking down your ability to speak, “cute.”

The grumpy face sort of melts off of the boy in front of you, but you can tell by the vibes he's still touchy. You try to calm yourself but quickly realize you aren't giggling anymore because of his tic.

“C'mon it isn't even that funny.” he says gruffly, before looking off to the side.

“No...it's,” you keep shaking your head as the movement doesn't stop. The loop won't stop and you're starting to tear up from the muscles in your abdomen seizing up then relaxing in repetition.

Toby seems to realize what's happened.

“No fucking way.” is all he says as he comes closer to your still giggling form. “A giggling tic?” You can only nod, you're starting to get light headed. Toby noticing you starting to crouch down, helps ease you to sit. He stays by your side as you both wait for the tic to cease.

He even tries rubbing a hand on your back to soothe you into calming down. You'll need to tell him physical comfort doesn't really help you. It's still sweet of him to try.

Unlike a laughing fit that will have a gradual die down of the action, your laughing tic has an abrupt stop. But you feel just as tired and even more sick than someone who just got out of a laughing fit. Breath coming out hitched though you try to gasp in more air to soothe your impending headache. Your face is red and covered in tear stains, once again you are thankful for your mask. This isn't a tic you get often but you probably hate this one the most, just from how drained it leaves you.

Toby continues to rub circles into your back as your breathing starts to even. Eventually he gets up to grab you some water. You notice it's quiet in the RV, not even Connor is around Brian must have him today.

“That was probably karma.” he says as he hands you the glass. Looking up to him confused he continues, “For teasing me about my tic.”

“But I w-wa-,” you take a large gulp of water for the raspiness of your voice, “I wasn't teasing. I just thought 'uwu' was a cute vocal tic.” you say indignantly.

Really you had only thought the verbal tic was cute. Also it'd been a while since you heard 'uwu' said aloud so it caught you off guard.

“Not as cute as a giggling tic.” who's teasing who now.

“Haha, don't get used to it doesn't happen often.”

After settling down from you tic it's time to head home. You really don't want to over stay your welcome. The fatigue is also starting to set in and you want to get home before it really hits.

Toby is nothing if not a gentleman you've noticed. And he continues to be on brand as he walks you back to your car.

“So thanks for that.” vaguely motioning as if to say 'y'know' with your hands rather than your words. Toby knows, you can tell from that boyish glint in his eyes.

“Hope to see you tomorrow night.” you say getting back into your car.

“It's sounding better now.” there's a pause, “Get home safe.” he slaps the interior of your window before backing away from your car altogether.

With a final wave you back out back onto the old dirt road and drive on home. When you get home you realize you never patched up Toby's hand, now you have a small bloodstain on your door.

[shibalen]

♡︎ 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒑 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒆

. . .

. .

.

genshin impact: 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 i match you with . . .

𝒙𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒒𝒊𝒖 !!

y'all hear that? it's chaos approaching.

i matched you with Xingqiu because you'd be good for each other, that you fit together like two puzzle pieces which you initially thought couldn't connect telling by appearance alone.

you both come off as rather reserved when in truth your personalities hold much more that. you're mischievous and intelligent with a dark sense of humour. i believe that would make you two get along splendidly. humour and beliefs connect people surprisingly well after all!

however, you express those traits and yourselves in different manners and, despite appearing to be the exact opposite at first, that is exactly what makes your dynamic interesting.

while Xingqiu keeps his words structured and polite even with people he's close to, you are much more open in your zone. he likes that about you, how you can smile and joke with no care. he himself has the family reputation to uphold after all. being the sly bastard he is though, he also enjoys how easily you get embarrassed and will take full advantage of that.

but Xingqiu can be himself around you. i don't think you'd have trouble keeping up with his complicated train of thought or clever jokes. you come up with the best pranks together. you're someone he trusts enough to even complain about his family to.

in return, you can count on him to ease your overthinking and teach you how to make decisions better. his explanations are easy to understand too. in the end, he is happy knowing he has helped you as much as you've helped him ♡︎

all the teasing between you aside, Xingqiu won't do anything to lower your self-esteem. he is chivalrous and kind, after all, and never forget you are his precious treasure. even if you fail he'll be there to support you and encourage you to try again.

you are going to have to tolerate his serious side at times, but perhaps that is a good thing? he can take on the task for the both of you so you wouldn't be uncomfortable. the only thing he needs in return is that you listen to him when it matters.

𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 *:･ﾟ✧

i like to imagine your first encounter was very different from the way your relationship ended up being.

you were a friend of Chongyun, a relative from a small branch of exorcists now living in Qingce village. you hadn't talked in years due to being busy with growing up and finding your goals but one day your parents received an invitation to Liyue Harbour.

so you went along and met up with Chongyun! Xingqiu had come along because he wanted a 'break' from his duties had some free time. you came across as quite shy and naiive and of course he thought you'd make a perfect target for one of his little jokes. now there were three members in the "Victims of Xingqiu" alliance.

what he hadn't expected and was plesantly amused by was your nearly immediate payback. you weren't about to let a fancy rich boy get the best of you! even Chongyun assured you it's fine.

it goes without saying that it took a while before you could warm up to Xingqiu over your now frequent visits. it was just so weird while he talked and behaved with such grace, that mischievous side of him was always present somewhere within him. you didn't know whether to be on guard or admire his strong moral code.

i bet you guys had that passive-aggressive rivalry going on where you tried to out-smart each other every chance you got. poor Chongyun always got caught in the middle. it was all for good fun though and in reality Xingqiu loved your visits. happened to be free every time you and Chongyun hanged out.

when you eventually moved to Liyue Harbour he purposely brought you a traditional indoor plant as a house-warming gift, but your parents loved it so much you couldn't deny it. later you found out the refreshing smell actually repelled bugs and something in the way you'd perceived him so far changed.

𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒃𝒔*:･ﾟ✧

naturally, it was Xingqiu who realised his feelings first, and because he is not shy at all he had no trouble dropping hints. yet . . . even with all his knowledge, research and flirting you somehow didn't pick up on his intentions. honestly, he found it funny. some part of him had probably expected the outcome.

so he waited patiently while you came into terms with the fact that you actually like liked that embodiment of evil ( ˙꒳​˙ )

neither of you are very physically touchy, and you can easily express your affection in different ways but. just imagine gradually becoming comfortable with light touches; a tap on your shoulder, a poke on your cheek, a kiss on your hand. hugs between you are soft and intimate when they happen ♡︎

going outside isn't a must at all. aside from the occasional breaths of fresh air he encourages you to get, Xingqiu is content staying inside. he finds it peaceful to sit in a comfy room and read a book while you sketch beside him. you don't have to exchange words because your presence is more than enough.

when the weather is cloudy and cool, knowing it won't be harmful for you, he does invite you to go for small walks. if you refuse, he'll feel a bit dejected but covers it up with a teasing remark :')

"so you are staying in again to play games. haha, you are more a hermit than i believed."

"stfu you're in this with me, bookworm."

that's true tho

one time he accidentally eavesdropped on you singing. surprisingly, he didn't say a word afterwards, knowing it would probably make you feel terrible. still, he can't help but catch you during these moments again. not purposely, of course. not at all.

your dates would include: relaxing evenings in the library of his home (because his room is messy af) where he'd tell you stories from books/ideas for Legend of the Sword and you'd listen with interest, bool discussion dates, walks by the beach or harbour just before it's about to rain, very nice dinners in Xinyue Kiosk and playing different games from all over Teyvat (yes, you are keeping track of the score, and, as per tradition, the loser of the round has to do what the winner wants).

𑁍 𝒋𝒆𝒘𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒙

— favourite memory with you

you had come over watch Xingqiu's martial arts practice because at that point you could come and go from his home as you pleased. his family liked you a lot. but yes, while you two were returning some equipment to the storage later you discovered an old sealed chest that looked like it might've been cursed. but Xingqiu just went yolo and opened it. you knew better and went into panic because who knew what evil sprit could've been inside! yet still you bravely told Xingqiu you'd protect him and shielded him—you were the exorcist after all. luckily, but to your embarrassment, the curse that once resided inside the chest had faded and nothing but a cloud of dust appeared. for the rest of the week Xingqiu couldn't stop retelling the story to everyone and smiling at you like this (¬‿¬ )

— favourite activity to do together

sitting on a terrace or in a study and just talking. it does sound vague but for Xingqiu just spending time together with you is enough to make him happy. he is a gentleman first and foremost and if there is anything that you feel like getting off your shoulder or simply talking he is willing to listen. he has a gentle smile and an affectionate gleam in his golden eyes as he follows your stories.

— favourite place to kiss you

hands, nose and cheek. boy has read too many romance novels so he's very keen on making these moments as romantic as possible. you just think it's funny but don't want him to stop either. always asks for your permission before kissing you ♡︎

— favourite nicknames to call you by

oooh be ready Xingqiu has the cheesiest nicknames for you. once again, he has gotten a lot of inspiration from novels so expect nicknames like the love of my life, firefly, treasure/bǎobèi and (inspired by Terry Pratchett) fragrant blossom of my dreams. it is worth mentioning that at times he uses these or exaggerated versions just to fluster you hoho.

— favourite thing about you

how enthusiastic you are when comfortable because it's such a precious sight to see you laugh (yes, even though you probably are laughing at a dark joke). everytime he sees you being happy it makes him want to protect you even more ♡(｡- ω -)

♡ runner up: Thoma

⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:⠀ *⋆.*:･ﾟ .: ⋆*･ﾟ: .⋆

genshin impact: 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 i match you with . . .

𝒉𝒖 𝒕𝒂𝒐 !!

idk if you expected this or not but to me this was the obvious choice!

i matched you with you with our favourite funeral director because you understand each other so well. your similar humour would make you great friends.

with Hu Tao's lively personality and your preference to stick to the sidelines you'd make the perfect "extrovert adopting their introvert" trope.

she's grateful for your kindness. most people label her as weird or creepy due to her quirky personality but you are one of the few who have no problem with it. you know how much she cares for the people of Liyue. as long as you get your time alone, you enjoy her company and are lowkey ready to throw hands with anyone who is mean to her.

somebody: speaks ill of Hu Tao behind her back

you, to her: "hey, don't you think those guys look like potential customers? :)"

i'm sorry but while she definitely respects your preference for indoors, there are still times when Hu Tao will burst into your house and drag you to the city or even Wuwang Hill to play. she keeps telling you to live your life to the fullest which can be irritating at times but you know she means well. it's surprisingly fun once you get used to it!

she looks out for you because knowing her precious friend has low self-esteem breaks her heart. you don't deserve to feel like that so she has made it her mission to brighten your self-image (they have a whole plan strategized with Xingqiu, Chongyun and Xianling)

she avoids using her vision around you unless you are in absolute danger. sometimes her personality is so fiery you could swear she emits heat without trying. you joke you need to go to Xingqiu to cool off to which she responds you two should go prank some fishermen instead by the Yaoguang Shoal ☆ ～('▽^人)

you don't want to bother her because of her busy line of work but Hu Tao is extremely perspective so most of the time she'll pick it up from your voice and body language if you need help with anything. she'll reach out to you subtly while still letting you know it is all right to count on her. no matter how busy she is, she will always make time for you.

𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 *:･ﾟ✧

yes, you met through Xingqiu :)

while hanging out (before you were together) Hu Tao spotted you two and grew curious about a new face. so, she snuk up behind you and Xingqiu while you were deep in conversation.

her plan was to put her hands on your shoulders and shout "boo!" but your boyfriend was already too accustomed to her shenanigans. he just turned around and greeted her in the most natural manner.

girl acted like she hadn't just tried to scare the living hell out of you and said a cheerful hello lol. then her eyes immediately shifted onto you.

"oya, oya~ who's this? a traveller? your muse?

"this is Angie. she's Chongyung's cousin. her family just moved here from Qingce Village."

you said your hello's as well and for a moment you shared eye contact. Hu Tao seemed to take an interest towards you from that meeting onwards. it was as though she already knew you were going to be a fun one to be around.

of course, there was something special in you to be able to keep up with Xingqiu but she saw more. on some days she would hurry past you with but a brief greeting because of her job, on others she'd pop out of nowhere and offer you discounts at the funeral service.

finding her behaviour amusing rather than disagreeable, you thought maybe it'd be all right to begin placing your trust in her bit by bit. abd you weren't disappointed the least!!

𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒃𝒔 *:･ﾟ✧

you've gotten well-acquainted with a few roaming spirits thanks to Hu Tao. a few of them still recall when she was 13 and spent all those days waiting to see her grandfather one last time. the first time you heard this story you couldn't help but act out of character and give her a light, awkward hug because her determination was just so admirable.

Hu Tao laughed then but actually you filled her with joy :') now you have a bunch of embarrassing stories to tell of each other. you mainly use them to joke around and occasionally playful blackmail hehe.

when you tell her about your dead fish she immediately plans out its entire funeral. it's small but you get to hold a memorial for magikarp :'(

when she comes over Hu Tao sometimes brings your cats and dog treats. she says they're extremely fresh pieces of meat and bone and at this point even you have begun to question where she gets them from. she refuses to elaborate though and just enjoys the attention your pets give her.

on more quiet evenings, she invites you onto the roof of the funeral parlor to admire the glowing city life. she shows you her golden butterflies and you watch as they disappear into the starry sky. during moments like these she tells you how much she enjoys spending time with you ♡︎

death puns. death puns everywhere. you somehow manage to insert them into every conversation and people are starting to get scared (if they weren't already). it's amazing how well you work together acting out all those jokes . . .

"just kill it."

"act now and get 50% off on your next coffin!"

your hangouts (Hu Tao hangout event when?) would include: midnight adventures and wandering around searching for something exciting, pranking hilichurls and your friends and trying to scare Zhongli, playing the games Xingqiu recommended then coming up with your own rules (usually in your room) and helping her advertise the funeral parlor, you might as well be working there by now ╮(￣ω￣;)╭

♫︎ 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒃𝒐𝒙

— Lucky Girl by Red Velvet

— All The Things She Said by Poppy

— Curses by The Crane Wives

— Crazy = Genius by Panic! At The Disco

— Francis St. by Kyd the Band

♡︎ runner up: Rosaria

hello! so i did end up doing the music box for Hu Tao instead since the jewellery box is mainly meant for romantic matchups and you gave me the green light ^^; and honestly i'm kind of tired of doing so many jewellery boxes in a row since they do require a lot of effort to make fun. but, of course, if you're dissatisfied with the music then feel free to ask for the jewellery box and i'll do it!

thank you sm for requesting! you sound amazing and i hope you keep chasing your dreams ♡︎

[notyetneedcoffee]

Trapped

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warnings: +18 for ROUGH SMUT - this is ‘sex pollen’ story!

A/N: Thanks to everyone for the great feedback on my other works! It’s unbelievable and I’m so grateful. I’ll be posting more and a master list during the week.

* * *

“Bucky!”  

You called out as soon as you saw him standing, muscles tense and backed into the far wall. His eyes locked onto something you couldn’t see, but terror plastered across his face kicked every instinct in your body into high ear. You swept the room, gun in hand. No one hid in corners. No bodies littered the floor. The metallic door slid shut behind you. You lowered your gun, but not your guard.  

“Bucky? What the hell? Snap out of it.”

He pushed his back harder against the wall, hands in fists, and wide eyes locked on open glass isolation case in front of him. “Y/N, you need to leave.”

“What’s going on?” You asked, stepping a little closer until his hand shot up as if to hold you back.

“Just go.”

“Buck. Talk to me.”

The two of you were sent to investigate a potential HYDRA archive in an old, seemingly abandoned factory outside Detroit. To any casual observer it looked like any of a dozen other decaying industrial buildings. For the two of you, locating the secret sub-levels turned out to be an easy task. The building still had minimal power, but not much else. No work had been done in the secret lab for a very long time by the looks of it.

“Please.” He whimpered, teeth clenching. It was the worse sound you’d ever heard him make. “Go. Leave. Back to the hotel. I’ll explain later.”

“What?” When his eye’s finally rose, you saw such desperation. Something was seriously wrong. “Okay. Okay, Buck, I’ll go.”

Backing away from him, looking for whatever may have concerned him so much, you didn’t see anything dangerous. Still, you’d been going on missions with him since first joining the Avengers and you trusted him implicitly. The two of you were close. You didn’t have the negative history with him that some of the others did, and once you actually got him to talking, you liked his dry sarcasm. It didn’t take long to make a connection. You valued his company and friendship.

You felt more than you probably should, but you weren’t sure how to admit it . . . Yet.

Reaching the door, you pushed down on the release button. It didn’t budge. You gave it your full attention. The sliding door, a solid metal wall, had no handle. Tracks were tucked up in the wall with barely a quarter inch gap. The control panel still showed active, only it remained locked.  

“Bucky. I can’t it’s locked.”

“Wh- What?” He gripped the steel table in front of him, eyes clamped shut.  

You turned around to get a better look at him. He’d unzipped his tac vest. A light flush covered his neck and face. He’d broken out in a sweat. In two years, the only time you’d seen him sweat was on marathon sparing sessions with Rogers.  

“We’re locked in.” You moved to his side. “Bucky, what the fuck is wrong? You are not okay. Don’t lie to me.”

When your hand lightly covered his right hand, he went stock still. His breath froze. As you said his name again, his eyes opened staring straight at you. The beautiful blue of his eyes could hardly be seen from his irises blown wide. His tongue slipped out and moistening his generous lips. Heat radiated off his skin.

You’d seen moments, touches of, that look. Occasionally, after a night of shooting pool or a morning of wrestling in the gym, he would grant you with that look. It always disappeared quickly, locked down under his tight control. Every time it warmed your blood and created an itch to be touched. A look of pure sex.  

This look took your breath away and flooded your panties. A raw, primal desire radiated off him.  

“Fuck.” Bucky growled again and threw himself face first into the corner. His hands tugged at his hair. “Fuck. Dammit. Get out, Y/N. You have to find a way out. Now, doll. Get out.”

“What is going on? You’re scaring me, Buck.”

He groaned loudly. “The green bottle. On the table. It’s, oh Christ, it’s a chemical to, ah, to make the soldiers like me, dammit, react.” He made a choked noise, pained. “You have to get out, before I touch – before I hurt you. Doll, I keep it under control, but I’m not going to be able to with this in my system.”

A wave of conflicting emotion hit you. Natasha briefed you once on all the crazy experiments HYDRA did. One was a breeding program. The sick bastards came up with a targeted hyper-aphrodisiac. Concern and worry for Buck fought directly with thrill of his statement. Did he desire you as much as you desired him? He said he kept it under control. All those looks, those moments of want and desire. Perhaps they were real.  

You’d always been attracted to him. That physique – those thighs – that you wanted wrap yourself around. You wanted to taste his jaw line and bury your hands in his soft hair. You wanted more than the casual touches and friendly hugs. You wondered in private moments if he made the same growls and groans in passion as he did when sparing.

You knew the only way to make it better. He had to fuck it out of his system. You felt bad, knowing control was a precious thing for Bucky. Losing any free will remained his worst nightmare. Still, the idea about made you groan with excitement.  

His left fist slammed into the concrete wall, cracking it. You jumped. “Stop it, Doll. Please.”

“Buck?”

He pushed his face into the corner harder, practically shaking. “Y/N, I can fucking smell you. You’re wet and I can fucking tell.”

“I can’t open the door. It’s locked.”

“Try!” He screamed.

You jumped again and went to the control panel. You tried to pry the cover off with your pocket knife, but it wasn’t fast enough. He suddenly rushed towards you. With a roar his left fist broke through the control panel. He swung around, violently attacking the door. It dented, but didn’t give.  

“Bucky stop!” You backed against the opposite wall.  

He panted, growling heavy and raw breaths. “Call for help.”

“We’re too deep. Coms died a floor up. You know that. No one will come looking until we miss the check in – three hours at least.” You kept your voice quiet. This had been an easy investigation with no signs of activity. It was just the two of you.  

“Doll,” he whined. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Buck,” you started cautiously. “We both know what the solution here is. The longer you hold out the worse it’ll get. Right now. . . “

“I’m not going to force. . . “

“You’re not.”  

He wrapped his arms around himself tight and tipped his head enough to look at you.  

“You said you could tell.” Carefully you moved closer. “I’ve wanted you for so long. I think, even without this shit in your system, you want me too. You would not be forcing me.”

“I have wanted – do want...” He hit the door again. “Shit! It shouldn’t be like this!”

“Bucky.” Your hand barely landed on his arm, when he spun you up against the door.  

His right hand grabbed you jaw, holding you as he delved into your mouth for a bruising kiss. No preamble. No chaste touch. You opened to him immediately, tongues battling, messy and deep. Bucky’s thigh pressed between your legs, body grinding into you. You tugged at his hair. He moaned, metal hand pulling at your clothes.  

Your holster and tac vest hit the floor. His left hand snuck under your shirt and made you shiver as he pulled you closer. You broke the kiss long enough to jerk your shirt over your head. With a sharp tug and a rip, he tore your bra off.  

“God, Doll.” He lifted you, swiping the table clear and dropping you on top. His mouth attached to your nipple, sucking and biting. Dancing the line between pain and pleasure you cried out. He pulled at your pants.

Pulling them to your boots, he flipped you over with your chest against the cold table. Hips against the edge, Bucky held you down with a hand in you hair. His right hand dropped between your legs, barely swiping over your wet flesh before sliding two fingers into your cunt. You tightened around his digits, so excited it nearly brought you to the edge.  

“Fuck.” You groaned. He pumped you harder.

“Your soaking for me.” Bucky’s hand left your head. You looked over your shoulder to see him unfasten his pants. “Fuck, Doll, I – oh god, I need you – want to make it good for you. You’re gonna come for before I sink my cock in you.”

You felt the length of him rub against your hip. His metal hand dug reach around to you breast, arching your back toward him. His fingers rubbed strongly against the slickness in your cunt.  He latched his wet mouth to your shoulder at the base of you neck, licking and tasting. You felt heat rush to your core. Your thighs quivered. Hot and wet mouth on you neck. Strong fingers pumping against your g spot. He set a fevered, desperate pace, pulling you along with him. His metal fingers pulled at your nipple. Buck bit down on the back of your neck and you came hard, screaming, squirting fluid over his hand.  

“Yes.” He moaned, holding your back against his chest, head tilted up so you could see him lick the taste of you off his fingers. “So fucking good. Just for me.”

He pushed you against the table again. His hand swept over your ass before slapping it hard enough to leave his hand print. You cried out. Bucky slipped his cock into you with a single powerful thrust. You cried out again. His fingers dug into your hips hard.

“Baby, I- oh shit- I’m trying to…”

“Fuck me, Bucky.” You cried out. The feeling of the stretch, intense weight of him in you, making you quiver. You needed him to move. You needed more. “Fuck me hard.”

A groan erupted deep in his chest and he slid nearly all the way out before slamming into you again, and again. He nearly knocked the breath from you. Any pain from the edge of the table didn’t register. The pressure of his hands. The heat in your core. The slapping of skin. Your moans mixed with his. That was all that existed.  

Just as your legs began to quiver with another approaching release, Bucky pulled away and flipped you onto your back on the table, ass at the edge. He lift your legs, tied together by your pants, over his left shoulder. He buried his cock back into your soaking cunt, causing your back to arch. “Look at me, Baby. I want to see those eyes.”

You locked gazes.  

“Tell me you want me fucking you.” He growled, thrusting hard and fast.

“Fuck yes, Bucky.” You voice came out breathy.

“Tell me you want me.”  

“Yes.” The intensity grew. The air felt thick.  

“Are you my girl?” His mouth dropped open, panting.

“Yes.” It was nearly too much.

“You’re mine.” He fucked you harder.

“Yes!”

“Say it.” He growled.

“I’m yours, Buck. Just yours. Your girl.” At your words his hips snapped. Your orgasm hit you hard. You cried out. Bucky ground hard, emptying into you.    

Panting heavy he hugged your legs to him. His right hand slipped over your hip where your hand met and intertwined with his. You studied his gorgeous face, seeing no more of the tightness, no more of the desperation.  

A giggle bubbled up from you. His eye snapped to your face in shock. “What?” You smiled back. “I feel really good right now. How about you?”

Slowly, a bright smile spread across his face. He kissed your leg. “Pretty damn good.”

Bucky lowered your legs until you were standing, although a little shakily. He knelt beside you and unzipped your boots, lifting one foot and then other gently out. He left you standing completely naked in front of him.  

You grinned down at him. “What are you doing?”

He ran his hands up the back of your thighs, kissing along the way. Bucky paused at the bruises blooming on your hips where you were pressed into the table. A furrow marred his strong brow as he traced gentle fingers over your skin.

“I didn’t notice, it felt too good.”

Blue eyes plead for forgiveness.  

You ran your fingers through his hair, away from his face. “Have you ever known me to lie to you? Ever? Buck, I’ve wanted you for a long time. You did not hurt me.”

He kissed your belly, running strong hands over your ass.

You giggle again. “Now, what are you doing?”

The devilish smile shined up at you as he unzipped his own boots. “I figure since we’re trapped for a few more hours anyway, I’d show my girl a softer touch.”

You bit your lip, flushed. Being able to drink in the sight of his naked form, strong and gorgeous. Body wonderfully sore and sated. Warm at the sound of him meaning it when he called you his girl. “Well, then, get over here, Soldier.”

His smile widened. He cradled your face in his hands, and kissed your lips. Soft and warm, Bucky tasted your mouth. His forehead rested on yours as you shared a deep sigh. He chuckled. “I should have done that a long time ago. Since we’re doing this whole thing backwards, will you let me take you to dinner?”

“I don’t know. I’m not that easy. Maybe we should start with coffee.” You deadpanned.

Bucky laughed, a deep joyous belly laugh. It was the best sound you’d ever heard.  

[loudblonde]

Mafias’ bitch [Bucky x Male!Reader] ((part one))

Warning: suggested abuse, angst, suggested murder, needles, and eyeballs.

(Y/N) couldn’t see a thing, everything was just pitch black. He tried to move but felt ropes tighten around his arms. He stopped moving and felt the rope settle around his arms. “You bastard!” (Y/N) yelled, thinking it was his ex who had trapped him there.

“I will not be a slave to your every whim, even if you keep me locked up here!” He yelled out and moved forward, it had been a bad decision. The ropes tightened further around his arms and pulled him back. “I’m not scared of your family or your money!” (Y/N) felt his chair tip back by the sheer pull from the rope.

He landed harshly and hit his skull against the concrete floor. A grunt came from him as he tried to move, though lights were turned on, it blinded him. The pain from hitting his floor combined with being blinded by light erased all hope of survival.

(Y/N) felt someone help him up, their hands almost gentle with him, one warm and the other oddly cold. However, in his delirious and frightened state, he managed to break free and tip the chair away from whoever had helped him up, (Y/N) kicked the chair towards them as he tried to get away, the rope further tightened around his arms. It felt as though the rope would break his arms at any moment, it tore down into his flesh but (Y/N) was too high on adrenaline to even feel it.

Steve watched from the stairs as this unfolded, to say he was surprised was an understatement. Bucky looked helplessly up at Steve, almost begging to be helped. He reminded Steve of a puppy. Steve went down to the boy and cut the restraints, he immediately got punched in the face as a result.

(Y/N) slowly regained his vision, not that it was worth anything, his entire world was blurry. “Get the fuck away from me.” (Y/N) growled as he backed into the wall, he felt his arms sting and looked down onto them, red lines cut across his flesh, he knew fully they were wounds.

Steve looked to Bucky confused. “I thought your client said this would be an easy target?” Steve questioned, it got (Y/N)’s attention.

“What client?” He demanded.

They both looked towards the squinting man. “The Hamilton family’s youngest-“ Bucky was caught off by a groan. (Y/N) felt himself get weaker. He had to get away from there. If he could just focus… The man had spoken, but nothing seemed to register.

“Kid?” Steve moved forward, (Y/N) took this as a chance to kick towards the other, however, Steve caught his foot with ease.

“You are clearly hurt, please allow me to help you,” Steve said as (Y/N) struggled against his hold, tiring himself out even more.

“Bullshit!“ (Y/N) felt the exhaustion set in, “No one helps someone…” He blinked, trying to keep himself awake, fear for what would happen if he fell unconscious plagued his mind.

He felt two strong arms lift him up bridal style, the young man was too tired to even fight back, yet he tried. His hand grabbed the jacket of the other, “If you kill me, at least tell the bastard I fought until I died.” Steve looked towards Bucky confused, what the fuck had Bucky brought in?

“Sorry Steve, I didn’t know he would put up such a fight,” Bucky looked around the room as Steve walked upstairs. “Can we keep him? The client wants a young man, this one is a fighter. I can easily find another.” Bucky followed up.

A small sigh came from Steve as he carried the young man into the medical room. Doctor Banner was already there. “If he wants to stay… maybe. I will not promise anything.” Steve looked back at Bucky with a warning glance.

“Both of you, out of my room. I will tell you when he is ready to talk.” Bruce pushed Steve out and shut the door, had it been anyone else Steve would have been angry, but he knew not to anger the doctor. The other side of the doctor was… less desirable.

Two days had gone by, Bucky knew the police wasn’t searching. All the targets he got was those who wouldn’t be missed. Bucky didn’t know if it was a result of his training or past. He had lost all memories that weren’t from after meeting Steve. Small glimpses of his childhood were there but other than that… nothing.

The doors to the infirmary opened op. Bruce walked out looking tired. He took of his glasses and started cleaning them, a habit he had gotten when stressed.

“He is ready, just be careful. He can’t see much.” Bruce said as he walked away. Bucky was on his feet in a second, he walked into the room only to see (Y/N) on the bed. Somehow managing to look strong.

“Why did you take me? Soldier, what does Rumlow want from me?” The question took Bucky by surprise. He stopped walking as he starred at (Y/N) confused. “How do I know it's you? The way you walk. Long legs and the boots, always the same brand of boots. Heavier towards the back, you have a slight limp too, from the time you were shot in the hip.”

(Y/N) sat up and looked towards Bucky’s direction. “I can’t see a damn thing, so I remember the way people walk. Yours haven’t changed in four years.”

Bucky walked over, now conscious about his walk. “I don’t remember you…” He looked at the others face, desperate to have some recall of his past.

(Y/N) looked at Bucky. The blurry mess of a man he once knew. No, this was someone different. “You don’t remember?” He asked, unsure as to the extent.

Bucky shook his head, but when he saw (Y/N) didn’t see it he quickly answered. “No, I don’t. I was injured. When I woke up there was nothing.” Bucky said as he averted his eyes.

(Y/N) reached over and grabbed Bucky’s metal arm, “Can you feel that?”

“No,” Bucky said as he looked down at (Y/N).

A small smile came onto the others face as he softly pressed the space between the thumb and other fingers. It was as though Bucky’s arm woke up. He could feel the way (Y/N)’s soft hands touched his wrist and palm. How the air moved around it.

“Come on soldier, you wouldn’t wanna keep me waiting!” A burst of cheerful laughter could be heard across the farm. Bucky ran outside, equally smiling, and happy. Being tasked to keep his boss’s boy toy safe was the best job ever.

Bucky ran over to the other and picked him up. He spun (Y/N) around before putting him down. (Y/N) looked up at his face, “I love you.”

Bucky shook his head at the memory. He was distraught. That memory couldn’t be real. What was happening?!

Bucky pulled his arm away just as Steve walked in. (Y/N) heard the steps but didn’t care. “Soldier, Bucky,” Steve looked worryingly between them, something told him to not step in, “listen to my voice and calm down.”

Bucky shook his head. “N-no!” He yelled out loud. (Y/N) walked over and placed a hand on Bucky’s shoulders, he sang a soft song.

Bucky smiled as he heard (Y/N) sing in the kitchen, “What are you making doll?” He asked as he entered the kitchen.

“A surprise for later, either close your eyes or sit out in the hallway.” (Y/N) pointed a spoon at Bucky. He simply held his hands up as he walked back into the hallway.

“You know me, even if you don’t remember it and if you do… then I forgive you.” (Y/N) said as the song ended. Bucky felt tears come to his eyes. Without even realising he was doing it, he hugged (Y/N).

(Y/N) hugged back. His hands grabbing onto Bucky’s shirt. He rested his head on the taller man’s shoulders. Steve felt as though he had invaded their privacy, he was happy that Bucky had found someone from his past, but this reaction. Steve wasn’t sure if Bucky’s past was worth digging up, he worried for his friend.

They pulled away from each other, (Y/N) reached up and cupped Bucky’s cheeks. “Steve, what are you… right.” Bucky looked from (Y/N) to Steve. (Y/N) walked over to the bed and sat down, Bucky had to stop himself from following.

“I came to check up on Mister (Y/L/N), though apparently you two know each other,” Steve said as he fully walked back in. “Why didn’t you recognise Bucky before?”

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow. “Maybe because I thought fucking Rumlow had taken me or one of his men. Maybe because I was so fucking scared that I was fully ready to die escaping. Just so that bastard couldn’t control me any longer.” (Y/N), not aware of the fact Steve was the boss, spoke his mind, fully letting his anger see the light of day.

He wasn’t scared of Steve, not even of Rumlow, okay, maybe he was scared of Rumlow... He was definitely scared of Rumlow.

Bucky whistled. “Doll, Steve runs this whole family,” Bucky said, not recognising the fact he used the nickname.

(Y/N) didn’t waste a single second in shrugging. “I’m 89% sure he was the one to carry me up. The fact I’m not dead even though I most likely decked him…” (Y/N) looked towards Steve for confirmation.

Steve was caught off guard by (Y/N). “I… He is right. What were your ties with the Hamilton family again?”

(Y/N) was still on edge, however, having Bucky near him was calming. “I was the boy toy to Rumlow, he showered me in money as long as I would just suck his cock whenever he wanted it, get fucked whenever he wanted it and be that pretty little thing he took with him everywhere.” (Y/N) shrugged.

‘I just so happened to reveal all their business information to ten outsiders, causing massive losses…’ (Y/N) thought to himself.

“Why can’t you see?” Bucky asked, “The memories… you could see me there.”

(Y/N)’s breath hitched in his throat; the night played over in his mind. “I was caught… with someone.” That wasn’t a lie. “Who I had grown to love. Rumlow took us both towards the outskirts of the city before he killed the person. Or so I thought… He injected something into my eye…”

“I’m sorry about that.” Steve shook his head.

“It’s fine, I went underground after that, Rumlow has a lot of… enemies. I provided slightly useful information and they kept me safe… Managed to get a job in hells kitchen. At a law firm there. Then… Bucky picked me up. How many days have I been here?” Suddenly (Y/N) got worried, he knew fully what Matt could do.

(Y/N) moved towards the edge of the bed again, he stumbled out of it. “I need to call him if he thinks I’m dead.” (Y/N) pleaded. Bucky pulled out his phone.

“Who is he?” Steve asked, worried for the safety of his people.

“Matt Murdock. The blind lawyer from hells kitchen.” (Y/N) shook his head. “He gave me the job. He helped me get used to living without being able to see much. He’s like a brother to me.” (Y/N) felt Bucky’s hand on his shoulder.

“Doll-“ Steve raised his eyebrow at that, “What is the number?”

(Y/N) told Bucky what to write before they called. Both Steve and Bucky left the room. It rang twice before anyone picked up.

“Matt?” (Y/N) asked, his voice cracked slightly.

“(Y/N)?!” It was from Karen. (Y/N) smiled as he heard her voice. He heard the worry in her voice.

“I’m alive. Where is Matt?”

The phone was taken from Karen, Matt was there. “Are you okay?” Matt asked concern laced within his voice, he had made no attempt at hiding it.

“I’m fine… mostly. I’m with someone I trust… just got injured.” Matt knew (Y/N) well enough to know the situation was bad.

“Is it your ex?” Matt asked, more than ready to beat up Rumlow.

“No, no. I promise it’s really nothing. Just a ghost. I will be back home soon… hopefully.” (Y/N) smiled at that.

“Three days and I will look for you,” Matt said. (Y/N) smiled at that, it truly felt as though he had a caring older brother. Other times Matt would annoy him… yeah, they really did have a sibling-like bond. Both fucked up, for sure. But they had each other.

“I have to go, be safe Matt.” (Y/N) hung up and walked over to the doorway. “Thank you, Bucky.” (Y/N) held the phone out in front of himself, the dimly lit hallway made it pretty much impossible for him to see.

Bucky gently took the phone, spooking (Y/N) in the progress. “Sorry doll,” Bucky said again, still not realising he had used that very same nickname.

(Y/N) bit his lip but didn’t say anything about it. “I’m not a security threat, am I free to leave?” (Y/N) asked.

Steve looked at Bucky for conformation. Bucky, on the other hand, wanted to know more about (Y/N), know more about this mysterious man from his past, he felt drawn towards him. That had been the reason he even took him in the first place.

As Bucky didn’t answer or make any confirmation, Steve decided on the best option at hand. “Yes, you can leave. But I will place Bucky as a guard around you until we know for sure that you won’t tell anyone or be in danger.” Steve said, Bucky and (Y/N) gave him the same panicked look, both not even noticing the other did the same.

“And that’s final. Bucky pack up for a weeks’ worth of travel. Fill me in every three days.” Steve left the two of them. He shook his head as he walked away. He knew (Y/N) somehow loved his childhood friend and by the look of it, Bucky had loved (Y/N) too. The stories lined up.

Bucky had been found in the other edges of his territory, shot in the head. Bruce miraculously managed to save him. Though Bucky had lost all memory from anything before. Steve had gotten his childhood friend back, but at what cost?

(Y/N) was now fully panicked. "I only have one bed!" And a small one-bedroom apartment.