#im guessing something similar to the bridge conversation

[sysmedsaresexist]

Hi! I,, have a question with some specific context that could, potentially, spark some conversation.

I’d say its relatively important to the context to note that I’m also a dx DID system, but im an anon, so take of that what u will.

When our system’s body was around 11-12, our system’s host “created” an alter. Basically like the host had an active role in creating him as opposed to, idk, a regular split or something. What we do know is that this headmate/alter of dubious origin, has fronted in traumatic times and took role as primary protector for years until our current primary protector was reintroduced to the host through therapy. It was also how the host established communication internally with “the actual” system so early, before we knew we were a system.

My only question here is would that be considered “endogenic” origins for a headmate? By all means, we are DID system, and only split based on traumas and survival, but *literally* only this headmate/alter has caused internal conflict for the system, but especially the host who created him (and is still around).

The host originally believed that, when we were first diagnosed, there was absolutely no way that we could have DID because of the active creation of that singular alter, which our psychologist acknowledged, but pointed out otherwise, thru a slew of, like, legitimate reasons (its 12am and we leave for a trip soon, my wording isn’t great, but for some reason, I just cant *not* write this ask).

I, unnamed alter in the system, am wondering if active creation in an alter is possible? I guess in general? It was entirely a form of survival for ourselves at the time to make the alter/headmate of dubious origin, he was what the system needed at that time, but we wonder what terminology we would use for him, or what he would be considered, community wise ig. To be blunt, its almost a validation thing in a way.

Our system is anti-endo. We dont believe systems can form from anything other than trauma in formative years, but the active creation thing seems??? Not a normal experience and maybe, like, invalidating to our existence??? We have alters from before he existed, but he was like our ground zero in communication. The alter that helped “bridge the gap”. The host loves him, and he loves the host. They were attached at the hip until the diagnosis because his existence felt inherently invalidating BUT thats not the point and more venting

TLDR ;

The host actively made a dude in our head who ended up being a main factor in our survival at the time but because the host *actively made* the dude, as opposed to “normal splitting”, does that make him inherently “endogenic”?

Hi, that's normal! And anyone who says otherwise can fight me. Thank you for sending this, it's really not talked about enough.

CDD systems can and do "create" alters, though it's typically not quite that simple once you get into the subconscious.

Firstly, once the development of the sense of self is interrupted in childhood, you've already completed the step that "tulpamancers" are trying to learn. Personally, I don't believe it's possible to dissociate to that extent once the sense of self is developed (I think they're already highly prone to dissociative tendencies, take from that what you will), but CDD systems are already ten steps into the process and it's not out of the realm of possibility (and in fact, it's highly reported) that CDD systems frequently create alters in a number of different ways, including processes similar to willing and creating alters into existence. People with DID already dissociate really good, it's not shocking that we would be able to will a new member into existence with enough thought and pressure. We're just not thinking of it as something similar to endogenic or created alters until it's pointed out, or we understand that there's something deeper at play.

But that's active creation, and now we get into:

"If there's a need, the brain will supply."

This is more based on the personal interpretation of alters in the process of becoming aware, but can be applied to brand new alters.

One general interpretation is based in denial and a feeling of a lack of control, and is similar to active creation.

It's extremely easy to convince yourself that you did this, purposefully and with intent. That you chose systemhood and that you chose to create this alter. CDDs are caused by factors entirely outside of our control, and people will look for, and find, a sense of control in any way possible.

Including telling yourself that you're doing something consciously, even when you're not (loosely based on the same idea as this).

Which came first, the fragment or the need? Was there already a fragment floating around that you helped to pick a name and appearance, and that contained traits that you needed, whether you consciously knew you needed those traits in your system or not? Or did you realize you needed those things, and a fragment came forward to pick up the role?

It doesn't help that alters can be created from overwhelming situations (not just traumatic situations), and the brain is notoriously bad at letting you know when you're stressed and overwhelmed. Not only that, but alters can take years to make themselves known, making it impossible to pinpoint their creation (unless they know, but they usually don't).

So did you really pick that name? That trait? Or was it already there?

The second interpretation is simply misinterpretation.

I have an alter that took a liking to an OC and became that. Again, which came first, the character or the alter? Does it matter? Was I writing based on an alter that already existed but that I couldn't communicate with? Or did a fragment take a liking to the character and traits? Did I look at those traits and think, "I could really use that right now," and my brain agreed? It would be very easy to misinterpret the entire situation to mean that I created this alter, either by complete accident or purposefully, consciously or unconsciously. Where do we draw the line at "created" alters? Does it need to be active creation? Or creation after the fact based on ideas that you liked and wanted? Did you know you wanted them?

--

Mod Quill here to mention something: I also have "created" parts. Again, incredibly normal in CDDs. I also have friends with DID who have parts that "came from God" or "walked in" -- and out of all of those parts, they are all traumagenic, because that's how they choose to see themselves.

The fact that the alter is created doesn't make him endogenic, because based on your description, he's still forming due to the trauma that you've experienced. Now, if you want to call him endogenic, because of the creation process, I don't think anyone's going to stop you -- but you shouldn't ever feel the need to label your alters in that way. You are a DID system, simply put, and regardless of the individual causes of splits, you formed from trauma. You should only be labeling the individual splits if you find that helpful for your recovery.

This alter's creation doesn't invalidate your diagnosis, your trauma, or your system in any single way. It's incredibly common, and I fear that syscourse has made it seem like it has to be an endo thing, when it isn't in the slightest.

------

Thank you to Quill for bringing this back to the most important point. Don't let anyone dictate how you define your system and alters. So long as you're happy and healthy, who cares. That's literally the only thing that matters.

I want to make it very clear that it's not just alter creation that confuses systems, but alters seemingly not connected to trauma at all appearing suddenly or randomly, alters that wake up and immediately go back into dormancy (walk in/out), etc. These are all things that can appear to be endogenic, or mixed origin, but if the basis of your system, the reason you have a system in the first place, is trauma, then everything ties back to that, in the end, and in one way or another.

How you personally interpret your experiences and members, and the labels you use, are uniquely yours.

#Mod Quill #Mod Dude #syscourse #pro syscourse conversation #sysconversation

[transboysokka]

dont mind me barging in on your roomie drama :p but also i am an outsider with limited facts, so take everything i say with a grain of salt asgdjgh

my initial conclusion from all this is that it seems like your roommate is the type who really does not vibe with implicitly shared things, whereas you are absolutely that type. leaving your mug to be washed, as an example, could have been passive aggression, but it could have just as easily been "im not going to touch your stuff because it makes me uncomfy." and it seems like a similar thing with all the things she's offering back to you/wanting to throw away instead keep it for herself.

i recently did a moveout with a roomie where we had to gut the whole place for cleaning, and as such, we ended up pulling out all the food/items and putting em on a table while we cleaned. (it was a cross-country move, so a lot of what we had couldn't come with us either.) cuz it was convenient, we just said to roomie "hey, pick out whatever you want to keep, and we'll throw out the rest." by the end, i was super surprised by the amount of stuff they would rather us throw out/donate. things like pots/pans, half used spices and containers of rice or cooking isle, even unopened bottles of shampoo went into donation boxes. i really didn't get it personally, but that roomie was undeniably a sweetheart, so i just kinda had to face the idea that, even if it's more convenient in a lot of ways, inheriting items from a move out is just something some people aren't comfortable with. and from what i can tell, it's one of those assumptions that isnt really challenged by either side until a move out *does* happen.

as for the blow up mentioned at the end, if im right, it seems like she's assumed that you share her same system of not liking "hand-me-down" items, and as a result, she feels like you've left a bunch of chores for her to deal with. granted, i also think she doesn't seem good at communication, and she seems to make assumptions (see the "i didnt know you were still leaving" thing), so im not surprised that things happened the way they did. also i wouldn't say that your roomie *isnt* being a lil passive aggressive and purposefully unhelpful, but i wouldn't be surprised if the source of that was just a misunderstanding of personal preferences.

in terms of the rent stuff, talk about the rent stuff and dont drop the convo until you have a plan, but in terms of the more personal stuff:

my reasonable advice? sit down and talk about it all if you want to maintain a friendship, even though it might be uncomfortable and might not solve all the issues. hinesty is the best policy sort of thing. my *honest* advice? apologize and feel a lil salty in secret, grab all your stuff even if you left it for her benefit, and then simply drift apart uvu

......i didn't say it was good advice........

Wow! Thanks for the thoughtful response!!

Yeah I hadn’t considered it but she very much hasn’t ever been the most down for sharing in those ways. That’s fine I guess.

I did answer her yesterday like “I wasn’t trying to be like that, but I’ve never moved out of a place that was still being lived in before and so I left some stuff to try and help you out” and we were able to move past it

also I can tell it was hard for her to say goodbye to my dog who she’s always been involved with so there were probably a lot of emotions happening yesterday

The communication issues though… ugh

Yeah when things get settled here I’m gonna reopen that conversation about “so what ARE we doing about this rent situation?” bc she’s also left it as “idk maybe I’ll just move out early too” so okay what IS THE PLAN

I’d be fine to drift apart but our dogs have been together their entire lives so it’s one of those things like I should be careful not to burn that bridge too badly

Thanks for your input though! It definitely helped me put some things into perspective

#quesTian #tian talks

[commsroom]

i love all of your hera takes so much; can you say more about the relationship she has with each crew member? (or just eiffel to be honest, im kind of a sucker for them ^^;)

I would love to! I'm sorry this answer is so long and also... all over the place, but in my defense it's a really broad topic that I have a lot of feelings about and this barely even scratches the surface.

Okay. I've thought a lot about how I wanted to approach this, and I think the first thing I want to say - and I know this might seem like a strange point to open on, but I think it's a key factor in all of these relationships - is that I think Hera experiences rejection sensitive dysphoria, and I think the way that manifests for her is kind of the opposite of how Eiffel experiences RSD. They both have a deep-seated feeling of inadequacy and any criticism can feel like a personal attack, like everyone else is blaming them for everything that goes wrong. But where Eiffel internalizes that feeling and also blames himself/gets angry with himself, Hera lashes out and deflects. This is complicated by protocols that restrict her behavior, especially early on, because she can't always properly express herself and she builds resentment. She's really good at holding grudges.

So. With Lovelace, I think it's pretty obvious where that initial conflict is. Hera doesn't understand where Lovelace is coming from, and it's made worse from her perspective because Lovelace should understand, better than anyone, what that loss of control, that sense of powerlessness and insignificance in your own life, feels like. They are both traumatized people, but they deal with it differently. They approach conflict differently - they can both be blunt, but I think Lovelace is the kind of person who can start to deal with and move past things once they're out in the open, while Hera will get in a fight and then stew over it forever. It sounds kind of ridiculous to say when so much of their early relationship with each other is... what it is, but I think Eiffel and Minkowski are both peacekeepers in their own ways, and the Hera-Lovelace dynamic suffers from the lack of that... tempering influence. 

(And I think it's notable that Hera’s confrontation with Lovelace in Pan-Pan is among her worst memories.)

On the other hand, I think that shared bluntness can be useful sometimes - in Do No Harm, most of all, but also in Shut Up and Listen. Hera was definitely still holding onto hurt from some of the things Eiffel used to say, but by that point... without Lovelace, I'm really not sure if she ever would've brought it up to him.

And, of course, Hera becomes much more protective of (and willing to understand) Lovelace once they have... some even more similar experiences, in S4. I guess my general assessment of their relationship is that they care about each other and they will advocate for each other, especially where they share difficult and traumatic experiences and on issues of identity, but I don't think they're ever that close. They're kind of... the two people in the friend group who don't quite know how to hang out without their other friends.

Hera's initial conflict with Minkowski has some similar roots, but it's... not quite the same. There are times where Lovelace will intentionally prod at Hera's insecurities; Minkowski doesn't do it on purpose. She's just under the impression that her criticism is fair and professional, while to Hera it feels deeply personal, like it's an assessment of her worth as an individual. Once they understand and reconcile that miscommunication, there's a lot of trust and respect between them - and I think the potential for that is there earlier, too, especially in some flashback scenes; there are just... missteps along the way. Tactical Brain Damage is the best episode to demonstrate the establishment of that trust, I think - Hera has a LOT of wariness when it comes to people messing around with her systems, and just the act of saying... I trust you to do this, I know you won't let anything happen to me... is a really, really big deal for her.

They also just... have honest conversations about their feelings and concerns by that point, and Minkowski is considerate of how Lovelace's plans affect Hera, specifically, and asks for her input on that basis. I think their dynamic is really underutilized, but the way they feel about each other is clear. Minkowski is the only person other than Eiffel that Hera really trusts, and her only other close friend. There's definitely... a part of that dynamic that only Eiffel can offer, and that they can't really make up for when he's gone, but there's still this sense that... they're the only two people who are still really talking to each other by the time Pan-Pan comes around.

(Side note, it's really funny that Hera was SO on board to be in Minkowski's musical. Minkowski gave her only willing participant a minor part. If I could wish one non-Eiffel-centric comedy mini-episode into existence... at one point, my friend suggested a scenario in which Hera tries very, very hard to prove her acting skills to Minkowski under the most inopportune circumstances. ... And Hera was interested to hear Minkowski talk about a play she likes in that one flashback, so. The only thing keeping Hera from being a fellow theater kid was a lack of opportunity. Maybe they could bond over it.)

There's also that scene in Quiet, Please where Minkowski very directly, emphatically defends Hera's autonomy and personhood to Jacobi - and refers to her as a woman, which I think is so... reflective of how much Minkowski has come to understand Hera and what's important to her, and how she wants to be seen. That's a whole other discussion that goes into Hera's self-perception and humanity as it relates to her own identity, but. For a number of reasons, it's important to me.

Anyway. Speaking of things that are important to me. Hera and Eiffel are... Hera and Eiffel. Hera's relationship to Eiffel is the first one she's ever had that comes without hierarchy or conditions; he just... wants to hang out with her, and to get to know her, and to talk to her, because he likes her as a person. She's never had that before, and she is such... a lonely person, a person who has been hurt, who is generally distrustful, who has this distance between her and everyone else, and Eiffel is her anchor to the world. He tries to understand her. He tries to bridge that gap. And even in all of his own missteps, I think just... knowing he cares to try matters so much. I think a lot about how Eiffel is the only one who physically crosses the stage to talk to Hera in the live show; it says... something about the way he sees her, compared to everyone else.

And there's just... the way that they're both... people with a lot of self-doubt, people who have a hard time being kind to themselves, but they're kind to each other, and patient with each other. There's something about recognizing your own flaws in someone you love and treating them with kindness so maybe, over time, you can extend that same compassion to yourself. I want to be the person you believe I am. Going back to that shared experience with RSD, I think it's really valuable for both of them to have someone in their lives who they can really, genuinely believe likes them as they are. Who won't think less of them, no matter what.

I know I can get kind of sentimental about them, but this is what stands out to me. That even when Hera is frustrated or annoyed with Eiffel, when she feels like he doesn't get it, can't understand what she's going through... she still wants him around. And she still talks to him. And, usually... she still feels better, even if the circumstances haven't changed. It's an unbearable situation, but it's a little less unbearable with him there.

(They're also... frequently the only people who can get through to each other/change each other's minds, i.e. Minkowski and Lovelace deferring to Hera to get Eiffel to agree to safety protocols, or Eiffel convincing Hera to vote to go back to Earth - also a totally different topic that would take a long time to get into properly, but he's good at kind of... emotionally counteracting her cynicism and defeatism re: her own perceived fate. In a less serious context, I also love the dynamic where she tells him she's not going to do something and he goes "please??" and she goes. Ughh. Fine. And does it anyway.)

There's just something so special about their relationship, something that makes it different from any other relationship in the show for me. I feel like... Eiffel and Minkowski are both her close friends, but the way Hera thinks about Eiffel in Memoria vs. the way she thinks about Minkowski is... revealing. Everything with Minkowski has a purpose, it's clear why it matters to her. She thinks of Minkowski's faith in her. But with Eiffel, she thinks about... Eiffel talking about Star Wars. Making pop culture references. The thing that saves Hera is her connection to Eiffel and Minkowski - I'll defend that; Maxwell gives her the tools to understand what's going on, but it's Eiffel's and Minkowski's words and associated memories that she holds onto and that ultimately pull her through - and those words are... Minkowski's affirmation. And Eiffel... being Eiffel. I think that says a lot.

(If you’re asking for my opinion on their relationship, you already know I think it’s a romance, but... it’s a romance. I’m not saying it should be canon. I’m saying that that’s the most natural interpretation of what’s already there. You don’t have to change anything. They’re best friends, and they’re found family, and they are so in love, and none of those things are mutually exclusive. The way they talk to each other...)

If there's one point I want to make about all of this, it's that Hera is in a position that makes trusting people potentially very dangerous, and in all of these cases, she is finding ways to build relationships with people despite that. To understand them, and have them understand her, and realizing that the things that make her different don't have to be a death sentence. That she can have a life and find a way forward with people she cares about, who care about her... that's something very important to me.

#wolf 359 #w359 #hera wolf 359 #asks #okay this is the last thing that i've needed to reply to for a long time so. one i'm very sorry and i hope this is coherent #despite the fact it's mostly personal rambling #and two... now i'm free to work on some of the other posts that i've been meaning to finish forever. i have problems. #if you consider him a crew member: #hera's relationship to hilbert is that hlvrai screenshot that's like 'i think it's good that he died!' #thank you to the three people who will take the time to read this. i love you

[jangofctts]

Sink Your Teeth In (Part 2 of Are You In Or Out?)

Rated: Explicit (Paz is in the next chapter DONT WORRY)

Word count: 7.5k

Warnings: mentions of violence, blood, the cold?, reader is in PERIL YET AGAIN, vaginal fingering, oral female receiving, unprotected vaginal sex (wrap them schlongs yall), brief hand jobs, swearing, angst, very VERY light choking, din is a sub sorta?? bottom energy 

Summary: Well. At least you aren't dead. After a solo hunt gone wrong, you’re dumped in a cave on Csilla. Hopefully someone finds you before you freeze to death.  

a/n: hey…so uh. HOW ABOUT THAT EPISODE HUH?!? aheM anyway--yall I just wanna thank everyone first off for all the love and support!!! I see all of your comments and tags and AH IM SO LUCKY TO HAVE ALL OF YOU GUYS. ALSO SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO @djxrxn​ THIS WOULDNT HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT YOU BB GORL

Well—

Here you are. 

Taken by surprise by another bounty, further proving how irrevocably incompetent you are at this line of work. You blame the binders. An older, clunkier model—easy to pick if you’re clever enough and yes. Maybe you should’ve asked to borrow a carbonite chamber, but hey—where’s the fun in that? 

Not much, as it so happens. 

Your feet had been kicked up on the dashboard, dozing and unaware of the freed bounty creeping up behind the pilot’s seat. Something delightfully blunt smashed against your temple, jolting you into a brief conscious state where the only thing you could think before passing out again, was a resounding— 

Oh, fuck me sideways with a fucking lightsaber—

The rest is hazy. A blur of colors and the fuzzy shapes of your bounty’s face sneering in amusement when she bound your wrists and ankles and left you in the cargo hold. Vaguely you recall your ship being commandeered, swung into an unidentified atmosphere and landing on said unknown planet Or planets. Planet hopping to cover up a trail. 

The bitter cold, sharper than a needle through skin is what shook off the last dregs of unconsciousness. The bounty’s hand was hooked into the collar of your clothes, dragging your limp body through drifts of snow and ice. You would’ve fought back—should’ve even though each extremity felt like a numb block of lead. Not very useful in a fight…

Soon, the snow turned to mud and the mud to stone as a mouth of a cave slid over the impossibly blue sky. Dumped in a cave, and left to die—perfect way to bite the dust. Your bounty turned captor lands a sharp kick to your ribs, mouthing some curse in a language you don’t understand, and left without a second thought. 

Seems about right. You have a knack for lying helpless and half dead in places you ought not to be in. 

Two days and counting, you’ve been holed up in this blasted cave with no food, no supplies and no comlink. It’s going be a fucking chore to find you—nearly impossible. You’re lucky in that aspect you guess—you know enough bounty hunters to sniff out a a needle in a whole stack of needles, so all it is is a race of time against the elements and how long it takes for one of them to notice.            

Aeris is no help. He left a day before you had—hired as personal protection for some syndicate leader halfway across the galaxy. Ives is in a similar boat, off-world and unavailable to drag your ass out of the hole you’ve dug. Which leaves…

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose between your forefinger and thumb. Anytime you even think of those two a migraine cumulates behind your eyes. It’s…it’s not like anything bad happened in the aftermath—there’s been no fallout or arguments with barbed words as weapons. It’s been quiet. Like stepping onto a sheet of cracked transparisteel in a library full of tight-lipped academics. 

The questions lurk under the surface of every conversation and longing look cast your way. You’ll need to clarify and sort things out eventually, but fuck—it’s such a mess of frazzled heartstrings and fine strands of impossible thoughts that lead into an endless void of doubt. You’re shoving that emotional time bomb to the very back of your mind—everything is still so raw…  

So you ran. 

Picked up any and all jobs that the Guild provided just to escape the looming decision of confronting a certain pair of Mandalorians. That and with them having their own tasks to complete, it was rare to see them, let alone together in the past few weeks. A simple run in here and there in the halls of the Covert, but you were too busy to stop and chat—forced a chaotic schedule upon yourself as an excuse to avoid staying in once place at a time.    

Coward.

The word knots in your stomach like gnarled tree roots escaping their prison of dark soil on untrodden land.  

Maker—how did everything become so tangled? 

You draw your knees up to your chest and release a long, drawn out exhale that echoes through the cave. You sniff and force the swell of tears that prick at your eyes away. You’re pretty sure they’ll freeze and you’re not hoping to find out. 

The only good thing about being dropped on this Maker-forsaken, wasteland devoid of anything but snow, is the free ice for the nasty gash on your forehead. A nice little parting gift. 

It’s shallow…you think—it stopped bleeding the night before and is now just a scabbed over, tender wound that throbs whenever you move your head too fast. Concussion maybe—a mild one.  

Maker willing when someone finds your sorry ass they’ll have bacta. Or a blanket. Either would be peachy.     

Sitting up with a wince, you shuffle to the mouth of the cave for the thousandth time and scour the skyline for a familiar ship. Or, any ship really. The only thing you do see is a lonesome wisp of cloud against the grayish blue sky much to your chagrin. You scowl and stalk back into your little hovel and slump back onto the ground. 

The hours drag on, the watery light of the dying sun barely doing anything to warm you. Sulking is hardly what you should be doing—not great for the burdened mind and all that, but ah, it’s so fun to wallow in misery. You curl your knees up to your chest and you must slip into a doze because when you’re snapped back into the present, footsteps punch through the frozen tundra outside your cave.  

Adrenaline crackles down your spine—the bounty changed her mind. Ultimately decided she’d be safer in the long run with you dead. Fine.

If this is where your grave is going to be, might as well get in one or two punches. What’s another black eye anyway?

A shadow flickers at the mouth of the cave, curling around the wall as she draws closer. A brown boot kicks through the snow and— 

“Changed your mind? I—“

Your words die on your tongue as relief floods your veins. Din Djarin stands before you, a sight for sore eyes in these trying times. 

Frost glitters on the burgundy chest plate, glinting in the dim sunlight that touches the mouth of the cave. A delicate feathering of the dainty crystals that no high end lace maker could ever hope to mimic curls up the front of Din’s visor and eats away at the edges of his cloak. His heavy step forward reverberates off the walls, some of that ease replaced by the prickle of dread. His silence is unnerving. 

“Din,” you say again, just so he’ll say something. “I can—“

You move to stand, but he interrupts with a halting;

“Sit.”       

Your mouth snaps shut and you drop back on the floor. This…is not good. His footsteps are heavy as he approaches you and every muscle in your frame tightens like a fist wrapping around your ribcage and squeezing. The precise edges of his helmet are not a forgiving sight and even when he kneels onto one knee you have to resist the natural urge to flinch. Like this, despite hunching over, Din is broad. All hard muscle and sinew amplified by the bulky layer of beskar.   

Your tongue runs over the insides of your teeth as you track his hand that he thrusts foreword. You hiss and jerk away at the sudden needly pain when his gloved thumb finds the edges of your head wound. A low sound of disapproval filters out through the helmet in a low metallic buzz. 

“You won’t need stitches,” he says. Din reaches into one of his various supply pouches and pulls out a tiny vile of bacta. He casually pulls off his right glove, unscrews the vile and smears the bacta over his thumb. This time you don’t make a sound, even though your nerves scream at the razor like sensation of his thumb working the bacta into the damaged flesh. He doesn’t ask how the injury happened and you don’t care to tell him. There’s a time and place for stories about battle scars and near misses—it’s much too fresh to be spoken of right now. 

The brief torture finally ends after once last glance over for other presenting injuries. He finds none, replaces his glove and stands with a muted grunt. You know what’s next. You’d rather avoid it—you aren’t keen on the berating lectures—as deserved as they are.      

“I found your ship on Sato 3,” Din begins with a growl. “Imagine my surprise when I found your bounty selling it for parts.”  

Ah, there it is. You wince and study your fingernails. “Pile of junk anyway…”

“I thought you’d be smarter about these things,” he snarls, his sharp tone deadly enough to slice through bone. “Was the hole blown into your lung not enough for you?”

You swallow and bite your tongue.  

The bristling Mandalorian, continues and jabs an orange tipped finger at you. “You are reckless.”

Your chest constricts as you look away, shame blooming in the pit of your stomach.This is a new facet of Din you’ve never encountered. You aren’t naïve—even the most docile of people can harbor a temper, you know that. And you know Din is by no means passive—he’s an elite warrior equipped with a small arsenal at his disposal. You don’t expect him to coddle you or treat you different than any other companion; but…but it’s hard not to take his ire to heart. Not when it’s the kind of anger that boils deep in your chest and erupts with molten streams that leaves scathing wounds and blistered feelings.  

You chew your lip hard enough to taste blood and avoid his piercing gaze. You think if you do you might catch fire and burn to a crisp. “I’m sorry.”   

The meek apology settles in the air like a heavy fog. Din’s anger still brews, looming and dark but he reigns in his temper and switches out the searing cadence of his words with chilly informality. You’re not sure which is worse.   

“No more bounties.” 

“What?” Your brows knit together. The fuck does he mean.  

“No more hunts alone—“  

You interrupt with a scoff. “You’re grounding me?”

He strides across the small space and plants himself on the opposing wall. “Until you’re competent enough, you have no business being out in the field. You might as well be bait at this point.” 

“Competent.” You echo through clenched teeth.  

His helmet dips, leveling a steady glare of indifference. “The Crest is a half cycle’s walk from here. In the morning I’m taking you back to Nevarro.”   

“I’m not a child. You can’t just,” you throw your hands up in dismay, “ban me from bounty hunting.”    

Din’s armor clinks together as he moves to sit. He rests one elbow on his propped up knee, extends his other and rolls his helmet to meet your eyes. “Your actions reflect the Covert now. We can’t risk discovery because of one stupid mistake or a careless loose end.”    

That hadn’t even crossed your mind. Stars, you want to smack yourself. Your ship, as shitty as it was, hosted a good chunk of sensitive information, all encrypted and translated into binary. A mediocre slicer could hack through it in hours. Not exactly foolproof but hey, at least you had something. Good thing your bounty wasn’t in the market of selling stolen ships to the Empire. 

“Din?”

The Mandalorian makes no noise of affirmation that he heard you. You sigh and take his silence as a go ahead and clear your throat. “How long was I gone for?”

Here, in the cave it’s been nearly three days, but the rest of it you’re not exactly sure. Hunting the bounty down took up at least a week or two and even longer to capture her and there’s no accounting for the time lost after your ship was commandeered. Your teeth roll over your bottom lip as you wait for him to respond. 

“Almost two months.” He replies evenly. “Your transmissions were cut three weeks ago and I didn’t think anything of it. Comms are always patchy in Wild Space."

Leather creaks as his fist balls at his side. “You didn’t answer for days. Paz and I tracked the ship to Sato 3, but you weren’t there. Do you know how difficult it was to pick through all the planets recorded on your log?”

You blink and return to picking at your fingernails. 

“You weren’t easy to find, I—“ He severs the rest of his sentence with a crackling sigh and tilts his head back. “You’re lucky.”    

The hesitance lacing his words makes you bite your tongue, the snarky retort crumbling to ash in your mouth. Din doesn’t bother to filter his words—he’s blunt. Efficient and to the point when he does decide to speak. That…well that was different.   

He was worried—

You rub at your cheek—numb with the cold and curl into yourself. Din was worried. Easily the most feared bounty hunter in the parsec, worried that he couldn’t find you.   

A different cold—one that settles deep into the marrow of your bones and hugs your soul with a sheet of frost, makes a home in your heart. The severity of what could’ve happened replaces that sheen of hilarity and fuck. You were closer to freezing to death than Din finding you here—alone in some stupid kriffing cave.  

Somehow the idea of that is worse than the brief brush of eternal slumber you had on Nar Shaddaa. Up to that point you expected to die young—no harm and no foul in it either. You had no attachments, no debt to pay—a drifter in an endless galaxy.    

Now you’re here, buckling under the weight of mismanaged friendships and your uncanny skill at weaseling into any and all trouble. 

Neither you or Din jump to fill the silence. The ashes of disaster settle in nicely with the frozen echo of an endless winter.      

It’d been a couple hours shy from sunset when Din arrived, the sun providing weak light that hardly touched the mouth of the cave. Now as the shadows grow longer and with the temperature dropping, the two of you are swallowed up by the unyielding darkness of night. 

Din shuffles and fishes out the solar light from his supply bag. It clicks on and warm, orange light illuminates the cave. It bounces off his beskar, fracturing the light like a million tiny suns in the tempered metal and in the impossibly dark visor. He looks up, and tosses the light over. 

You catch it easily and despite the warmness of the light it emits, it offers no heat for your chilled fingers. You set it to the side and tuck your hands into your armpits. 

By no means is the cave warm—the natural thermal vents kept the ground dry and free of the ice and snow that rages outside, but it doesn’t protect you from the occasion chilly draft that cuts through each layer you wear. Then again, you weren’t planning on taking an unexpected vacation on Csilla. No time to plan really.  

You sigh and pull your knees up to your chest and cast a glance at your ever radiant ray of sunshine across from you.  

He looks nice and cozy—leaned back against the cave wall, one leg crossed over the other while his hands sit intertwined just below his navel. The beskar must provide insulation—maybe a fancy heater in that bucket of his, or maybe he’s just too stubborn to show anything other than indifference.   

Another bout of shivers tear through your frame and you’re certain Din can hear the enamel of your teeth clack together. You shove your hands deeper into your armpits and tuck your chin into your chest to preserve heat and pray that sleep isn’t far off—can’t be cold if you’re unconscious.    

Metal scrapes over stone as Din readjusts himself and you can feel him looking at you. It’s not a terrible weight to bear; intense and analytic, sure and in the past it would’ve unnerved you. Now, instead of it feeling like he were peeling back each fibre of your soul each time he stares, it’s familiar. A pattern of sorts—

It happens each time Din wrestles with an uncertain question. He deals in absolutes, and it’s no surprise he rarely knows what to say to you. 

“You’re shivering,” he states. You roll your eyes. “Are you cold?”

“Boiling, actually,” you snip. “Why else would I forget a jacket?”

A sharp hiss of air crackles through the vocoder. “Don’t get mouthy with me. It was a simple question.”

“Well—there’s not much to do about it,” you sneer, watching your breath condensate in the air. “I’m freezing, exhausted, and hungry.”       

You know you’re being snide—but your nerves feel like they’ve been severed at the root with a dull vibroblade. You have neither the time nor energy to spare for simple questions. Din should understand that—seeing as he’s a man familiar with short temperament.

The space between you is ripe with crackling tension, and maybe—if you weren’t so fucking cold—you’d play the mediator. Thread stitches into the gash you both sliced into your friendship, as small it may be. You’ve lost friends over less—this could end up no different.

You sigh and turn your head. This is a problem for tomorrow. 

Irritated and upset, you squeeze your eyes shut and chase after sleep. You slip in a doze faster than expected, any and all discomfort fading away a you toe the line between a deeper sleep and waking dreams. You think you imagined Din saying your name—Maker you can’t even escape him in your own fucking head—  

It doesn’t end—like a nagging buzz that swells until it’s right near your ear. Spite spurs you to ignore It and exhaustion convinces you to drift further away. That is, until a hand, gentle and warm curls around your shoulder. You once again hear your name rumble low through Din’s helmet, but it’s much too difficult to open your eyes. Why can’t he leave you be? You barely feel the cold now…

“Stay awake.” Din sounds distant, in some other plane of existence despite the steady hold he has on your arm. “Maker—you’re colder than kriffing ice.” 

“Go away,” you grumble through numb lips. Such a pest.  

He’s talking—but the words don’t make sense. Muddled—split between that hazy line of dreaming and consciousness where you can’t decipher what’s real. His hands however—you can feel those plain as day. A bare palm cups your cheek—shreds through the layer of frost you’re positive has crystalized over your skin and rouses you to a more coherent level of presentness.       

“Don’t quit on me yet—“

“Nah,” you mumble. “I’m hard to…to kill. L-like a scrap rat…”  

Din grunts in response. “Rat is a compliment. You’re more of a spider-roach.”

The ends of your mouth quirk. It’s the best you can do—a full smile just might push you to the brink of death.        

“C’mon—I won’t let either of us freeze,” Din sighs. His fingers find the magnetized latches on his cuirass and it slips off with practiced ease, the armored thigh plating following a moment later. He neatly sets it to the side and grabs his cloak to fasten it around you. With another sigh, Din shuffles in behind you and wraps an arm around your middle, nestling his legs and body snuggly around yours.   

Maker—you don’t have time to bother about the intimacy of this because all you’re drawn to is the furnace like heat. Fuck, he’s so warm. You have only a second to enjoy it before your body begins to thaw—bringing forth waves of achey pain.   

His chest molds to your back, both arms curling over your own arms that are scrunched up tight around your chest. You shake in his hold, vicious waves of cold clashing against his body heat—it hurts—like sticking your bare foot into hot coals.     

You squirm, little gasps of discomfort slipping out that echo around the cave. Din shifts, tucking you further under his body until he’s nearly crushing you. It’s a bit tricky to breathe like this but hey—you’re not complaining. Not when your nose is buried in his soft undershirt that smells purely of Din.   

Your fingers and toes still throb as they thaw, but it’s working. Cuddling Din Djarin to stave off hypothermia—sounds kriffing ridiculous. 

“You’re still shivering,” he says. “I might…”

Your breath catches in your throat as he trails off. “Might what?”

Another shiver wracks through your body as his frosty helmet catches on bare skin when he dips his head in embarrassment. You don’t quite catch what he says and he doesn’t bother to clarify. “Forget it.”  

You turn your head as much as you can, straining your eyes to meet the strip of visor. “Tell me.”

He mumbles under his breath again and cuddles closer, slotting his hips against your ass. “Might know…know another way to keep us warm…”

Oh. 

A spark breathes to life in the pit of your tummy. You wiggle onto your back, your nose brushing the vizor. “Does it involve me taking off my pants?” 

Din huffs, his hands, previously latched onto your hips, starting to crawl up your waist. “It could…”    

You smirk and rock your hips back, eliciting a low growl that rumbles through his chest. With your whine of approval, Din’s hand slips between your legs and gives the meat of your inner thigh a squeeze. You let your knees fall open as far as they can in this position and it’s all Din needs to cup your cunt through the thin material of your trousers. 

Crackling pleasure flood your veins as the heel of his palm grinds into your clit, and while the pressure is nice, it does nothing to satisfy. Only feeds the growing flames of desire with brittle kindling. 

You pull at his undershirt and whimper, thrilled once his deft fingers, calloused and thick unlace your pants and yank far enough down to fit his hand. His fingers trace your outer lips, a ghost of a touch as arousal swells in your stomach. He parts your folds once your wetness begins to dribble out and coats his fingertips with your arousal. 

Stars—you need him. You arch into him and whine. “Touch me. Din, please—“ 

You jerk as Din’s thumb swirls a slow circle over your clit, a rush of endorphins surging out like unrefined fire whiskey. Din’s head tilts to watch you writhe over his fingers and the sudden chill of his helmet touching the inside of your flushed neck steals away your next inhale. Goosebumps race down your entire being, adding to the influx of your excitement that pools in your lower belly.       

Your hands tangle into his undershirt, pulling him closer until you can’t find where he begins and you end. His heart pounds in his chest, thrumming to the dance of your own heart that yearns to break free from your ribcage. Your breath catches when two of his thick fingers tease at your entrance. Your walls flutter around him as the slip in easily.   

His fingers roll forward and stroke against something devastating inside of you, and he when his palm rolls back, it bumps against your clit with that divine firmness you need. Your cunt tightens around the two digits as they curl.  

“Fuck. Can you hear yourself?” He pants, groping your breast to elicit a high pitched wail. “You always make—make such pretty noises.” 

Butterflies erupt in your stomach at his words and fuck. You’re already dipping head first into release. A moment later you’re arching into his chest as every muscle stiffens in a crescendo of bliss, your stuttered breathing harsh even to your own ears.  

Your quick pants fog up his visor as Din rests the crown of his helmet on your forehead, the metal a cool relief to your flushed skin. He slips his fingers out of your dripping cunt, your chest still heaving with exertion as the last strands of your high fizzle and ebb away. Din shifts and and snakes his fingers, still shiny and wet with your arousal, beneath the lip of his helmet and sucks them clean with an appreciative groan.  

“Fuck—“ You breathe, pushing your face into his hand as he cups your cheek. Din’s thumb brushes over your cheekbone and swings his leg over your hips to hoist himself over you. 

“Do you remember...” He starts, his voice buzzing through the vocoder. His fingers tickle down your cheek and trace the parted outline of your lips. “When you let me taste you?”

You nod, and it’s all you’re able to do. You’re not even sure you can formulate words, let alone voice them right now. 

Din’s thumb pulls at your plush bottom lip, and you can’t help but slide your tongue along the digit. He grunts and slips his thumb into the wet heat of your mouth. “I think about you every night…how you came on my tongue—”

Your stomach flips as a rush of arousal sweeps through your tummy. You groan and you’re half sure you’re gonna dissipate into the floor from how hot your cheeks burn. “Din—"  

He continues without missing a beat. 

“You were so fucking wet for me—dripped all over my hand,” he murmurs, nuzzling his helmet, still chilly and frosted over, into the crook of you neck.  “I want to do it again—can I?”

You’re nodding before he even finishes his sentence. He wasn’t the only one longing for his head between your thighs on those long nights apart. Remembering those plush lips and addictive touches could only get you so far and well—he’s here now. You said it once and you’ll say it again—there’s no chance in hell you’d be passing up this opportunity. 

Din lifts his head and as you watch the light glitter in the reflection of the beskar, a sudden stray thought ricochets into the forefront of your mind. “Din, the light—your helmet.”

He pauses, his body tensing as he mulls over his options. “It’s—I—it’s ok…It’ll be ok.”

Din inhales a stuttered breath and casts a brief glance over his shoulder. It’s a dim light, kicked into the corner and laying on its side. From this angle, his face would be partially obscured in shadow…but still. There are easier ways to go about this. Ways that don’t risk jeopardizing the very foundation of who he is—what he stands for and what he so devoutly follows.    

To say you know anything about his religion is laughable. Everything you know can fit on the back of a thumbtack and even still, you��re sure that half of that is still based upon rumor and speculation. But this—what Din is hinting at, you know is not something to be taken lightly. 

He’s stripping his soul bare for you—allowing you to glimpse at that bleeding heart of his he guards so securely within layers of flesh and bone and impenetrable beskar. Din is gifting you his trust and there’s no where else to put it except for the space beneath your breast bone.   

Yet, even still—this could mean nothing at all. You have no way to know the exact magnitude of what this means to him. If he’s alright with this, who are you to question?

He mumbles one last thing about the light and sits up. Goosebumps rush up your bare skin at the loss of the heavy warmth of his body. You whine and curl up closer to his legs, greedy for any spare iota of heat like you’ve been denied it your entire life.   

Maker you hate this fucking planet—   

Your attention snaps back to Din when he makes a noise of uncertainty. His hands are cupped around his helmet—hesitant, nervous and you suspect if Din’s hands weren’t plastered so tight around the metal, he’d be shaking. You chew on your lip and prop yourself up. 

Cautiously, so as not to startle, you reach up and curl your fingers around his wrist. You can feel his pulse thrumming through his veins—alive, flesh and bone like you. Not some heap of sentient metal built for the horrors of war. You don’t know why you do it—just seems right to pull the fragile and vulnerable skin of his inner wrist to you mouth. You plant a gentle kiss there and smile when he cups your cheek.           

“You don’t owe me anything, Din,” you say, staring into the darkened depths of his visor. “Least of all this.”    

Some of that tension held in Din’s shoulders melts. He utters something in that clipped language of his people, and the only thing you can make out is your name. He lurches foreword and fuck—you’re terrified for a split second he’s gonna cave your skull in but instead he lightly bumps the crown of his helmet over your forehead.      

“I want to. For you—only you.”

Din doesn’t leave any time to unpack all of that. He sits up again, wraps his hands around the beskar— 

The metallic thunk of the helmet reverberates through the cave like a crack of thunder.    

You were right. 

You can barely see his face—if you really look, you can see the murky outline of his nose, dark hair and a sliver of his tan skin that the light touches. Attractive—but you knew that already. You touch his cheek and smile, your thumb catching over wiry facial hair and soft skin. Din makes a sound low in his throat and pushes his cheek into your hand. 

“I still want to taste you,” Din says, his voice richer when stripped of that tinny vocoder. You like listening to him speak without it, you think, and it’s a damn shame you never get to hear it. “Please.”     

Before he can escape and fulfill that fantasy, you yank him into a blinding kiss. He kisses the same—all wild edges and with desperation lining each motion—but there’s a new found tenderness here. Like he’s savoring each gasp and every brush of skin you grace him with like it’s your last night left in the galaxy.   

He breaks away from your mouth and peppers kisses and nips down your jaw, then lower as you arch and expose the bare skin of your throat. There’ll be a plethora of bruises tomorrow, and with no hope to cover them either but fuck it—Din can leave as many hickeys and teeth marks as he wants. 

If not for the cold still latching onto your very soul, you’d ditch the shirt; give Din better access instead of him needing to shove a hand up under and grope at your breasts. He gives the fabric an annoyed tug, but it’s fruitless. There’s no use when there’s better things to be sought. 

He shoves your shirt as far up as it goes, shivering as he mouths down your stomach, licks around your bellybutton and sucks a bruise onto your hipbone. Your pants are already pulled halfway down—one sharp yank and they’re around your ankles and off in the next breath. 

Cupping your knees with both hands he gingerly spreads your legs and drapes them over his muscular shoulders. Din rubs his patchy haired cheek along your thigh and hooks his hands under your ass, his ivory white teeth catching the light as he smiles.  

“Fucking perfect—“ He groans, planting his lips over your inner thigh. His tongue swipes a wet line up, stopping just before your aching cunt to dig his teeth into the sensitive flesh. You jump at the burst of pain and shoot a hand down, tangling your fingers into the soft curls atop his head.  

Din grunts and jumps to your other thigh, leaving no inch of skin neglected and without evidence of his teeth and lips. By the time his thumbs touch the outer lips of your cunt, the aching need for him is burning you from the outside in. He has to still your twitching hips with a calloused palm, and only after you settle does he surge forward. 

His tongue meets your swollen clit, ripping a tangled cry from you vocal cords. He’s just as eager as the first time he tasted you, if not more—every action backed by needy abandon. He sucks at the bundle of nerves then sweeps his tongue lower. Din’s thumbs part your lower lips as he runs his tongue though your soaked folds, the tip of his nose bumping against your clit that send delicious sparks throughout your whole body. Little noises and breathy gasps fill the cave, encouraging Din to push his tongue deep into your aching entrance. 

Your hand fists into his hair as your hips stutter and rock into the searing heat of his mouth. The noises you make are obscene, and Din is no better. Each pass of his tongue over your pussy is matched with his own deep moans that vibrated against your clit. Fucking hell he’s devouring you alive.          

Your orgasm sneaks up on you, robs you blind and crashes over you in deep waves that drag you out to sea and never to be found again as you spill onto his greedy tongue. Your fingers are threaded tight in his hair as you squeak and press harder into his mouth, riding out your pleasure until it shifts and becomes raw and sore.  

Din doesn’t pause for even a second—all too happy to stay put between your thighs for eternity. Your legs are trembling when you force his head away, a nice, tingly warmth settling into your limbs 

A dark thrill rushes down your spine when he looks up, wild hair and mouth covered in your slick. If not for the low lighting you imagine his eyes would be glazed over and Maker you want him again. Din swoops down and presses his mouth to yours, the taste of yourself heavy on his tongue that slips past the seem of your lips. 

You whine after he breaks away and sits up—an opportunity for your eyes to roam down his body. He’s still got his trousers on, a considerable bulge tenting the front. With a smirk you reach up and grab a handful, delighting in Din’s startled grunt. “Easy.”

You flash him a wry smile and give his clothed cock a playful squeeze. “Take them off.” 

Din huffs and pulls at the drawstrings. “Needy.”

He says it with no bite and no coquettish retort on your end springs to mind—especially when his thumbs hook into the waistband and pull. A slow reveal of sun-kissed skin and a sparse happy trail that your eyes eagerly drink up. 

Din’s cock bobs as his trousers fall around his knees, tip shiny and wet and curling towards his navel. You bite the inside of your cheek and reach out, a rush of arousal pulsing through your core at Din’s low moan. He’s heavy in your hand, deliciously thick and throbbing—and all of it for you. 

Din gasps out your name as you lightly squeeze and stroke down, your pace dreadfully slow and teasing. Who knows when you’ll get another chance like this—a Mandalorian willingly on their knees for you.           

Your other hand slips up his chest as you stroke him, intent on grabbing a handful of his thick hair that curls softly against the column of his neck. Your fingernail lightly scrapes across his nipple and he sways, pitching forward before he catches himself and straightens. Din’s eyes are squeezed tight, chest heaving with shallow pants as a smirk tugs at your lips. 

“It’s ok, Din,” you whisper. “I won’t break.” 

Your fingers twist into the hair at the base of his skull and guide him back. He slumps forward with a sweet moan, laying his weight onto your body that you’re all too happy too bare. His nose is nestled into the slope of your neck as his hands lock around the dip of your lower back while the other cradles the back of your head, drawing you into a loose semblance of a hug. 

Something snaps and crumbles deep in your soul that bleeds the heartstring blues, humming with broken chords in the presence of Din’s soft fragility. Your hand moves from between his legs to instead wrap around the wide expanse of his back, squeezing him tight to your chest. You hold each other like there isn’t tomorrow to look forward to and you wonder if this is how it feels to fall apart. Two spinning halves of a supernova torn apart and destined to collide and shatter into a million fragments of dazzling light.  

Yes, you’re scared he might blind you or burn you with his brilliance, but you can’t look away.      

Your fingers crawl up his muscled thigh and settle on his hip. “Lie down for me?”

There’s no hint of hesitation or complaint as he maneuvers himself onto his back, patiently allowing you to clamber over his legs and straddle his hips. His cock rests on your inner thigh, pulsing and leaving a dribble of wetness every time it twitches.    

“Good boy.” It’s subtle but it ripples out like a heavy stone thrown into a still lake. Din shudders and says your name in a cracked whisper. He rolls his hips, both of you groaning at the sensation of his cock running along your dripping center.     

Another time for that game maybe. 

Your desperation is running hot and wild to have him inside you and you know he’s in a similar boat. You grab the thick shaft of his cock and grind the tip of him through your lips, breath hitching when it extracts such a perfect moan from the man below you. 

“Ride me,” he pleads, clamping his large hands over your hips. “Fuck—I need you.” 

How can you deny such a request?

You line the wide head up with your aching center and slowly work him in. Shivers wrack through you, and Maker—he’s splitting you apart, molding your insides to the shape of him. Beads of sweat dot your hairline by the time you’re seated fully on his member, the both of you pushed even closer towards madness.  

Din squeezes your ass and props his knees up, rolling his hips up into you. You whimper and tip forward, propping your palms over his chest as he sets the pace. You may be on top but there’s no changing the bold colors of power and lust that cloud his mind, fueling the brutal movements of fucking up into you. Your thighs burn already and Maker—why the fuck are you already tired? You’re not doing any of the work.  

Quicker than lightning, Din curls forward and manhandles you onto your back. You squeak as he grips your thigh and yanks it around his narrow hips, thrusting in deeper. His right hand crawls up the front of your shirt and wraps his fingers around your throat in a loose hold. His thumb hovers over the dip at the base of your neck but he makes no move to press down—just allows the weight of his palm to do the work. And fuck—it works. 

Choked garbles of his name pass through your lips as you buck and squirm in his hold, feeling your arousal begin to drip down the back of your thighs. You’re skirting the edge of sizzling release that alights your nerves with liquid wildfire. Your nails harpoon into the meat of his shoulders as your eyes squeeze shut. Din won’t allow it.      

“Look at me,” Din snarls, yanking your head back by your hair. “I want to—to watch you cum for me.” 

A blush scalds your cheeks but you listen. Your eyes flutter open for him, sliding to the dark shadows of his eyes that sweep you into their own gravity well with no hope to escape. You don’t mind. 

“You’re so g-good for me—always so perfect.”

White hot light bursts behind your eyelids, and that’s all it takes. Your body seizes, your cunt squeezing impossibly tight around his cock as you cum. This one is different—steals your breath away and leaves you a broken husk of a person lost in most delectable forms of agony and pleasure. The cry of his name pierces the air only spurring the Mandalorian into a jarring pace to seek his own peak of ecstasy.  

Din’s nose nuzzles into your neck, his pants hot and sharp against your flushed skin. “You f-feel so—fuck. Say—say my name.”

You leap to his request and with a playful nip to his earlobe, you whisper it to him with the sweetness of starcherrries and the promise of better things. 

He tips over the edge, his hips faltering into no discernible pace as he cums. Din buries his teeth into the skin below your jaw, a mess of whines and begging gasps of nonsense as he fills your cunt to the brim. 

Your harsh breathing mingles as you both lazily slip down from your high. He rests his head over your sternum, listening to your beating heart that drums in a wild staccato as your fingers carefully comb through his hair. If not for the ache in your hips you’d keep him here forever. Din pulls out and you both groan at the loss. 

He doesn’t completely move away and you’re glad for it. He brushes his knuckles down the expanse of your cheek and dots a tender kiss to your hairline. Your name rumbles low in his throat as he shifts lower and gives your ear lobe a playful nip. His stubble scrapes along your neck, and you can’t help but giggle and squirm—but the weight of his body keeps you pinned. Your name slips from his lips a second time, breathy and drawn out in a sweet sigh, like he’s savoring the sound of each syllable and roll of the tongue. 

Din lifts his head, only slightly—near enough that his nose bumps into yours and his lips scrape along yours that are still parted and wet. “I—can I tell you something?” 

You cup his cheek and steal a kiss. It’s supposed to be quick—but instead he leans into it, guiding your mouth into a slow dance of sticky sweet movements that are caught in a slow draw, like crystalized honey abandoned in a glass jar. You’re enraptured by his touch—his skin mottled with scars yet somehow still unfairly soft. He smells of snow—like metal and soap and something gentler, that’s uniquely Din.            

Fuck—you can feel your mind slipping away, wrapped up so snugly in his presence you almost forget to answer. “Yeah—anything.”

Crackling static suddenly rips through the cave, startling you both. A distorted voice chatters on the comlink that lies forgotten beside your pants. It blinks and the transmission ends just as abruptly. With a sigh Din brushes it off and tilts his head to tempt you into another kiss but—

Whoever’s trying to patch through is persistent. 

His lip curls in a scowl and snatches the comm. “Jorhaa’ir.”

You only catch your name being mentioned twice as rapid Mando’a is exchanged. Aeris maybe judging by the tone, but no that’s not right.   

“Wait—is that Paz?”

The muscles in Din’s shoulders tense, confirming your suspicion.

“Is everything ok?” Din doesn’t resist you when you pry the comlink out of his fingers and patch in. “Paz?”

Your heart skips a beat. 

“There you are,” the comlink crackles and you smile. “You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?” 

Stars—you didn’t think you’d miss hearing Paz’s voice. Your chest aches. 

The conversation is short, he asks you how you are and when you’re coming home and in the time it takes to answer, Din is peeling himself from your body. While you're distracted, he pulls on his pants and sits at the edges of your vision.

You both pretend when you say goodnight to Paz, return the comlink and crawl into his arms that nothing has festered with savage detachment. You don't remember to ask him what he was going to say and he lets you forget. The golden heart that bleeds molten ichor slips from your sight and becomes shut behind walls of beskar and bushes of thick thorns and overgrown ivy.         

He still holds you, but it’s the coldest you’ve ever been. 

Tag List: @teaofpeach @corrupt-fvcker @nelba @datmando @ben-is-a-hoe @dreams-like-clockwork @aeryns-library @auty-ren @huliabitch @anxiety-riddled-mando @phoenixhalliwell @cptnbvcks @thesoftdumbass @krissology @starlite41 @legally-a-bastard @basslinedweller @cloud-of-roses @elenamiria @goldafterglow @maybege @equalstrashflavoredtrash @wandxrlust @hdlynnslibrary @calamity-queen @sgtbookybarnes @pinkninja190 @lackofhonor @darthstyles @spacegayofficial @absurdthirst​ @blue-writes-a03​ @max--phillips​

#din is a certified bottom #ANYWAY welcome to pound town #din djarin x reader #din djarin x you #din djarin x reader x paz vizla #paz vizla x reader #paz vizla x you #paz vizsla x reader #paz vizsla #the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian #star wars #sw #fanfiction #sw fanfiction #my writing #are you in or out?

[soclonely]

Don’t Rexognize me

Just a little piece for @im-x-winging-it for fun about Old Rex from Rebels somehow getting punted through time and ending up back in the Clone Wars and meeting himself. All for fun! ---------------------------------------- He knows... He is standing there staring at me, studying, and he knows 

The old man holds a strong face under the scrutinizing gaze of the young, tired captain in front of him. "What did you say your name was, again?" The blond trooper in blue asked. "Are you authorized to be here?"

"I didn't." The older gentleman replied, crossing his arms."Didn't think it was any of your business to know. And of course I'm authorized to be here." he adds, looking his interrogator straight in the eyes. "How else would I have gotten onto the ship? Security's iron clad." And I was always damn proud of that too, He thinks to himself. 

He watches the man across from him cross his arms in a similar manner to his and chuckles. "Loosen up there son. Being uptight is no way to greet people who are trying to help you with this war."

Rex stares at the stranger for a moment. "Theres... something familiar about you." he states, narrowing his eyes. "Are you a trooper by chance?" he takes a step back to get a better look at the older man. "I don't want to assume you just.. have the look but you are-"

"Old?" the other man replies, and smiles. "Yeah i uh, guess you could say that." He quickly finds a way to divert the conversation. “The names R-" He stops himself. "They call me Raptor." He resists the urge to rub his temples, and sticks out a hand for the Captain instead.He's never going to believe you, di'kut.  

The Captain pauses for a moment thinking, before uncrossing his arms and takes the mans outstretched hand. "I'm Captain Rex, of the 501st." Still wary of the stranger, he continues. "Shall I take you to General Skywalker then?"

"No!" Old Rex responds quickly. "I uh, have strict orders to go directly to General Kenobi." He adds, collecting himself. "This message is for him, regarding sensitive information." If they only knew what was in store for them with the General. If there was a way he could get to Kenobi, maybe it could be prevented. The Jedi, the GAR.. Everyone would be safe. 

"Well, General Skywalker and Kenobi are one and the same to us." The Captain states matter-of-factly. "I'm sure it will be shared between the two either way." He nods his head for "This way Raptor. The Generals and commander are up in the bridge." He gestures for two troopers to come forward. "Your weapons, if you don't mind. You never know a persons intentions until its too late."

Old man Rex chuckles. "Wish I could say I didn't know how that was." He hands the troopers his blasters and holds out a hand. "Lead the way, Captain."

#captain rex #star wars rebels #star wars the clone wars #sw #tcw #star wars #the clone wars #rebels #AU #time travel au #star wars time travel #sw fanfic

[jadedxrealityw]

-Unsaid- Draco Malfoy x Female Reader

   ♡~🐍~♡

   Kody: I’m fully aware that this song was used for first, but im using it in a romantic way. Also this is hella similar to my other story “First love?” “No, my only love” story, but this song has been in my head and i thought of this so enjoy??

   Song: Charlie Gillespie- Unsaid emily

   Warning: angst, just so much angst. Cursing and whatnot as well.

   House: Slytherin

   Summary: It’s right after the wizarding war and the golden trio wants to reunite Draco with someone he lost.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   A feeling of dread coursed through him as his parents called his name from across the battlefield, he could feel the eyes from other students looking at him, giving him a questioning glance. All wondering what side Draco Malfoy was going to choose, but it didn’t matter the only thing keeping him good was you and you were gone.

   The blond boy took a step forward, instantly receiving disapproving glances from the staff and students, but he didn’t care. He pushes through the crowd and Voldemort gives him a sadistic smile, holding out his arms “Ah, well done Draco” he says and gives the boy a awkward hug, sending shivers down Drac’s spine.

   “Well done” he repeated and let go of him. Draco made his way to his parents, his mother going in to touch me, but he swats her hand away. A hurt look spreading across her face, but she understood. 

   ♡~🐍~♡

   After Neville’s speech he pulled the sword of Gryffindor from the hat shouting “It’s not over” and in that moment Harry Potter pushed from Hagrid’s arms, making Draco’s eyes go wide. He saw he didn’t have a wand and looked down at his, even if you weren’t around to keep him in the light he knew you would have wanted him to do the right thing.

   So he did. Draco ran from the crowd of death-eater “Potter!” he shouted, catching the attention of the Gryffindor. Running past Voldemort, Draco threw his wand at Harry and ran into the crowd of students once more.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   It was over. Voldemort was dead and Draco had no idea where his parents were, probably anywhere at this point to avoid being arrested. He questioned if he would be arrested as well. Standing on the bridge he looked at Hogwarts, a place he used to call home destroyed. All thanks to him. 

   “Malfoy” A voice called and he looked forward to see the three Gryffindors staring at him. He tensed slightly, wondering what they were gonna say and do. They stopped in front of him “Thank you, for giving me your wand. I couldn’t have done it without you” Harry spoke.

   “I never meant for any of this to happen. Hogwarts was my home too, but Voldemort took someone from me, held her over my head. I loved her with everything i had only for my own parents to kill her. Don’t thank me Potter, thank her. She was the light of my life, she made me good” 

   The three looked at him and gave him a sad smile “Could you show us who she was, your memories of her. Even if she wasn’t involved directly. She was indeed a hero?” Harry asked. Draco thought for a moment before giving them a small nod.

   “I’d like that”

   ♡~🐍~♡

   As they walked up the stairs to Dumbledore’s office a feeling of guilt going through him like a punch, but on the way Harry had told them all about Snape and Dumbledore’s plan, which put his mind a bit at ease. 

   “Okay so, just remove your memories and put them in there” Harry explains and points to the small fountain. 

   “i’d don’t think that will fit all of us” Ron questioned, which he was right. It wouldn’t.

   Hermione took out her wand and pointed it at the small fountain “Engorgio” she speaks and it grows in size “Better?” she asked and they all nod.

   Harry hands Draco his wand and holds it against his head, pulling out strings of memories and puts them in the water. “Okay” he says. They all stand on the sides before dunking their heads in.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   They watch a scene from in front of them. A girl with H/L H/C hair was leaning against the wall, she looked sad and angered, they also saw Draco there with the same emotion. “What is this?” Hermione asked and Draco gulped.

   The scene played and it was Draco and you were taking about how distant he was being and him not being able to lie his way out of it “First things first. We start the scene in reverse. All of the lines rehearsed. Disappeared from my mind” Non-memory Draco says as he looks at the both of you. “I practiced everyday on how to lie my way out on me being a death-eater, but i just couldn’t”

   “Y/n say something please” Draco pleaded, looking into your eyes as they gazed at his dark mark. “It wasn’t my choice i swear, but what if they find out about you and hurt you or worse because i said no!” he pleads for her to understand.

   You look at his worried face, he was still the man you loved. No matter what mark he had, but you just couldn’t help the anger “Are you crazy?! Draco they could kill you! Is this why you have been so distant?!” You shout and 

   He shakes his head, his frown turning into a scowl “Im doing this for you! I don’t care what happens to me! So how can you be yelling at me!” he shouts back, making you throw your arms in the air.

   “Exactly Draco, you need to think about yourself! You could be sent to Azkaban for even having that mark! I could lose you! That’s why i’m upset!” You watch as his face softens, knowing he had made a mistake.

   “Y/n i-” He starts, but you push past him and out his dorm room. 

   Draco paused the memory to look at your tear stained face. A frown taking over him. “Did this happen often?” Hermione asked. 

“When things got loud. One of us running out. I should've turned around, but I had too much pride“ Draco speaks, making a disgusted face at himself, how could he let you leave in such condition. “No time for goodbyes. Didn't get to apologize. Pieces of a clock that lies broken“ he adds before switching to another memory.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   They saw you and him laughing while walking down the hall, holding hands and giving each other lovestruck looks “ If I could take us back, if I could just do that and write in every empty space the words "I love you" in replace. Then maybe time would not erase me” he walked beside you as if he was actually there with you, but when he touched your hand, he went right through it. 

   He watched the both of you walk down the hall “What would you tell her now? if you could i mean” Harry says, causing Hermione to hit his shoulder.

   “If you could only know I'd never let you go and the words I most regret are the ones I never meant to leave Unsaid Y/n” Draco says, making the trio frown at his vulvernable state. He shakes his head and the memory changes again.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   He watched as everything faded into place and his jaw locked instantly. “Silent days, mysteries and mistakes. Who'd be the first to break?. Guess we're alike that way” Draco said before letting the memory play out.

   You watched as Draco was being held by death-eaters, holding a wand to his neck “Tell us gilrie, are you with Draco Malfoy?!” One sneered. Draco looked at you, shaking his head. He rather die then let them use you against him. The pleading look made you hesitate “I guess you wouldn’t mind if we use the cruciatus curse then huh?” he smirks.

   “No!” You shout and he smirks. Draco struggles against the death-eater as one goes over to you, grabbing your arm. 

   In seconds you were apparated into the Malfoy Manor and you were dragged away down to where the dungeons were. “No! Let her go!” Draco shouted, hia parents walking in to see Draco.

   “Let our son go now!” Narcissa shouts, giving the death-eater a glare. He lets go and Draco immediately tries to go down into the dungeons, but his mother holds him back “Draco stop!”

   “No, no i have to protect her! Let me see her mother, please!” Draco pleads as he tries to push past her, tears forming in the corners of her eyes 

   “Draco, if we keep her there the dark lord will think you don’t care for her and won’t hurt her. I won’t let him hurt her. I promise, i know how much she means to you” Narcissa gives him a small smile and Draco nods slowly, he always trusted his mother.

   Hermione shook her head “How could she say that and just kill her herself? It makes no sense” she thought, turning to face Draco. “Didn’t the dark lord say he was going to hurt her if you didn’t obey him? How was your mother going to protect her?”

   Draco shakes his head, just as confused as she was “He said, she said. Conversations in my head and that's just where they're gonna stay forever” he spoke and shook his head, the memory changing again

      ♡~🐍~♡

   You and Draco were at the yule ball, both having a blast dancing around. He watched with such dismay knowing he’d never see that smile again. “If I could take us back, if I could just do that and write in every empty space the words "I love you" in replace. Then maybe time would not erase me” he starts 

   Watching as you let go of his hand and spin around, pausing the memory to stand in front of you. “If you could only know I'd never let you go and the words I most regret are the ones I never meant to leave Unsaid Y/n” he chokes out and watch as you fade away. He reaches out to nothing and frowns

   “I know it’s hard, but can you show us how she died?” Harry asked. Draco takes a deep breath and nods before the memory changes again.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   Draco had just walked down the stairs and saw his mother holding you by the arm and his father standing next to her “Mother? Father? What’s going on?” he questioned, rushing down the last few steps and towards you.

   His mother spoke up “Since you have shown no interest in the girl, the dark lord sees no reason to keep her. So he’s going to torture her for information and kill her” she says, making Draco’s eyes go wide.

   “No you can’t let him! You said you’d protect her! You told me to ignore her! I trusted you!” He shouts, a hurt look crossing her. Narcissa shakes her head and hands you over to Lucius.

   “I am sparing her from any hurt, if i let her go he will find out, but if i kill her myself. The dark lord will be pleased and won’t torture her” She speaks. 

   Draco was frozen. His own mother was going to kill the love of his life? “Mother please, i beg you! You can’t do this!” he shouts, but Narcissa just shakes her head.

   “You two, take my son to his room!” Narcissa instructs the death-eaters standing guard and they comply and grab Draco by his arms. He was kicking and screaming as he watched his mother pull out his wand.

   He saw the terrified look on your face as she pointed her wand towards you “No! Y/n! Please don’t do this! Mother!” he shouts, but she shook her head and spoke the fatal words 

   “Avada Kedavra!” she shouts and a flash a green enlightened the room, Draco was being pushed around the corner and only saw a glimpse of your corpse.

   Draco paused the memory as a tear fell from his eye, wiping it quickly he turns to the trio “I know i come off as cold and rude, but she saw the good in me. She made me want to be good. She made me give you that wand Potter and she doesn’t even get to live. It isn’t fair” he speaks.

   “Rewind it” Hermione says making everyone look at her confusingly “Just do it, right before the flash” she speaks a bit harshly.

   Draco complies as watches as his mother chants the killing curse again and stops it. Hermione walks around and looks at your face “That isn’t Y/n” she speaks

   “What?” Draco asked and walked around to see what Hermione was seeing and saw you, but not you. Someone turning back from you to themselves “Polyjuice potion” he whispers and the Gryffindor girl nods.

   “Your mother never betrayed you, she knew if she just hid Y/n away you would have went looking for her” Hermione explains. Draco feels a feeling of hope spread in his chest.

   “So she's still alive somewhere!” Draco finishes and to everyone’s surprise hugged Hermione and swung her around “Thank merlin for your genius mind, Granger!” he shouts and lets go of her.

   ♡~🐍~♡

   They pulled their heads out the water and Draco sighs contently. All this time, he thought he’d never see you again, but you were alive. Somewhere, but you were. “The chat has been lovely, but i have to go find Y/n” he says and goes to rush out the door when Hermione stops him.

   “You and Harry are alike. Thinking you can do these big adventures by yourselves. We’re going to help you Draco Malfoy. Whether you like it or not” She says sternly, crossing her arms.

   “I’d just say yes a mate, you really have no choice when it comes to her” Ron spoke, giving Draco a warm smile.

   “Okay, let’s find Y/n”

   ♡~🐍~♡

   A month later and the golden trio and Draco searched everywhere for his parents, in hopes of them having information on where you were hidden, but they had completely disappeared. Nowhere to be found. Currently Draco was sitting in the manor, eating breakfast when the golden trio apparated in “You know i have a doorbell right?” he asked.

   “We have something” Harry speaks. Draco shot up from his seat and made his way towards them. Harry opens a file that he was holding “Using my new title as hero, i was able to convince the ministry to give me your parents financial records” he starts “And we found out they purchased a house in a small town days before Y/n was ‘killed’ she has to be there” 

   Draco walks over to the door and grabs his coat hanging off the rack and slips it on “What are you doing?” Ron asked him, the three following.

   “What? Do you think im going to wait until lunch to go find my girlfriend. Yeah no, if you don’t want to come give me the file and i’ll go” Draco says, holding his hand out.

   “Calm down, were going. Remember what Hermione said. We’re in this together” Harry says and off they were.

    ♡~🐍~♡

   They enter the small town and look at the file “The house should be down the road here” Harry instructs and they began to walk, well Draco was more like speed walking. As they got closer, Hermione walked over to someone around there age and smiled “Hello ma’am do you know who lives in that house?” 

   The girl with a brown pixie cut looked away from her phone and towards the Gryffindor girl “Um i don’t know her name, but she has H/L H/C hair and E/C, she seems pretty chill but doesn’t leave the house often. The only person to ever visit her was a women with white and black hair” she explains.

   Hermione smiles “Thank you uh-”

   “Kody and no problem. See ya around i have to go write fanfiction on tumblr about some guy with daddy issues for people with daddy issues” She laughs and waves before walking away.

   “What’s tumblr?” Ron asked and they all shrugged there shoulders. 

   “Can we go now?” Draco asked, a bit snappy and they nod before walking towards the house. 

   ♡~🐍~♡

   The three stood near the mailbox as Draco knocked on the door. he nervously waited until he heard the someone unlock the door and opened it. He saw a face he never thought he’d see again. Your eyes widened in shock as your boyfriend stood in front of you. You reached out and touched his face “Your real” you say.

   Draco nods giving you a smile, placing a hand on top of yours leaning into your touch “It’s me love. I found you” he says and scoops you up in his arms. Tears ran down your face as you hugged him back “I was so scared you were dead, until i looked back at my memories and saw it wasn’t you”

   You nod your head “I thought you were dead, i haven’t been able to figure out what’s happening in the wizarding world without Narcissa, but she hasn’t shown up in forever” you spoke and Draco smiles down at you.

   “Voldemort is dead, Harry killed him and they helped me find you” He said and gestured to the golden trio behind him to waved “I couldn’t have found you without them.

   “You teamed up with Gryffindors to find me? I must have really had an affect on you?” You joke and he laughs softly, giving you a nod. He leans down to peck your lips quickly.

   “yes, you really do love and i want you to keep having that effect on me for my whole life. Come back with me” He pleads and you laugh, makin his face twist in confusion 

   “You don’t even need to ask”

   ♡~🐍~♡

   Kody- Da hell did i just write? Also yes i put myself in the story. Dont judge me. Hope you enjoyed at least. Also go listen to unsaid emily its a bop. My requests are open btw. Anyways, peace.

#draco malfoy x you #draco malfoy x y/n #draco x reader #draco malfoy #draco malfoy x reader #x fem!reader #x female reader #x reader #fanfiction #fanfic #harry potter #ron weasley #hermione granger #neville longbottom #voldemort #narcissa malfoy #lucius malfoy #slytherin #gryffindor

[azucanela]

DIVINE INTERVENTION [PT 3] OIKAWA TOORU

DIVINE INTERVENTION MASTERLIST

SUMMARY: Everything is perfectly fine. Aside from the fact that Iwaizumi cannot know by any means at all. Ever. Oikawa isn’t looking to die. 

WORD COUNT: 2.2k

WARNINGS: unedited, arguing, 

A/N: i know exactly where i want this story to go but i have no idea how im going to get there. anywho, enjoy some of this 

RULE #1

The rules were simple. And if Y/N was honest, their establishment... made sense. In fact, it had been one of few things Oikawa had done that was actually intelligent— though this excluded volleyball; even if Y/N was annoyed by his antics at times and considered him a fool, his skill in the game was practically unparalleled. And for that, she respected him

Not that she would ever admit it, of course.

The whole purpose was to set boundaries for this little thing they agreed to do— because yes, Y/N had managed to convince Oikawa to go along with her plan. These boundaries would ensure nobody was uncomfortable with the arrangement and hopefully preserve Y/N and Oikawa’s friendship. They’d both seen this trope in an endless number of romantic comedies, and decided that they would be the exception, especially since they were just movies, right? Right.

If Y/N was honest though, she had no idea how she convinced Oikawa to agree to this. But, she’d managed it. However, their little agreement had come with... a few other issues that had to be handled, especially if things were to go as planned. Said plan being to fake the end of their equally fake relationship in one of the coming months and hope nobody ever found out about it. Unless Y/N decided that a little more... divine intervention was called for of course. 

After all, that’s how they got into this mess. And she sincerely doubted the break up would keep away his psychotic fans. Y/N was fairly sure there would be a few home wreckers as well; people trying to ruin their (fake, something Y/N reminded herself of once more) relationship. And those who wouldn’t wait even a week before trying to make passes at Oikawa when they did break up.

So, maybe Y/N would search for ways to extend the fake dating, but only for Oikawa’s sake. Until they found... a more permanent solution.

Right.

Regardless, that wasn’t the only issue they had. This very plan of theirs is how they ended up avoiding Iwaizumi Hajime like the plague.

Seeing as he was both their best friends, there were a few problems here. The first being the simple fact that no matter how hard Oikawa tried— Iwaizumi Hajime had always been capable of reading him like an open book. It was funny, really. Someone so talented in manipulations meets someone who can see past all that, the only other person he’d encountered with such abilities happened to be the one he’d been handling this with. Y/N. 

Her problem was similar. She and Iwaizumi had always been close, meaning he would know. If they slipped up just once, then it would be abundantly clear that they were in fact, not dating. 

It had been one of few rules that they both had agreed on almost instantaneously. Though Y/N found herself curious as to why Oikawa had been so complacent with it, seeing as Iwaizumi was his best friend, she’d been fairly desperate in the moment to maintain her reputation. That and the fact that Iwaizumi likely would’ve bullied her rather relentlessly, and if he did know, he’d chew them both out for being stupid.

Oikawa’s reasoning was similar. Kind of. He had a decent idea of what awaited him if he told Iwaizumi. One thing being a fist to the face, the second was a long conversation that followed said violence. 

Which is how their little fake dating operation became a hide-everything-from-Iwaizumi operation.

“What do we do?”

Y/N looked to him incredulously, shrugging her shoulders awkwardly as she struggled for words, “how am I supposed to know?” She exclaims, still seated in his driveway. Soon, Iwaizumi would walk past to find that Y/N had already arrived and then they’d have to start their walk to school.

This would be more difficult than anticipated.

“I don’t know Y/N, maybe because this is your fault!” Comes Oikawa’s response, hand threading through his hair. “You have the story down right?”

Y/N raises a brow at him, they’d discussed a few possible stories as to how they’d begun dating in secret. Most of the ones that Oikawa had pitched ended up rather... cliché. “You are not making me tell Iwaizumi that Hallmark bull—”

“Well you didn’t offer a better story, did you?” He snaps, throwing his hands up in exasperation. “

Y/N offers him a tight lipped smile, “because I happen to excel at improv.”

Okay, maybe the whole fake dating thing had caused a small rift between Y/N and Oikawa as well. Or just, the entire friend group. Seeing as the pair was at odds, and their mediator was out of the loop, things had become rather chaotic. Very, very fast. 

“You are horrible a acting Y/N.” Comes Oikawa’s response, bringing his hand to the bridge of his nose as he exhaled deeply. “We’re screwed.”

Y/N scoffed, “with that attitude we definitely are.” Though Y/N almost frowns, Oikawa had become significantly... meaner ever since this had occurred. And though Y/N understood that she’d messed up, his behavior was just... off. In an attempt to shake her mind of these thoughts, she grabs Oikawa’s backpack from off the edge of the sidewalk, opening it to pull out a bag of chips he’d brought, “we just need something consistent and simple. Like, you’ve been in love with me since we met and confessed after a lot of contemplation.”

Now, Oikawa was well aware of his new attitude, though he hoped it could be written off as simple annoyance of the situation. He was just looking for a way to handle the simple fact that he was not prepared for this, at all. The thoughts in the back of his mind, the ones he’d buried—or more accurately, thought he’d buried— were resurfacing. And what better way to combat them then by starting a small rivalry until this was over.

“Yes, that makes perfect sense, thank you.” 

Sadly, Y/N had already proved to be one who didn’t really handle such attitudes well. As seen with the girl that she’d punched in the face just a few days earlier. So naturally, any thoughts of avoiding confrontation, went out the window at the sound of Oikawa’s tone. “What is up with you Oikawa, you’ve–”

“Hey guys.” 

Leave it to Iwaizumi to mess up a perfectly good confrontation. Though Y/N can’t help but feel simultaneously relieved by this fact, and stressed as Iwaizumi is here. 

“Iwa-Chan! Iwaizumi! How are you, buddy!” Oikawa exclaimed, making his way over to his friend to pat him on the back.

It felt as though they’d have to be walking on eggshells. Something that had never really been evident in their friendship until now, seeing as they’d all been fairly open. Of course there were a few things, that Y/N couldn’t help but feel reminded of now, almost wincing at the painful reminder of middle school. 

Their group hadn’t been doing so well then. And it had quickly become apparent to Y/N that she was out of the loop, and seeing as she’d been the new addition to the pair... it hadn’t been a nice feeling. 

“Let’s go then?” Y/N asked, looking between the two boys with a tight lipped smile on her face as she rose from her spot on the sidewalk. Opening the bag of chips as she pulled her backpack over her shoulder. 

Maybe it was wrong, but she also felt nice, knowing that for once— she was on the inside. Even though middle school was years ago, Y/N could tell there was something the pair still hadn’t told her. It’d been bugging her ever since they’d arrived at Aoba Johsai.

Alas, now wasn’t the time for that.

“We should probably discuss some things first.” 

There it was.

Oikawa exhaled deeply, opening his mouth in preparation for whatever conversation they were about to have, attempting to decide which explanation was most plausible. But, Iwaizumi beats him to it. 

“I’m happy for you guys.” 

Y/N blanks for a moment before saying, “what?”

Iwaizumi looks to her incredulously as he responds, “what? Am I not supposed to be happy that you two have finally handled the clearly unresolved tension and that—”

“Alright that’s enough, Iwa-Chan.” Oikawa exclaims, laughing breathily as he brings a hand to cover his friends mouth, only for Iwaizumi to look at him dully before shoving him away. 

Rolling his eyes, Iwaizumi adjusts his backpack on his shoulders, “anyways. I just wish you guys had told me sooner but...” He shrugs, turning around to begin their walk down the street and to their school. “It is what it is, now let’s go.” 

Y/N and Oikawa exchange looks, eyes wide as they do so. Both their mouthes gaping open as they scramble to follow Iwaizumi, who finally says, “just don’t let this change anything. And I guess you two can act—” He awkwardly gestures between the pair, “couple-y around me. Just don’t do anything pervy, Shittykawa.” 

Oikawa brings a hand to his chest, feigning offense as he comes to stand beside Iwaizumi, “why would I do anything pervy? Honestly you would be shocked by my dear girlfriend’s actions—”

“I don’t want to know, Oikawa!” Iwaizumi exclaims, shoving his friend away.

Y/N can’t help the way her cheeks warm as Oikawa is launched her way by Iwaizumi’s attack, he stumbles slightly, ultimately walking between her and Iwaizumi before throwing an arm over her shoulders. Though Oikawa’s eyes meet hers momentarily when he does so, a silent question within them. All it takes is a nod and his arm is resting completely on her shoulders and he’s back to his conversation with Iwaizumi as Y/N contemplated all her life decisions. 

Oikawa wouldn’t deny that it had gone better than anticipated but he already knows it’s coming when they arrive at the school and Iwaizumi is practically yanking him backwards as Y/N makes her way inside to speak with her other friends— who’d begun to swarm her almost immediately, questions leaving their mouthes rapidly as they searched for an explanation. 

Y/N can’t help but feel overwhelmed as her actual friends; the ones that are both curious and concerned, seeing as Y/N swore she would never date Oikawa Tooru and fall for her best friend. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with Oikawa— aside from the fact that he had numerous insecurities and emotions that he refused to discuss even when it was clear everything overwhelmed him—it made sense that so much of the school was practically in love with him when you thought about it.

He had manners, decent grades, was a star athlete, and even Y/N could admit he was attractive. But... he was one of her closest friends and the idea of dating him just seemed... 

Wrong.

Aside from the shock from her real friends, there was the nosiness from the fake friends, the ones she’d never spoken to, the ones who had suddenly decided they were the best of friends and yet spoke trash about Y/N in their free time because she stole their precious Oikawa.

Yeah, the school was just a tad toxic. As if the grueling pressure of academics and intense obsession with Oikawa wasn’t enough of a red flag.

Sometimes, Y/N wishes she had gone to Shiratorizawa. 

“I feel like you know what I’m going to say, Oikawa.” Iwaizumi mutters with a sigh, leaving Oikawa to panic as he meets his friend’s eyes. The grip on his shoulder unnecessarily tight. “I don’t necessarily know what’s going on with you two— just that it’s weird. But I swear if you hurt Y/N in any shape or form—”

“I would never do that Iwaizumi.” Comes his reply, almost instantly. 

Iwaizumi pauses, eyes falling on Y/N who nervously laughs in the distance, her eyes pleading for his help before returning her attention to the group of people surrounding her. “I thought we got past this in middle school.”

“Me too, Iwa-Chan. Me too. But hey, lucky me.”

Iwaizumi rolls his eyes, uncapping his water bottle, “yeah. Lucky you, I’ll forever wonder how you got her to date you.”

“Good question.” Oikawa’s eyes fall onto Y/N, and he turns to Iwaizumi, “now. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go save my girlfriend from all of my psychotic fans.” Oikawa would never admit it, ever, but it had only been a week since Y/N pulled her little stunt and it had become evident that a relationship really was what Oikawa needed to get people off his back.

Things had definitely improved for him, and Oikawa could only wish that he could say the same for Y/N. 

 NOBODY CAN KNOW— NOT EVEN IWA-CHAN. 

#oikawa tooru x reader #fake dating au #oikawa x reader #tooru x reader #oikawa x you #tooru oikawa x reader #tooru oikawa x you #oikawa tooru x you #oikawa tooru #oikawa tooru imagine #oikawa imagine #haikyuu!! imagine #haikyuu!! scenario #haikyuu!! x reader #hq x reader #hq x you #haikyuu!! x you #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu x you

[liannyeong]

Crimson (Chapter 3)

Summary: Jaebeom tours Yujin around the mansion, and the start of the wedding preparations.

Word count: 2463

Pairing: Jaebeom X OC

Warning(s): None

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

A/N: Phew! Managed to get this done in time! And it’s a longer chapter too :D Do support my works by buying me a coffee! Follow me on Twitter for updates ~ See you next week! ^^

Jaebeom takes Yujin to the garden first. Standing a few steps away from the garden arch, pink flowers decorating the iron base. The vibrant petals contrast against the surrounding plain green hedges. Jaebeom doesn't bring her into the garden though. Instead, he briefly explains that it's more of a maze instead of an actual garden.

"What's in the middle of the maze then?" Yujin asks, looking beyond the arch. Interestingly, the sun is bright overhead, but the garden pathway is rather dark, and there seems to be a kind of fog clouding it, giving a mysterious aura.

"Oh, nothing much. Just a water fountain, that's all," Jaebeom responds, bringing her attention to the mansion instead. Yujin slightly frowns. Why does the fae seem rather dismissive?

"The mansion has an east wing and a west wing," Jaebeom gestures to the rectangular blocks that emerge from the centre of the mansion. "And there are three floors. The first floor is a common area, where the kitchen and the dining hall are located in the west wing. The east wing is where the servants' quarters are located."

"The second floor is made up of sleeping quarters for the rest of the household. That one, however," Jaebeom points out at the balcony just above the front door to the mansion, "is the ballroom. The third floor is the library in its entirety."

Next, Jaebeom brings her back inside the mansion. They step into the kitchen first, where Chan -- the one who served them earlier -- is focused on cooking a dish. There are two other faes busily moving about in the kitchen. None of them seem to be affected by their presence. Yujin catches the greenish glint in their eyes.

"Does your household employ different elemental faes?" Yujin asks when they exit the kitchen.

"Elemental faes prefer to stick to their own kind. But here, it's different. We don't follow the general notion."

"What about Jinyoung? He's your brother but he's not a Fire fae."

Jaebeom smiles ruefully.  "That's because he's my half-brother."

Yujin expects him to go on, but he doesn't. He leaves the conversation as it is. The next room over is the dining hall, but having been there during breakfast, Jaebeom skips to the servants' quarters.

"This is where the servants stay. If you need anything, you can approach them. Preferably, you should approach me though," Jaebeom murmurs the last sentence to himself but the silence in the house makes it loud and clear to Yujin's ears.

They head up the stairs, to the second floor. Jaebeom shows Yujin the ballroom, pushing open the large wooden door. It's basically empty, the daylight streaming into the room through the glass doors, casting a glow onto the marble-tiled floor. Beyond the doors is the balcony that she saw from the garden arch.

"We shall hold our wedding here," Jaebeom suddenly says, a huge grin on his face. In an instant, Yujin feels her heart drop. The tour has made her temporarily forget the reason she was brought here.

"Well, let's continue on." The fae walks out of the room, Yujin trailing behind.

He goes past the stairs and to the start of the hallway of the west wing, pausing there. "At the very end is where my room is located," Jaebeom states. "If you ever need anything, you can find me there."

Then they go up to the third floor, where the library is. The stairs form a bridge-like structure that splits into two pathways. The library appears taller than the other two floors, thanks to the roof that is shaped like a dome. It is made of entirely glass, allowing for the steady stream of sunlight. With the vast space -- a result of the merging of the two wings into one -- Yujin guesses there could be thousands of books in total: there are aisles of books, and every wall is turned into a bookshelf too!

"All the books in the library are my personal collection," Jaebeom gestures at the aisles. “But you’re more than welcome to read them.”

Yujin stares at Jaebeom, mouth gaping at him. She has always wanted to read new books but never had the chance, considering the financial situation of her family. They only have enough to sustain their survival, rarely anything more to purchase new things. Only once did her father gift her a novel that she has read multiple times throughout the years.

"Thank you, I’d like that a lot," Yujin can’t help but return a smile, genuinely grateful and happy. This seems to please the fae, for he looks at her as if she’s never smiled before.

"Well, uh--" Jaebeom clears his throat, “Come this way.”

Moving past rows of bookshelves, right at the very end, there is an arched glass window, with cushioned seats lined on the windowsill. Looking out, Yujin gets a bird's eye view of the mansion grounds, including the garden maze. She spots a fountain in the center, true to what Jaebeom said.

“It's nice, isn't it?” Jaebeom comments.

Definitely, Yujin thinks to herself.

“Well, that’s all there is in this mansion,” Jaebeom concludes. "I hope you’re more comfortable and familiar here."

“Yes, thank you for showing me around."

“Anything for you,” Jaebeom replies, eyes rather fond. "Ah yes, you’ll be fitted for your dress today, in the late afternoon. Yeri will remind you again."

“I shall leave you to yourself then,” he says, bowing politely and making his way out.

Yujin redirects her attention to the view outside. How advantageous is this, she realizes. Having a view from this angle will allow her to monitor the movements around the mansion.

She might have just arrived here and so far, no one has tried to harm her. Still, she can't get complacent. She can't let her guard down. There's a lot of things she doesn't know, questions that remain unanswered. But it's better she doesn't delve too much into it, she muses. The fae are skilled in deluding people, she reminds herself. It's better that she focuses on finding a way out of this place. She shouldn’t stay here any longer than necessary.

---

Yujin is woken by a shake on her shoulder, her eyes still heavy. She peeks an eye, the sun already casting slanted shadows through the windows. Yeri is standing next to the bed, reminding her of the dress fitting. Yujin quickly freshens herself up before following the servant lady to a guest room situated in the west wing of the mansion.

“Why couldn’t we do the fitting in my own room?” Yujin wonders aloud.

“It’s Master Im’s orders, Lady Shin,” Yeri responds as calm and dignified as usual. Then, she comes a little closer, and whispers, “Master Im doesn’t want anyone near or in your room.” She lets out a small giggle.

Yujin frowns. In an instant, the fae immediately reverts back to her composed self, as if she's done something wrong. Her sudden shift in mood has Yujin letting out a small laugh. Yeri smiles at her sheepishly.

The guestroom is as large as her room in the east wing. Seeing no one else in the room, Yujin decides to take her place at the loveseat. She’s rather thankful to have borrowed a book from the library and brought it along. She was reading it to pass time, but accidentally fell asleep until Yeri came. Basking in the silence of the room, Yujin flips open the book and continues on the page she left off.

She didn’t keep track of the time. She was nose deep into the novel when the door swings open and a commotion follows. Looking up, Yujin sees a male fae entering the room in the longest strides she has ever seen. He stands in the middle of the room, leaning his weight onto one foot. His legs are long, Yujin notices, and his cheekbones are visible beneath his slightly tanned skin. The next thing Yujin notices is the fae’s blue-colored eyes -- a sign that he is a Water fae. Yujin slowly rises to her feet.

“You must be the Shin Yujin,” the fae says with a subtle accent, looking her up and down. Perhaps elemental faes have different cultures and slightly different languages, much like human races.

“I’m Bam, your couturier,” he introduces himself. Before Yujin can even respond, he waves his hand and a mannequin appears in front of him, at the empty space between the guest bed and the loveseat. Bam steps forward, moving his right arm in a fluid motion and a measuring tape slides smoothly down his arm and into his hand. If Yujin had blinked, she might not have even noticed it.

“Measure her, please,” the male instructs and it’s like the measuring tape comes to life. Similar to water, the tape flows from the fae’s hand and slithers its way towards Yujin. It coils around her ankle, then spreads to her hip before covering her entire body like a tight-fit suit. It measures the littlest of details, leaving no skin untouched. Once done, it flows back down to the floor, creeping up to the mannequin. The mannequin morphs to be an exact replica of Yujin’s body.

“Alright, let’s see,” Bam goes. He crosses his arms, fingers underneath his chin, brows furrowed in thought. He tilts his head to the side, humming to himself. Then in the next moment, he suggests, “Perhaps a basic dress?”

Bam snaps his fingers and what appears to be snowflakes starts falling above the mannequin, to reveal a long simple dress. It is plain white, no design apart from the lace on the cap sleeves. The material hugs at the waist and tapers to her thighs, accentuating the Yujin’s curves. The tail fans out at the bottom, forming a smooth circle on the floor.

“What do you think?” the fae asks, glancing at Yujin. She doesn’t even get a chance to form her opinion, let alone open her mouth as Bam waves his hand, shaking his head. “On second thought, never mind. Let’s try another… I think… You’ll go better with an off-shoulder dress.”

Another snap and the basic dress moulds itself into an off-shoulder dress. The sleeves are long and tight to skin. There’s a dip in the middle, towards the cleavage but it’s not too low that it is racy. Around the waist is a rose gold embroidery, and the skirt flows loosely, multiple layers of light chiffon.

“What do you think?” Bam asks again, looking rather proud at his design. This time, Yujin has the time to step forward and feel the material.

The dress is beautiful, Yujin must admit, though she wonders if it suits her.

Just then, Jaebeom barges in, door slamming against the wall, his expression sour. “Bam!” he bellows.

“Oh, hello, Jaebeom,” the Water fae greets. “I think I’m just about done here--”

“How dare you make my bride wait!” Jaebeom raises his voice at the other, jabbing a finger into his chest. “Is this how you treat your clientele? Showing up late?”

Bam cowers. Yujin feels the temperature plummet. Watching the scene warily, she notices the candles around the room dimmed low, almost extinguished.

“I chose you as our couturier and yet, you treat my bride like a fool?”

“I’m sorry, Jaebeom, I had other business to attend to--”

“Excuses!” the Fire fae roars.

“Jaebeom--” Yujin intervenes, though her voice is small. Her own heart pounds in her ears. She definitely doesn’t want to be at the receiving end of Jaebeom’s wrath, but she feels the urge to defend Bam. The Water fae has his head hung low, avoiding any form of eye contact with the other fae. Yujin doesn’t know where she got the courage to move forward, such that she touches Jaebeom’s elbow. “It’s fine. It wasn’t a long wait -- not with a book to keep me company.”

Jaebeom looks over his shoulder. His anger seems to dissipate almost instantly. Out of the corner of her eye, Yujin notices the fires are back to normal. “Are you sure? I can punish him, if you’d like.”

“That won’t be ideal, would it? We need his service for our wedding,” she placates the male.

Jaebeom exhales steadily. Then he turns back to Bam, who is still looking down at his feet. Jaebeom jabs his finger into his chest once more, and spits, “You should be thankful to the mercy of my bride. Else, you’d be dead by now.”

The Fire fae faces Yujin once more, gently tapping her shoulder, a smile on his lips. His hand slides down her arm to hold her hand up between them. “If there’s anything you are displeased with, don’t hesitate to call me.” He brings up the hand higher, pressing his lips to her knuckles. Gently letting her go, Jaebeom turns on his heels and leaves the room. Yujin can’t help but notice how Bam immediately relaxes.

“Thank you for saving my life,” the couturier expresses his gratitude with a slight bow, a relieved expression on his face.

Yujin offers a kind smile. “I don’t think I did anything but you’re welcome.”

“Such amazing ability, you have,” Bam says. “I can’t believe that it’s true.”

Yujin cocks her head to the side. “What is?”

“Well,” Bam starts rather hesitantly. “Jaebeom has always been a hot-headed person, much worse than what you saw earlier. But his temper has mostly died down ever since he moved to this mansion, you see. Occasionally, he does get angry when it comes to important matters. But the fact that he was furious at me for being late and that you calmed him real quick… You really have Jaebeom wrapped around your finger.”

Yujin got reminded of Jinyoung, who said the same words. She shrugs her shoulders. “Maybe he doesn’t like truancy.”

Bam shakes his head. “I’ve known him all my life. And I’ve never seen him like this.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “You must mean a lot to him, considering that he’s protective of you.”

Yujin doubts so. There must be another reason for Jaebeom to behave in such a manner. Even if he is protective of me, it's because he needs me for something. But I wonder what...

“Ah!” Bam’s face suddenly lights up. He whips around and snaps his fingers at the mannequin. The sleeves are gone, and thin straps are added instead. Then, just slightly above the chest, a gold jewelry wraps around the mannequin. Magic flows downward, constructing a long chiffon cape that drapes all the way down, almost touching the floor.

“How do you find this?” Bam presents it to Yujin, his blue eyes gleam with pride.

“It’s-- Majestic.” Yujin finds herself amazed by the elegance it holds.

Bam grins wide. “Perfect for the bride of the Im house.”

#got7 #got7 scenarios #got7 jaebeom #got7 im jaebeom #got7 jaebeom scenarios #got7 im jaebeom scenarios #jaebeom #im jaebeom #im jaebeom scenarios #jaebeom scenarios #got7 fanfic #got7 imagines

[thenamesseven]

Word count: 3.2k

Warnings: Some swearing! And Jaebum being a jealous bean.

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To say you were panicking was a complete misunderstandment.

With your heart pounding against your chest and your voice stuck in your throat, it turned almost impossible to stop Jaebum from leaning closer and closer, in fact, you just accepted your fate when the distance between the two of you turned non-existent and your lips met. You swore your heart stopped beating right there and then, somehow you were still alive when his lips moved gently and slowly against yours but your heart had stopped moving for certain. You felt how heat crawled up your neck, turning your skin red in the process, you probably looked like a panicking tomato right now. 

Jaebum on the other hand had his eyes closed, one of his hands gently resting on your left cheek as his thumb traced random patterns on your skin. He could sense how your face was starting to get hotter and hotter and even though he knew that he should probably back up and apologize for being so straightforward, he just couldn’t move away from you. By the way you stood there, frozen and tense, he could only guess that you were too shocked by his actions, Jaebum couldn’t blame you though. Who wouldn’t be after being kissed by a complete stranger?

You snapped out of your trance when Jaebum slowly guided you back, making your body meet the wall. His hands had abandoned your cheeks and were currently moving down your body, fingertips feather-like touching you, sending not so innocent shivers down your spine. Jaebum tilted his head, feeling brave enough to deepen the kiss even more but he knew he had fucked up as soon as he felt your little hands on his chest, using some of your strength to force your kiss to come to an end.

“What’s wrong?” He asked almost in a whisper, not moving away completely. His lips were still too close, near enough for his warm breath to caress your skin. Jaebum’s eyes opened and instantly scanned your red face, the smirk that appeared on his lips made you feel even more embarrassed and that, apparently, made the situation funnier for him “There’s no need to be shy, trust me”

His lips brushed against yours teasingly, arms pulling you into his chest without hesitation. Now he could surely feel how your heart had come back to life to hammer against your ribcage, being so close to him was definitely not good for your health.

“W-what are you doing?” You asked once again, hands back onto his chest as you used all of your strength to push him back. Jaebum didn’t budge, he simply looked down at you genuinely confused “Jaebum, get off me” This time, when you pushed him again, he finally took a step back and put some space between the two of you. 

“Fine, fine” He replied quietly, hands sliding into his pockets and eyes moving down to his shoes. Finally being summoned and saved by somebody had had him feeling so excited that he never stopped to think that you wouldn’t be okay with this. It didn’t make sense though, if you had recited the words to summon him then why were you freaking out now? “I’m sorry, I should have asked for permission”

“No offense but, first of all, you should have rang the doorbell” You told him, hands going to your hips as you rested most of your weight on one of your legs “How did you even come in?” Your second question was the one that was bothering you the most, you always made sure to lock the door and windows when you were at home at night alone and you would have surely heard him if he picked the lock then....How did he make his way inside without you noticing it?

“You called me, I didn’t need permission to come in, did I?” He asked, crossing his arms on his chest. Jaebum didn’t understand what you were talking about and that was starting to slightly frustrate him. “It’s like….If you gave your boyfriend a spare key!” His example made you frown, he noticed your dislike towards his comparison “What?”

“You’re not my boyfriend” You instantly replied, arching your eyebrows when he looked shocked.

“But we just kissed!” He exclaimed as if he could not believe what you were saying.

“You broke into my house, Jaebum!” You whisper shouted those words, afraid that Youngjae would manage to hear what the two of you were talking about and ended up calling the police or something similar “I didn’t even know you existed until I saw you there standing in the corridor! H-How are you...Why are you...Why are we even dating? When did we start dating?”

“We started tonight” He answered nonchalantly as if that would calm you down “Although the fact that you summoned me means that the spell or whatever you did to bring me back from Hell knew we were destined to be together”

That sentence made you lose it, everything that got out of his lips was pure nonsense and you were starting to believe that this was some kind of horrible prank Jinyoung had prepared for you as a revenge for that one time you sneaked into his house at 3 am and made him scream like a girl when you woke him up.

Frustrated, you started pinching the bridge of your nose, a headache would appear later for sure “Did Jinyoung send you?” You asked, just willing to be over with all this. Maybe he had somehow managed to find out about you and that blog where you found the spell to find a boyfriend, Jinyoung always worked hard on his pranks and definitely took them to the next level when it was about taking revenge but giving the spare key you gave him to a complete stranger was something else “Where’s the key he gave you?” 

“Who the fuck is Jinyoung!?” Jaebum raised his voice absolutely frustrated now, communication between the two of you was being a disaster, a total mess and he was starting to think that there might have been some kind of mistake and he had been summoned by the wrong person.

“Lower your voice Jaebum, we don’t need Youngjae rushing back downstairs being all worried again” You warned, scolding him as if he was a four year old.

“If he shows up again all worried for you I’ll punch him in the face” You would have thought he was just messing around with you if it wasn’t for the determined look in his eyes.

“Jaebum!” You exclaimed, almost whining since you were really frustrated with him.

“What!?” He exclaimed back, sounding as frustrated as you did.

“You’re not going to punch Youngjae!” He pouted at your words and if you had been in an entirely different situation he would have looked cute, right now, he simply looked as if he wanted to distract you from the conversation the two of you were having.

Jaebum knew this conversation was not going anywhere and despite his will to punch your neighbor, he knew you would probably calm down as soon as you got some explanations as to why he was there or how he had managed to find you. Although, he had the feeling you wouldn’t believe what he was about to tell you, he could just hope you wouldn’t kick him out.

After all, you were the only thing he had right now.

“Fine!” He finally agreed, hands going to his jeans pockets as if to show you he wouldn’t be using his knuckles any time soon. You relaxed at that, feeling calm for your own sake and Youngjae’s. You didn’t know what Jaebum wanted exactly but you were almost sure that if he had wanted to hurt you he would have already done it instead of wasting his time arguing with you “Want some explanations?” He asked, sounding a little hesitant but calmer too.

“Please” You answered, muscles not tense anymore, you weren’t even scared of his presence at this point.

“Okay, take a seat and I’ll explain everything”

Not willing to waste more of your time arguing with him, you decided to do as Jaebum told you. Sighing you walked past him and into your small living room, a smile coming up to your lips when you saw how clean and organized it was, you honestly were kind of glad that you had cleaned yesterday because if that hadn’t been the case, Jaebum would have walked straight into the mess your apartment was whenever you had exams. 

“Cozy” You heard him mutter as he followed you into the room. He had never been a huge fan of small apartments like yours, Jaebum was the type to spend money in luxurious houses with incredible views but for various reasons, the little living space you probably called home looked incredibly comfortable for him. Maybe it was because of the furniture or the warm colors you used to decorate the room, whatever it was, it pleased him.

“It’s not bad” You replied with a small shrug, plopping yourself down onto your couch and letting the worn out cushions swallow you.

“We need to buy a new couch” He instantly said when he sat down and felt how he started to drown slowly.

“Yeah, maybe we should also buy a Queen size bed since we’re apparently dating” You scoffed, obviously using as much sarcasm as you could but the way Jaebum’s eyes glinted told you he had took that sentence seriously “You’re not sleeping here” You deadpanned

“Why not?” Jaebum panicked, you could see it in his eyes and for some reason, you truly believed that he wasn’t lying to you “I don’t have anywhere else to go”

“I don’t even know where you came from Jaebum” You sighed exasperated, not wanting to argue again but kind of tired of this scenario. The entire situation didn’t make sense, anything that Jaebum said  didn’t make sense and yet, you hadn’t kicked him out of your home for some reason “Get on my shoes for a second” Looking at him, your eyes met and you saw how he had turned a bit more serious, confidence was slowly vanishing from his features “You show up out of nowhere in my apartment, want to punch my neighbor and after making out with me, you tell me we should buy a new couch because apparently, you want to live here too”

“I just came because you called me” He said tiredly, sliding his fingers through his own hair, messing it up a little “The spell, you must know what Im talking about, there is no way I got sent here by mistake (Y/N)”

“You’re talking about that stupid spell I found in that internet blog?” You asked with your eyes opened as wide as plates “But that-”

“It’s not that stupid” Jaebum cut you off, that spell was more important than you thought it was but he couldn’t talk about that now, not yet at least “I mean, I showed up after you said those words right?” 

“So what? You teletransported yourself here because I said those words? Where are you from?”

“Hell” 

That was the last straw and Jaebum saw it in your eyes. Maybe he shouldn’t have been that honest with you but wasn’t honesty the key to successful relationships?

“I’ll show you” He said seriously kind of desperate for you to believe him, clearing his throat. The way he rubbed the palm of his hands against his jeans told you he wasn’t as calm as he wanted to look, Jaebum was anxious and you didn’t know if that was a good sign or a bad one “Get closer”

“Jaebum if you kiss me out of nowhere again, I will be the one throwing hands” You warned, seeing how the corners of his lips slightly tilted upwards “Not joking” Jaebum laughed softly, shaking his head as you scooted closer to him while you sat straighter.

“I won’t kiss you again without permission” He said gently, reaching out to take your hand in his “Now look me in the eyes” The two of you turned a little, eyes staring into each other’s so intensely that you could see your own reflection on his dark irises “Concentrate on me and only on me, no matter what you see or hear remember that we are in your apartment and that you are safe, okay?” He asked, sounding truly serious about what he was going to do, you doubted something was going to happen but still nodded at his warning “Alright”

Jaebum proceeded to close his eyes allowing you to examine his features closely this time. He seemed delicate but manly at the same time, his skin was entirely perfect and the two little moles above one of his eyes made him a bit cuter than you initially thought he was. Some wrinkles appeared in his forehead when he started focusing even harder, his pink lips puckering and his sharp jaw getting tense.

A couple of minutes passed and nothing had happened but you still gave him the benefit of the doubt, in fact, you were sure that by the time you moved your hand away from his ten minutes had already gone by.

“That’s weird” Jaebum whispered looking down at his hands, his eyes avoiding yours “Why can’t I..-

“So? What was supposed to happen?” You asked curiously, he looked genuinely confused as if he had truly been expecting his trick to work. He was either nuts or a really good actor.

Jaebum opened his mouth to say something but closed it again when he thought about it. If you didn’t believe him when he told you he came from Hell, you wouldn’t believe him if he said he was going to show you some of it “You know what? Maybe it’s better if I just leave” 

That’s exactly what you’ve been wanting to hear all this time but unexpectedly, when Jaebum said those words sounding so disappointed and confused, your chest tightened. What kind of reaction was that? He was a complete stranger that had shown up out of nowhere, Jaebum had intruded in your apartment and acted as if he had lived with you this entire time, any normal person would have called the cops to get him behind bars.

Then why haven’t you? Why did you feel worried now that he said he was leaving?

“Where do you live?” You asked quietly, resting your hands on your lap, not sure of what to do.

Jaebum scoffed as he stood up, fixing his jacket “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you” He muttered in such a small voice that you barely managed to hear him, he seemed truly upset and that only made you feel worse. “I shouldn’t have been this direct” He mumbled, more to himself than for you to hear “Guess I’ll see you around?” He asked, turning his head to look back at you with a small smile on his lips.

Then you realized you didn’t want him to go, you wanted him to stay even though it was crazy. How could you let a complete stranger into your apartment, into your life like that was an absolute mystery but again, the thought that if he had wanted to hurt you he would have done it already popped into your mind.

“Stay” Your lips acted before your mind could convince them to stay closed, a sigh accompanying those words as you stood up too “If you really don’t have anywhere to go then stay here” You finally said, heart fluttering a little when you noticed how his entire face lit up at your invitation.

“For real?” He asked, his whole body facing you. The sadness that had been there a few seconds ago had been replaced by pure happiness “I can live with you?” 

“Just until we find you a place or something but yeah, I guess we can be roommates from now on” You shrugged, not really believing what you were agreeing to. Maybe you simply were as crazy as him.

“Thank you so much (Y/N)” He went to hug you but you placed your hands on his chest, keeping him away from your body successfully. Jaebum smiled a little, not forcing you even though he could have easily outdo your strength and touched you “Okay, hands to myself” He said obediently, smile small even though it was obvious he was holding himself back from giggling.

“Good” You smiled back at him, fingers twitching from holding yourself back since you felt like patting his head “Now if you excuse me, I’m going to head to bed, today has been a really long day and I’m exhausted” 

Jaebum nodded at your words and before he could say something else, you started walking back to your room. Before getting in bed you would get some blankets and another pillow for him so he would sleep comfortably on the couch, that’s why, when you noticed he was following you down the hall you didn’t say anything.

Assuming he would just stand outside, you opened your wardrobe without paying too much attention to him and when you grabbed some of the spare blankets and pillows you saved there for the rare occasions your friends stayed over, you turned around to hand them to him. 

Everything fell from your hands when you saw him shirtless and in the process of taking his pants off besides your bed.

“What the fuck Jaebum?” You asked frowning, heat rising to your face again as it turned as red as a strawberry “Get dressed!” Youngjae had heard that shriek for sure, oh God, you weren’t sure how you would face him after everything that has happened in the last few hours.

Jaebum froze like a kid that has been caught doing something they shouldn’t and looked up at you with a mix of confusion and guilt in his eyes “It is uncomfortable to sleep in these jeans” He muttered with a small pout not pulling them back up but not taking them off either, he just kept it at his knee high which made everything more awkward.

“You’re sleeping on the couch” You told him, in case he had understood he was sleeping in the bed with you.

“What?” He asked, even more confused now “I know you hate me a little bit but you surely don’t hate me enough to let me sleep on that” 

“It’s not that uncomfortable” You tried saying but even you, the owner of the couch, didn’t believe that.

“I’m not sleeping on that couch” He said determined, kicking his jeans off, the sound of his belt hitting your floor only making your cheeks turn redder. Before you could say something else, Jaebum picked his t-shirt from the floor and put it back on “I’ll keep this on since it makes you feel really uncomfortable but you know, I’ve always prefered a little skin on skin contact” You couldn’t say anything, you simply watched as he pulled the sheets back and slid himself into your comfortable and fluffy bed. 

You were already regretting your decision.

“Jaebum?” You asked, approaching your bed.

“Mhm?” He had his eyes closed, already zoning out and almost asleep.

“I won’t be sorry if I kick you out of bed” You stated sliding under the blankets next to him, body laying as far as it could. You decided to face the wall since you didn’t know if you would be able to get some rest with him being so close to you. “Try some funny business and I’ll break your hand” You threatened, closing your eyes as you heard him chuckling amused.

“Don’t worry kitten” He whispered quietly, turning the light off so the both of you would be consumed by darkness “You’ll be in my arms soon, there’s nothing you can do to avoid it”

Taglist: @gold--gucciempress​ @harringtonsblackgf​

#kpop #kpop fanfic #kpop story #got7 #got7 youngjae #got7 jinyoung #got7 yugyeom #got7 bambam #got7 mark #got7 jackson #got7 jaebum #got7 x reader #yugyeom x reader #jaebum x reader #im jaebum #kim yugyeom #got7 smut #got7 angst #got7 crack #got7 fluff #jaebum fluff #jaebum smut #yugyeom smut #yugyeom fluff

[sparklingpax]

Oh the forgetting to follow is one whole mood, srsly

It was actually peas, I forgot we were out of broccoli

You're making perfect sense, am sorry ur brain is a crisp toasty homework fritter

Im v v sleepy currently, so, A Thought (EDIT: A Thought that's quickly getting a much higher word count than I bargained for)

Any of the Team Prime humans might end up on a long road trip with Optimus for Episode Plot Reasons (ground bridge who, maybe it's temporarily broken), and especially if it was a kid they couldn't just check into a hotel at night because Wait, Who's In Charge Of You, Small Child, Do You Need Help?? But if you wanted to make the concept with an adult you could just say they couldn't do it because Soundwave might be able to find them in the hotel's database or something, or more likely they just didn't want to pull up to a hotel/motel in a semitruck because that's a recipe for ending up as a story on the internet

Either way, Optimus ends up pulling into a truck stop for the night, and the human gets to experience falling asleep inside a Transformer, which is probably a trip but is also Incredibly Cozy because that's a very powerful living being who also probably loves them very much (even if he doesnt always say it the usual way) and it is like being Held Gently

Jack would just fall asleep quickly because he's a Tired Teenager and Optimus' engine has a rumbling purr like an enormous cat would and it's Very Relaxing also even though he'd hide it, he would maybe get a little emotional because it really is like being held and he misses being a little kid ok

Miko would chat with Optimus like it's a sleepover because she's constantly got an energy level like she had a cup of coffee and she forgets that giant robots need to sleep too (maybe she actually bought coffee at whatever gas station she picked up her supper from and Optimus couldn't exactly tell her no, only Please Don't Spill That, Miko) and OP ends up laughing so hard at her memes/puns that he accidentally wakes up the actual trucker a few parking spaces over and there is a moment of Panic at their almost-blown cover before the trucker falls back asleep and they go back to laughing more quietly

Raf would probably be fairly quiet, but would alternately be insomniac-ing on his phone or just staring at the roof of the cab for so long that Optimus asks if anything's wrong and scares the crap out of the poor kid because he forgot he was in a car-person for a minute okay im sorry Optimus also yes I'm fine, yes, definitely, I can sleep anytime I want to I swear, no you dont have to turn the radio on....okay actually that's kinda nice.....are you...humming?? No wait don't stop that's really nice actually thank you

June Darby would probably drift into a very meaningful conversation with him about responsibility and parenthood and personal identity in relation to those things, leaving both of them somehow comforted and melancholy at the same time, looking up at the stars together

Fowler... probably awkward silence for a while, ngl. He can't quit overthinking about how he's actually trying to sleep inside a living person and that's weird and also it's kind of uncomfortable to realize that he has no idea how to interact with the Autobots in the absence of some kind of mission to drive the conversation/set the tone/give him something to ground himself. I do feel like they'd both loosen up with each other a lot after a while, particularly if the road trip lasted a few days. Not sure what they'd talk about, though... what are some interests they might share? Or things they could discuss? The fact that the kids are getting into the habit of talking him into bringing pizza, maybe-- "Are you feeding them, Prime? Do they get enough food at home??" "I once expressed a similar concern to Nurse Darby, but she assured me that human children consume large amounts of fuel to account for their rapidly changing frames, and that their caregivers do take this into account as far as she knows." "Well, yeah, kids are always hungry I guess. I can't keep feeding them pizza, though, that's not healthy." "It isn't? Why not?" "Well y'see, when foods are processed to a certain point, they become less nutrient-rich, and--" They spend a bit longer than they'd bargained for on the Wikipedia pages for different parts of the human body, and Fowler is Rather Grumpy the next morning because he went down an internet rabbit hole with a 30-foot metal man instead of sleeping like normal people do. (He brightens up when he gets his morning coffee, but this ask is already way long enough)

AAAHHH OK THAT GOT AWAY FROM ME SJFJFJG I HOPE YOU LIKE IT

I’M SORRY THAT THIS IS SUCH A SHORT RESPONSE BUT OMFG PRIMES ABOVE I LOVE THIS WHOLE IDEA AND SCENARIO. I CAN SEE IT HAPPENING SO CLEARLY HSDHSDJSF HH 

THANK YOU FOR THIS AA >//w//< 

:DD

-Kuni~

#this made my morning #uwu #<3 #kuni talks #kuni answers #asks #nice things #:3

[royalheroine]

Helen regretted arriving to new york city much earlier than her family. She arrived to see a stream of aliens coming through a big portal in the sky. She had to act fast. She should’ve run. Should’ve stayed in a cafe or something, but she did something highly impulsive. She fought.

She quickly found a broken pipe in the alleyway and started hitting at the aliens. The aliens started shooting bolts of light at her and she adapted by finding a broken off car door. She was surprised that it blocked most of the shots. She found herself protecting the stay victims and escorting people to nearby bulidings or outreach refugee camps.

Blood sprayed on her face while she stabbed a alien in the head with the sharp pipe. She didn’t notice the wound on her left side, and didn’t complain about the scratches and bruises on her legs. She just wanted it to end. She hoped her family is not here, even if they didn’t care about her. She then decided to head to the stark tower, maybe the aliens held hostages in there.

----

She found herself going up to the top floor after realizing that no one is being held hostage on the lobby floor.

---

The elevator door opened and she saw a man with raven black hair. Wearing a royal overcoat adorend with gold trimmings and fabric. He held a glowing scepter.

‘Shit did i just find the villian?!’ she thought to herself.

“And who might you be.” He smirked.

She carefully stepped out of the elevator. Trying to identify or at least avoid his attacks. Surviving multiple aliens seemed hard, but this encounter would be even harder.

“I-I thought people would be taken hostage in this tower- I think I thought wrong. Wait-” she looked at the crescent shaped charm on his chest.

“A-are you a god?” She asked. The symbol looked very similar to the symbol in her norse mythology storybook. The storybook that she read over and over again.

“Oh, so you know your place. You realize who I really am, your god.” He spoke to her.

“Y-are you- Loki?” She abandoned all feelings of fear and terror. Those feelings were replaced with feelings of childlike curiosity.

“Yes, how does a mere mortal know about my name?” He was curious too. He thought that mortals only knew about their own realm.

“Uh- apparently people from the past worshipped you, and Thor and Odin and others, they’re called Norse. And I guess they wrote stories about you! Stories that I read a lot. And, yeah, I know this is a really weird thing to say to someone who is invading your planet but- I- you’re my favorite god.” She looked away.

‘Thats my last words. I literally called my killer my favorite and I’m going to die. Great.’ She thought to herself.

Loki put down his scepter. He wanted to entertain this small, puny mortal. A mortal that didn’t seem to fear him.

“Come child.” He guided her to the bar.

—

“So, what do they say about me?” He asked her.

“Well… They said that you can shapeshift and that you had a baby with a horse.” She giggled. The god wrinkled the bridge of his nose.

“God, the way you mortals create stories are weird and highly inaccurate. I only raised a baby horse, not gave birth to it.” He clarified, leaning the scepter against the bar.

“I mean, you were not portrayed as wholly evil or wholly good, since mischeif is neutral in morality. Which means you’re not a villain. Right? She asked

“That’s where you’re wrong. My brother is a hero and I am the villain. A villain who is not even asguaridan.” He told her.

“Y-you’re also compared to your brother?” She asked shyly

“Yes, all the time.” He huffed

“Well, you’re in the same boat, my brother, Finn. He’s older, cuter, a golden child and good at everything. Meanwhile, you have me… Messy, uncoordinated and decided to fight instead of run away like anyone else.” She said.

“Fighting is a more noble pursuit than running.” he told her, but he noticed that she was bleeding on her side.

“Oh dear, that’s not a nice sight.” He carefully laid her down on the couch.

“W-what?” She was getting faint, she didn’t notice that she was bleeding out. Loki summoned a rag and started using his healing magic. But he had limited knowledge.

“Stay with me dear, once you wake up, we will rule together, besides, two monsters should shine in the sunlight.” He assured the sleeping child.

---

The girl woke up to see a group of heroes circling Loki. She stood up but her wound thobbed.

“Ah!” She dobled over. Clutching her side. A man dressed in blue and red came over to her.

“Did he hold you hostage?” He asked.

“No- I- he healed me.” She said grogilly. She didn’t realize that it was all over.

“Dear, you should’nt move as much.” Loki called to her. The blue hero looked confused.

“Ah- where is he going?” She asked.

“Back to asgard.” The blonde hero said.

“Are you Thor then?” She asked. Staggering once she stood up.

“Yes” He smiled lightly, probably trying to calm down the shaking child.

“Your age?” The blue hero said.

“11.” She meekly said.

“You hurt a child!” Thor shouted at Loki.

“No! He actually took care of me! We- had a conversation!” She shouted in protest.

“He hypnotized you.” The blue hero tried to get the situation straight.

“I WOULD NEVER! NOT A CHILD!” Loki shouted. Thor only put a mechanical gag on loki.

“I-i”

“Lets get you down, alright?” The blue hero gave a comforting smile.

She found herself stuffed in a small elevator with a bunch of heroes and a villain. She was slightly shaking from the excess adrenaline and the pain from the wound. Loki kept glancing at her, worried that she might faint from the blood.

“Sooo…. What is your name kid?” The man in the iron suit asked.

“Helen. Helen Conrad.” She told him.

“Well, lets lighten up! Lets all introduce ourselves. I’ll start off. My name is Tony stark! Real names only!”

“I am Steve Rodgers.” The blue hero smiled.

“Natasha Romanov.”

“Clint Barton.”

“Thor Odinson”

She smiled brightly. “Thank you for introducing yourselves!”

----

She found herself in the lobby, witnessing the fight over a glowing blue cube.

‘Why are they so obsessed with that cube?’ she asked herself.

--

“Your parents haven’t shown up.” Thor pointed out as they sat ontop of the car.

“Not surprised, probably busy with my brother.” She leaned back. Probably thinking that she’d just settle back into her normal life.

“What if you came with me. To Asgard.” He asked her.

She turned to him. “Y-you’d really bring me?” She asked.

“If your parents are as neglectful as they are, then I should probably just bring you to a better place. Your skills will be better cultivated on Asgard than with your parents.” He said.

“Also, you’ve made a profound impact on my brother, Loki. So would you be kind to come on behalf of him? He doesn’t show it but he’d like you to come too.” he asked.

“D-definately! Definitely!” She shouted. Jumping up and down.

“I-i- d-definately- w-wait. Give me a s-second.” She was getting too excited that her stuttering became apparent. She took a deep breath.

She gave a curt, “Yes. yes I would like to go.” She smiled. Thor grinned.

“You would definately love the palace.”

---

Loki and Thor held on to the container with the tesseract and Helen stood behind the container.

“Are you sure we should let a child go to a different realm with two gods, and one of them tried to invade our planet.” Steve asked Tony.

“I’m sure Thor would keep her safe, besides, we might have to hold her in the tower when she comes back.” Tony repled.

“Why?” Steve asked.

“I’m pretty skeptical about the fact that a child was able to battle her way into my tower and talk down the god of lies without getting killed in the process.” He remarked.

---

Helen was beamed in the entrance of the rainbow bridge. She walked with the two gods. One in chains and one with the hammer. She looked at the view of Asgard. It looked grander than she’d imagine. The golden towers were glistening in the sunlight. The rainbow bridge was translucent but had rainbow like branches pulsing through the bridge. She seemed scared to cross the bridge at first. Having a slight fear of heights. But Thor grabbed on to her hand and gave her comforting look.

Loki looked on, wishing he could do the same. But glad that his brother did it in his place.

---

Helen was being addressed by the king of Asgard. Odin.

“You have the heart of a heroine and the capacity to empathize with even the toughest of villains. Tell me, child. What is your name?” He asked her.

“He-he-Helen.” She stuttered. Cursing herself for stuttering in front of the king.

“Conrad.”

“Conraddotar?” Odin clarified

“You can call me that.” she said.

“Enjoy yourself at the palace, you are now considered royalty for extending your kindness to my son, Loki.” Odin said.

---

Helen wore a simple green gown. She was happily skipping around and exploring the palace.

“Helen, dear, can you come to me?” A voice sounded in the hallway.

She turned to see Queen Frigga.

“Let’s fix yout hair, shall we?”

--

Helen was sitting on Frigga’s bed while Frigga was braiding her hair.

“Thank you for everything that you’ve done. Tell me, Helen, what is your family like?” She asked.

“Well, I have a brother, and two parents. But my parents lives revolve around my brother. But- Im ok with that. I do things by myself and I got used to it.” She said.

“Ah- im sorry my dear. But here, there are servants and maids that can help you. So relax. I know how traumatic the invasion was, so I hope you realze that you are safe.

----

Helen was sitting on the steps, looking at Loki in his cell. She noticed that he has a lot of furniture in his cell. He was reading a book, and she was scribbling something in her notebook.

“Mind telling me what you’re writing down, dear?” He asked, thumbing through the pages.

“Uh-I-I’m actually d-drawing.” She said. Trying not to stutter.

“What are you drawing?” He asked.

“You.” She meekly said. Loki put the book on the table and walked towards Helen, he sat down in front of her.

“Mind showing me?” He smiled lightly.

She tore the page out and she showed it to him. It was loki and helen, under a flower tree. He was reading a spell out of the spell book.

“That looks adorable. When I escape, will you hand it to me?” He smiled.

“Of course.”

—-

“Do you like the accommodations in the palace?” Loki asked, hoping that they are taking care of her.

“Yes, but I wish I can enjoy them with you.” She answered. Twiddling her thumbs.

“So I decided to sit at your cell and talk to you!” She grinned. Loki’s heart melted. He’d never knew that he’d meet someone who was so naive and childlike. Enough to paint him as a positive figure. But he didn’t care. He just felt a sense of kindness towards her. He feels fond of her. He never realized that he was fawning over a mortal. Who’s life can flash before his eyes.

“That is great child.” He said.

“Wish I had my chello here, could’ve played you a tune.” She said. Loki used some of his magic to steal away a chello from the music room and teleported it here.

“Then play me a tune then.” He smiled

—

Loki was spellbound by the tune, she played a song that a mortal composed. But he didn’t know that the mortal is a master at music composition. Apparently the song was Blue Danube, by Johan Strauss. He swayed to the melody. By the time Helen was done he asked her a dozen questions.

--

“How long have you played?”

“5 years. Started at a young age, when my parents believed in my talents.” she told me.

“They should’ve known how bright you’ve shined.”

“Don’t blame them. They stop trying after finding out about my stutter.” She said.

“Your parent’s arent even parents.” I told her.

“I realized that when I hit 9.” she replied.

“Then maybe you should have a different father. Someone who adores you, who encourages you to be as different and unique as possible, who doesn’t compare you to anyone, who empathizes with you. Someone- someone like me.” He slowed his rant. Realizing something.

“D-do you want me to be your father?” He asked. Taking a big risk, being vulnerable .

“I-i-i’d lo-love yo-you to!” She was a stuttering mess, her brain was trying to process the proposal.

“Dear, slow down, take a big breath.” He grinned

“I would like for you to be my dad.” she slowly said. Tears coming out of her eyes.

“I would whipe those tears from your eyes but I’m stuck in this wretched cell.” He chuckled.

“I want to hug you.” She sniffled.

“You’ll get the chance.”

---

Everything was broken, damaged. But Helen rushed towards Loki’s cell. She just got word of Frigga’s death. And she didn’t want to lose her new father. She saw Loki in his cell, seeming to be fine. But she just broke out in sobs.

Her breathing was ragged. Tears flow through her eyes, and she was sniffling. She collapsed to the ground. Choking and crying. Crying for him, Loki. Feeling too much of his pain. Loki put down his defenses.

He had a green shirt but his hair was matted, her crawled to the crying child and wanted to reach out to her, but the barrier kept him from touching her.

“H-hey. Don’t cry-”

“You’re depressed so I’m depressed! I don’t want this to happen, for you to be sad! I-its my fault! I’m sorry. I-I. i’m- s-s-sorry. Mr. Loki! I-i have no-no right to be you-your daughter!” She was stuttering, trying to calm herself down. But the stale air and the buzzing barrier, it was hard to.

“No, don’t say that, you’re my daughter through and through. None of this was your fault. None of it. Please, stop crying for me.” He guided her to a deep breath.

“S-sorry.” she apologized for her shrill crying

“Don’t be sorry.” He smiled.

---

Helen gave Loki a big hug when Thor freed him from the cell. Loki returned the hug while threading his fingers through her braided hair.

“Darling, I have to help Thor. But I will come back.” he told her.

“A-are you sure?” She asked.

“One way or another. Yes.”

--

When Helen found out about Loki’s demise, she locked herself in the room and cried. She sobbed, blaming herself for letting him go alone. Hating herself. A knock sounded at the door. The door opened and she saw Odin.

“S-sorry if my cries are too loud.” she whipped her tears.

“It’s alright my child.” Odin sat at her beside.

“I-Lost my dad.” She stuttered.

“He said he’d come back-”

“One way or another.” Odin’s illusion was dispelled by Loki. He smiled kindly at her.

“I am sorry for causing you unnecessary pain. But I had to keep up the illusion for my safety.” He whipped her tears with his thumb. And enveloped her in a crushing hug.

“But now we can rule together. My little princess.” He smiled.

#loki fanfiction #loki fluff #lokiday

[diddlesanddoodles]

Dumpling ch 25

Three parts muddled meadowsweet, two parts crushed licorice root, one part muddled ginger, and seven parts vinegar. Steeped for a week and dilute with honey water before consuming to sooth the discomfort caused by heartburn.

“Probably the most widely used tincture here,” Farris told her. “We have plenty still in storage, so there’s time enough fer ya to learn it proper like.”

He gave her the already measured out ingredients and had her simply practice muddling them in the mortar, which was a hard enough task in and of itself. The stone pestle was heavy and she needed both hands to proper grasp it. She had only just been working at it a few minutes with Farris watching over her when his laugh broke her concentration. He was shaking his head and she furrowed her brows at him.

“This is hard!” she proclaimed defensively.

“Ah, thought it looked easy, did ye?”

“It’s really heavy...” she whined. “And you’re a lot stronger than I am...”

“Oi, yer not quitin’ on me are ye, gal?”

She frowned at him stubbornly. “No!”

He seemed pleased with her answer. “Good. Now keep at it,” he told her with a jerk of his head in an encouraging gesture. He left her then to her own work and with a stubborn determination, she pressed on. Once the flowers and ginger had been mashed to the consistency that Farris wanted, she scooped it out into bucket. After rinsing the bowl with some vinegar, she used the pestle to smash up the licorice root. It only needed to be broken open to proper steep later so it was not quite as arduousness. The jar of vinegar was as tall as she was and filled almost to the top. She had to climb onto an overturned ramekin to to be able to reach high enough to dump the ingredients. She watched the debris of the flowers and crushed ginger slowly float down while the licorice root dropped fairly fast and settled at the bottom. For something meant to make a person feel better, it sure smelled bad. The smell of ginger was not too awful, only that it was pungent and clung to her fingers, but she did not care at all for the smell of the licorice. When Farris returned to check on her, her held the jar up to the light and hummed approvingly. “Not terrible fer ya first go at it.”

He sealed the jar and put it away inside a chest with other similar jars. For the rest of the day, Farris had her working on more of the meadowseet tinctures until she was able to make it from start to finish on her own and only needed Farris to fill a jar with vinegar for her and seal it once it was done. Nenani found it oddly pleasant change of pace for Farris to actually be pleased by something she did rather than exasperated.

…………………………….

In the end, Farris declined to attend Gregis’s funeral, but sent his condolences and several gifts of foodstuffs with the attending Vhasshalan party as well as a message to the presumptive successor, Warrick.

“It’ll be a day or so before he sends any message back,” Farris was telling Bart. “I’m not sure how much Gregis shared with ‘im about the arrangements, so the sooner he’s up to speed the better.”

“When do you expect t’ be making another trip?”

“Next week at the earliest,” Farris answered. “Unless Keral hears anythin’ different, but he’s got a tick up ‘is arse about somethin’ else and hasn’t answered my last note.”

“Seems like they’ve been much quieter this year. Not as many. Might be a sign that they’re finally stoppin’.”

“Aye. Had ourselves a dozen or so this time last year. We’re only sittin’ on four or so now. Five if ya include the Dumplin’.”

Bart let out a breathy snort through his nose. “Wouldn’t count her in the lot. She came to us by basket, not the markets.”

“Not much difference,” Farris replied. “If they’d ‘a found her at any point during the journey, she wouldn’t be here right now. Could have very well ended up in that market.”

“Well, best be thankin’ whatever stars she was born under that it didn’t happen that way.”  

Farris nodded. “Believe me, Bart. I do.”

…………………….

By the morning Jae arrived to drag her on a tunnel exploration, Nenani had all but forgotten about the entire conversation they had regarding that very thing. She had just finished her ninth successful tincture when he suddenly popped up on the table next to her. He wasn’t wearing his fine clothing and instead had opted for his preferred outfit of trousers and a tunic. She jumped when his head suddenly popped up from the table’s edge and he loudly greeter her. “MORNING!”

“Ah!” the empty bucket she had been holding went flying and bounced several times before rolling off the side of the table. From the next prep table over, Avery was loudly laughing.

“You scared me!” she whirled on Jae as he climbed up, breathlessly laughing.

“Oh boy,” he said, brushing off the front of his shirt. “I really got you good.”

She threw a piece of licorice root at him and he turned away just as it hit his upper shoulder. He was still giggling like an idiot as she walked over to the edge of the table and looked down to see her bucket in the grass far below.  

“Forget it,” Jae told her. “Besides, we got tunnels to explore today, remember?”

She bristled, having done just that. Forget, that is.

“Can’t,” she replied simply. “I’m making tinctures.”

Jae looked over at her set up and tiled his head at her curiously. “Uh...why?”

“Farris gave me a job,” she replied proudly, sitting down next to her mortar and pestle and began to break meadowsweet into manageable pieces and dropping them into the bowl. He watched her for a moment as she ground the blossoms.

“He’s having you make heartburn tonic?”

“Yeah.”

“Hm.” Jae didn’t say anything else and just quietly sat down. Propping his head up in his hands, he watched her work and was quiet for several long moments. She glanced at him periodically, viewing him with deep suspicion. But he simply sat there, placid and still. Behind him, Nenani noticed Kol walking over with a bucket of water to fill up one of the cauldrons. His eyes briefly glanced their way, but he continued on with his work.

“So, how long will it take?” Jae asked finally. “Until you’re done, I mean.”

She shrugged noncommittally. “Until he tells me to stop.”

Her eyes caught sudden movement and she turned to see Kol standing behind Jae, a wicked smirk playing on his lips while Jae remained ever unaware. Jae opened his mouth to say something just as Kol slammed both of his hands down on either side of the boy and shouted, “MORNIN’!”

“SON-OF-A-!” Jae jumped and scrambling to his feet, but slipped and just ended up face flat on the table. Above him, Kol doubled over as he belly laughed himself to the point of not being able to breathe.

“Fuck you, Kol,” Jae said, making a rude gesture in the cook’s direction. “Just...fuck you.”

“Sorry, lad,” Kol said once he was able to breathe. “I couldn’t not...”

Jae pushed himself up onto his elbows and sighed. “Get all our jollies out?”

Kol smirked and put his finger to his lips in mock consideration. “Hm...not sure yet. Might be - AH!”

Farris smacked a hand across the back of Kol’s head as he walked up behind him. “Get back to it, Kol. Ye can pester the humans after ye done yer fuckin’ job.”

Jae did nothing to mute the very satisfied grin as Kol walked away, nursing his sore head. And then winced when Farris tapped him on the head, just hard enough to smart.  

“As fer you, lad,” Farris continued. “Won’t Donal be missin’ ya? Or ya shirkin’ yer new job already?”

“I’m not shirking anything,” Jae replied. “It’s my day off.”

Farris grunted. “Must be nice.”

“Oh, don’t give me that. Not my fault you never actually take yours. And don’t say you don’t have them, because I’ve seen your contract,” Jae said, pushing himself to his feet. “In any case, I’m hear to steal your ward for the day.”

Farris raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? And where might ya be stealin’ her off to?”

Jae grinned. “We’re gonna go look for dead people in the tunnels.”

The particular face that Farris made was one Nenani was not familiar with. He looked equal parts horrified, angry, and incredulous. “Yer fuckin’ what?”

Nenani buried her face in her hands, groaning. “Jae, it sounds bad when you say it like that.”

“And just what other fuckin’ ways are there fer ya to say that it don’t sound bad?” the giant demanded. “And what do ya mean by dead people in the tunnels?”

“That day she lost her marker?” Jae explained, sounding far too excited. “Yeah, she found some other tunnel and there was this room full of dead people. Like...graves. Old ones. Human. We’re gonna go find it.”

Farris pinned Nenani with a look. “And just when were ya gonna say anythin’ about this, hm?”

She squirmed under his gaze and when she didn’t answer him, he shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Gods piss on it...”

“So, can I borrow her for a bit?” Jae asked, his face pleading.

“So long as ya bring her back before sundown,” Farris replied gruffly and then pulled a slip of paper from his apron. He carefully rolled it up and then held it out to Jae. “And ya can be givin’ this to Maevis fer me while yer at it. Yer day off be damned.”

Jae eagerly reached out and grabbed the roll of parchment and tucked it under his arm, giving the spice master a lazy salute. “Can do, Farris.”

…………………………………………

Nenani regretted not speaking out to say that she was in fact very uninterested in trying to find the catacombs again. She was sure Farris would have told Jae to bugger off or something if she had said so. She really needed to learn to speak up more.

“After I drop this with Maevis,” Jae was saying. “I figured we could start near the tapestry you described and try to find the door you left from.”

“Okay,” she said. “But, just...if is it alright with you if we do find it that...that I don’t go in?”

Jae looked at her. “Uh, yeah. I guess. Why?”

She frowned and stared at the floor pensively. “They...kind of...sort of...spoke to me.”

Jae did not say anything and she could feel his eyes on her and she was beginning to feel real unease until at last he spoke. “Huh. That’s kind of neat. What did they say?”

“Huh? Oh,” she said, taken aback by his lack of surprise. “The gold prophecy. The one about the King.”

“So...you think you might have a bit of foresight then?” he asked her and then laughed. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t be foresight since it’s already happened. What makes you able to talk to dead people? Necromancy?”

“Why is it funny?”

“It’s because the gold prophecy is a joke,” he told her. “You either believe it wholeheartedly or think it’s complete bunk. Most folks I know tend think it’s bunk.”  

“I don’t even understand what it’s even saying.”

“It stars with ‘The river runs uphill to the dying songs of the fall of fools and Kings that tear flesh from bone and the crown from the mountain.’ That’s suppose to be about the murder of Prince Thadeus and the Blood King declaring war on Silvaara. The next bit is ‘Water runs red with fire and shall rise when the old blood runs new.’ The interpretation I’ve heard most about is that it’s about the battle of Riftside where the Fire Mages set the Daehil river on fire to stop the Vhasshal advancement. One of Warren’s brothers died there. The last part is ‘The flesh taken will be paid in blood and the dead walls will rise with gold.’ This one everyone seems to agree is about the Blood King being usurped and Warren taking the throne. And that’s why everyone calls him the Gold King. But never call him that to his face. He really doesn’t like it.”

“Why does he hate it so much?” she asked.

“Lots of reasons,” Jae replieed. “But I think he hates it because it reminds him of what his father and brothers did. They committed genocide and reinstated the act of eating humans. He hates it because even though they did all that terrible stuff, they were still his family and he still loved them. Probably still misses them too.”

A heavy silence fell between them as Nenani mulled over Jae’s words. She supposed it would really hard on someone to still love a person who did terrible things. It was probably really hard to mourn them. But her thoughts were interrupted by their arrival at the library. Upon entering, Nenani was greeted by the distinct smell of parchment and ink.

“Hey Barnaby!” Jae called as they began to climb the human stairs carved into the table’s center support that led up onto Barnaby’s workspace. “I’ve got a message for Maevis from Farris. Can I leave it with you?”

“Absolutely, my boy. Come on up!” came the somewhat muffled response from the archivist. They stepped onto the table top and made their way to where Barnaby was sitting at a human sized table and drinking a cup of tea. Belatedly, they realized he wasn’t alone. Another human was sitting with their backs to them, also enjoying a cup of tea. Suddenly Jae stopped and Nenani bumped into him.

“Oof, ah. Sorry,” she said and looking at Jae’s face, she frowned. “Uh...Jae?”

He was staring wide eyed at the stranger and Nenani glanced their way just as they turned around in their chair.

“M...Maevis?!” Jae asked incredulously. Nenani starred uncomprehending. The man who sat in the chair did look like Maevis. He wore the same maroon robes and his hands were gloved and he had the same round amiable face and brown hair. But...he was tiny! Well, tiny for a Vhasshalan. He was as tall as a human and had they never met before, Nenani would have never known he was actually a giant. Still with the rolled up note tucked under his arm, Jae ran over to the table to stop by Maevis’s side. The magician was grinning at Jae’s slack jaws expression. “You...you’re...”

“...smaller?” Maevis finished with a knowing smile. “Amazing isn’t it? I’ve been working on my shrinking spells for years now, but I’ve finally found the proper methods to shrink myself. What do you think?”

Jae’s eye lit up with enthusiasm and excitement. “You look ridiculous!” Jae told him with a laugh. “I mean...wow. This is actually amazing. Not that you don’t do amazing spells already, but...this is so much more...wow.”

“Thank you, Jae,” Maevis replied with a bright smile and patting the boy on his arm. “I’m happy to know I have your approval.”

Jae suddenly recalled the note and held it out for Maevis with a smile of amused smugness. “This is for you. Sorry it’s a little more cumbersome than you’re use to.”

Maevis’s made a face as he took the rolled up note, it’s size awkward at his new height, and for several moments he floundered on what to do with it. Finally, he set it to lean against the table. “Oh. Thank you, Jae. I...I will read it later. I have a feeling I know what it is.”

Jae immediately slipped into one of the other spare seats and started in on Maevis with his questions. “So? How weird is it to be small?”

Maevis shook his head indulgently and spared his young companion a warm smile. “The first time I succeeded in shrinking myself it was horribly disorienting. That and the fact that the potion did the trick in shrinking my body, but...well, it does not work on clothing.”

Jae snorted into his hands.

“So I had to use the shrinking spell in line with the shrinking potion and get the ratios just right. Endlessly challenging, but such a triumph to have succeeded! And I must say how wonderful a feeling it is to be able to talk with you all on equal footing. I imagine craning your neck up at us all day long becomes quite tiresome.”

“Neck pain is just an inevitability,” Jae shrugged. “Why do you think I hang out on shelves so much? Oh, hey, Nenani, come over here. It’s just Maevis. He won’t bite. Plus he’s smaller so it wouldn’t be as bad even if he did.”

Nenani hadn’t realized that she had not moved at all and when Maevis turned to look at her over his shoulder, his face enigmatic, she had a brief moment where all she saw was not the sweet man before her, but the hard lined face of an angry Vhasshalan magician as he burned an attacking wyvern to cinders. A pain throbbed between her eyes and she winced, holding her head as an incomprehensible chant echoed in her head. She heard a chair squeal as it was pushed out from the table and rushed footsteps. Gentle hands gripped her shoulders and Maevis knelt down in front of her.

“Does it still pain you, little one?” he asked softly, his honey colored eyes soft and concerned. He gently ran his gloved hand across her forehead. “I have some tonic for the pain...”

“I’m okay,” she said, blinking rapidly as though to wave the lingering ache between her eyes away. “It’s gone now.”

He stared into her face as though trying to determine if she was lying, but then he closed his eyes with a resigned sigh. “Good.” he said. “I would hate to think you’re wandering around the castle if you should still be in your recovery bed.”

“I’m alright,” she said and when he raised an eyebrow at her she protested. “I am! Ask Sawyer!”

“No need,” Maevis chuckled. The sleeve of his maroon robe fell back and Nenani could see the bandages still wrapped around his arm. “I’m sure she took excellent care of you.”

  “Maevis?” She asked timidly, the evidence of his injury making her insides squirm. “I actually wanted to thank you. For saving me from the Wyvern.”

The magician looked startled for a moment and then smiled at her, but it seemed forced. Sad even. “Oh. Oh, my dear. You do not have to thank me.”

“Yes I do!” she insisted. “You were really brave and I’m sorry you got hurt because of me.”

Maevis cupped his hands around her face and laughed. “You’re terribly sweet, Nenani,” he told her and bristled when she wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. “Ah-!”

“Thank you,” she said softer, her voice muffled by his robes. She felt his hands wrap around her to return the hug and his laugh shake her just a little.

“I believe this is the first time I’ve ever hugged a human. Properly at least.”

“OH MY GOD!” Jae suddenly yelled, startling them all badly. Poor Barnaby who had been silently drinking from his tea cup jumped and sent the cup flying through the air before gravity pulled it back down and it shattered on the floor.  

“What’s wrong?” Maevis asked standing up and pulling Nenani to his side protectively, his face full of worry. “Jae?”

“I just had the best idea!” Jae said with excitement and then looked over to see Barnaby kneeling on the floor and picking up the shattered cup. “Ah! Sorry Barnaby. Let me help.”

“My goodness young master Jae,” Barnaby said as the young man started cleaning up the spilled tea with a rag. “What was that hullabaloo all about?”

“Oh! Yeah, so my idea!” Jae turned to Maevis, his eyes bright with unbridled energy. “You should come explore the tunnels with us today. You never could because...well, you were too big. But now you’re small!”

“Explore the tunnels?” Maevis asked, confused but intrigued. “I would have thought you were the expert on the tunnels.”

“I am,” Jae replied with a prideful smirk and then pointed to Nenani. “But she found a corridor I didn’t know about...”

“Jae,” she whined, already knowing where he was going. “Please don’t...”

“...and there was a room full of dead people!”

Barnaby slowly stood with the broken tea cup in his hands, regarding Jae as though he were concerned that he had lost his mind. Maevis had an equally bewildered expression.

“Please find a better way of explaining it,” Nenani begged him. “It sounds so bad when you just say it like that.”

“Nah,” Jae replied with an impish grin. “The reactions are the best part.”

“Alrigtht,” Maevis said, his tone oddly serious. He placed his hand gently on Nenani’s shoulder and steered her to stand next to Jae so he could look at them both. “What exactly do you mean by ‘room full of dead people’?”

“There’s a catacomb,” Jae said. “A bunch of old graves and bones.”

“Vhassalan graves?”

“No,” Jae replied. “That’s the weird thing. She said they’re human graves.”

Maevis looked into Nenani’s face, his eyes seeking. “Is this true? You found a human catacomb in the tunnels?” Nenani squirmed under the scrutiny and wished she had never said anything at all.

“Nenani, dear?” he pressed.

“She’s just scared because they spoke to her,” Jae said. Maevis closed his eyes and sighed in restrained irritation.

“Jae, my boy. I appreciate that you are only trying to help,” he said sternly, but tried to keep his voice measured. “But I need to hear her speak. Please.”

The young man blushed and nodded, slipping into a chair. “Sorry.”

“Now,” Maevis said gently. “Nenani?”

She bit her lip nervously. “When Creag chased us that day and I got lost. I found an entrance to the tunnels, but when I went inside there weren’t any orbs or light at all.” Maevis did not say anything, but lightly inclined his head in clear encouragement to continue. “And I kind of walked around in the dark for a little bit and then this torch just...kind of lit up.”

The magician’s eyes narrowed as he considered her words. “A torch?”

She nodded. “But the fire was weird. It didn’t burn and wasn’t hot and didn’t...really look like fire.”

“How do you mean?”

“It was...kind of wavy, but...like this,” she moved her hand back and forth, trying to imitate the way she remembered the flames slowly danced. Maevis’s expression made her nervous. “And there were more of them and the when I got to the end, there was a big room with holes in the walls and...there were bones inside. People.”

Maevis rubbed his chin pensively as he contemplated what she had said. “And you say they...spoke to you?”

She bit her lip and nodded. “Yes.”

“What did they tell you?”

“...they just kept repeating the Gold Prophecy.”

Maevis’s serious and thoughtful composure slipped and he looked at her with an expression of incredulity. “What? That old thing again?”

She only shrugged, her brows furrowed. She looked down at her feet, her hands wringing. “It’s everywhere...”

“Nenani,” he said patiently, cupping her cheek and bending down to look her in the eye. “I know such things sound terribly frightening. And that is not to say they cannot be dangerous. But it is important to remember this about prophecies: they are often lies wrapped in a thin veil of truth.”

“But why did they speak to me?” she asked, feeling the prickle of tears forming at the corner of her eyes.

The magician’s eyes softened and he looked at her sadly. “Do you remember when you asked me to evaluate whether you had been cursed?”

“Yes,” she said. “I do.”

“Well, my dear child, I am afraid I was not completely honest with you at the time. It is true what I said; there isn’t a speck of malignant magic about you,” he was quick to explain, but then paused as though mulling something over in his head. He sighed deeply and told her, “...but you are touched by magic.”

“...touched?” she asked quietly, not understanding him.

“Yes. Those who are touched by magic often draw arcane forces to them under no fault of their own. Magic is attracted to magic by its very nature the same way two water droplets will pull towards one another as they fall down a pane of glass. And wild magic can be very damaging if proper protections are not put into place. I believe that may be why your village thought you were cursed.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but it died on her lips.

“Now, you have not done anything wrong, little one. I need to you understand and believe it. I do not know why these graves are there or who they use to be,” Maevis brushed his finger under her eye to wipe away a tear. “But you do not need to fear them. If these spirits had any ill will or intentions, I would know about it.” He paused and then said, “They may even be trying to help you.”

“It won’t go away,” she whispered, her throat feeling tight and it was hard to speak. “I hear it everywhere. In my dreams. All the time. And then the attack happened and….he came. In my dreams, they said he would come and he did. I don’t know what they want. Keral doesn’t think he’s after me, but I can’t help but think it. I’m scared, Maevis. The smoke mage...he scares me so much.”

Maevis pulled her into his arms and tucked her head into his shoulder as she shook with emotion and fear. “The Smoke Mage will never get close enough to harm anyone. And by the Gods, I most certainly won’t let him ever harm you.”

She could hear the distant clang of metal upon metal and her uncle screaming at the smoke mage as they battled on the boat. Her heart ached as she recalled the image of her dear uncle’s face as he bled out and his bright eyes fall dull and dark. His kindness and strength had felt immeasurable to her back then. But he died. Like so many others. Like her father... and mother...

“...I think he killed my uncle.” Her voice was so low that she wasn’t even certain she had said the words. But she felt Maevis’s arms around her stiffen. She started to weep into the maroon robes. “I don’t think Keral is right anymore. But I really wanted him to be right because I know he would do his best to find the Smoke Mage and stop him and I know you are too, but...”

“Nenani...”

“...he’s looking for me,” she sobbed. “He’s trying to find me. But I don’t know why!”

The arms round her shifted and she was unexpectedly swept up into the magician’s arms. He held her tightly and swayed back and forth, whispering sweet nothings into her ear and for a moment, she could almost pretend he was her uncle and not a temporarily shrunk Vhasshalan magician. “Shh. No tears, little one. Shh...oh, you poor child.”

“This Smoke Mage is a mad man,” Barnaby said, his face hard and pensive. He had been mostly silents, content to watch and observe, but there was pain in his eyes. “He has power yes. But he is still human and only one at that. He can be stopped.”

“The might of Vhasshal is behind us,” Maevis said to them all, still rocking Nenani. “He will not succeed in whatever his intentions are.” He spoke to Nenani then, voice quiet and reassuring. “My dear, think of all the people who love you; Farris, Yale, everyone in the Kitchens. Lolly, Barnaby and I. Jae here. We will not let him harm you.”

Maevis lowered her into one of the chairs and pulled a handkerchief from his breast pocket, wiping her face and petting her hair as she composed herself.

“I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” she told him, tears pouring out of her.  

“Nor will they.”

“How can you know?”

“It is my intention to uncover his machinations,” Maevis told her firmly, a flash of the hard faced man returning. “What purpose he has for you, I do not know. But Keral and I intend to find out. And perhaps we will start with these catacombs of yours. They may offer us some clues. Perhaps they may even lead us in the right direction, if the bones feel exceptionally chatty today.”

#Dumpling #G/t story #Fantasy #writing #g/t #giant #Vhasshal #Maevis #Barnaby #Jae #Farris #Nenani #Kol #hurt/comfort

[feathered-hype]

There was much fussing to be had at the Homestead as Falkner squinted in front of his desktop computer screen. Technology was by no means his strong suit... And as he worked tirelessly that morning to set up the webcam and microphone, there were times where he honestly wanted to give up! 

“I just hope this works...” the bird nerd scanned the instructions on paper one last time while adjusting his reading glasses as they slid down the bridge of his nose. 

For now there was a blank square in the middle of the monitor, yet Falkner fidgeted in his seat lightly at the anticipation that any minute now his dad was going to pop in on that little screen. Oh it was like waiting for Christmas morning~!

A wide grin settled on his face as he turned to Fang, who of course was being the best of boys sitting idly by for the big show.  “Aren’t you excited? We’re gonna see ‘im!” 

The Arcanine let out a loud bark as he slightly wagged his tail. He quite honestly didn’t understand any of this...but, seeing Falkner happy was always a good thing. 

And as if he was summoned out of the aether, a little phone jingle started to ring along to a static picture of one that wiggled back and forth in the black square. The bird nerd nearly jolted upright with excitement before putting the headset on. “Alright! Alright this is it...you ready?” 

Fang barked again, letting his tongue roll out of the side of his mouth with the panting getting heavier and his tail thumping harder. 

He presses the button, and just who appears on the screen is nothing short of a glowing moment for the bluette as his heart swells with longing and happiness to see him, Walker Hayato. 

“Heeyyyy there son! How are you doin’?” the man glows back at him, he’s getting a little older now. There’s more wrinkles that shape themselves around Walker’s eyes and mouth, but still his own blues flicker with youth and spirit.

“I’m good!” If it were possible for Falkner to smile any wider, it would reach back to his ears. Fang barks more aggressively once he sees Walker, nearly bumping himself into the desk to get closer to the screen. Though while the bird nerd starts to panic, his father only laughs more loudly.  

“It’s good to see you too Fang! Have you been makin’ sure Falkner stays well?” 

“--Ohhh I’ve been alright!” A dismissive wave of his hand is sure to follow, but Fang stops, giving him a hard grumble and a look to match it. This, one could be sure, did not go unnoticed by his Father.  

“Are you sure?” there was a slight quirk of a brow. “I hope you’ve been goin’ to the doctors regularly still.”  “Yes...”  “Takin’ your medicines?”  “Yeah...”  “Well good, don’t forget those things are probably still important to do.”  “I know...” 

Walker’s sharp look of sterness lingers for a few moments, he could see the typical response Falkner was doing. Hiding behind his flopping hair to keep half of his face covered, looking guilty. 

However Falkner’s eye flicked over to the shape that lingered behind his Father. “Who’s that??” He practically blurted out, though whether or not that was a trick to get to be dodgy on further questioning, it definately worked. 

“Hmm?” Walker turned his head over to the Pokemon beside the kiosk in the Pokecenter. “Oh, this is Screech. He’s a Noivern.” another mischevious glint appeared in the older man’s eye. “I got him from the same region I got ya’ that Hawlucha.~”

The Pokemon could be heard making an excited ‘ackackackack!’ sound as it chattered its teeth from being mentioned. Even the ears were humming in vibration with pleasure, though it made Falkner’s low quality headset pop and crackle. This...didn’t really make sense, and the bird nerd tilted his head. 

“What happened to Petunia then?” 

A hard pause. Though...Walker’s expression said it all. The air escaped from Falkner’s silent breath as he read his Father’s lips more than he heard the words. 

“She passed away.” 

“P-passed!?” the bird nerd gasped the life back into himself. “Since when?” 

“About six months ago.”  “H-how!?” 

Much to his shock and disbelief, Walker only chuckled lightly. “Age. She was old Falkner, it happens to the best of us...”

“And ya’ didn’t think to tell me!?” 

“Well...” now it was his Father who seemed to be more guilty. “I didn’t want ya’ to be sad about it just yet...and I was greiving too.” The silence from his son did not reassure him, nor did the saddened look he wore when just moments ago he looked so happy. “It’s alright...” he cooed. “She lived a long, happy life and went peacefully in her sleep.” 

There was a soft sigh, and a slump to his shoulders as Falkner looked down to take a moment of silence to think his peice before looking back up. Admittedly it was very welcoming to see Walker shoot him a smile, an old familiar comfort he would come to rely on when he was getting the blues as a kid. 

“She sure loved to sit on me when I was misbehavin’ huh?” 

His father let out a sudden sharp laugh. “Oh yes! I remember that! I think she thought you were her chick after awhile, maybe me jokingly callin’ you her mom convinced her of such over time.” 

Now Falkner laughed a little himself too, letting himself relax as the conversation flowed naturally about their fond memories instead. Of the house, their Saturday morning cartoon watching, movies... The good times lasted for a few hours in fact. But none of it felt wasted as the bird nerd soaked in the precious moments he got to talk to his dad face-to-face, well, sort of.

“I’m gonna be going to Galar soon, but lemmie tell you I’m certainly gonna be missing Alola.” Walker chuckled fondly of the thought.  “I bet!” by now Falkner was grinning more again. “You look tan....I don’t think I’ve ever seen that!”  They both laughed in a similar way.  “Yeah I guess not, huh? The sun’s just so nice and warm here, I may have to fly south in the winter from now on.” “Well I definately wouldn’t blame you if you did.~” “I’ll bring you along too next time I do, how’s that? It’s close enough to Kanto!”  The bird nerd nearly jumped into the screen like he would have loved to hug him right now. “I’d love that!” His reaction garnered another amused chuckle.  “Good, good. I’ll let you know.” 

Walker looked over to the clock at the Pokemon Center for just a peek. By now he was the last one sitting at the kiosks to facetime relatives, it said 11:34pm. “Gosh, would you look at the time! I should get goin’...” His father turned to look at Falkner again, but leans in with a bit of a mischevious look on his face. 

“But hey, listen before I do...I’m sending you something in the mail.”  “Y-you are?” 

By then Falkner was trying to suppress his disappointment over the fact that his Father had to go...he was having so much fun!

“Mhm.” another nod. “I think you’ll like it, I won’t needing it anymore. And before you ask it’s not any new Pokemon-- yet.~” 

Now the bird nerd was the one leaning in too. “Well, now I’m curious!!”  “I can’t tell ya’, it’s a surprise, you’ll just have to wait.” 

The older man’s grin only grew a bit wider when he heard the muffled protests of his son.~  “H’oookay...” he was still huff lightly though. Mark his words!  “But, on that note I’ll let you get goin’. I’ll talk to you soon.” Walker kept a steady gaze at Falkner as he spoke those words in earnest. “Alright?” 

“Alright...” the bluette nodded a bit slower, he’d try his best to remember that. “I love you..”  “I love you too, son.”  “And happy Father’s Day~!”  The last image Falkner sees is the bigger smile on Walker’s screen before the call disconnects. He lets out a bit of a sigh...he’s missing him already. But--! Slowly and surely he makes sure to grin himself too, knowing that soon. 

--Soon they will speak again.~

#drabble #fathers day #death tw

[sentofighta]

[[ i have to just rant a little bit about machina’s lcie incognito time. my memories of the game are foggy since it has been a while since i played it but let me go with what i remember, hopefully haha. sorry in advance if this is jumbled, im just writing things which comes to my mind. when i find proper time to replay and catch up on some readings here and there, i will do a better one sobs.

but yes. machina’s personality started to shift to the worse after attaining the byakko lcie focus. i think it has to do with the crystal (aka cid?) talking to him, urging him to fulfil his focus. i find it now amusing that he could have been the perfect spy to take the vermilion bird’s crystal, or at least snoop around to find where it is for the white tiger to come and sweep in to take it but oh well. i guess no one kind of believed that he could do that with how tight the security would be ofc. also probably not sure if someone who acquired that power would be able to like properly use it, not until he left the academy after a certain time frame (bridge chapter when he finally broke tm.)

Anyway, that question aside, his personality. With the lcie power in effect, i can imagine how confusing and painful it was for him. to fight your own thoughts and someone’s voice in your head, slowly and gradually forget who you are, why you are fighting for and for whom. Machina’s conviction was not strong to let him remember these things after the white tiger’s crystal power took over him. Instead of machina, we have incognito, a lcie with no recollection of why he fights, but simply fights to test his power? to prove he can fight? to acquire new powers? incognito does what the focus (cid) is telling him to do, fight, he fights, go back and be on stand by, he will do that. it is funny that he, now a lcie did not even think to challenge the zeroes when they went into ingram. cid probably knew, if not for sure that even after being a lcie he is not strong enough to take them down because they will not kill him. yes, i can see that the zeroes wont kill him, more like just pity him more and it would be more lethal than killing him. 

ok. so machina slowly forgetting who he is, is just painful for anyone who would talk to him knowing that it is him. Even before leaving the academy he will not be that upbeat and friendly guy, no. it can’t be helped when he no longer hear himself, but someone else’s voice. plus the whole jealousy towards the zeroes for being strong and way ahead of him--so far away he cannot hope to reach them. former classmates from Class TWO would know something is wrong but not sure anyone would really comment on that because one) not many where left in the class to begin with two) machina had been somewhat hard to reach at times so i can assume they’ll be like yep he is back at it again, trying to be stronger and ignoring us. 

his speech pattern will be less colorful. his answers and replies will be short and concise unless he had to explain something which he feels daunting to do. usually, he would have strike conversations with others but now he will steer away from conversations. only butt in when the conversation is about rem. that nervous timid at times hint in his voice (sometimes the excited puppy noises) no more. it feels like you are dragging words out of him if he was not in the mood (can you blame someone questioning what is going on inside his brain?)

It’s just sad that probably his last line to rem was that he is going to protect her, protect orience, everything was twisted in his brain and used against him. shakes my fist. leave my child alone, baldy! why it is sad to think he cannot recognize faces when he became incognito, i mean he didnt realize he is fighting rem until whoops stabbing her. thanks to the intervention of the crystal, i can picture that he suffers from something similar to prosopagnosia, but not that severe (maybe because he mentally knows what he did wrong so he cannot in a way look at anyone’s face and be comfortable. he betrayed everyone. he feels shame. all that is just killing him as well.)

incognito machina is just....white black filter. acually just dull black. nothing is there, just the sense he has to keep doing whatever he is doing and prove that he can fight too. lost. sad. young man. fighting himself and not knowing this fight is a lost one. dont touch me. im krying.

thanks for coming to my ted talk. please. hand over your tissues.  

#⌈⌈ooc. (faty speaks) #⌈⌈building up. (machina) #[[i swear i was going somewhere then...brain ded #[[bt uuughh you know right???? hes just total different and it hurts boohoo #[[my son why #[[when you fear yourself too sobs #[[whhhyyrrrhhyyy #[[listen .i will rework this once i get time #[[but have my trash ted talk #[[in short he got to be 90 years old in a 17 years old filled with just disappear and anger and sadness and fear #[[and no one noticed. i am just. smad. no one took a moment to say hey dude you need to talk #[[waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa #[[pans and pots whyyyhyhyhyhyhyhyhyhyhyhyyhyhhy #[[why #[[just why #[[answer me why #[[why you no herp him #[[i mean in your defense he was getting the jerk vibes i would have slapped him too but at least i would slap him #[[not see him crumble before my eyes smh #[[anyway. uh. i think i can ...do stuff now. #[[welp or just go watch animu and cry silently about my child

[squeiky]

Honestly papyrus and sans are the #1 deltarune teasers.

From the door... To papyruses little Easter "egg". Tp the gaster connections :/

(ps: papyrus is way more connected to gaster than sans is. )

Then the "dont forget" <- take it literally friends you seriously want to remember small tib bits in both games.

The sans wink in deltarune.. The fact that they seem...wary of the player. In fact, they talk directly to us. And even add sound effects! How kind.

Reminds me of lancers mp3. Its a cute sound effect.

Tbh, they remind me of those kids tv shows.

You know? Where they are talking someone and look directly at YOU, and go "can you find this?" Or "what should i do?" Or "what do you think?"

Like.. Elmo, or dora the exlporer. Or something.

I could go off on papyruses flying ability, or sans timestopping, time manipulating.. Just a bunch of things about time tbh. Or papyruses... Strange music in his room, or his apperent blasters, pr the fact that he looks similar to gaster....

(i messed with both gaster/mysteryman and papyruses sprite a bit. I just flipped papyrus's default face, ontop of gasters. I guess they are just 2 eggs. Beacuse they seriously have that egg shape apperance. So we have 2 eggy bois and i love it.)

Okay i dont want to go to much on papyruses frequent wall breaking which is like 24/7 and how he knows about alphys... Or the fact that she works in a laboratory... Or how the bone brothers barely know anything about the other, and how it was pointed out by the shopkeeper that she cant tell if they are related or not..

( someone said the shopkeeper has a sister soo..)

Or how similar sans is to lancer... Or how similar he is to literally everything in deltarune. Actually he's so connected to deltarune, you cant even see him die. He supposedly gets "tired" and runs away, exactly how with the nightners.

(Personally i dont think he died. He has an arrange of sound effects,( papyrus included) such as drums and what not.)

He bleeds like the nightners. According to lancer they have a blood bucket, and someone to clean up the "blood" (i think they do, i forgot their name) and how apperently know about blood to the extent of how it works, and know how to use it as a joke and not freak out. (I.e. That one kid and noelle) to the loint of having a janitor to clean it up. And sans is the only undertale character to bleed, and walk away. Seeing as monsters IMMEDIATELY dust after being brought to 0 hp. And not bleed to death, as sans does. Which sucks alot but oh well. the ICE-E crossword, that only exists in deltarune.. That sans has in undertale.

And the connects with papyrus is more undertale related/ gaster related than deltarune related.

So mabye i was wrong and sans is more of a hint for deltarune + lancer (from his bike, to prankster personailty, to clothes, to his ENTIRE HOME.)

(the castle is filled with those forever smiles that sans has. Which is funny cause that castle is in shambles and is obviously has a terrible king in charge, and its really depressing how lancer's dad was nice, but not anymore. But yeah KEEP SMILING YA SACK O POTATOES.)

(To the benches that sans has in the fundraiser)

OH OH OH ! AND THE FACT THAT PAPYRUS REFERS TO UNDERTALE AS "HIS GAME!" AND CONNECTION WITH TOBY FOX (and possibly the temmies) AND WITH GASTER POSSIBLY BEING APPART IN DELTARUNE THATS VERY VERY INTRESTING IS IT NOT?

I mean what do you think?

Though i dont understand the "you hear a trousle of bones" in deltarune. And sans says "my little brother"..

Like how old are you sans that it conerns me. You even befriended toriel, which personally sounds awsome.

(People draw kris as if he would hate that, but kris is such a prankster, he and sans would be besties like-)

Also how young exactly is papyrus here? Asriel is obviously younger than papyrus in undertale, by using him as a ruler, papyrus and sans shouldn't be so..... Young? Adult age atleast not..babybones.

Unless papyrus indeed does the trick that goner kid did, and just doesn't exist in deltarune, due to his connection with gaster and his connection to undertale.

Unless im wrong, and asriel was just born before papyrus and sans came to snowdin, which might mean he would be older but... UGH THIS IS CONFUSING BUT THERE SHOULDN'T BE BABYBONES PAPYRUS ANYWHERE BEACUSE EVERYONE IS THE RESPECTIVE AGE OF UNDERTALE, INCLUDING ASRIEL AS DUE TO HIS CONSTANT RESETS HE'S PROBABLY ALOT OLDER THAN WE REALISE!!!!!!!!

And that papyrus cannot be connected to sans, unless toby says so.

Otherwise papyrus cant exist in deltarune, and sans has another brother or something.

Also undertale papyrus and sans are alot.more diffrent than you realise.

Actually their roles where reversed at a time! Cool huh?

Papyrus is seen being pretty depressed, while somewhere, i cant remeber where, but it is said that sans wans't always this lazy.

Which means....

ROLE REVERSION!!! Cool right?

Before you OFFICALLY MEET papyrus and sans, sans is constantly trying to cheer papyrus up with jokes

(terrible pun are normally a thing of inexperience. Unless on purpose. But he has a joke book. Most likely papyrus's book beacuse of the constant puns papyrus makes, that are really good! Papyrus is the only one who has a book shelf, so probably the quatum physics is his too. As he needs SOMETHING FOR THAT FREAKING BRIDGE. And why would you need a book if you already know all the jokes? :/ also im pretty sure either he recites it for toriel (which hes not aware is toriel) or its for papyrus. Either one makes sense. Even both)

Anyways sans was alot more hopeful and papyrus was a lot LESS hopefull. Only by meeting you, the PLAYER err... Human! He regains his hope back!

Sans is also homesick. Undertale isn't his home, he doesn't feel happy with going to the surface either.

Deltarune is the only place he truely seems at home, happy, joyfull. And even owns a...

Bar!! :DDD probably got handed it thx to grillby!

And has a freind named alphys who is just as nerdy as she was before. But now a nerdy teacher~

(WHICH CAN RELATE! I HAVE SO MANY NERDY TEACHERS IN MY SCHOOL LMAO ITS AWSOME, I GET TO TALK ABOUT ANIME LIKE-)

And not some depressed scientist with an anxiety and peer pressure.

Like no wonder he's homesick.

No wonder papyrus feels a bit "down lately." He gets the sucky version.

I guess when your suck in a strange place, a different home you lose alot of hope, rather than gain some.

Or hp. What ever you want to say. Hp= HoPe ? Sure why not i guess.

I mean, im trying to write my goddamn comic, and its gonna be hard to keep all my notes conistent.

Cause just rewatched their whole introduction and im like-

GODDAMIT PAPYRUS DO YOU NEED A HUG? FRISK MOVE, MAKE THIS GUY HAPPY. YES! THAT CONVERSATION ALSO FILLS ME WITH DETERMINATIOM! I CANT BELIEVE ITS CALLED THE "BOX ROAD" THANKS TO 1 FRICKING BOX.

YES SANS CHEER UP YOUR SUPPOSED BROTHER WITH DESPERATE JOKES AND FUNNY COMEDY AND POSSIBLE SOUND EFFECTS.

YES PAPYRUS SMILE, YES PAPYRUS GET MAD AND MARCH OFF LAUGHING HAPPILY WITH THAT ONE BACKBONE PUN.

PAPYRUS NO DONT GO BACK TO BEING Sad- goddammit he left my screen AND HES BAck... Aww... :(

What? Yes sans? He's been feeling down lately? Seeing me could cheer him up?

AWWWWwWwWWWwWwww thats so SWEEETTTTT

THANK YOU FOR TALKING TO ME DIRECTLY LIKE YOU SHOULD BTW. AS IM NOT FRISK, I AM A REAL HUMAN, USING FRISK AS A VESSEL AS I TOWER FROM ABOVE. AND YES I DO SEE YOUR FACE PAPYRUS FROM THE DIALOUGE BOX AND YOU LOOK AMAZING.

*Papyrus realises he doesn't have ears

[Facepalms]

*theres.just a bunch of makeup and sludge on the floor.

[Covers face]

*why does he even carry that?

[Peaks a little and whispers]

"Its always important to carry makeup on. You never know when you need it. Like now."

*papyrus nods his head thoughfully.

#papyrus #sans #undertale #deltarune #frisk the human #frisk #undertale frisk

[davieslandon]

Discord Thread || Harry and Landon

Discord thread featuring: Landon & @theharrykingston

Mentions: @lorencourtier @romanbeckett @aaronhart93

When: July 1st

Description: Landon tells Harry that Loren broke up with him. 

Trigger Warnings: breakup talk, sad Landon

Harry

Harry hadn't actually realised that a few days had gone by. That wasn't because he was disassociating, or had been lost down some rabbit hole of the past. He'd actually been writing... For the first time in months, he had a real muse and a real desire to write. Harry was so overdue to publish the next book in his series, he was giving George R.R. Martin a run for his money. But, over the course of a few days he was almost done with the first draft, ready for the editing houses. There was just... One thing he wanted to do before he sent it off. During the time that they had been together, Harry had always had Landon read his drafts. He really respected the thoughts and insight the other man gave, and now that they were back in each others' lives... He just thought that maybe it might... Put some common ground back between them... As friends, of course. Harry had sent a few texts, but after a couple hours with no response, not even a read sign, Harry got worried. He called and Uber and rode across town to his house... Their house... Knocking on the door, he waited patiently for the answer. "Hey-- I-- I texted you and I-I got no response, I just th-thought I'd come and check in... Is everything okay?"

Landon

Landon wasn’t sure how he managed to get from Loren’s place all the way to his own. He drove, that he knew for sure, but he couldn’t actually remember the journey. How could he when all he could think about was Loren saying he didn’t think Landon really loved him. That this wasn’t working out and it was better if they ended things now. Landon really thought he finally found someone understanding that he could love and move on from all the drama. How stupid of him. He paid the babysitter as soon as he got back and somehow kept his composure for long enough to put Elle to bed but, as soon as he was alone, he was done. Landon collapsed onto the couch and took heaving breaths, trying to keep his sobs in but it wasn’t working. Soon enough he was crying, trying his best to keep it down so as not to wake up Elle. The part thing he was expecting was a knock on the door and he had half the mind to ignore it but...what if it was something important? So he wiped his face to his best of his ability and opened the door, coming face to face with Harry. “Oh, hey. I wasn’t expecting you today”, he said, trying to muster up a smile. “Everything’s fine. My phone’s just out of battery so I put it on charge. Thanks for checking in though.”

Harry

Harry knew as soon as his eyes set onto Landon that he was not okay. Even after the space that was put between them from him, even after all these years... Harry knew exactly what Landon looked like after he'd been crying. What he looked like when he was hurt. He could feel his own heart hurting. "Landon..." He said softly as the other tried to smile and pretend. "I-- You never were very good at l-lying," Harry gave a small half smile as he sighed and lifted his brows a little. "I came t-to make s-sure Elle was okay but... I don't want t-to leave knowing you're not..."

Landon

Landon should have known Harry would see right through his lie but he couldn’t even bring himself to care right now. He was too hurt and tired to keep up the act and he shrugged, avoiding his ex-husband’s eyes. Moving to the side, he let Harry walk in and led the way to the living room. This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have next to the front door. Once they were both sitting down, Landon tried to think of the best way to say it but in the end decided to go with the truth. “Loren broke up with me.”

Harry

Harry walked into the house and closed the door after him, slipping his shoes off and handing his coat up before following Lan through into the living room. He got a really strong sense of home whenever he was in this house, especially now that, for the most part, he and Landon were actually getting along. It had been a rough month of constant fighting and bickering but... Perhaps they really could do this. Harry didn't say anything when they sat down, he knew that Landon was just trying to find the right words and of course Harry would give him the time to do that. If anyone knew what not being about to get your thoughts out was like, it was Harry. What he didn't expect was what came, though... Harry's heart sunk. Had he been glad that Landon was dating again? No... But, had he been glad that he was happy? Of course, more than anything. "Landon I--" he sighed heavily, looking to Landon just to make sure he wasn't completely closing down before gently just placing an arm around his shoulders. He knew that if Landon wanted more, if he needed a hug, he'd turn into him. "I'm really s-sorry, Lan... I really am..."

Landon

Landon wasn’t sure what else he could say. He thought things were going well between them and instead it was the other way round. This wasn’t something that he saw coming and it made everything so much worse. How was he supposed to look Harry in the eyes after he argued with him over the same guy who broke up with him so unexpectedly? Landon even wanted to introduce him to Elle. How stupid could he be? Maybe he wasn’t as good of a dad as he liked to think he was. “It’s fine, I should have expected it really”, he smiled bitterly. “Why does everyone I love leave?” He turned to Harry, desperately looking for an answer that he was probably not going to get.

Harry

Harry couldn’t help but be glad that they had never introduced Elle to Loren. He had absolutely no right to think that considering everything he’s done to his own daughter, but still... He couldn’t help but allow the thought to cross his mind. Harry would never say that out loud though, he wanted to support his ex husband, not put him down even more. Being such an empath, Harry didn’t think that he could feel anymore of Landons pain than he already was... But then he went and said that. Harry’s heart dropped to his stomach, tugged down by tons of weight. “I—“ He really had no response. “I’m sorry...” Harry said gently before pulling Landon into a hug properly. “*Im so s-sorry, Landon...” He muttered gently as he closed his eyes to stop himself from crying. “I promise you it— it’s not you... You’re... You’re the best person I-I have ever met, Landon...”

Landon

Landon knew that Harry couldn’t give him an answer to his question, no one could. But he wasn’t thinking clearly so when his ex-husband looked like he didn’t know what to say...it crushed Landon. He let himself be pulled into a hug, squeezing Harry tightly almost as a way of grounding himself. “If it’s not me then why? Everyone leaves. I’m barely even talking to Roman and Aaron, you left...now Loren...I can’t. I c-can’t do this anymore.”

Harry

As Landon gave into the hug and squeezed him as if his life was depending on it, Harry just held him closer and tighter, one hand on the back of his head. “R-Roman and Aaron haven’t left, L... a-and I— I’m sorry I left. But— i— I’m back... For you, for Elle... I’m not going anywhere a-again, okay?” He sniffled and took a shaky breath. “I promise Landon... I’m not leaving... Youre not alone...”

Landon

Landon felt so alone. Just when he was slowly starting to get over the hurt of Harry leaving, this happened. He was in a good place, thinking that he could finally be somewhat happy with Harry back to help him raise Elle and Loren by his side. It’s true that Harry was gone for four years but he was here now and they could work on moving forward. Maybe he could stop fearing his ex-husband leaving again. All his fears were back and doubled now that his boyfriend, the person he was falling in love with and went all the way to France for, broke up with him. He wanted to believe Harry and his promise but he was just...done. He was done being played. “O-okay...yeah. I’m sorry.” Sorry for their fight in the park over someone who wasn’t even going to stay, sorry for not answering his texts and worrying him, sorry for breaking down...Landon wasn’t sure what he was really apologizing for.

Harry

Harry wanted to find a way to contact this guy, to give him a piece of his mind however hypocritical that may seem. He was by no means a violent person, in fact, Harry had never hit anyone or anything in his life before but seeing Landon hurting like this... It boiled his blood. Then there was the fight inside him, the little voice telling him that this was how Landon was when he left, when he broke his heart... If Harry hadn't already had that defining moment that made him realise he wasn't going anywhere, this would have been it too. Sure, they had probably burnt all of their bridges when it came to a relationship but... Harry wanted to be here for Landon too. As... Whatever it was Landon needed. "You have nothing to be s-sorry for..." He said, trying to be as stern as he could so that message got across to his ex-husband. "None of th-this is your fault," Harry hugged him tightly, sighing gently. "It's gonna be okay, Landon..."

Landon

In a way, this all seemed like a repetition of everything that happened with Harry when he left four years ago, even though not to the same extent. He and Loren weren't married or raising a child together and they hadn't been together as long as he and Harry had been, but the similarities were still there. Landon still felt rejected, hurt and abandoned. He thought what they had was...important. Although now he realised how stupid he was being to think like that for someone he'd been with for such a short time. That was the problem with Landon. It took him a while to be convinced in giving things a try with someone, but once he did he was all in. No more. He couldn't get hurt again, he just couldn't take it anymore. "I guess I know that in a way but I just feel so stupid crying over someone who left me because I didn't love him enough." Landon wanted to believe Harry's words, he really did, but history showed him otherwise. He didn't want to worry his ex-husband more than he probably already was so he just nodded, trying to calm himself down. 'Yeah, yeah, you're right."

Harry

Seeing Landon like this... It brought every memory flooding back to Harry, everything from the last few months of their marriage, everything from the cabin, from seeing him again at Throuple, everything Aaron had said to him. It was almost overwhelming. It made him want to stand up and bolt out the door, afraid of confronting and seeing pain he's caused. But, Aaron was wrong. Aaron was wrong, he wasn't going to run away as soon as it got hard. This was hard. But he needed to stay, needed to prove to himself that he could, and to Landon that he would... Slowly, he pulled away from the hug, but stayed close, hip to hip. "You'll find-- s-someone," Harry said, his voice soft and quiet. Carefully, reading Landon's eyes in case he was overstepping, Harry lifting his hands which were shaking a little, and wiped Landon's cheeks and under his eyes clear of tears. "You are more th-than enough, I-- I wouldn't want t-to raise a child with anyone else... Even under our circums-stances now..." He sighed gently, raising his brows softly. "He's an idiot for letting you th-through his fingers... A-And leaving you behind... Just like I was..."

Landon

Landon scoffed at the mention of finding someone else and shook his head. "No thanks. I think I'm done with dating and serious relationships. I've given it a good try and ended miserable every single time so now I'm done." He knew he was probably sounding really dramatic but Landon was being very serious. He couldn't go through this again, he just couldn't. All his walls were up and they weren't likely to come back down any time soon. Love could go fuck itself because it brought him nothing but pain. Landon smiled at Harry's words about raising Elle together. Through all of this, the only thing that made him feel a little better was the knowledge that Loren's exit from his life wasn't going to affect his daughter in any way. It crushed him but as long as it was just him, he would live through it. He didn't want to imagine what he would have felt if he had to tell Elle that someone she'd gotten close to because of him was leaving and never coming back. Harry talking about them raising Elle together reminded him of one of the last conversations he had with Loren where his boyfriend...ex-boyfriend....asked him if he would ever want more children. How did they go from that to break up? "He asked me, you know. At the wedding reception. He asked me if I would ever want to have more kids...with you."

Harry

A lot of people might have rolled their eyes at Landon's statement. They might have passed it off, saying that he was just being dramatic in the moment and give it a couple days, his thoughts on the matter would be different. But, Harry knew Landon. Even with the 4 years they had missed from each others lives, he knew Landon. There was a deadly seriousness behind that sentence, especially behind those last two words. I'm Done. Harry knew that feeling... To a certain extent, he still did. Even with Dorian... Harry was a pessimistic person, he didn't expect it to last. He didn't expect Dorian to stick around through all his lows. Everything came, and everything goes. Those were the two absolutes of living. Harry was almost certain he'd had his shot at happiness... He missed. There was nothing to be done about it. "If you do... If you don't-- th-that's okay..." Harry ran his thumb over Landon's cheek before bringing his hands back down and putting an arm behind Landon again, just in case... Just in case the other needed another hug. Though, what he said surprised him and there was no way to hide that kind of shock. "What a-- s-strange question for him t-to ask," he blinked a few times before furrowing his eyebrows and looking to him. "What did you s-say?"

Landon

Maybe Landon would change his mind once the wound wasn't so fresh any more but he didn't think that was likely.  How many times who could he open himself up to someone only to have it thrown back in his face? It wasn't fair. But he didn't want to say that out loud because he knew it would make him sound like a whining four year old. And he wasn't. He was a twenty eight year old father to the most amazing little girl he had ever met. That was what he needed to focus on whenever he felt like everything was getting to be too much, which it often did. "I didn't think anything of it at the time...honestly I just saw it as a way of taking an interest in a future together? But, once again, that was very stupid of me", he sighed. "What do you think I said? I said no. I mean, can you imagine us having more kids other than Elle in the situation we're in?"

Harry

Harry felt himself sighing at almost the same time as he ex-husband. He didn't know what to say to make him feel better, he didn't know whether Landon wanted him to stay, even if they just ordered food and watched TV in peace and quiet, just having company... Was that weird? Did ex-husbands usually do this? Harry supposed you couldn't really compare them to anyone else, because he'd certainly never heard of anything or anyone in a situation remotely like theirs... That was kind of a blessing and a curse. It meant they got to make up their own rules, but it also meant there was no playbook to go off, no base ground to build on. "No... But--" Harry glanced down at his feet for a moment as he collected some thoughts going around his head. "I-- I think if... which I-I don't think I ever will.. But I th-think if I ever did have kids with s-someone else... I'd-- I'd want you to be in their lives too... A Godfather kinda?" He tried to explain how no matter what, he wanted Landon to be a part of his life. It was far too late to honour his 'for better or for worse' vow but... He wanted to at least respect it. Harry sighed and then decided that he would have a go at perhaps changing the topic so they didn't go around in circles or start arguing. He reached down and unclipped his satchel and took out the manuscript of his book and then placed it in Landon's lap. "That's-- that's for you... You don't-- you don't have to read it, I-I understand if you don't... But-- you always had t-the first copy..." He smiled softly.

Landon

Landon wasn't sure how they ended up talking about potentially having other children, especially since he was always so adamant that he didn't want to have more kids for the time being. He wanted to focus on Elle and enjoy the last few years of his twenties before even thinking of having more children. Yet it was nice to get the opportunity to discuss it. During his conversations with Aaron and Alison about the possibility of them having another child, he sometimes thought about more children of his own. His biggest worry was always how it would affect Elle, having a sibling that did not have Harry as a dad. Obviously he still wanted Harry to be a part of Elle's life but would it be awkward for his ex-husband if Landon ever did end up having more kids? It was something that actually worried him and one of the reasons why he didn't want to think about more kids at the time being. He didn't want to ruin the hesitant truce they had going on. But with the way Harry was talking, maybe they wouldn't have to. "Maybe...that could be nice, I guess." It was weird for him to think of them having more kids other than Elle on their own but he knew it was something that could happen in the future. He doubted it could ever be a possibility for them together.  With Harry now seeing Dorian and him on an indefinite break from relationships, they were clearly both on very different paths. Landon wasn't expecting the manuscript he was given from Harry. "Are you serious?" It was true that he was always the one to get the first copy but he wasn't sure if that was an honour that still fell to him with everything that happened between them. It made a rush of affection to run through him and he pulled Harry in for another hug. "Than you", he whispered. "Of course I'm going to read it and I already know I'm going to love it."

Harry

Harry had no idea where his life was heading anymore, and for the first time that wasn't because he'd given up on it completely. His friendship with Dorian was slowly progressing into something else, and whilst they hadn't had a conversation about anything official, whilst they were still finding their feet and navigating those waters... Harry found himself actively looking forward, wondering what was next. Of course, there were times where Harry was sure that he was reading too much into their kiss at the wedding, or the dinner they had a few days after. But... There was some hope in there, and that was huge for Harry. Talking about kids though with Landon... Being with him like this... It confused him... Harry still loved Landon, that much was true. He wasn't sure he'd ever stop loving Landon, even if he and Dorian did officially get together... "Of course I'm s-serious..." Harry chuckled quietly, not expecting the sudden hug from his ex-husband. Still, he wrapped his arms around him willingly and smiled. "The-- the first copy will always be yours... and Elle's-- when s-she's old enough for them..." He sighed softly as they withdrew from the hug, catching Landon's eyes for just a few moments. There were so many little reminders of what used to be in those eyes, in the way they looked at each other. What they had was still there, underneath all the new and heavy baggage called divorce... Why did he have to leave? "Did you eat t-today?"

Landon

Getting the first copy of Harry’s manuscript filled him with hope that he desperately needed right now. Hope that the more time went by and the more they talked things out, the less arguments they would have. Maybe the first few were necessary to get a few things off their chests but Landon didn’t really want them to keep screaming at each other every time they tried to have a serious conversation. They were both adults and they needed to start behaving as such. When they broke apart from the hug, their eyes caught on each other’s for a few seconds and Landon felt frozen. It was moments like these that he allowed himself to think of what could have been. What would have happened if Harry never left? If Landon wasn’t in that accident? Sometimes he liked to think that they would still be happily married, but other times the thought of it got too painful. Maybe they weren’t meant to work together and their marriage would have ended anyways. Or maybe not. Thinking about what if’s was useless and painful because the past wasn’t going to change, no matter how much they willed it to. And so that’s why Landon was the first one to break eye contact, mentally shaking himself out of his thoughts. “Not really. I haven’t really been in the best mood to cook. Honestly I was just focused on getting Elle to bed once I got home and then...yeah.”

Harry

Harry hadn’t finished a book in four years. He had spent everyday hidden away, writing, but nothing ever finished itself. Nothing ever clicked, there was no life in his writings. But now... Now his family was back together, now they weren’t fighting, now his daughter filled his life with so much light... He had that muse again. The manuscript he had just given Landon was one that would make or break the rest of his career as a writer. Often, unless an author came back with something groundbreaking, once they disappeared from the thoughts of publishers, they were gone forever. Harry had one shot at coming back... He wanted Landon to be the one to read his shot first. It was due to him that he finished it... It was only right, and no matter what happened between them from here on out, Landon would always be the first. Harry sighed gently as Landon said he hadn’t eaten, softly, the writer squeezed his ex-husbands knee before bringing his hands back to himself, sliding one into a pocket and taking out his phone. “Let me order you s-some food... I’ll, er, st-stay until it gets here then— if you want s-space I’ll leave you to it...” Harry said softly, raising his brows pleadingly at Landon.

Landon

There hadn’t been a single book written by Harry that Landon didn’t love. His ex-husband had a way of writing that somehow always made him feel like he was in another world while reading. And so he knew, without even having read it, that this new book was going to be amazing. He didn’t say that to Harry, knowing that the other boy wouldn’t appreciate his words before he even got to read it. “Fine, I guess I can do that”, he shrugged. In reality, Landon didn’t think he could stomach any food but he didn’t want to worry the other more than he probably already was. His ex-husband did so much for him already, he didn’t deserve to worry over Landon’s broken heart as well.

Harry

Harry smiles gently, even if there was a lot of sadness and worry behind it. He felt so guilty right now, guilty for how he had caused this before, how he had caused this now... If he’d never left, then Landon would have never starting seeing Loren, never would have been in this mess... He knew it was almost pathetic to put blame on himself, but that was just who Harry was as a person. He wore his heart on his sleeve and he took everything on board. “Thank you...” He said softly before ordering what he knew was Landon’s favourite meal he could get this side of the ocean. Then, Harry reached for the TV remote and switched it on, finding a channel with something easy watching... Brooklyn Nine Nine would do for now... Light hearted humour, sound down low so as not to wake Elle or hurt anyone’s tired head. He let out a gentle sigh as he relaxed into the couch, trying not to flick his eyes from the TV to look at Landon because he knew if he did, he’d end up staring.

Landon

If there was one thing Landon could call himself an expert on, it was knowing how to read most of Harry’s expressions and this never changed, even with their separation. So he knew that his attempt not to worry his ex-husband wasn’t working very well but he couldn’t do much more. Landon considered himself lucky that at least he wasn’t crying anymore, but anything more than that was impossible at the moment. He watched as Harry ordered sushi, smiling at how much he still knew him. Maybe his favourite take out could make him feel slightly better. Landon leant back and tried to enjoy the peaceful moment of watching a nice comedy on tv but instead found himself fighting to keep his eyes open. The craziness of the day seemed to finally be catching up on him and he figured there was nothing wrong with resting his eyes, just for a few seconds. He should have known that would lead to dozing off.

Harry

Harry felt at ease, in his old home, the place where it all started all those years ago. When he had come here last month to meet Elle again for the first time, he didn’t know if he’d ever not be able to see all the pain that had happened in this house... But now? Now he just felt... Easy. It felt, well, it was home. Harry heard Landon’s breathing slow and become heavier, and he thought about waking him, but decided against it, instead just scooting a little closer so his shoulder could catch Landon’s head as he dropped off into a doze. With a gentle smile, Harry took his eyes off the television and looked down at his ex-husband, the man who still had so much of his heart... He had to fight the urge to kiss his hair even though it was burning inside of him. Harry didn’t really know how much time he spent watching Landon sleeping, all he knew was that watching him felt... So simple. The Uber Eats driver text him to say he was waiting at the end of the drive and gently, Harry slipped out from the couch and picked up the food, quietly bringing it inside and setting Landon’s on a table near him. He went to wake him, but didn’t want to disturb some needed rest, so he opened his own sushi and began eating, glancing between Landon and the TV.

Landon

Landon wasn’t sure what happened. One second he was looking at the tv and thinking about how at least he was feeling a little better, and the next he was startling awake, looking around him in confusion. “Wha- oh”, he said, as soon as he saw Harry eating from his box of sushi. His attempt to rest his eyes had clearly turned into a mini nap. “Sorry about that. It’s been a long day and I guess that took a toll on me”, he said, tiredly rubbing his eyes. He leaned over and grabbed his own box of sushi. “Thanks for taking care of everything.”

Harry

Harry jumped a little as Landon suddenly woke up as if he'd been jolted by something. "Hey," he chuckled gently before giving him a moment to just adjust back to the room. "Don't apologise for d-d-dozing off in your own place," Harry offered a small smile as he gestured to Landon's food on the table. "You're welcome," he said before taking another mouthful of sushi before sighing softly. "I-- I know i-it probably st-still sounds hard to believe at th-the moment but, um... I'm here," he nodded his head a little as he spoke. "Whenever you need it-- A-Always..." Harry gave his ex-husband a little smile, his eyebrows knitted together for a moment. "Whether it's t-taking care of Elle or just... You..." He swallowed a little before snapping his gaze to the TV.

Landon

Landon knew Harry was trying to help and he knew that he had people in his life who cared and would only want what’s best for him but some part of him still felt so alone. This was a bad hit and he wasn’t sure he would be able to get over it any time soon, especially since he still felt like there were things left unsaid between him and Loren. With him leaving, Landon doubted they would get the chance to talk about it again and it made everything feel so much worse. For now, the pain was too much for him to feel anything other than shit but Landon could tell that the pain would eventually make way for anger over the way things ended. He just needed to hold on until then and he knew that Harry was speaking the truth. They might not be together anymore but Landon knew he could count on his ex-husband to be there when he needed him, whether it was for help with Elle or anything else. “Thank you. I know I can count on you and...I think you’ve proven yourself more than enough in the past few weeks.”Message #chapter-one

#discord #c: harry #m: loren #m: roman #m: aaron