#they're doing better!! most things were a percent or two lower before :)

[nordicbananas]

she still hasn't graded that test i understand because she has 100 from her normal class and 20 from the advanced class but girl i am so nervous

[donald4spiderman]

Sweating, And A Lesson On Self-Worth

masterlist

Summary: Spencer finds himself falling for his NAT (new agent training) defensive tactics coach.

Pairing: SR x Fem!Reader *described as petite to give the illusion of assumed vulnerability when IRL she’s a badass— no other specific physical details are mentioned*

Category: Fluff

TW: Mentions of body image, general CM talk, mentions of fighting/grappling/wrestling, small age gap (reader is 28 & reid is 22)

concept inspired by @sierraraeck’s fic “Bad Liar” about Morgan training Spencer. I love wrestling so I wanted to do one about a badass female combat coach/agent.

REBLOG!

-

When Spencer and the rest of the trainees are ushered into the fitness center on their second day at the academy, he almost shits himself. He’s well aware of the physical demands being in the FBI requires, and he’s been dreading the PFT (Physical Fitness Test) since he applied.

There are hundreds of men and women huddled in the middle of the room, anticipating the orientation, and Spencer feels his palms sweat before he’s even started working out. The majority of the trainees are football players, wrestling’s, and weight lifters— he can tell by their muscular build and general atmosphere of strength and confidence.

SSA Jesse Fallon introduces their defensive tactics coach for the next twenty weeks— a petite but athletic woman. She’s dressed in a gray t-shirt and flexible khaki pants— Spencer would be lying if he said she didn’t look gorgeous, even in the bland attire.

“I’m SSA and defensive tactics coach (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” She introduces herself, giving a warm smile to the crowd. “I’ve been an SSA for five years and the head coach of this portion of the academy for two. This is my third official wave of trainees— and believe me— I won’t be going easy on any of you.”

Light laughter disperses through the crowd, and Spencer wears an uneasy look on his face.

“Today, I’ve prepped stations for each of you to cycle through for the next three hours. Agent Rivera is monitoring the weapon defense; Agent Glover is in charge of the takedowns; And I’ll be handling hand-to-hand combat and grappling. You’ll spend an hour at each station, run a mile at the end, and then you’re done for the day. Sound good?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Choruses through the crowd.

SSA (Y/N) clasps her hands together, “Alright, you know your groups. Split up!”

-

Spencer’s assigned to the takedown station first. Agent Glover’s criticisms are primarily nonconstructive, and Spencer struggles with apprehending and cuffing his more robust and much more muscular partner on the floor. He’s never trained this hard for anything in his life, physically, speaking. He’s half-dead within the first hour, and he dreads having to do this two more times.

His next stop is with Agent Rivera, who’s much kinder to Spencer than his prior. Reid is better at disarming his opponent, but his long limbs flail wildly due to his incoordination— he’s trying his best, but he sees the way everyone else giggles at him. It’s a blow to the chest that leaves him defeated more than any gunshot could.

The last hour is spent working at SSA (Y/N) (Y/L/N)’s station. She commands the attention of the entire group so naturally, despite being considered a rookie, she has an intimidating amount of knowledge.

“How many of you are wrestlers or judokas?” About sixty percent of the group raises their hand, and Spencer scans around for who might have the strength to kill him with one blow.

“Good,” She smiles. “This will come naturally to you, then. Now, a head-and-arm throw most likely won’t work in the field— so, sorry, judokas. However, double legs, body locks, and blast-doubles are constantly used to take down an unsub with minimal injury to the agent. Even someone as short as me can use leverage to grapple and control a much taller person.” (Y/N) scans the crowd of trainees for a moment before pointing directly at Spencer.

“You, come here.” She commands, and Spencer waddles nervously up next to her on the mat. “This is...”

He’s confused for a moment before realizing she’s asking for his name. “S-Spencer Reid.”

“Hi, Spencer.” She smiles. “How tall are you?”

“Six foot two.”

“Spencer has the advantage of almost a whole foot of height against me. But, I can use his higher center of gravity to tip him over more easily. We do this a lot in wrestling— being low to the ground and agile is important.”

(Y/N) firmly plants her hands on Spencer’s shoulder, moving him so that he’s turned to the side. “This move is called a modified blast double— it prioritizes attacking the ankles and knees rather than the knees and abdomen.”

She leans in closer to Spencer, “Don’t post your wrist out when you fall.” She whispers in his ear, sending chills down his spine. “Keep your neck tucked too.” Her breath is warm and minty, and Spencer almost forgets that he has 30 other people watching him.

“I’m going to simulate an active attack with Spencer. Doing this move in a wrestling match is much more controlled than against a rogue criminal playing by their own rules. They might have a melee or close-range weapon like a knife or hammer on them, so it’s important to make this move when the best opportunity strikes.”

“Spencer’s going to run at me and attempt to land a punch to my face.” She gives him a nod, and he chambers over to her.

Swiftly crouching lower to the ground, she launches herself towards him, gripping the back of his ankles and pushing her shoulder into his knees, and suddenly he’s flying back onto the mat. She follows through, straddling Spencer’s hips and covering his movements with an arm under his neck.

He’s out of breath as he watches the beautiful SSA leaning above him. His head is slightly sore from the impact, but overall he feels... invigorated.

“You never let your opponent fall onto the ground without covering them. Straddling your opponent allows you to keep them down while having full use of your fists.” She swings her leg off of Spencer, standing up. She reaches a hand out and quickly yanks him up.

“Find someone and drill that move. I’m coming around to help all of you.”

She gives Spencer a firm pat on his back, to which he blushes furiously, pulling his lower lip in between his teeth.

-

Spencer spent the rest of the hour getting slammed onto the mat over and over by various men and women. His entire shirt is soaked, and his breathing is so labored he thinks he’s going to faint. SSA (Y/N) (Y/L/N) might have appeared at ease earlier in the day, but she wasn’t kidding when she promised she would work them to no end. Everyone was at the brink of death when they approached the last lap of their mile— Spencer at risk of passing out more than others.

The relief he feels after completing his tenth lap around the gym is euphoric. Trainees collapse onto the ground with exhaustion all around him.

“Great job today.” SSA (Y/N) compliments happily. “I appreciate all the effort you guys showed today. It better still be here in four months.” And with that, she excuses them, along with the agents monitoring each station.

Spencer’s one of the last agents to trickle out of the gym. His legs feel like jello when he walks, and his lungs burn.

He almost makes it past the threshold of the door before his name is called.

“Dr. Reid.” She beckons him over with a finger. “May I talk to you for a moment.”

Spencer nervously shuffles over. “Yes, SSA (Y/L/N)?”

“I applaud your effort at training today. I can tell you were working hard.” He blushes. “But I’ve been informed that the board is willing to wave all physical training requirements for your acceptance into the FBI.”

“Yeah... I-I uh figured they’d want me for my IQ only.” He jokes nervously, shrugging his shoulders. He knows it’s disrespectful not to look her in the eye, but she intimidates him too much.

She laughs, and it’s a sweet, joyful sound that Spencer can’t get enough of. She’s powerful and radiant— stealing attention from everyone else. “You’re charming, and your reputation precedes you.”

Charming? Since when has little Spencer Reid ever been charming? He smiles awkwardly, looking off to the side to hide his blush.

“You know, the forensics department wants their hands on the trainee with the chemistry doctorate, and the surveillance department wants the kid with eidetic memory, and word has it that you speak more than four languages, so everyone wants their fair share.”

“W-why are you telling me this?” Spencer asks, voice shy and barely above a whisper.

“Because,” she places a tender hand on his shoulder, “You need to carry yourself with more confidence, Spencer. I saw you— surrounded by all those athletes— it made you feel out of place. I get it.”

“How d-do you get it?”

“I was 23 years old when I became an SSA, surrounded by people two decades older than me. I felt like the office secretary— constantly getting pushed around by people I was afraid to upset. But the thing is, Spencer, you need to demand respect from other people. I’m not saying you need to be arrogant or be a bully, but you are one of— if not the most promising agent trainee— and you need to realize your self-worth.”

“I’m smart, I-I know that. But I’m not strong or athletic by any means.” He sighs, gripping the duffle bag slung across his shoulder tightly.

“That’s alright. You’re not going to be Kyle Dake overnight. But you can’t beat yourself up about it.” (Y/N) chuckles lightly.

Spencer thinks for a moment, “T-thank you... for uh saying all those nice things about me.”

“They're true.” She nods.

“I think I’ll continue with the defensive tactics training. I could um use it.” Its partially true, but he’s most inclined to stick around because of the kind and beautiful SSA that’ll be training him.

“Yay! That’s great, Spencer.” She cheers, wrapping him in a hug that’s a little too friendly to be professional. He accepts despite being drenched in sweat.

Her arms are wrapped tightly around Spencer, and she pats him on the back twice before pulling away like a proud mentor would. He can’t decide if (Y/N) would be a better girlfriend or a better teacher. If she would, he’d prefer for her to be both. He’d give her all he had to offer if she’d allow him.

He doesn’t recognize the smile that plays on her lips, and it’s a foreign feeling for the aggressive and focused SSA. She hasn’t felt something like this in a while, especially not for a nerdy trainee named Dr. Spencer Reid.

“Hit the showers.” She teases. “You stink.”

Spencer nods furiously, “Y-yeah, of course. Thank you, again, SSA—“

“Just call me (Y/N).”

“T-thank you, (Y/N).” He smiles, scurrying out of the gym and into the hallway as giddy as ever.

(Y/N) knows she can’t pursue this— at least, not right now. She’ll give it a few years to let him settle in the FBI (his acceptance is inevitable) if she can be patient for that long. All she knows is that eventually, she wants the awkwardly adorable boy to be hers— and she wants to be his.

i’m so proud of this fic but sry i got carried away talking about wrestling i love it sm

[giorno-plays-piano]

You were all I wanted Part 3

Pairing: mob!Peter Parker x plus-sized!Reader

Warnings: yandere, obsession, swearing, human trafficking, mentions of non-con, minor character’s death.

Words: 1600.

Summary: You are bought by the head of Stark crime family for a kid he cares about.

Part 1

Part 2

P.S. Peter is an adult!

This chapter turned out to be shorter, but it's still pretty eventful. Hope you're going to like it <3

___________

"But what... what if he won't like me? What if he'll take me away?" You sobbed, panic taking over you as you imagined Tony Stark pressing a gun to your forehead.

"No, he'd never do that." Peter left a little kiss behind your ear. "Mr. Stark doesn't take the gifts he's made back. You don't have to be afraid of that."

You sniffed at his words. That's what you were now. A gift. A possession. A pet whose job was keeping its master happy. You had to be grateful you were given to someone like Peter, at least. You didn't know whether he would always treat you kindly, but as of now he had never threatened to hurt you. You could only pray for him to fancy you so he wouldn't throw you away like some garbage - apparently, Tony Stark treated his women exactly like that.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up in the first place. Of course, you got upset." Peter cuddled with you some more, but you weren't sure whether he was being sincere. Wasn't he sending you a clear message?

Don't go against me or you'll end just like her.

"Oh, I have an idea. Let's go out! Do you wanna see the movie or something?"

You did your best to wipe away your tears and stared at the boy, perplexed. "What?"

"We have a nice little cinema not far from here. We could go right now, just let me check what they've having today."

"But didn't you say I can't leave this place?"

"I meant without me." He showed you the same smug smirk Stark was wearing all the time, and you lowered your gaze to Peter's chest instead. "With me close you can go wherever you want to."

Funny thing to say. In thruth, you could go wherever he wanted to take you.

"Wow, they're having Beyond Darkness in 30 min! We gotta go, you'll loooove this."

"Sure."

In five minutes you were already hurrying after Peter and trying to look nowhere but your shoes. Regardless of what was there in Stark's Tower, you didn't want to see it, not even mentioning all those guys with guns scattered across the building. Peter was saying his hello to each and every one of them as if he were some mafia's social butterfly.

Whatever. You knew Peter was Tony's favorite not because he had a pretty face. You had never particularly asked what his role in all this was, but it was obviously something way bigger than running errands for the gang. Maybe it was better to never figure it out.

"Hey girl, wanna have fun?" Somebody to your left asked you, and you flinched involuntarily, keeping your head low.

Peter stopped in the very same second and sent the stranger a hard look.

"Mike, you offer my girl drugs one more time and I'm gonna shoot your cute little brother in the leg, you hear me?"

You raised your eyes to Peter's smiling face and regretted it immediately. There was something so dark in his gaze you wanted to turn around and run until you were back to your room, hiding somewhere in the corner.

"Shit! Sorry, Spidey!" The guy's high-pitched voice sounded frightened. "Didn't know you got a girl!"

"Yeah, yeah, see you later, we're kind of busy now." Peter grabbed your hand and pulled you away, heading to the exit. "I forgot to mention before that we don't do drugs. At all. They're good for business, but not for us, ok, Baby?"

"Yes, Peter." You answered and kept chewing your lips, thinking of all the things he had just said. You suspected him to be more ruthless when you weren't around, but never to such extent. How damn scary was real Peter Parker?

"And don't worry, I'd never shoot his brother in whatever part of his body." The boy said it like it was something obvious and you didn't even need to pay attention to it.

Why then did that guy look completely horrified?

When you had finally stepped outside and felt the wind playing with your hair you were ready to cry. Just walking out of the Tower was a fucking torture.

It was already dark, and you pulled the zipper on your pretty blue jacket up, going almost shoulder to shoulder with Peter. Normally you'd be at least a little scared to walk the streets of a big city at night, but the guy your mother had warned you about was already holding your hand.

The place the boy brought you to was truly small but cozy with nice vintage red seats, the delicious smell of caramel popcorn spreading everywhere. It turned out that the movie was something in between Star Wars and Star Trek, which wasn't surprising because Peter was a sucker for anything related to sci-fi. Anyway, it wasn't bad and you actually enjoyed watching it. The movie helped you to keep your mind off your earlier encounter with the drug trafficker and the words Peter said.

The only way to live like that and stay sane was to turn a blind eye to anything that happened around, you thought. It was cowardly and revolting, but what could you do against one of the most, if not the most, dangerous gangs in New York? Surely, even if by some miracle you could flee the Tower and go to police, would they really be willing to help you? No, they would return you to Mr. Stark. You were a hundred percent sure he got it covered.

"Are you feeling tired, Baby?"

You snapped out of your thoughts and looked at Peter who smiled at you so lovingly it could make any girl cry.

"Just a little bit."

"Want me to give you a massage when we gonna get home?" His expression quickly turned devious, and he winked at you.

Yeah, great, now you'd have him fucking you before your knees were giving out. The kid had such stamina he could be an Olympic athlete, no less.

"Aw, I love when you blush like that." Chuckling, he put his arm around your shoulders and inched closer to give you a quick peck on the lips. You forced youself to enjoy his little signs of affection and start thinking you ought to be thankful he wasn't into heavy BDSM practices or something like that.

While you two were kissing again, you heard someone's loud footsteps as if this person just jumped out of the corner, and then there was a hateful outburst, "Stay were you are. Your wallets, quick!"

You froze, your hands getting cold as you stared at the face of a guy standing in front of you with a knife in his hands. He was clearly unstable, sick - you could see the dark circles around his eyes, the unhealthy color of his skin, and his greasy hair sticking to his forehead. You didn't know what was wrong with him, but he was twice bigger than Peter. The guy would probably have no problem with slicing both him and you into pieces if you didn't comply.

"I said g-"

"You gotta be fucking kidding me." Peter let out a frustrated sigh before you heard the loud sound of the gun firing.

There was a little black hole in the guy's chest, blood seeping through his dirty white t-shirt and coloring it in a beautiful deep ruby color. You could see the confusion in the eyes of the stranger, his mouth half-open. Slowly, he went down before his legs gave out and he landed at the ground with a loud thud. He didn't move after that.

"Come on, attacking a couple of high shoolers? You're such a psycho, man. Who were you gonna go after us? Kids?" Peter rolled his eyes and hid the gun under his bomber, turning away from the man he murdered and shouting to someone behind him. "It's ok, people! It's just me, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man! Calm down, go home, it's late!"

You were still staring at the large pool of blood spreading beneath the body of a stranger - lack of light made it look like it was an odd black liquid. Before you could take your eyes elsewhere, you felt bile quickly going up your throat and vomitted, moving to lean your hand on the wall of a building. He killed him. Peter killed him. You didn't even see him pulling out the gun.

"Oh Baby, I'm so sorry." The boy gently held back your hair when you threw up again, feeling scared, disgusted, feverish and cold at the same time. "That's why I don't like drugs and what they do to people. That shithead lost his mind, you see? No sane guy would ever jump on me or my girl like that."

Despite him being so tender, you couldn't even turn your head to look at him as you started shaking from his touch.

You kept emptying your stomach a few more minutes before Peter softly wiped your mouth with his handkerchief and took your arm, walking you back to the Tower and saying all those unnecessary things about how terrible some people are and how everyone has to take care in the dangerous world they're living in. You didn't hear half of that, but you cared little for his chattering.

Peter had shot the man without showing even the slightest regret. He'd shoot you the same way if you ever turned against him - he was Stark's favourite, after all.

__________

Tags: @finleyjayne @alexakeyloveloki  ​@helenaeisenhower @villanellevi @hurricanerin @void-hoechlin @abyssaint @msruchita @opheliadawnwalker3

[sophi-s]

Cost of Kindness

Chapter III: Between joy and sorrow

By: sophi-s

Fandom: Darksiders video games

Words: 7,405

Characters: Raphael, Darksiders OC

Warnings: None

Summary:

After a crazy adventure outside of Haven, Nicola finally is in shape to try and find her way back. As sad as she is about it, she bids her farewells to her new angel friend. However, it seems Raphael isn't quite ready to say goodbye just yet. And so the fearful human finds herself in the company of an archangel stuck to her like glue.

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

Until the sun peered shyly from behind the horizon to announce the arrival of another dawn, Nicola slept like a log. Literally. She hadn't stirred throughout the whole time of her dreamless, magically induced sleep. Were it not for her steady breathing, because as pale and motionless as she was, some might have thought her dead, not sleeping. After long hours, she finally opened her eyes as the remnants of the arcane haze fell and left her mind unshackled. The fog receded from her sight and she was fully expecting the ceiling of the room she occupied in Haven to greet her. Only to be met with disappointment when the dark interior of an underground tunnel filled her vision instead.

For a couple of seconds she was absolutely stunned, unsure where she was or why. The shock of waking up in a strange place had her frozen while her brain was trying to process what in the actual Hell was happening like when she awoke after her first night spent in the Maker Tree. Slowly, the memories of the recent events creeped back into her head. Raphael. Kitten. Demons. My leg… Right… She did feel much better than before but still a little woozy, possibly because half of her brain wasn't fully awake just yet. Massaging her eyelids to rub away the vestiges of sleep, Nicola sat up and scrutinized her surroundings blinking groggily. The same, damp sewer, the same cold darkness. Yawn, which followed, was so wide one might think Nicola intended to swallow everything in this "room".

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the aforementioned angel sitting a couple of feet away, supporting his head on his hand, elbow on his knee while a small cat slept in the rumpled fabric of his green waistcoat. His hood concealed his features as his wings rested against his back and shoulders which steadily moved up and down in the rhythm of a calm breathing. For a moment it might have seemed Raphael was dozing as well but at the quietest move Nicola made, his wary eyes open to look at her without any traces of sleep in them, glimmering like two bright stars from the shadow the hood was casting over his face. It was so abrupt that it made her jump a little.

"Oh! H- hi! Good morning. If it is morning, I mean.."

At her greeting, the cat perked its head up with a "mrowf" noise and shot her a dirty look for daring to interrupt its rest before yawning almost as widely as she did. Raphael answered her with a nod and a small, affirmative sound in the back of his throat but otherwise remained quiet, content with watching her in silence when Nicola leaned down to inspect her thigh and determine whether or not she was in shape for walking anywhere. And to her not unpleasant surprise, the wound was almost fully healed and moving her leg wasn't painful anymore. She did feel the recently present damage to her muscle but she wouldn't call it "pain". More like strain. And that was in like seventy percent of her body from the previous day, even if not as intense as she expected it to be. She really did over exert herself quite a bit. Still, with all certainty she could say Raphael did an unbelievably good job. If only human doctors were in possession of even a teeny tiny part of the healing abilities he had, the world would've been a much safer place.

Though, she couldn't really decide whether the fact that her leg seemed to be perfectly fine was a good thing or not. On the one hand it would mean that nothing hindered her any longer. If the sun is really up then she should wait no longer and set out to make sure the nightfall doesn't catch her again and look for a way back home. Home… In spite of herself she smiled sadly. How quickly she started to refer to Haven as her second home. Her own was irreversibly lost after all.. Reduced to nothing but a grim rubble with all her childhood memories buried underneath. Nicholas died so that she may get out of there alive. He would love it in Haven if he had a chance to see it… In this last safe sanctum for her kind, other survivors, makers.. They were her new family. She could only imagine how they're feeling right now. She should've been back ages ago. She has to return as quickly as possible. The idea of asking Vulgrim for help wasn't completely off the table. She could probably promise him something in return for taking her to the Tree and give it to him later. Nicola can be pretty convincing if she has to but she wouldn't put that past Vulgrim to deny her still. She'd have to play it smart should she fail to find the way back herself. He doesn't trade in favors in exchange for promises after all. No matter. One way or another, she will get back to Haven. That, or she can say goodbye to her wretched life.

But on the other hand… Glancing up at Raphael, who was half-busying himself with petting the very content cat and half-watching her, she realised with a twinge that she'll have to leave him. In those few short hours he'd done so much for her.. so many things she was grateful for… And on top of that, with how sad and lonely he was, Nicola couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor man. She'd never met an angel before and hadn't come to know one well but those she'd seen when this nightmare started didn't make a good impression on her. Raphael was so much different from his kin. She still wasn't sure why he decided to help her even though he didn't have to. And that made her feel empathetic towards him, especially every time he gave her this suffering look which told her a long story of pain and misery. Nicola may have known him for barely a couple hours, if not less, but somehow the thought of leaving him here possibly never to see him again was making her heart sink. Because of the apocalypse, she was running really low on friends and so no one could blame her for wanting to keep every single one she had left or recently made. And honestly, after the angel saved her life and treated her wounds she would lie if she said he wasn't on the right path into the alarmingly small circle of people she held dear to her. Such experiences have a way of bringing people closer to one another, despite the differences they may possess. And besides, what would leaving him here be if not cruelty?

"You seem… troubled."

Raphael stated, making Nicola look at him again. Even after only a few hours spent with her, he sensed her current mood without a mistake. He was pretty insightful. Not that Nicola was trying overly hard to hide it but still. Maybe that's just something the angels do. She sighed in response. I really am.. She thought. It wasn't as though she didn't have a lot to be grim about but this particular thought at the forefront of her brain bothered her the most at this given moment. She didn't want to go just like that but she knew she had to. If only to make sure other guys are alright. But honestly she doubted that Ulthane would ever let her out of his sight again after the stunt she pulled, no matter what she tells him afterwards. In turn, this might be the last time she sees the kind and selfless, not all there angel. Whether she likes it or not, it was time to bid farewell.

"I… I wanted to thank you again for what you did for me."

She started as she stood up - still a bit wobbly from all the crazy stuff that happened so recently - looking around in search of her backpack and shotgun. Both were resting under a wall not far from where she was laid down before, right next to the place where the mummified Goreclaw used to be. Raphael must've moved it further down the sewer where the rest of the corpses were when she was sleeping. Sooner or later it would start attracting pesky flies and other nasty vermin if not things far worse, not to mention the smell of decomposing meat. A little reluctantly, she flung the backpack over her shoulder and picked up her gun before turning to face Raphael. An increasingly unsettled Raphael who seemed to have taken the hint what she intended to do.

"Really, thanks. It's been very nice to meet you. But I have to go now."

"Go? Where to?"

The barely audible note of fear in his voice and the look he gave her made Nicola feel even worse for having to part ways with him.

"I'm going.. home."

Nicola to some extent knew how to read certain people but the blank stare of the angel before her was giving her a really hard time.

"Look, I can't stay here and I'm sorry but I have to go.."

She said hesitantly and turned towards the exit from the tunnel to leave for the surface, quietly wishing she didn't suck at saying her goodbyes. This was one of her greater weaknesses, right after small animals. Especially cats.

"Goodbye. And good luck! I hope we'll meet again.."

With that short farewell, Nicola turned away to walk off into the sewer and begin her search for Haven. But a firm grip on her shoulder stopped her from taking more steps and made her glance back in bewilderment. Somehow, Raphael shifted from a sitting position to standing and closed the distance between himself and Nicola in one beat without producing a single sound. Not going to lie, it was quite scary and Nicola couldn't help a startled squeak that escaped her. But even though he spooked her yet again, the distressed face he pulled made Nicola bite her lower lip. And the hesitant plea leaving his mouth made it even worse.

"Stay…"

"I- I can't! I really need to go!"

"Please…?"

Raphael quietly begged her. His flared and bristled wings were quivering anxiously and his face bore the most pitiful pleading look she'd ever seen. God, why do you have to make this so difficult? It was strange. He'd been doing fine without Nicola for who knows how long. Well… fine might not be the right word to use in this case but whatever. Though, now that she thinks about it, it makes sense that he wouldn't want to be left alone again. Especially because loneliness doesn't serve healthy people well and Raphael looked like someone who could use the help of a specialist. Still, Nicola found herself asking.

"Why do you want me to stay?"

Instead of answering, Raphael glanced down from her face, looking at the point on her chest, just below her collarbone. Nicola awkwardly cleared her throat to get his attention once she felt like his gaze was going right through her mortal shell and piercing into her very core.

"Uhh.. What exactly are you thinking about?"

Not bothered by it, Raphael squinted and lifted his forefinger, extending it to the place he was looking at. And seriously, for a second Nicola was considering batting his hand away since it could without a doubt be viewed as invasion of personal space when the pad of his finger connected with her chest where it ended and her neck began. And in this moment white flash passed through Nicola's eyes, followed by a deathly chill somewhere inside, tearing into her heart from within with icy claws like a vicious beast. As though someone had poured freezing cold water into her body. And amidst this coldness was a tiny wisp of warmth pressed against her ribcage, as if it was trying to get out. To get as close to Raphael as possible. She gasped in shock and fear and from the unexpected and not physical pain - so intense it made her feel sick - which wasn't really… her own. She felt it, experienced it but she knew it wasn't hers. Somehow Nicola knew that it belonged to someone else. And this someone was standing right in front of her.

Slowly but surely, it was starting to make sense. Why Raphael was constantly so shaky, so easily frightened, so… wrong. It all lasted barely a fraction of a second before both she and Raphael abruptly backed away with astonishment painted across their faces. Neither of them was entirely sure what on God's green earth just happened or why it happened. Whatever it was, neither of them would say it felt pleasant. Nicola was fairing better than the angel however. While she was only mildly frightened and befuddled, he immediately retreated into the corner and curled up on the floor, wrapping himself up in a feathery cocoon of his wings, trembling like a leaf on a gale.

"Raphael..?"

She huffed trying to steady her own breathing as she cautiously approached him just when he started to mutter obscene nonsense again. This time Nicola couldn't even determine what exactly he was saying. He spoke way too quickly and he was only able to pick up single words like "torment", "soul" or "help". This odd sensation, this pain she felt was undoubtedly in him. All. The time. Every day of his existence. It became clear. Nicola could imagine that even she would sooner or later go absolutely mad if the suffering he's experiencing without a moment of rest was hers. It was nothing short of a miracle that he retained at least some small semblance of who he used to be. Ever since she came to him, he did start to make more sense than before, possibly because she could at least partially distract him from this pain. But if he needed distraction, why would he leave his White City behind? Angels may have been mean to her race but surely they would help out their brother in need, right?

All questions Nicola had most likely could be answered by a story of his past which he wasn't ready to reveal just yet. Perhaps, if she's careful enough, one day he will open up and tell her about it. But until then, she remained in darkness of uncertainty. Still, she couldn't help but wonder.. Carefully, she crouched and laid her hand on Raphael's shaking shoulder, making his head snap up with a fearful look to his round, empty glowing eyes.

"Who… who did this to you?"

The angel opened his mouth as if to answer her but no words came out. Only a soft huff. Tears welled up in Nicola's eyes when his face scrunched up in something between anguish and misery. And that was enough for her to snap. In spite of herself, Nicola reached around the angel's neck and pulled him into a tight hug burying her face into the side of his green hood which despite the stench surrounding everything here still held a barely noticeable scent of something that brought to mind clean cotton with a tint of vanilla. His entire body went rigid as she did but only for a moment. Merely seconds later, he relaxed, his breathing evened out and he moved his own arms around her back to return the embrace that brought a tiny bit of comfort that could at least partially fill the emptiness he felt within for so long he couldn't even remember how it is to not feel it.

"Don't leave me alone…"

He breathed against her ear, clinging to her desperately as if letting go of her would mean his inevitable end. Up this close, Nicola could feel his heart - much bigger and more powerful than her human one - hammering uneasily against his ribcage. Similar, but completely different. And for some reason, her own heart suddenly skipped and beat once alongside his in the exact same rhythm before everything returned to normal. Or maybe she was just imagining things? Possibly…

This warm and tight embrace, even though it was meant to comfort him, still gave Nicola an odd feeling of safety. All of the sudden Raphael seemed to her not like a stranger she met by chance not even a day ago but like a good, old friend she knew she can trust no matter what. The decision of leaving Raphael behind was difficult enough before but now… her heart fell to pieces. It was next to impossible. She couldn't just leave him like this. He doesn't deserve to be abandoned again. No one does.

What do I do? Nicola knew she could neither stay with him, nor can she return to Haven without risking that her conscience would make her feel shitty for the rest of her goddamned days and that a thought that she doomed some poor soul to descend into utter insanity would make her share his fate. But there has to be something she can do.. Anything.. Then, an epiphany struck her.

"Wait.."

She said once Raphael let her go and she could look him in the eye as he gave her a questioning yet hopeful stare.

"You could come with me!"

"Come with you..?"

"Yeah! The Tree is much safer than here and there's a lot of useful stuff there. Also, it doesn't stink that much…"

Not only that. Other survivors, even as skeptical as they are towards angels, surely wouldn't mind Raphael poking around. Having a skilled healer on their side would certainly change their mind even if they weren't eager to let him stay. Ulthane, Elanya and Yarin can be persuaded if they don't agree at first. After all, if Raphael's presence will mean that "wee uns' " are even safer, then Nicola couldn't think of a reason why they shouldn't relent. Not to mention that Raphael can fly. It would make it a child's play to find the Tree. Back in Haven she could also get the poor angel patched up and cleaned up a bit, since he himself is in a rather sorry state. That's the least she could do for him in return. Only one thing was left to do, considering how uncertain Raphael looked. Convince him.

"What is this… Tree?"

"This is a safe place for us, humans, and it's… kinda our new home now."

Before, Nicola was absolutely certain Raphael's eyes couldn't turn bigger and rounder but he was very quick to prove her wrong. Not to lie, it was quite impressive. He blinked a couple of times as if to make sure he heard it right.

" 'Us' ? There is… more of you out there..?"

Nicola nods enthusiastically once she realises she's on the right path.

"Yeah! Ulthane made us a safe place to-"

"Ulthane?"

He interrupted with confusion on his face, making Nicola stop in mid sentence to look at him questioningly.

"Ulthane… the Black Hammer?"

"Yes, he's a-.. Wait… you know him?"

Humming thoughtfully, Raphael drummed his fingers against the cold floor. His answer didn't clarify much however.

"No.. Azrael does.."

"Who?"

An angel most likely. Probably one of Raphael's former acquaintances. Mentioning this "Azrael" seemed to have brought some memories back, very fond ones at that since for the first time today, a ghost of a smile passed across Raphael's face and an absent look in his eyes turned warmer and not so frightened anymore.

"Friend.."

Seriously, for a moment Nicola wanted to say that she's sorry because she just assumed that Raphael's friend could be dead but she bit her tongue before she could tell him that when she realised he actually used the present tense and not past. Which indicates that Azrael, whoever he is, is still out there somewhere. Instead, she wanted to tell him more about Haven but he once again interrupted her.

"The Balance is upset.. the Third Kingdom is vital to it… Humans. Humans live still? Not everything is lost then.."

Oh boy, here we go again. Unwittingly, Nicola pulled an annoyed face. For the umpteenth time, Raphael unintentionally made her feel like an uneducated imbecile. Why is the Universe even more complicated than we initially thought?

"Yes, he does the right thing.. They need a protector."

Nicola decided to patiently wait until Raphael is finished thinking out loud, even though she once again had no clue what he's saying. What Balance? Third Kingdom? The what?

"The Horsemen cannot do this alone… It is the duty of us all… to- to uphold the Balance."

The WHO??? Nicola could only imagine how stupid she looked with that dumb face she just made. What. The actual fuck. The Horsemen? As in… the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? They are real too? So it is a legit end of the world like the one in the Bible! How lovely! It's honestly a miracle that anyone has lived if that's the case. What else? Maybe it will suddenly turn out that snow is warm, sun is cold and skunks don't stink. Though with all the chaos going on around, Nicola would hardly be surprised if dogs suddenly started chirping and birds barking. She really just wished for the things to calm down already.. Returning to normal seemed to be off the table unfortunately but for God's sake, can the demons at least just go home or something? But… Now that she thinks about it… Could the mysterious warrior clad in crimson be one of the infamous Four? He didn't look like an angel, even though he bore quite a few similarities to Heaven's denizens, nor did he seem purely demonic in nature. And he was there when the Apocalypse began.. Curious. Especially because if it wasn't for his interference, Nicola would have probably been dead by now. All he did was stop for just a second to tear the bus door out once he saw her struggling to open it from the inside. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, who knows? Eventually, Raphael glanced at her with a more certain look on his face.

"You don't stand a chance. Not against the Destroyer."

Yeah, no shit, Sherlock.. Nicola thought, still having the clear image of the flaming dragon standing barely fifteen feet away from where she was hiding in her head as if it happened yesterday. He was terrifying, no one is taking this away from him, but screw that! That's one gigantic motherfucker. Nicola was pretty sure she could comfortably live in a room that was the size of his goddamned head. If he tried to eat her, she'd probably get stuck between his teeth at best. And so far that's the last place she wanted to find herself in. She really didn't need help in figuring out that a bunch of humans still shitting their pants at the sight of a single Wicked could stand up to the bloody Destroyer. What are they, the legendary dragon-slaying knights or something? Not to be pessimistic or anything.. but Nicola wouldn't be surprised if that thing could kill her by so much as breathing in her direction. He does breathe fire after all. It goes without saying that he also has a huge horde of ugly assholes under his whim, jumping at the tiniest flick of his tail. So yeah. Chances for success in an open confrontation are pretty miniscule. Fortunately, what Raphael said next made her sigh with relief.

"You need all the help you can get… I will come. If this is your wish…"

Victory! Now that was the solid dose of serotonin Nicola had been missing for quite some time. Not only can she return home and assure her strange little family that she's alright but also she doesn't have to leave her newfound friend behind. Her conscience will stay clean, Raphael will be safe in Haven, maybe even recover to some extent, and the humans will have a powerful angel healer on their side. To her it was a win-win.

"You will?! That's awesome, thanks!"

Nicola was quick to gather her humble possessions and waited for Raphael to get up and take whatever he needed. But surprisingly, all he took was the kitten which he held against his chest since it wasn't really pleased about being manhandled but the angel simply ran his finger through the fur on its head to put it back to sleep again before depositing it to a small knapsack he had on his belt where it could rest safely. Apparently, he wasn't attached to anything he stored in his hideout over the time he spent here. Well, there weren't many useful things to take anyway. At least that's what Nicola thought before, because Raphael leaned over one of the bigger crates and reached for something apparently hidden behind it. And oh boy, the thing he pulled out… An ornate, gilded staff, as tall as Nicola is. The centerpiece was flanked by two slender serpents coiling around it in a beautiful, symmetrical way to the very top crowned by a pair of wings and a ring between them.

"Whoa…"

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't hide her amazement. That was some sick looking staff. The design seemed to ring a bell but she couldn't quite tell where exactly. Unlike Raphael himself, the staff was well kept, clean and undamaged, even if a bit tarnished. Apparently in his solitude, the angel cared for it well and often. For this last piece of home he has, Nicola realised with a pang of sadness. Even in his fond expression she could see the attachment to this one small part of his past. Okay, maybe not that small… Once Raphael was ready and glanced at Nicola to confirm it, she nodded and walked off into the dark tunnel with the angel trailing after her like a duckling.

"Oh, and by the way…"

Considering what Nicola had seen before, she figured it would be best to warn Raphael about some of Haven's denizens. Well.. by some she specifically meant Vulgrim. Despite his queer way of being and shiftiness, Nicola still somewhat liked him. The demon merchant was hardly a good material for a friend but so far he proved only two things to her. That he can be cunning and annoying. And that he's unbelievably helpful. And in truth, Nicola couldn't help but grow a little fond of her exceptional neighbour. Especially because Vulgrim was the only demon so far that didn't try to kill her where she stood but instead engaged in a conversation. That might be because he's just scared of Ulthane but he seemed rather harmless. Hell, he even sometimes provided useful resources if Haven could afford a trade with him. In a way, he too was helping humans survive. But if he suddenly jumped out of that Serpent Hole of his… Nicola could already see Raphael blasting the demon into Oblivion without a second thought. And that was something she didn't want to happen. Better safe than sorry.

"There's this… guy sometimes swinging by to say hello to us.."

Even as she spoke, she didn't stop walking and the quiet tapping of the end of the staff against the floor told her that Raphael kept following. How do I explain to an angel that a demon means no harm?

"The name's Vulgrim. He's a little… Ugh, how do I put it?"

"A demon… Crafty fiend, far more powerful than he lets on. Yet, so… deceivingly docile.."

Nicola halts as though she's just come face first into an invisible barrier once she heard Raphael grumble distastefully to himself. Turning around, she gawked at him with non hidden shock. And while she expected anger or at least disgust, Raphael looked rather… resigned for the lack of a better term. And only ever so slightly annoyed.

"You know Vulgrim?"

That literally came out of nowhere. The description of Vulgrim Raphael just gave was so unbelievably accurate. Nicola already suspected that the demon is much more dangerous than he seems but simply refuses to put his power to use and do something constructive with it. And now she got a confirmation. From a very unlikely source but still. Raphael was quick to offer a clarification and answered her question with his own.

"Who doesn't?"

"Ah, that's fair.."

She chuckled. Vulgrim is that kind of a "person", who seems to know everyone and has been to pretty much everywhere. He offers his merchandise to every creature that can afford it and it shouldn't be that surprising that some people, even angels like Raphael know him, or at least know of him. She suspected the latter part in this case. This makes it much easier to explain to Raphael that he's a friend.

"He's cool though! He's helping us keep it together and doesn't really bother anyone in the Tree. Vulgrim is really helpful if he wants to."

To this, Raphael answered with a doubtfully raised eyebrow and a thoughtful hum. He didn't seem convinced but what he said fully satisfied Nicola.

"Hmmmm… so I was told.."

Before they even noticed, they were right below the well lid which was Nicola's original entrance to the sewer. And honestly? She was so glad that she decided to come down here. Otherwise, she wouldn't have met Raphael. Some part of her still dreads to wonder what would happen to him if she didn't find him. He was already at the brink of losing it but now it didn't seem as bad as before. In a way, Nicola saved him too, it seems. Before, he was barely registering what was happening around. Now he was more or less capable of a relatively normal conversation. Sure, he tended to talk to himself quite a lot but she supposed that the solitude and whatever nightmares he'd been through have taken their toll. Climbing up the ladder, Nicola pushed the lid out of the pavement and immediately the golden light of the new day spilled through it, banishing the darkness and ouch, it hurt her poor eyes.

Even though Nicola wasn't in utter blackness all the time thanks to the arcane wisp of light that followed Raphael everywhere whenever he needed it, the bright pillar of sunlight struck her like a physical force, leaving her mostly blind for a good ten seconds. Still, another breath of fresh air tasted like ambrosia to her. No stench of the sewer and rotting meat. Thank God.. It took only a few seconds afterwards for her sight to get used to the brightness but still she needed a moment to wipe the tears from her eyes. Before she exited the sewer however, a quiet hiss behind her made her stop.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw Raphael recoiling from the light with his eyes squeezed tightly shut and a grimace on his face, shielding himself from the radiance with his left wing. Right.. How long he'd spent down there, Nicola could only guess but she could understand how dizzy it might've made him and how much it burned his darkness-adjusted eyes. More than that, to him the sunlight probably felt like it does to a goddamn vampire.

"Raphael? You okay?"

The angel didn't answer her, simply kept still, slowly lowering his wing to look at the light flowing through the opened way out, blinking rapidly so that his eyes adjusted to it quicker. And once they did.. Without a word, he hesitantly reached out towards the bright sun rays and put his bandaged hand right through the border where the light and dark clashed with one another. And immediately, once the warm glow caressed his skin, his face brightened in mute fascination. The fact that he hadn't seen the daylight for way too long became ever so apparent to Nicola and made something twist inside of her sadly.

"The sun…"

Raphael breathed and let his mouth form a wide grin once he fully entered the illuminated area and turned his face up with his eyes closed to soak it in.

"Blessed Creator, I missed it.. oh how I missed it…"

It took less than a second for Nicola to decide that she's going to let him have that moment. They were in a rush, true, but she simply didn't have it in her to tell him to hurry. She didn't want to interrupt him because even with all the dust and grime on his emaciated face, for the first time since she'd met him, Raphael looked so unbelievably happy. Truly happy. Just because he could feel the warm light of the sun upon his skin. And with a full smile he underwent a sudden change. All fear left him, his features softened and Nicola would dare say that even as broken, mad and defeated, in this short moment he looked… beautiful. As an angel, which humans often imagined, should. Under all that dirt something was glistening from the surface of his skin under his eyes, on his cheeks and forehead, the sunlight painted warm streaks on his long, white hair that fluttered on the cool breeze from above. In spite of herself she smiled too. This look to him suited him far better than a sorrowful, troubled frown. She could already tell, she will be always trying her best to save this precious smile.

With a deep breath of fresh air, Raphael opened his eyes to look out at the clear sky in shades of delicate blue and… in a flash of gold accompanied by a quiet whizz disappeared. Nicola's jaw fell open. Her human mind will never stop getting surprised over the stuff like that. And even if it will, it's going to take a long time. Before she could even start wondering where the angel vanished to, a large silhouette blocked out the sun. Still a bit surprised, Nicola looked up right at Raphael's kind face and his outstretched hand as he offered her help in getting out of the stinking well. So he can teleport. Lucky bugger. To be frank, Nicola felt a small sting of jealousy. And while she expected him to simply let her hold onto him as she pulled herself out, he hoisted her up in one fluid motion and set her on the pavement beside him the moment she took his hand.

The odd angel kept surprising her. Despite his thin frame, he was quite strong. For human standards that is, she didn't know how his physical strength was viewed among his brethren. During the initial armageddon she caught glimpses of much more sturdy-looking angels after all. The memory actually made her wonder if Raphael knew that one angel she saw talking to the warrior in red. The one who got… brutally squashed by that gigantic fuck-off demon that nearly made her heart refuse to keep fighting out of pure horror before she booked it. At least she could only assume that he got squashed because as soon as she saw the hand shoot out from the pit of boiling magma below she averted her eyes not to look at it and all she remembered now was a female voice desperately crying out a name she couldn't quite recall right now.

I'll ask him another time. She thought as he was pulling her out into the outside world. Still, the caution he did it with… Sighing inwardly, Nicola realised that Raphael already has something in common with her other bizarre friends. He too handled her as though one uncareful move could harm her and treated her as though she was made of porcelain. For quite some time Ulthane was afraid to even touch any of them not to break something and there were very few people in Haven who could resist poking a little fun at the maker. Oh well. Looks like it's a privilege that last members of the human race get. Everything is either super gentle with you or is trying to ruthlessly murder you. Nothing in between so far. Only Vulgrim seemed to be mostly neutral towards them but that was one exception.

Outside of the sewer the day was unusually warm. The sun was shining down at the crumbling Earth from a clear sky, no clouds hindered its rays and the air movement was a bare minimum. Nicola didn't wait long before unzipping her vest. Cooking inside of it was the last thing she fancied right now. Judging by how high the sun already was, she'd say it was far past the morning hours. Actually, maybe even somewhere around midday. Looking down at her watch confirmed that she guessed it right since it showed the exact time of

11:56 A.M.

Now's the high time she started looking for a way back. She walked over to one of the tallest buildings nearby to search for a suitable vantage point - careful this time, not to get jumped by some asshole again - and glanced back to see if Raphael was still following her. And in agreement to what he'd accidentally shared with her back in his hideout, Nicola has taken a note that he's.. limping. He was leaning on his ornate staff heavily and his eyebrows were furrowing with each step he took but his eyes were quickly shifting between all directions of his surroundings, always on watch for a threat. Still, there was an ever-present weariness to his pace. To put it simply, Raphael looked tired and moved with difficulty, as though he was in constant pain. In a way, he was.. But somehow Nicola knew it wasn't really the same pain one feels when getting injured or ill. This was something… else.

Nicola decided maybe she will ask him about it later, once they're safe. Maybe. They had to find Haven before the sun sets after all. No time to waste. Though… she didn't really know how to approach the matter. Raphael had done so much for her already. Asking him for help and a lift made Nicola feel incredibly awkward. Especially because she wasn't quite sure if asking an angel to fly her somewhere was considered rude by his people. But it had to be done. Otherwise, they might not make it on time.

"Hey.. Raphael? I forgot to say that but… there's a little problem.."

"A problem..?"

Raphael cocked his head to the side as he looked down at the small human woman wringing her hands nervously. Why was she nervous? The archangel could no longer sense or even see fear in her, yet something was still wrong. For some reason she was feeling uncomfortable, whether it was his presence or something she was about to say.

Why should she ever trust you? Your kind destroyed her life!

And that was unfortunately the truth. Half of it at least. Demons too had their part in it. Raphael knew he holds no ill intentions towards her or her kin hiding from the Apocalypse in the Tree she kept talking about but something told him that Nicola is still afraid of him. She just doesn't know it yet.

"I'm not entirely sure where we need to go.. I got… a little lost..?"

Ah. So that's the problem. Honestly, Raphael was half-expecting something truly horrendous but if being lost is the only problem they have - for now that is - then there's nothing to worry about. The directions to the safe place are surely buried in her mind somewhere, accessible and possible to dig out. All she needed was a gentle nudge in the right direction. And if that doesn't work, Raphael can always try to search through her memories himself if she won't have a problem with that. Though, considering how fragile humans are, both physically and mentally, Raphael didn't want to risk irreparably damaging her mind that way. This was the last resort. Instead, he reached out to her and laid his hand on her shoulder, summoning his magic to take both of them to the top of the crumbling block of flats looming over them.

"Wh- whoa! Hoo.. lee!"

Nicola loudly exclaimed to make her astonishment apparent once they reappeared on the rooftop high above the destroyed city. Raphael could only imagine how odd teleportation must feel to a human who's absolutely devoid of any magical abilities and not used to it being used around them.

"Will this help?"

Shrugging off the surprise, the human walked up to the ledge, so close it made Raphael feel mildly uncomfortable, and looked out at her ruined home bathed in daylight. Squinting at the sun and shielding her eyes from its shine, Nicola looked around, murmuring under her breath

"Gimme a second.. The cathedral is there, the shopping mall there… So the Tree should be somewhere around-…"

She tapped her chin thoughtfully for a moment before she turned to her left and her face immediately brightened as she pointed into the distance.

"There! Look!"

Glancing towards the place Nicola was pointing out, Raphael could barely make out a massive shape between ruined buildings. It really did look like a grand tree. An enormous shadow standing tall above the ground. And Nicola was pretty much vibrating with ecstasy and shifting on her feet like a small child impatiently waiting for something amazing to happen and beaming.

"It's right there! We did it!"

She squealed like an excited child as well. But Raphael knew it might be too early for celebration. That was quite a long way… How she even got from there to here anyway, he may never find out. What's more important, if Nicola wanted to make it all the way back there, it might take her a whole day if not longer and each minute spent out in the open means that demons have a bigger chance of discovering her and putting an end to her existence. And that Raphael couldn't allow. Every human that survived counts. He could see why she asked him to come with her and he decided he won't fail her. He won't fail anyone ever again. The faster they leave, the better. Turning to the excited woman standing beside him, the archangel unfolded his arms and crouched.

"Hold on to me…"

Nicola's mood shifted instantly. Sometimes it was kind of disturbing how humans can turn from happy to sad, angry to calm, excited to apprehensive and vice versa in the matter of seconds. Her eyebrows wandered up as she eyed him cautiously.

"Huh? You want to-..."

In response, Raphael gave her the most reassuring smile he was capable of despite the coldness of his tattered soul feeling especially troublesome today after he unwittingly created some sort of a link with Nicola. Or maybe not as much with her, as with the bright, heavenly spark inside of her. By all means, the flash of blinding pain, as intense as the day he tore out the first fragment of his being and multiplied by the amount of times he repeated this, was not a pleasant experience. The memory still lingered at the back of his head but he tried anyway.

"Trust.."

He simply said, making Nicola swallow and smile nervously, half-heartedly joking

"O- okay. Just don't drop me, alright?"

“Of course..”

She uncertainly conceded and wrapped her arms around Raphael's neck for the second time this day, holding on so tightly that for a human it would surely be excruciating. No wonder. A human doesn't need to fall from a very high place to get themself killed or at least crippled for the rest of their life. But Raphael had no intention of letting her fall. Putting his free arm around her, holding her securely against his chest, the archangel unfolded his grand wings. The soft breeze rolling above the city immediately caught in his feathers, calling and beckoning him into the vast skies. It's been way too long since his last flight. Luckily, it's an ability that once learned is never forgotten.

Raphael shot up into the air just as Nicola tightened her grip even more, holding on no worse than a koala bear. Not wasting any more time, he swept over the human city turned into a dreary graveyard, heading towards the Maker Tree and gladly leaving the sewers behind in favor of the brighter future opening up before him for the first time in centuries.

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

Listen, Raphael needs and deserves a hug, okay? For being a precious guy <3

Send over all the hugs for him 💓

EDIT: Gonna upload it on AO3 tomorrow

[pixie88]

Meeting the Parents pt 2

Chapter 12 - Always the Bridesmaid.

A/N: I’m on fire with these ATB chapters once I got to 5 in my drafts I thought I better release one! I hope you like it.

If you would like to be ADDED or REMOVED just let me know!

Read previous chapters HERE!

Warnings: Fluff & Light Angst

Word Count: 1832

Pairings: Laila x Harry

Enjoy!

"Is he mine?!" she seems a bit taken aback by his question, she wasn't expecting to see him again.

He asks again "Is he my son?" it's almost a hiss.

"No! No, he's not" she understands why he would think he is considering the timescale "I did a DNA test when he was born, he's Anthony's"

Harry is relieved, "You're one hundred percent?" she nods "I can show you the results if you would like?" she doesn't wait for his reply she rushes off, moments later she hands him a bit of paper.

It reads at the bottom -

Alleged FATHER  - ANTHONY KENNEDY

Probability of Paternity: 99.99999%

Harry feels like he can finally breathe again, he hands her back the piece of paper "Thank you and sorry I just had to know," she offers him a weak smile, "It's OK, I understand why you would think he was yours. Again, I'm sorry about what happened to us in the past and I'm glad you have moved on she seems lovely!"

His thoughts go to Laila "She is to be honest with you, she's probably the best thing that has ever happened to me" her face sours, but quickly changes as she hears her son cry "I'm coming Jasper" she turns back to Harry "Sorry, I have to go. Harry take care!" he smiles "You too"

He makes his way down the path, pulls out his phone and dials Laila's number. It rings a few times before she answers.

"Hey Harry..." He cuts her off, so she doesn't get the rest of her words out.

"He's not mine!" she lets out a breath"How do you feel about that?"

He chuckles "Relieved, Laila the thought of being tied to her because of a child...I couldn't think of anything worse. I thought I might have wanted him to be mine for a few moments but as soon as I knew he wasn't mine, I realised I didn't really want it at all"

"Well, I'm happy for you and at least that's cleared up now. You can move on from it"  He can tell she's secretly relieved to as much as she tries to pretend she was OK with it.

"I'm on my way back to yours so make sure you're ready, we'll leave for my parents when I get back"

"OK, I'm nearly ready. Harry, I'm so nervous," he chuckles "No need to be! You've met my mum, one of my brothers and my sister...my dad you just need to take everything he says with a pinch of salt. He's hard on everyone until they get to know him"

"Great....anyway. I'll see you in a bit, I love you" He laughs "See you soon! I love you too"

Later they arrive at his parents house, Harry lets himself in with his fingers entwined. Laila's heart is racing with nerves, "Mum, Dad?" he calls out "Harry! We're out the back" They make their way through the house towards garden "Laila! How are you?" Rose welcomes her with open arms.

Harry puts him down and pulls Laila over to the table "Arthur and Izzy you've already met Laila, but Dad, Brad, Will, Sophie, Claire and Ruby this is my girlfriend Laila, Laila this is my Dad Colin, and my brothers Will and Brad and their wives Ruby, Sophie and Claire" His brothers and their wives offer her a warm welcome but Colin doesn't even look up at her.

"Hi, Rose! It's nice to see you again!" Laila smiles at her, she notices the rest of the family round a table "Uncle Harry!!" a little boy runs over colliding with him, Harry picks him up "Hey Cohen! This is my girlfriend Laila!" Cohen looks over to her "She's pretty" Laila smirks "Thank you! You are adorable!" Cohen smiles.

Take everything with a pinch of salt! She thought, "I knew something was going on with you two! I saw the way he looked at you at the sky gardens!" Izzy winks at her, they take a seat Harry doesn't let go of her hand.

"We were in the early stages of dating at time" Laila smiles at her. She hears Colin sniggers, but she chooses to ignore it when she feels Harry give her hand a tiny squeeze.

A little while later dinner is served "Laila, are you left handed?" Colin asks "Erm..no, no I'm not," she smiles at him "So, why are you holding your knife and fork like a left handed person? It's a bit ill mannered?" he hisses. "Sorry, I always have used them this way..." he cuts her off "What do you do for a living?"

"Oh, I'm a hairdresser" he sniggers again "So not a doctor then..what a shame!"

"Dad!" Harry hisses at him "Harry, it's fine!" she smiles softly at him. Pinch of salt! She thought.

"And your parents?" Colin asks "My parents? Well, they own a pub" Colin laughs "Of course they do! Talk about lower class and cliché"

This comment makes her blood boil she jumps out of her seat, throwing down her cutlery "Say what you want about me, but don't you dare talk about my family!" She says pointing her finger at him "My parents are worth 10 of you!! You are nothing, but a miserable, snobby, rude old git! I will not sit here like everyone else and let you get away with talking to me or about my family like that!" she storms off through the house and out the front door.

Harry chases her calling after her "Laila! Wait!" He catches up to her, gently grasping her arm, making her turn "Laila, I'm sorry I should have spoken up...I should've never let him speak to you like that. It's just that's the way he is. I know that's no excuse"

"I get it..he's your dad, we make allowance for family. I shouldn't have say anything" Harry chuckles "No! I'm glad you did..That is what I love most about you. You don't take crap from anyone, you speak your mind and no one has to second guess where they are with you"

Behind Harry, Laila spot Colin stands in the doorway. Harry eyes follow in her direction "Harry, if he's here for round 2, I swear to god I will not be responsible for my actions" Harry chuckles "As much as I would love for you to deck him..." she cuts him off "Don't you think I can take the old man?" she asks.

He laughs "I have no doubt that you can take the old man! But let's just hear what he has to say? I promise I will step in if he's out of line again," she rolls her eyes "Fine" Harry takes her hand and they make their way over to him "Let me just warn you, you dare speak to her like you did in there so help me god" Colin can see his son will not stand by and let it happen again.

"First can I say Laila, I'm a protective old fool, I just don't want him hurt like last time. You were right in there, when you called me a miserable, rude old git. No one has ever pulled me up on how I speak to people and for that I respect you"

"You forgot snobby!" Laila hissed, Colin laughs at her "I also forgot to say sorry which I truly am sorry and if you will allow it can we start again?"

"OK, I'm also sorry for what I called you" Colin laughs "You have nothing to apologize for everything you said in there was spot on. Now let's go back inside"

They follow Colin back to the garden as they walk in his brothers clap "Keep hold of this one Harry! We like her!" Will laughs "Don't worry I intend to!" he winks at Laila.

Later, Harry is playing football with the kids Cohen, Ethan, Bobby and Lara while Laila is colouring with Mila "Do you love my Uncle Harry?" Mila looks up at her "I do" Mila smiles "He loves you too. Are you going to marry him?" Laila smirks she loves how kids are so blunt "Maybe one day"

"Maybe one day?" she hears him asks over her shoulder. Great! She thought. "I asked Laila will she marry you. She said maybe one day!" Mila giggle, Laila blushes as Harry takes a sit down next to her "You're all sweaty!" Laila wipes his brow "Yeah, those 4 have been ganging up on me. 4 against 1 can you guess who won!" Laila laughs at him.

"Not you?" she winks "Got that right!" Harry grabs Laila's hand as she's colouring making her go out of the lines "Harry!! Look what you made me do!" he chuckles at her and does it again "Harry! Stop it!" she hisses "Or what?" he asks.

She takes the felt tip pen and draws on his face "Laila!" she smirks, Mila giggles "What? I'm colouring out of the lines like you wanted me to," he smirks as he shook his head, "You are so going to regret that!" he's quick, he takes a red felt tip pen off the blanket they are sitting on and aims for her face, but she dodges it. He goes in again she falls back against the blanket, Harry grasps her hands pinning them, so she can't stop him. She's laughing "Harry, don't you dare!"

Moving towards her face with the pen between his teeth as his hands pin down hers, she's laughing "Harry" as he gets closer Mila pulls the pen from his mouth and uses it on him "Argh! Mila, you're suppose to be on my team!" he lets go of Laila, Mila gets up and makes a run for it. Harry is about to chase after her, but Laila grabs his ankle making him fall to the ground.

She gets up and makes a run for it after Mila, they're both giggling as they run from him. Before they get to far, Harry's arms come around both their waist's "Gotcha both!" he begins to tickle them and they both fall to the ground trying to get away.

"Uncle Harry! Stop! I'm sorry!" Mila says through her laughter, he stops "I like Laila, Uncle Harry" Harry smiles at his niece "Me too!" he winks at Laila.

~*~*~*~

A few weeks later

Laila had arranged to meet Nikki at the park with Poppy, They are chatting when all of a sudden they hear Poppy scream.

They both rush over to her, Poppy is hysterical on the floor below the monkey bars "Pops, what's wrong?" tears steam down her face "It hurts!!" she screams "Poppy, did you fall from the bars?" Laila asks her and she nods unable to answer because of the pain.

Nikki becomes distraught "Nikki, It's going to be fine!" Laila tries to reassure her "I'll call an ambulance just in case" Laila pulls out her phone to make the call.

Continue reading this story here - Chapter 13.

@shewillreadyou​ @lem-20​ @secretaryunpaid​ @khoicesbyk​ @aussieez​ @txemrn​ @irisofpurple​ @casualpostqueen​ @shannonwrote​ @tea-me-kah​

[dope-squish]

Programmed And Damned [ RK800 Connor X Reader ] [ Detroit: Become Human ] - Chapter Two - Software Instability

[ We thankfully reached our goal two days earlier than the deadline so good job everyone ] [ Goal - 80 Hearts/Reblogs ] [ GOAL REACHED - CHAPTER THREE POSTED ]

[ Comments are extremely appreciated so please do comment. it makes authors feel great, i promise. it boosts our confidence ]

[ Please press the heart button, the reblog button and share this fanfic to anyone and anywhere, this way, we'll more likely reach our goal ]

[ This chapter is dedicated to

@nickangel13 thank you so much for your sweet comment. I appreciate it so much

@mysticmaehem thank you for commenting! I'm so glad you liked it!

@timelizzy21 thank you for reading! I will try to keep this fanfic as interesting as possible :D

@angsty-otters-blog omg your comment makes my day O///O

@connorshero this is dedicated to this amazing writer because she's one of my favorite fanfic writers and she deserves the best ouo ][ Also I will be regarding to Connor as he/him because it's quite efficient and calling him "it" throughout the whole story until he deviates is just ... i dunno ]

"What do you have to say about my new appearance, lieutenant?"

Hank heaved out an exasperated and exaggerated sigh, murmured an incoherent complain under his breath and gradually whipped his head around to see whatever the reason Connor was trying to gain his attention only to produce a loud disturbed yelp upon sighting Connor sporting a white oversized shirt imprinted with a tacky logo of some form of anarchy, unbuckled and ripped pants dangerously dipping down from his pelvis, blinding blings encrusted with fake diamonds and of course, the black and white bandana enveloped around his lower face. Hank took a step back away from the prototype, examining him from head to toe. "Jesus, what the fuck are you wearing?" Hank questioned in disdain, disturbed by what he was seeing. No amount of bleach and brainwashing session can erase this nightmare he was seeing. What has been seen cannot be unseen.

Connor was quick to sense this negativity coming from Hank and in order to enlighten him and make an understanding, he answered in an explanation, pulling down his bandana that covered his nose and mouth. "I have thoroughly researched about the participants in these Underground Android Clashes. I learned that most people in there are with multiple criminal records and are considered to be intimidating. The best way to blend in with them and avoid increase of suspicion is to look as intimidating as they are. Hence, after downloading data about intimidation tactics from several trusted websites, I concluded wearing a gangster attire would do it."

"Do you even know what the hell a gangster is?"

"Of course I do. Gangster, a member of an organized group of violent criminals. Gangsters are also a common and popular - though not to an extent as bad boys - trope for authors to use in writing a story." Connor replied. "Do not worry. This will only be a temporary disguise until our investigation in the Clash is over. I don't have any intention to keep this up after. Unless you would rather me in this outfit."

Hank vigorously shook his head in denial. "Hell no! No fucking way am I going in there with you looking like disaster on foot."

Connor tilted his head mildly, pupils dilating out of curiosity. "Then what do you suggest I do? Arriving simply in my uniform will give away our identities in an immediate."

"Just . . . Just wear that shit you always wear but just remove the blazer. Maybe tussle your a little bit and lessen being such a pain in the ass? I don't know. Don't ask anymore stupid questions."

Connor's brows knitted together as he slowly put the puzzle pieces together and formed a correct inquiry. "Are my new clothes making you uncomfortable, liuetenant?"

Hank averted his eyes from Connor's burning stare. If android eyes were upgraded with laser beams, Hank would certainly drop dead with a pair of scorching holes on the back of his head. "They're making my eyes cry blood now get a move on before I change my mind about this case."

Connor is completely aware of Hank's growing disturbance to the sight his newly acquired clothing. Desiring to get in Hank's good side for better communication and work related partnership, he should be doing as told without question and tinge of reluctance but seeing as he was required by CyberLife to attain good and harmonious relation with him, he finds that forming this odd human concept called friendship was a good approach to his side objective. But befriending this spitfire of a man was a lot difficult and was taking unnecessarily longer than what his software is frequently used to. How could he get Hank Anderson - who has a strong and unfaltering hatred for androids - on his good side and havethe mission accomplished in an even more efficient manner? Connor paused for a brief moment to study everything, disregarding the confusion settling itself on Hank's facial expression as he browsed through the internet - how to be friends with a grumpy old man who works for the police force and hates you with all his might? (being specific is mandatory for he needed specific solution). In one website, it says that initiating bantering is a good start to make friends. If said answer is correct, then Hank wouldn't mind.

Connor flashed him what he hoped Hank would consider friendly and inviting, the corners of his lips curving upwards almost painfully. He wore only a light and nearly nonexistent smile but not being used to smiling, his lips cannot accomodate well and he struggled maintaining it. "But lieutenant, I don't see any blood coming out of your eyes."

His pitiful attempt and idea of joking was a little off - most probably completely - and this was his first attempt to do so that it almost made Hank to consider faking his fit of laughter just so Connor wouldn't feel bad.

Who was Hank kidding? Why would Connor feel anything at all? He was an android and it was a known fact that androids don't feel emotions. How pitiful.

"I'm in a neutral mood right now. Don't fuck this up for me." Informed Hank, his stern gaze directed to Connor.

Connor was not at all astonished by Hank's displeasing response to his banter. From the very beginning as he was conjuring up his plan, the probability of his success was lower than five percent but he thought it wouldn't hurt (not like anything will) to try. With an obedient nod, Connor quipped, "I'll go get changed."

***

After briefly dropping by Cherry Downtown Bar (courtesy of Hank stubbornly refusing to make any sort of progress in their investigation without consuming an alarming amount of liquor to keep him up and going), prototype RK800 Connor and lieutenant Hank Anderson presently stood right before an abandoned candy factory where broken window, neglected equipments and several layers of dust collected in the years were the only things visible in any entities' vision. Aforementioned factory was formerly used to make sweets such as lollipops, gumballs and bubblegums but upon being rat out by one of its own concerned and guilt ridden employee that they have been secretly slipping in red ice in certain candies for notorious drug dealing syndicates from all over the world, they were immediately shut down and the manufacturers, along with their partners in business, were put on custody and were to remain behind bars for thirty years.

Connor cautiously surveys the area with his enhances pupils and his brows connected with one another, perfectly mirroring an arch. "Lieutenant," Connor calls out as Hank advance forward to the metal door undoubtedly leading to the location of the arena. "I have a bad . . ." At this, Connor trailed off in uncertainty as he ponders over a better substitute rather than typically using the term feeling. ". . . suspicion about this Clash.

Hank scoffed at his spoken words, eyes flickering away from the door and to the android detective. "Are you chickening out now?" He bellows. "I postponed my drinking for this shit."

Connor shakes his head in a vigorous manner, the stray lock of hair over his forehead bobbing along with his motion. "No, I am not chickening out, as you say. I am merely expressing my concern for this case we're investigating."

Hank nodded absently as he lifted his right fist up in the air and rapped his knucles on the metal door a few times. Connor stood awkwardly behind him like an obedient android rookie some deemed as, spine perfectly straight and hands behind his back, his coin effortlessly and smoothly rolling on his fingers. It didn't take long before a perfectly proportioned male - roughly around the age of late twenties - slide the door to the side in the slightest bit, only revealing to them half of his eccentric tattoed face and partly shaved head on the left.

[ Name - Lucas Gray

Age - 27

Criminal Record/s - Drug abuse ]

Lucas snarled at the sight of the old man and his android, irritation etching on his face. "Move your ass, you have no business here."

Lucas Gray motioned to shut the door right before them but Hank - regardless of his old age - reacted swiftly. Just as their only passage inside was to close, Hank wedged his foot within the gap, efficiently disabling Lucas to do as he earlier pleased. Said male glowered at Hank, the annoyance glossing over his eyes intensifying. "Damn right I have some business here." And with that, Hank pointed behind him - right at Connor whose look could only be described as perplexed - with the use of his thumb. "I have some fresh blue blood here."

Lucas momentarily paused his movements to examine the both of them and from his calculations and the way the man was knitting his eyebrows together, Connor knew he was to let them in sooner or later. Not that Lucas trusted them - no, no - but because of what Hank had stated earlier. From the acquired information about these Clashes two years ago, mentioning blue blood to the bouncer is basically the password to enter the abandoned factory and to the Clashes. One would think the people behind the construction of Underground Android Clashes would be brilliant enough to alter the password every now and then to secure their secret, but then again, who had time to change passwords when all people really want was to watch androids tear their own species?

Producing a disgruntled grunt, Lucas retreated a few steps back in order to pull the door wider to give them a way to enter. Heeding no instruction, Connor automatically followed Hank's footsteps, politely acknowledging the bouncer with a firm nod to which the latter rolled his eyes at in response. "Good fucking luck with the Clash," He murmured gruffly as they passed by his towering figure before shutting and locking the door behind them. "You're gonna need it."

Connor halted in his footsteps as his programming instantly took the precious liberty to correct Lucas. He surfed through multiple websites for the scientific and realistic meaning of the term luck but found no such luck (Connor's LED turned yellow for a split second at the realization he somehow managed to conjure up a pun, as humans call it). Whirling around, Connor speaks, "There is no such thing as luck. It is nonexistent. Life is merely a series of probability."

Connor's lips desired to provide more information about the concept of luck but was rendered silent upon noticing Lucas glare over at his direction, hands curling and lips contorting to an ugly scowl. Before an argument could arise and possibly jeapordize the whole investigation, Hank grabbed Connor by the back of his collar and carelessly dragged him away from Lucas, distantly telling the man, "Sorry about this one! I think it's mentally challenged as an android!"

Connor instantly perked up at this. Once Lucas' interest on them diverted, Connor questions, "I haven't heard of a mentally challenged android before. Is there such thing now? Did CyberLife create a new kind of android? I am unaware of this."

Hank looked back at him, releasing the fabric from his hold. "There is one now."

Perplexed from the unfolded information, Connor leaned forward. "Really? Where is it? Is the public already aware of this new android?" He asked with an innocence of a child, painfully oblivious to the underlying message Hank was trying to relay to him.

Hank gawked at him with incredulousness glimmering in his eyes before shaking his hear in disbelief, sighing defeatedly. "Nothing, nothing, just forget about it. That's not what we're here for anyways."

Connor's software erased all remaining interest on the false information of a newly created android and highlighted his main objective - the exact reason why they even found themselves inside a malodorous and unsanitary factory. His fingers subconciously surfaced to fasten his tie but stopped dead in his tracks as soon as he recalled he had left his suit jacket and tie in the police car at Hank's request - more like demand. He involuntarily twitched at the sudden change.

Hank narrowed his eyes suspiciously upon having caught on Connor's involuntary movement. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Nothing to be of your concern, lieutenant." Connor responded to his quiry as smoothly as he can as he generated his software to momentarily adapt to the lack of suit jacket and tie. Thankfully, his coin was not confiscated inside the police car. "Come on, we must continue with the case. Every second counts."

They ventured further into the corridor where horrendously ugly (save for some who actually had some sense of artistry in them), gruesome, sentimental, gothic and lewd graffiti drawn all over the walls, overlapping one another. There were damp cartons filled to the brim with tissue papers, half empty bottles of liquor scattered all over the place with a few shredded advertisments for the Eden Club and purchase of red ice. The place held pungent stench that could make humans wrench in disgust. Connor was mildly impressed Hank maintained a neutral calmness inside a chaotic place like this. He had formerly thought he'd unpleasingly react to the state of the factory.

"What a fucking mess. What did I expect from these people, honestly? My place looks like paradise compared to this. At least I use air freshener." Hank commented as he cast his gaze around, clumsily stumbling a few times as he comes across a few empty bottles. "Hell I can't wait to get out of here."

Nevermind. Connor thought.

Reaching the end of the corridor where a dim light resonated and obnoxious cheering from the people came, they were met by a drunkenly staggering man holding onto the walls for balance, saliva dripping from the corners of his mouth and red bloodshot eyes which only Connor could guess was caused by guzzling red ice. "Outta my way, pricks." He slurred in a pathetic attempt of trying to sound menacing as Connor and Hank parted to make way for him.

The man struggled along the way as he tried to approach the exit, occasionally crashing on the obstacles along the way. Connor could only watch him in interest. "Do you think he'll return to his residency safely?" Asks Connor and turns to regard Hank. "His car keys are dangling from his belt; he obviously owns a car and it is also quite obvious he is in no condition to drive."

Dismissively, Hank waved his hand. "Bah, just forget about him. A little incident won't hurt anyone. It'll teach him a valuable lesson when he can't learn the easy way."

"But wouldn't he sustain grave injuries if this little turns out to be huge? Or the worse outcome yet - death."

"Depends on how stupid that man is. Let's just hope he's too drunk to even get to his car and pass out on the way." Hank spared a glance at the intoxicated man and jeered as he saw him plummet to the carton of tissues, a curse leaving his lips. "Look at him, I bet he can't even tell the difference between water and tissue papers."

What greeted them as they both entered the main area of the factory was expected. The corridor gave them enough hints. Hollering humans cheering for their android of choice with either betting cash or alcohol in their hands, trashes of all sorts spreading out like an ocean, grease and other stains of unidentified liquid tainting the whole place - this site was one step behind from being a junkyard. From below the upper bleachers, the arena stood proudly.

[ SOFTWARE INSTABLITY ^^^ ]

[ SOFTWARE INSTABLITY ^^^ ]

[ SOFTWARE INSTABLITY ^^^ ]

He took one insignificant step within the premises of the main area when his software instability began drastically increasing with no particular source. With burrowed eyebrows, Connor intently studied these anomalous pop ups perched precariously on his peripheral vision like an annoying insect latching in spoiled food to feast upon. His LED colored itself yellow and red, flickering from time to time as he ran an analysis on his software but alas, no peculiarity was discovered.

He was in perfectly good condition - too perfect in actuality - so there was no reasonable explanation as to why these warning were appearing out of the blue. Not only that but the accelerating thrumming of his thirium pump vibrated against his chest - something he had never encountered before in his existence.

Hank strode a few good meters away from Connor and rested his right arm on the cold metal railing, his upper body leaning forward to get a closer inspection on the arena. As to not inject anymore irritation directed to him, Connor instantly went after him and stood next to him, securely evading all obstacles along the way. Hank snorted, eyes trained on the arena and the six androids circling around it right in front of metals doors, generously far from each other. "Seems like we got here right on time. The Clash will probably start in five minutes or so." He informed and a grimace formed on his face. "What the fuck is that man doing to that android?"

Connor cast his gaze downwards, to where Hank was directing his line of sight and located an aggresive man leering down on his fear stricken android as though it was dirt on the sole of his shoe.

It didn't take Connor a second to deduce the android was not normal as it seems. "It's deviant," Pointed out Connor, his left hand over the railing.

Hank sent him a glimpse. "What?"

Using his index finger, Connor aimed his finger at the android. "The android there is a deviant. As you already know, android don't feel emotions. But deviants do. And that android there is clearly showing signs of intense fear."

Hank nodded and returned his sight on the newly appointed deviant in Connor's perspective. Connor could hear Hank saying something, commenting something unfavorable about how the man was treating the android (why would he be concerned for an artificial human?) but it was an undurable pull that caused him to neglect Hank. His steadfast posture wavered in the slightest as his form was forced to move by this mysterious pull of nature and he soon found himself facing a particular direction a little further away from the human and his android turned deviant.

It was an android - how common. [ Hair Color ] [ Hair Length ], [ Eye Color ], and did he mention it was an android? Now upon observation, nothing about it was out of the ordinary nor was there anything special about it. If ever asked why it somewhat stood out amongst the other androids participating in the Clash, Connor will simply reply it was because of its unfaltering and intimidating stance, a total contrast to the other androids who merely stood motionless with a blank visage. Probably in normal circumstances, he wouldn't have spared a single glance at its direction. Hell, he wouldn't even learn of its existence until the Clash begins. The only reason he set his eyes in it was because it seems to be the sole source of his increasing instability in his software, LED shinning red, and thirium pump palpitating.

There must be a malfunction I cannot detect. Or this android did something to me.

[ NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE ]

A quiet gasp tumbled from his lips. How can there be no information about this androi - "Connor?"

Connor's body twitched. He wanted to respond to Hank's voice, to heed his superior, to obediently follow with no speck of defiance the orders programmed in his software by CyberLife but as the saying goes, expect the unexpected - for the first time in his existence, Connor refused to listen to his instructions.

Connor's LED turned yellow in frustration. He lost count of how many times he scanned the said android and every time he got the same result. Who is that android?

And what makes it so special, so excluded from the others, that it caused him to disobey CyberLife?

His question was answered when he came into gradual realization that the android was staring at him, its pair of [ Eye Color ] eyes fixated on him like it was studying him, admiring him. Connor's jaw dropped - It wasn't the most beautiful android in Detroit, its features were plain and common among humans, but why was he so stunned, so fascinated by this android?

[ SOFTWARE INSTABILITY ^^^ ]

***

Stop. Just stop. Please just stop this nonsense.

[ SYSTEM ERROR ^^^ ]

[ SYSTEM ERROR ^^^ ]

[ SYSTEM ERROR ^^^ ]

Regardless of your extremely futile attempts to at least postpone the pop ups of your system errors - you hated the thought that they might be the reason to your defeat, if ever - it continously reappeared at the side of your vision. Your LED whirred and turned red in alarm.

Six minutes had already passed by after breaking the accidental eye contact you initiated yet you can still recognize the smoldering gaze of the peculiar android suited at the upper bleachers of the factory on your figure, intently studying whatever little motion your body spared. Uncomfortable was an understatement if you were to describe the situation you found yourself in. It wasn't helping that your body was turning against you with your thirium pump distastely thudding against your chest, LED flickering from red and yellow (make up your damn mind) and most especially the system errors practically taking up all the space of your peripheral vision.

"Hello there, our dear Clashers! How are you all today?" You were roused back from your deep reverie and to reality once the booming voice of the emcee blasted from the speakers as she spoke through her held microphone. The emcee wore an overly sweet smile that could shame the former purpose of the abandoned factoryand matching its disgusying smile was an overly sweet, unnecessary and try hard set of makeup caking her face. If you were a lesser android, you would have reprimanded her for trying to mimic a coloring book. With an overflowing amount of confidence practially oozing from her, she sported a skimpy pink and green floral dress that left nothing else for the wild imagination of the men residing in the bleachers and flawlessly rocked a pair of six inched black pumps and dangling fake diamond earrings. Her dyed raven hair was combed in an elegant updo and her eyes glistened with mischief and delight as the crowd roared in thrill at the sight of her. She posed seductively in the middle of the area, legs apart and a slender hand on her hip. "Another evening, another Clash and you know what that means? Another set of useless and weak androids are nearing their tombs! Or rather, in their case, the andriod junkyard heaven!"

Her poor joke garnered her an outstanding fits of laughter generously given by her admirers in the abandoned factory that she had tom call them out several times before they were silenced. You cannot help but have puzzlement arise inside your system. The joke wasn't that humorous and you have mosh certainy heard betters ones yet somehow, the majority of the humans within the factory laughed at the emcee's quip. How come is that? "Okay, okay, enough of that," The emcee bellows and lets out a childish and feminine giggle. "Now, how about we greet our androids for the night?"

On cue to her rhetorical question, the metal doors opened right before your eyes and without a second of hesitation, you advanced within the interior of the arena. The exact moment your stepped foot in the arena, you disregarded all external and internal distraction but the the unsettling stare of the android from the bleachers remained, though more bearable as you successfully focused yourself on your current objective - to eliminate all threat to your victory. The other androids mirrored your movements with the same lacking amount of hesitation, excluding the android turned deviant which cowered as it remained outside, refusing to enter the arena in fear of its death.

"Get in there!" Edwin Williams demanded to his android, teeth gritting and hot air exhaled throigh his nostrils.

The terrified deviant shook its head, its feet taking steps back. "I-I don't wanna die in there,"

"Oh for fuck sake," The owner ascended the small staircase leading to the arena and shoved his android inside, not giving a second thoigh about its emotional condition. The deviant tumbled down on the cold cement but instantenously got back up on its feet to escape but the moment he stood, the metal doors had already shut, locking it in its death bed. It begged for its freedom and rapped its knuckles on the wired walls to get anyone's attention but all it got were insults, humiliation and shame.

"And now," Begins the emcee as she pauses for tension, "Let us acknowledge the reigning champion of the Android Clashes for two straight years - give it up for Anonymous!" A wave of cheers mixed in with the boos greeted your owner, Ruth Judge, as he raised his fist in greeting to the people.

"And how can we forget his undefeated legendary of an android!m? Our very own combat android of the century!" The emcee gesticulates to you and as expected, you received the same reaction from the crowd.

"Don't let that shit of an android beat you!" Edwin violently slammed his hands againt the wired walls of the arena, teeth snapping. "Kill it!"

Slowly, the quivering, fear controlled deviant turned to your direction, eyes pleading and cheeks tinged blue. "Please," It whimpered pathetically. "Don't hurt me."

You gaped at it. Never had any android pleaded for its life, they mostly took their defeat without a word so as the deviant stared at you with teary eyes, pleaded for your mercy, you found no backup step by step instructions on what to do in this kind of situation so you settled by averting your gaze from it. The dilation of your pupils was far from evident but still it was there, mocking you for carelessly letting the android's plea get muddle with your system - [ SYSTEM ERROR ^^^ ]

"Now," The emcee twirls around with her hands in the air and strikes an idol like posing. "Let this android Clash begin!"

--

don't forget to click the heart button, reblog button and share this fanfic! wanna make a fanart or soundtrack for the fanfic? feel free to do so! please make sure to send them to me so i can post them on the next chapters so they can be appreciated [•^•].

[jevieofevil-blog]

Jay x Evie Jay and Evie  are in complete denial of the obvious chemistry they have with each other.

[The tension (both sexual and otherwise) had been building for too long, and when the tension is finally released, things that no one ever thought possible happen.]

“Ewww, I’m all sweaty!” Evie  says to Mal  as they  finished running across the fields. “Me too! This has to be against some kind of law, I mean, we’re all exhausted.” Mal replies , sitting on the  grass  and trying to catch her breath. Ben calls out “Everybody take five,” And sighs of relief are heard all around . Evie takes a seat beside Mal, and I leans her head on her shoulder. She suddenly lets out a squeal. “What?” I ask, looking around for the reason she screamed. “Look… it’s jay , and he’s all sweaty, and stuff,” She says, nudging Mal,Evie quickly tried to look presentable. She reached in her purse putting perfume on did a quick make up check.Mal moved  off of her shoulder, and push her over so she falls onto her back. “Ow!” She yells, rubbing the back of her head. “Go talk to him!” Mal knew that she  had  this crazy notion that Evie was   madly in love with Jay. “You do like him, you just won’t admit it,” Mal says, sighing and shaking her head as if it’s a huge burden to her. Evie  raise an eyebrow at her, then look over at Jay . Wow, he really is sweaty. He looks over and sees me staring, and winks, then pulls off his shirt. Most of the guys in the auradon have their shirts off now, grasping any open opportunity to show off their non-existent muscles. But jay  is different. He actually does have muscles… He catches Evie's  eye again, and smirks at her, “Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” He yells from across the field . A bunch of people turn around to see who he’s talking to, and Evie  tuck her chin into her neck, face bright red. Mal lets out an excited yelp, and Evie wanted  to beat herself up for being so shy. Little exchanges like that between jay  and evie  are meant to go unnoticed by mal. But she caught them  this time, and something told her  she wasn’t just going to let it go. “Oh my hell!” Mal fake squealed, grabbing Evie  by the shoulders. “You like him, it’s obvious!” Evie  sighed, and shook my head, going through the motions of this conversation for the billionth time this week. “I don’t, M, I swear.” She folded her arms, and stared at Evie  as if it was so obvious she was lying. “I do not like him.” Evie  told her again, enunciating each syllable. “Aw, you don’t?” Came a voice from behind me. Evie whipped round and saw Jay  standing there, so close to her that if she moved at all, she'd  be touching him. Thank the heavens that he had put his t-shirt back on. “I wasn’t talking about you,” Evie muttered, looking at her feet. She didn't  trust herself  to look into his eyes. Then She remembered  she shouldn’t be afraid to do anything. Evie  looked away from her four inch blue and gold heels and into his eyes. “I think you were,” Interrupted Mal. Evie turned around, giving her the death glare, and she shut up, and walked away. I turned back to jay, “So you don’t like me?” He asked. “I do like you, but we were talking about something else…” “What were you talking about?” “Nosy, nosy,” she told him, tapping his nose with her pointer finger. He grabbed her hand away from his nose, and laced his fingers with hers. She didn’t protest. It felt kind of nice. “Tell me,” He pleaded. “Ah, but then I’d have to kill you.” She retorted. He laughed at her, “I’ll take my chances.” “Well… okay, we were talking about you.” “About how you don’t like me?” “I do like you, but not in the way mal thinks.” “O… Kay? Explain?” Evie took a deep breath, and it all came out in a rush. “Mal thinks I like you, but not just as a friend, or whatever, she thinks I like like you, and she’s pretty sure you like me too, but that’s crazy, right?” He didn’t reply. “Right?” Evie  asked again. Still no reply. She  pulled her hand away from his grasp, and he didn’t let go. “Follow me,” He ordered, tugging her  along by her  hand. And She followed, like a good dog. When they  got to an unoccupied  chemistry room, he shut the door behind him, then turned to face me again. “What?” She asked, feeling a little self-conscious as he stared at her. “So… you think I don’t like you as more than a friend?” He asked, taking a small step closer to me.automatically Evie took a step back, and he took another step towards her. We continued like that until her back hit a wall, and he stepped towards her again, looking amused. “Well do you like me?” Evie asked. Since they were so close together, she  had to look up at him, and he had to look down at her. “Yes,” Evie  gasped. They'd  never dared to ever speak of anything like this. Sure, they'd  teased each other, blowing each other kisses when no one was looking, making jokes out of innuendos, and, their  favorite, eating suggestive foods around him, like lollipops bananas, cherries, you know the sort… But they  never actually tried to find out if we should go out together. Up until now, Evie  was so sure that she  didn’t like him at all. Well, maybe not one-hundred percent. Maybe ninety percent. No, eighty. Fifty? Twenty? She didn’t even know anymore. “Evs , I just told you I like you, and you’re not going to say anything?” Jay's  voice pulled her  out of her thoughts. “Oh… um…” I was so confused… “I - I have to go.” Evie  made a bolt for the door, and he got there before her, blocking the exit. She tried to step around him, and he stepped the same way, making escape impossible. “Let me through,” Evie  demanded, trying her best to look mad. She looked at her  feet as the awkward silence pulsed through the room when he didn’t reply. He pressed his fingertips under her chin, and lifted her head upwards so she was looking at him. He bit his lip, seeming unsure. Oh God. He wasn’t going to… I mean he couldn’t… But he did. He put both of his hands on wither side of Evie's  face, then leaned down towards her and pressed his lips to mine, and she relaxed immediately. All awkwardness That Evie felt  before had dissapeared, and she wasn’t confused anymore. Of course She liked  Jay. It was so obvious, but I’d never dared to think about it before… He nibbled gently on her lower lip, and Evie let out a muffled  moaned softly. He took advantage, and slid his tongue into her mouth. Evie  moved her hands from down by her side and put them on his shoulders, pulling him closer to her. His tongue slid against hers, and She suddenly felt an overwhelming need for him. She  grabbed the bottom of his t-shirt suddenly, and tried to pull it up off him without breaking the kiss. He pulled away from her, much to her frustration, and he smiled when he saw what I was trying to do. “Eves , are you sure you want to do this?” He asked, bringing his lips back to hers before She could answer. Evie nodded her  head shakily, and he pulled away again, and took his shirt off himself. Evie pulled him back to her , kissing him fervently. She didn’t know how she'd  gone this long without him. His hands came to the back of her dress , and he undid it with ease, then slid the zipper down. A knock on the door interrupted. Evie  and jay  jolted apart, and the knock came again. “Evie ?! You in there?” Came Carlos's  voice. Carlos ? What was he doing here? She cleared her throat, trying not to sound annoyed. “Um, yeah, Carlos , I’m here,” Evie reluctantly began to pull her dress back up  as She spoke . “Oh, well, are you still coming to get pizza  with the rest of us? ” They're  leaving now. Shit! Evie  completely forgotten! Evie, Mal, Carlos and Ben were going to Crusty’s to celebrate something  . “Yeah, yeah, gimme a sec.” Evie tried to say sorry to Jay without actually saying anything, and he nodded in understanding. “Oh, and lonnies  wondering where jay is, do you know where he might be?” Oh no. “Um, no, no idea.” “Okay… Wait - why are you in the chemistry lab after hours?” “I don’t know,” Evie replied absently, waiting for him to go away so Jay and her could leave. Suddenly, he opened the door, and walked stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Jay and Her standing there. “Um… I thought you said you didn’t know where Jay was?” Jay seemed too shocked to speak. “Um. Yeah, I… er… I’ll explain later,” Evie said, pushing past him out of the room. That would bring up some awkward conversation later. —————————————– The next day at school, Mal followed her to the lockers asking all sorts of questions. Carlos  had told almost everyone that he’d caught Jay and evie  in the chemistry lab room together, after Evie  told him that she didn’t know where jay  was. “What were you two doing in there?” Mal asked for the billionth time today - and it was just eight thirty. “M, I told you already, I was just showing him how to mix the correct chemicals,” “Uh - huh,” Mal said, not believing me. “I’m serious!” “Uh-huh,” She said again. Evie groaned in exasperation, and marched off to the lockers. When she got there, Carlos  was standing there grinning at me like mad. “Hey, Eve … have fun with Jay yesterday?” “No!” “It looked like you were in the middle of something…” “We weren’t!” “Riiiight…” “Shut up, Spots,” Evie muttered, shoving past him to get to her locker. As She was stuffing her books in, I heard Carlos  sigh and walk off. Good. She turned around, and Mal  had disappeared as well. Huh. That’s weird. She started to pull out her Calculus books, and she  suddenly felt someone literally breathing down my neck. Evie shivered a little, then scowled. “Carlos , if you don’t back away from me in the next ten seconds, I swear-” “It’s not Carlos ,” Came a familiar voice. sighing in relief turning around to face him. “Hi.” She said lamely. “Hi? Is that it?” He asked me, looking kind of amused. Evie  turned back around to her  locker. It was safer to focus on her  books than to look into his eyes. “Yeah. What did you expect?” “Well… don’t you want to talk about what happened yesterday?” Evie blew upwards into her fringe. “I have better things to do than talk to you about my feelings,” she said a bit harshly with an eye roll,her stare went to the mirror that hung in her locker “Ouch,” He said, grimacing slightly. Truth be told - She wasn’t sure about what happened yesterday. what was that? It had kept her up all night, trying to figure out whether it meant something to him, or he was just trying to get into her pants. She decided to save herself the embarrassment of letting herself believe what he felt towards her  was anything other that lust. Even though he’d said he did like her, she  was just sure it was in the heat of the moment… “Yeah, so you’re off the hook, okay? I get it, you just … wanted me for the contents of my pants. But Jay, you’re gonna have to find some other girl to use, ’ I nearly fell for it, and it’s never happening again.” Evie said all this with her  back still turned to him, He was still facing her  locker. He grabbed her  shoulder and turned her around so quickly she nearly fell over. “Do you honestly believe I only said I liked you because I wanted sex?” He looked hurt that I thought so little of him. Evie  didn’t know what to say. If She said yes, it would hurt him even more. If I said no, it would be a lie. “Yes,” Evie  muttered, tearing her  eyes from his and staring at her wedges . He put a finger underneath her  chin and lifted her  head to look at him. She  re-focused on his eyes, and She just … knew she was  being stupid. Jay loved me, it wasn’t just a crush. I definitely wasn’t just lust. A tear found it’s way down her  cheek, and she  reached up to rub it away with the back of her hand. “I love you,” He whispered. The hallway was silent now. Class had started ten minutes ago. She'd  realized he loved her  a few seconds ago, but to hear someone actually tell me they love her… it was amazing. Evie took  a deep breath, not speaking. He didn’t speak either. They  stared into each others eyes for at least half a second straight. She  couldn’t cut the tension with a knife… you’d probably need an axe, or something.

She  was the one who started it. She suddenly pulled his head towards hers , she had to stand on her toes to get his lips to meet hers. She smiled slightly into the kiss as She remembered that this was what she'd  be doing for a while now… she hoped. He placed both his hands on the backs of Her thighs, and lifted Her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Much better. There were no words to describe how She was feeling. She  couldn’t get enough. She wanted more. Evie felt jay  start to move slowly, but she  wasn’t paying attention to where he was going. He could’ve been bringing them into a classroom for them to make-out on the teachers desk. As long as she was with him, did it really matter?

No, it didn’t. Her hands tangled into his hair, and his hands were under the back of her top, tracing random patterns along her back. She shivered a little, and his tongue slid against hers  a little more frantically. She ground her  hips into his, and she  could feel his erection against her  thigh. She smiled against his lips, happy that she'd  been able to do that to him. He suddenly stopped moving, and Evie briefly - very briefly- wondered where we were, but she didn’t care enough to pull away and check. He lowered his lips to her neck, and Evie closed  her eyes and sighed. It felt so damn good. She  heard the sound of a door shutting, and She was surprised enough to look up. She knew this place well. This was where she came when she didn’t feel like talking to anyone or needed to hide, or didn’t feel like going to class which was rare.The school supply closet. It was kind of bid, and, because of her  other trips here and how much time she  spent in the place, she'd  made it homely. There was an inflatable couch in the corner, some cans of Coke in the mini fridge that was here when she started visiting this place, and a few blankets on the carpeted floor. She very, very unwillingly untangled herself from jay, and he put her down so she was standing on her feet. He looked around, then his gaze landed on her, probably wondering why the supply closet looked like a small house. She shrugged.she'd  explain later.

Evie smiled mischeiviously, and approached him slowly. When she was standing right next to him, she brought her hands up to the top button on his shirt. He saw what she  was doing, and laughed quietly. Evie  frowned. Here she was, trying to be all seductive, and he starts laughing at her. She brought her hand down south and stroked along where his erection was straining against his jeans. He stopped laughing and moaned quietly. That was better.Evie un-buttoned his shirt in record time, and tossed it somewhere into the room. as did his jeans, then her dress. Until She was in her bra and underwear, and he was in his boxers. Their  lips never left each others, and the kissing got more and more intense as each second passed.

She blushed as She looked down at her plain pink bra, and her underwear that said “spoiled brat.’ on the front. She mentally kicked myself for not wearing something sexier. But then again, how was she to know this would be happening? "You look hot,” Jay remarked, noticing that she was embarrassed. She looked at him, in nothing but his boxers, and due  felt a rush of heat going downwards. “Um.. thanks,” she muttered, pulling him back to her. As they kissed, he toyed with the clasp of her bra, trying to undo it. “How do you do undo this thing?” He growled, suddenly frustrated. She laughed. “Practice, baby. Years, and years of practice.” She reached behind her  back and unclasped it herself . It fell loose on her shoulders, then jay pulled it away completely. He moaned loudly when he felt her breasts against his bare chest, and she ground her hips harder into his erection, which was still covered by his boxers. She made sure  toyed with the hem of his boxers, then pulled her lips away from his and knelt on the ground. She palmed his crotch slowly through his boxers, and his hips bucked wildly into her hand. She grinned, and palmed him harder, and heard him moan. He suddenly pulled her hand away, and she stared at him. “Did I do something wrong?” “Oh, hell no. I’m just concentrating on not cumming in my pants,” She stared at him in disbelief. “Really?” He nodded frantically, still holding her hands, “Really.” She grinned, extremely proud of what I’d accomplished, and stood up. She sat down on the make-shift bed she  made out of a ton of blankets, and he joined her. He stared at her for a while, and she started to get a little self-conscious. “Evie  , you’re beautiful, you know that?” She scoffed. “Corny, much?” But it was great to hear it, all the same. He pushed her down gently so she was lying on her back, and he kissed her neck softly, moving lower down with each kiss. When he got to the tops of her breasts, Evie  gasped, and She felt him smile. He sucked a nipple into his mouth, and She moaned  and arched her  back sharply. “Oh.. J-jay,” Evie  moaned, not able to think of anything else. He moved his lips away from her breasts far too soon, and She groaned as he flicked his tongue in and out of her belly button. He came to the top of her panties, and looked at her as if asking for permission. “I want to do this. I swear. Go ahead,” He nodded, and removed her underwear slowly, until they were around her ankles, then he tossed them away. She sat  up, and yanked his boxers down, and started to laugh. She probably shouldn’t have, but she just had to. He looked curious, and She was  glad he hadn’t taken her laughter when She saw him fully naked for something else. “What?” He asked, sitting on the bed beside her. “Nothing, jay … okay well, it’s something, I’m sorry, but there’s no way that” -I pointed at his erection- “Is going to fit,” He sighed and shook his head, “Evie , people have been doing this for centuries, I’m sure there’s a way.” “Yeah, but-” “But nothing.” “Jay, it’s hard enough using more than two fing-” She stopped abruptly as she realized that she was about to tell jay that she masturbated. He stared at me. “What were you about to say?” “Nothing, nothing,” “It has to be something,” “It’s not!” “Did you just say you…” “Shut up!” “You masturbate?” “Shut up, shut up, shut up!” She screamed, nearly dying from embarrassment. He smirked at me. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” “I know, whatever,” He didn’t say anything for a while, and she refused to look at him. She felt his hands on her thighs, and he spread her  legs gently and quickly, and unexpectedly, thrust a finger into her. She arched my back. “Oh God!” Evie  moaned. He pulled his finger out of her, and thrust back into her again, jay's  thumb hitting Evie's  clit with each thrust. She moaned loudly each time, and she  could feel his confidence increasing as he thrust another finger into her. “Fuck!” She moaned. She could practically see stars. “Do you like that?” He asked huskily, increasing his speed. Evie  nodded quickly, unable to speak. He suddenly stopped, and before She could say anything, she felt his member  at her entrance. “We’ve … it might hurt a little,” “Jay, what’s going to hurt even more if if you don’t get inside me in the next five seconds!” He gave me a mock salute, and thrust into her quickly, pulling out and then repeating again. She actually couldn’t feel any pain. Just insane pleasure. He was hitting her in places she didn’t even know existed. “Evelyn ,” He gasped, panting. Evie  arched her  back towards him, and he thrust faster. With all that was going on, She was surprised she remembered anything. But, none the less, something she'd  read in Cosmo flashed into my head. Evie clenched the muscles down there repeatedly, and he. Went. Wild. mean, damn! He started thrusting into her faster, and she  literally could see stars. He bent down and carresed one breast with one hand, and sucked the nipple of the other. “J-Jay…” She gasped loudly. She  didn’t even care if anyone that passed by the closet might hear them  anymore. Jay was way past speaking. She came before he did, digging her  nails into his back, and moaning his name over and over, and her  orgasm soon triggered his. He groaned and she  could feel his come inside of her. She shut her  eyes and enjoyed the moment. His thrusts slowed, and every time he thrust into her, Evie moaned softly. She was exhausted, but satisfied. He stopped his thrusts gradually, then flopped down onto the makeshift bed beside her. “So..” He began, looking over at Evie . “Where do you wanna go on our first date?”

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