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dulltoned · 4 months

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Branch's boyband days are far behind him. Far, far behind him. He's way too busy to be singing and dancing and playing games. He's building the hideout-- his bunker-- and it's a lot of work to dig out the rooms and start collecting all the supplies and provisions he'll need in the years to come. His grandma is gone, he has no idea where his brothers are or when they'll come back, and the rest of the village isn't really his biggest fan. It's just him and he needs to keep his head on straight.

It's not his fault these other trolls won't leave him alone.

A oneshot collection that tries to build a canonical way for Kismet to exist while exploring how the other members of the band came into Branch's life, how they grew to be close friends, and the trials they help each other through along the way

Admittedly, Branch could have planned this better. He left the bunker a few hours ago to restock the wood for his construction supplies and he already had two large bundles but he needed three. He realized a little too late that he didn't really have the means to carry three full bundles through the woods. He glares down at the bundles he already has. He was almost a fully grown troll now, only a few years out from adulthood, and he should've thought about this before he even left the bunker. He's learned the hard way that he can't rely on anyone else and he can't afford to make stupid mistakes like this. The Bergens could show up at any time and if he's unprepared it could mean his death.

"Damn it," He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose to stave off the budding headache. He could probably fashion some sort of strap out of a vine or two so he could carry one of the bundles on his back but he was a long way away from the bunker and he didn't want to hurt himself if he could avoid it. He'd be leaving himself vulnerable if he pulled something and that was an amateur mistake he won't be repeating. It's looking like he might need to make a second trip if he wants to have everything he needs for the next room expansion but a glance up at the sky quickly puts a stop to those plans. The sky is overcast and heavy with dark clouds rolling in. He'd be caught in the storm if he had to walk all the way to the bunker and back again but he'd already collected all the suitable material from around the clearing he's built the bunker in. Any and all wood he could collect would be soaked through and useless if he tried to do two trips. He didn't want the structural support in his walls to be warped after all. "Come on, Branch." He sighs, tapping his foot as he tries to decide the lesser evil. He needs the supplies if he's going to be productive and it'd throw a wrench in his plans to push back the expansion.

He's resigned himself to an aching back when he hears a light humming coming from the bushes to his right. His ears twitch, alert, as he turns to face the incoming stranger. The humming gets louder, occasionally forming mumbled lyrics, and Branch's shoulders rise with building tension as the noise gets closer. He doesn't have time to gather up the supplies and get out of there before he's spotted so he waits anxiously for the inevitable confrontation.

It's not too much longer before a yellow glitter troll emerges from the bushes, pushing aside the foliage with one paw and holding a large handful of red berries in the other. He's singing the last notes of whatever song he had stuck in his head under his breath, seemingly unaware of Branch as he picks some stray twigs from his purple hair and brushes leaves from his trousers. He pops one of the berries into his mouth. Branch is hoping that maybe the other troll will just walk right past him and leave him be. He's never been lucky. The troll stumbles to a stop when he catches Branch out of the corner of his eye and for a few seconds the two just stare at each other with wide eyes. The glitter troll shakes himself from his stupor and offers a soft smile, "Hey, didn't see you there," he greets. There's no judgment or hesitation in his eyes when he talks to Branch and it catches him off guard.

"Uh, hey," He stutters before he can remind himself to ignore the intrusion. The glitter troll doesn't so much as blink at the awkward response though. Instead he pops another berry into his mouth and steps closer to get a better look at the heavy bundles of wood Branch has left on the ground. "Whew, that's a lot of wood." He remarks curiously, turning green eyes to look at Branch more closely. He still doesn't say anything about Branch's gray pelt or the colorless black of his hair and Branch doesn't know when the other shoe will drop but it's starting to make his skin itch. He doesn't like this attention, he feels oddly exposed beneath this random troll's warm gaze. "Are you in construction or something?" Branch raises an unimpressed eyebrow in response. The troll blinks, confused, before he suddenly perks up, "Oh, I'm Boom by the way." Branch hadn't been looking for an introduction but he supposes it's nice to put a name to the face he'd like to avoid.

Branch doesn't reply. He decides that he doesn't know what this troll wants but he isn't inclined to give it to him. He looks back down at his supplies and commits to his backpack idea. He nods sternly to himself and heads off towards one of the nearby trees covered in thick vines and moss tangled in the gigantic bark. He doesn't bother to keep track of Boom as he sets about his task. It takes him a few minutes to assess the tree to determine that the best way to get down the vines would be to climb up and cut them off. He's startled out of his thoughts when Boom makes himself known again.

"So," the glitter troll drawls, popping another berry into his mouth. Branch scowls. "Do you want some help with that?" He asks, not looking away from the vines Branch had been appraising.

"No," Branch grinds out, easily extending his hair up to loop around an especially thick vine that swoops back up all the way into the foliage. He pulls himself up with ease and balances precariously on the thick body of the plant. He digs a small pocket knife out of his pocket and cuts through the vine with a single slice, using the severed end to swing back down to the ground. He doesn't spare a glance at Boom as he estimates the length he'll need before cutting it accordingly.

"Cool," Boom beams. He doesn't gush or awe but he nods at the impressive feat. Not dismissive but not over the top either. Branch can't figure out what he wants. He growls and coils up his vine before stomping back over to his abandoned wood bundles. Boom, of course, merrily follows after him.

Branch does his best to ignore the pest that's latched onto him and shrugs the rolled-up vine up onto his shoulder. Boom only watches on in silence as Branch hefts one bundle of wood up beneath each arm and begins his trek further into the woods. Branch expects the glitter troll to give up after he so rudely brushed him aside but no such luck. Instead, Boom trails after him, popping another berry into his mouth before holding out the dwindling handful in a silent offer. Branch shoots him a dirty look and picks up the pace.

Boom follows. No matter how far into the forest Branch goes Boom is right on his heel. Branch feels his irritation growing until he can't just grit his teeth and bear it anymore. His head falls back with a loud groan before he whips around to face the offending troll, "What do you want!" He demands, glaring daggers at his self-appointed shadow.

Boom blinks. He ran out of berries a few paces back but that still hadn't deterred him from following Branch around like a lost cuddle puppy. "Sorry man, I guess I just figured you could use some company?"

Branch blinks back, brows furrowing, "What could have possibly given you that impression?" He huffs, adjusting the wood in his arms. His arms were already starting to burn and he hadn't ever collected the third bundle yet. He was going to be sore tomorrow but he could work through it he's sure.

"Well you just seemed kind of upset," Boom shrugs with a kind smile on his face like that was a decent excuse.

Branch scoffs and rolls his eyes, "I'm grey." He says like it explains exactly why that was such a ridiculous reason. To him, it does. People around the village avoided him. The adults weren't unkind but they looked at him with undisguised unease and discomfort. A lot of the younger trolls could be borderline cruel. Mocking words were often thrown his way by trolls his age and even if he wanted friends-- which he didn't-- it wasn’t like anyone wanted to spend time with someone like him. He was bad luck; unhappy and miserable just like the Bergens that killed Grandma.

Boom shrugs, "So?" Branch was used to the blind optimism of Troll Village but this was too much.

"What do you think that means?" Branch snarls, his temper rising again.

"That you could use some company." Boom throws back, a smug look sliding across his face when Branch could only blink back. The tables have turned, it seems.

Branch sighs, glaring at the glitter troll who only grinned back unfazed. They stand locked in a stare-down for a minute before Branch rolls his eyes and drops one of his bundles to the floor, rolling his shoulder to ease the ache. It feels good to shift the weight, the one bundle is a much easier burden to carry. "If you're not going to leave you could at least be helpful." He sniffs, turning his glare down to the floor. He likes being alone. There's no one who can disappoint him if there's no one there. There's no one to lose if he has no one to care about. But he can admit that it's lonely. It hurts to be disregarded by the same trolls who watched him and his brothers grow up before BroZone fell apart and Grandma died. He's been tossed aside so carelessly time and time again but Boom still lingered no matter how unkind Branch was. It was stupid how this hesitant yearning sparked in his chest.

Whatever. They weren't friends. He'd probably never see Boom again. If nothing else he can at least get an extra pair of hands out of this.

Boom absolutely beams and scoops up the bundle of wood with a small grunt of effort, "You got it!" He's way too excited for Branch's liking and he looks far too content to be doing manual labor for a stranger in the woods but whatever. If it'll keep Branch from unnecessary pain and keep him on schedule then he'd be an idiot to say no. They travel through the woods in relative silence as Branch picks up more sturdy-looking branches and Boom occasionally hums a stray melody. Boom doesn't lose the bounce in his step for even a second, happily following Branch along, and even occasionally picking up a few stray pieces of wood himself to add to their growing collection. Still, he doesn't say anything unkind or start asking invasive questions. He just follows behind Branch and helps without so much as a complaint. Branch still doesn't understand but he's starting to accept that maybe this was all there was to it and there wasn't some secret agenda lurking around the corner.

"So, what's all this for?" Boom asks when Branch ties up the last bundle and calls their search finished.

Branch narrows his eyes at the glitter troll and hefts up the two bundles. "Why?" He asks, voice thick with suspicion. He appreciated the help but that doesn't mean he was any closer to this stranger than he was before. He's already gotten teased enough about the bunker for a lifetime, thank you very much.

Boom shrugs, "Just wondering," he replies with a lighthearted grin, "You don't have to tell me or anything, I'm just curious." He adjusts the wood held a bit awkwardly in his arms, "It's just a lot, I figured it had to be for something specific."

This has to be some sort of bait. Word got around about the grey troll allegedly living underground, there was no way he hadn't heard something about it, and Branch was the only gray troll in the whole village. He huffs and turns on his heel, starting the long trek back to the bunker. The sky was dark and gray, a near-perfect match for the desaturated color of Branch's skin, and it was clear they didn't have much time before they got caught in the storm. He hears Boom pick up his happy humming as he follows after Branch without so much as a disappointed whine. It does nothing to ease Branch's confusion.

The walk back to the bunker passes in the same way the wood scavenging did and Branch wonders how someone could be so content despite getting no answers about the work they were doing. It's a while before he can see the clearing where the bunker's entrance was located but when he spots it up ahead he swiftly picks up speed. Even only carrying one bundle of wood under each arm he could still feel the weight dragging his shoulders down and he's certain that he's still gonna be sore come tomorrow morning. He can't imagine the way his body would've ached had he forced himself to lug all three bundles back by himself. There's no way in hell he'll tell Boom that.

"You can leave it here." Branch hums, dropping his own two loads onto the grass beside the hidden trap door that would finally bring him home.

Boom blinks in surprise, shifting his armful with uncertainty, "Are you sure? These things are heavy, I'm more than happy to help you take them home." Even after carrying wood through the woods for what couldn't have been any less than two hours the glitter troll is still offering more help. Branch supposes that was the way the troll community worked at its core but he's spent the majority of his life isolated from that both by choice and by circumstance. It's weirding him out.

"This is fine." He replies curtly.

"If you're sure…" Boom trails off, lowering the wood down beside the supplies Branch left on the grass. "I had a lot of fun, though, thanks." The glitter troll smiles over at him, running his hands through that deep purple hair, and Branch looks back in utter confusion.

"We just walked through the woods," Branch huffs. "I made you carry like thirty pounds around for hours." He gestures to the wood at his feet. He just doesn't get this troll and it's starting to really get on his nerves.

Boom shrugs for what must be the umpteenth time and his smile only brightens, "Yeah, but I kind of enjoy the stormy days and I was out for a walk anyway. You're a bit prickly but you don't make bad company." That, Branch knows, is a downright lie. He only raises a disbelieving eyebrow in response but Boom just laughs. "I'll see you around, maybe?" He asks, tilting his head.

Branch shrugs back, "It probably can't be helped." They both lived in the same village after all.

"Cool," Boom nods, offering a cheery wave before turning around and making his leave back the way they came. No more questions. No pushing, no scathing remarks, no disappointment. Nothing. Just a seemingly heartfelt admission of enjoying their time together and a cheerful goodbye. Weird.

Branch shakes his head, rolling his eyes as he opens the hatch and pushes his supplies in first. It's perfect timing, really, as the first roll of thunder rings out just after he hops down into the bunker entrance. He makes sure to fasten all the locks behind him. He hasn't perfected the tech to open and close the hatch at the push of a button so all the locks were manual for the time being. He was almost there, though, he could feel the breakthrough on the horizon. He can hear the rain start to drizzle down as he drags the wood over the elevator platform and it's a soothing sound. He'd probably still be walking back to the bunker if it wasn't for Boom, weighed down by everything they'd collected. Huh. He doesn't give it too much thought as he pushes down the elevator lever, hoping that the thing will work this time and he won't have to haul the wood down the stairs. It's only when the elevator gets stuck halfway down that he realizes Boom never even asked for his name.

#{ isolationist }#| Game Plans |#trolls branch #trolls boom #trolls kismet #trolls band together #dreamworks trolls #hurt/comfort #pre-canon #found family #oneshot #trolls fanfic #Branch is like 15-16 in this #He's been alone for a while but there's still some lingering hope leftover in him #{ More Than a Band }

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alaspice · 1 year

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𝐒𝐨𝐥 𝟎𝟏

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Xavier Thorpe x Reader

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Two years is a long time to be away from Nevermore

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: will be listed when they apply

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1.8k

a/n this starts pre-canon in the school year before Wednesday shows up, This is big time Slow Burn, strap in

Your father’s gaze was not on you this day. Dark clouds hung low and heavy, threatening rain at any moment. Not a glimpse of sunlight was able to peek through. While you usually would have been happy to be out of his all seeing eye, having a parent right now would have been nice. You wanted the lush leather of the office arm chair to swallow you whole.

“Before we start, I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss” Principal Weems tried to be comforting, but it was a phrase you had heard too many times in the past few months.

“Thank you, ma’am.” you never knew how to respond to it either.

“Now.” the older woman spun her chair around so she could reach for a desk drawer. You could hear the click of her heels on the floor as she turned. At her distraction, you spared a glance out of the window. Through the thin curtains you could see forms of people. You could get a flash of a vibrant coat or the shape of a cart rolling belongings around. Weems came back up with a manila folder.

“I understand you have been homeschooled these past two years by your mother.” You nodded your head “your academics are not in question, all of your work has been looked over and is more than adequate for you to be able to continue here.” She turned a page, pausing briefly in her speech to scan the document. “Now, your previous dorm room has been filled already, but I can still put you in Ophelia Hall. How does that sound?”

While it came from a place of good, Principal Weems was trying to be gentle with you; as if a single misspoken word would send you into a frenzy.

“That would be great, thank you.”

“Excellent.” she did some more scanning “Now, I would think your old uniform is a tad too small for you now, so I’ve had a new set sent to your room. Your schedule,” she pronounced it so Britishly “and other papers are all here, so all that’s left is to get you settled in.” she slid the file over to you. As you reach out to grab it, Weems placed her hand over yours, pulling back almost instantly at the heat.

“Sorry ma’am.

“Quite alright.” She examined her hand for any burns. In finding none, she continued “Now I know these past few years have not been easy for you, (Y/N). If you ever need anything, I want you to tell me, alright.” You nodded again, looking directly into her eye “Your guardian has also asked that I set you up with someone local to help you through these times.” You felt your stomach drop “We have a trusted therapist in Jericho who has been excellent in the past. It is all very discrete and...”

“Thank you, Principal Weems.” you cut her off, sliding the folder off of the desk. You stood. “Will that be all?”

“Yes, dinner is at 7 but, uh, you remember that.” you nodded your head “Do you need help moving in?” she looked at you with a motherly care in her eye.

“No, I should be good.” You walked to the door. “Have a nice day.”

The road leading to Nevermore Academy was packed with cars of all types. Decadent chauffeur cars were parked neatly along the side while battered minivans and what could only be described as grandpa cars sat crooked on the grass. You made your way along the drive until stopping at a large wheeled wrangler. While the inside was empty of people, you could see the edges of wings from the top of the car.

“Ya know, I think it’s soooo fuckin’ dumb that I couldn’t be in there with ya.” The voice was feminine, alto in nature with slightest hint of a Boston accent. “I may not be ya blood, but I’m still ya god damn legal guardian.”

“It’s alright, it’s not like you missed much.” your shoes scuffed against the asphalt “It was just my schedule and stuff. Plus the mandatory sorry for your loss speech” There was a bark of laughter as a response “Besides, you can still help me move in.” A slight groan broke through the amusement of the being on the top of the car, but she was still laughing. You walked around to the back of the wrangler and opened the trunk.

“You didn’t tell me you wanted me to go to therapy while I was here.” The laughter stopped. A horned head emerged from the top car, red eyes looking down at you. Loose strand of dark hair fell forward, making a sort of curtain.

“It’s for my peace of mind, (Y/N). It’ll make me sleep bettah knowing ya got someone here for ya: just to check in.” she paused “Sorry I didn’t tell ya.”

“It’s okay, Leto.” In all honesty, you weren’t mad at all. It warmed your heart to know she worried about you that much. You picked up one of your bags, slinging it over your shoulder.

“You gonna help me or what?”

A loud thump shook the car as Leto slid off the top.

“Ya lucky I like you.”

“Sure.” she lightly smacked you with the edge of her bat-like wings and stood next to you, eyeing up the amount of stuff you had to bring up.

“Think we can bring it up in one trip?” she asked, testing the weight of one of your boxes.

You huffed “Probably.”

You could bring everything up in one trip, but at the cost of feeling in your forearms. Leto wasn’t faring any better. Having the bright idea to hang bags from her horns, her head was being weighed down to the point where she just asked you for directions. After lugging yourselves up stairs and through long halls you came to your room. Praying that there was someone inside, you kicked your foot against the door. You heard music stop and shuffling until the door was open. Over the boxes in your hands, you could see a hat covered head and the arch of a brow.

“Oh wow?” was the first thing your roommate said and you and Leto walked past her.

All but throwing the items burning your body, you shook out your forearms and turned to face your new roommate. The first thing you noticed about her was how tall she was, almost besting Leto’s 6’1. The next was the maroon beanie carefully wrapped around the top of her head; a gorgon. She stuck her hand out, and you saw her nails were neatly done in a crimson polish.

“Hello, you must be (Y/N). I’m Marcella Petropolis.” you shook your hand some more willing the heat to leave your fingertips. Taking her hand in a firm grasp, you shook it without any issue.

“It’s nice to meet you, Marcella.” The taller girl smiled before clapping her hands on her thighs

“I’m so sorry I can’t stay but I have to go help my brother. Want to meet up at dinner, get to know each other?”

You smiled back “That sounds great.” She began walking to the door

“See you soon.”

“I like her” Leto announced from out in the hall, a mix of her wings and the luggage keeping her there “now please fucking help me.”

You quickly walked over “Sorry”

Moving in didn’t take nearly as long as you expected. After scooting your bed so it was against the wall and pushing your desk so you could look out the window, it was easy work. Leto put your clothes away as you lined up plants and trinkets along the windowsills and nightstand. Even though you weren’t on the top floor, you still had a small balcony overlooking the school, accessible through the window behind your bed. You had sun-catchers dangling in front of the windows for when the clouds decided to leave. A quilt, made by your mother, covered your bed where a few too many pillows had been piled up. In the corner where the bed had originally been, you put your small potion brewery. In all, it was coming together nicely.

As the dark sky became darker, and the final thing was put into place, your heart began to grow heavy. Leto would have to leave. Leto hadn’t left you alone since the funeral.

Turning around, you already found the succubus looking at you. While her eyes were in your direction, she was off somewhere else.

“What are you thinking about?” you haphazardly put down the vials you were holding and turned to face her.

“Yah Ma.” she answered “and how proud she’d be of ya.”

You smiled slightly “Thanks Let”

Leto held out her arms wide, smiling to the point where her fangs showed. You happily accepted the embrace, pulling yourself closer as her wings wrapped around you.

“What are you going to do when I’m gone?”

You felt the rumble of a chuckle in her chest “I have some work that’s gonna take me out West. I should be back at home before your break.” You nodded into her “Hey, promise me you’re gonna take care of yaself, okay? It can get all types of wild here and I just…” she cut off, swallowing loudly “I just want ya to have a good time. Ya deserve it.” If possible, you pulled her even closer.

“I promise, Let. You don’t have to worry though, it's just school.”

“Ha, nice try” she freed you from her wings and let go, opting to place her hands on your shoulders “I legally have to worry about ya. Remember?”

You smiled, it didn’t reach your eyes

“Alright, I’m gonna go before ya make me cry.” Leto pushed off your shoulders, a dramatic move for just turning around. “Get good grades, don’t do drugs, use a condom…”

“Hey!”

She turned around and winked, “Ya can never be too safe.” Her eyes lingered on you for just a second “ I love ya, (Y/N). Don’t forget to call.”

“I won’t, love you too.”

With that, she was gone. You listened till the sound of her boots on the stone floor dissipated before letting out a breath you didn't know you were holding.

As you walked down to the first floor many familiar faces passed you. Enid Sinclair; her family has sent you meals and care packages all throughout your mother’s illness. Paul Pasker; his father had been your pharmacist. Yoko Tanaka; she has been your roommate for your first years at Nevermore. Xavier Thorpe; the last time you had seen him was at the funeral a few months back. You knew these people, or, you had. You knew them two years ago before your mom got sick and you had left. Now they were just people whose names you knew.

Walking into the vast room that was the cafeteria, you searched for a maroon head. You found Marcella sitting in a corner, also scanning the crowds. When she spotted you, she waved you over to the small table. Heels clicking on the stone tiles, you walked over.

#wednesday #netflix wednesday #xavier thorpe #xavier thorpe x reader #x reader #fanfic #netflix #the addams family #wednesday addams #enid sinclair #ajax petropolus #yoko tanaka #bianca barclay #principal weems #larissa weems #wednesday series #pre-canon #xavier thorpe fanfic #slow burn

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alenseress · 3 months

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Elias laughs and the sound of it isn't unkind. Jon isn't sure why he expects it to be. It's somewhat pleasant, actually, to see his shoulders shake undone, forehead pressed to the roof of the car.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Elias waves him off and straightens up with a smile that gets his face all crinkled up. It's a lot of fine lines, a lot more under the unforgiving streetlights than what Jon is used to. It makes him seem more articulated, somehow. Less of a, what is it that Sasha keeps calling him, Walt Disney's frozen head?

"Not at all. You are one peculiar man, Jonathan."

Jon, he wants to correct, but doesn't know if it's appropriate — they're not really on the first name basis, are they. Elias is, sure. Was, from the very start, but the "Elias" in question never actually slips past Jon's head. So, instead, he finds the logo on the bumper very noteworthy.

"Cadillac," Elias suggests and now Jon scoffs himself.

"Are you showing off?"

Elias bops his head in a touché kind of way and scratches at his brow with a thumb carefully stuck away from the burning cigarette. "You looked like you were about to ask."

"It's just my face."

"Oh, I know."

Jon buries his freezing fingers into the coat's pockets and joins him, pressing a hip to the cold metal. Elias offers his portsigar in that sickeningly polite manner of his and Jon grabs a smoke for himself without thinking it through, mainly because he feels awkward standing empty handed. Something about them and the deserted Tesco parking lot does feel extremely inappropriate, now that he thinks about it with a cold cleared head.

Elias squints at his scrambling. "Are you uncomfortable?"

As he pockets for his lighter, Jon actually contemplates his answer. Elias doesn't rush, but does, however, mirror his stance so they end up face-to-face.

"No, I suppose," Jon clicks the wheel and takes a drag. "Are you uncomfortable?"

Cranks his head a bit and tries to roll something on his tongue along with the smoke. "Do I make you uncomfortable, Elias?"

He looks at him then, really looks at him, so prolonged and heated Jon feels like he might break sweat. But then the gaze slips somewhere above his shoulder and Elias smiles to himself as if remembering a joke.

"Somewhat, yes."

"Unfortunate."

"Not at all."

When Elias reaches out to him after a moment of silence, Jon isn't really surprised. He's not good at this but god knows he isn't entirely lost in clues, not when it comes to someone as blunt as Elias. It leaves him soured, really, the momentary rush of anxiety and disappointment. He takes a deep breath, preparing to say his best collected good-byes.

Elias runs his fingers gently along his clenched fist, so much so that Jon trails off with a stupidly hanging mouth. The nails, somewhat long and polished, scrape his dry skin up the sleeve and slip to the underside, following the veins with just their pointy tips. Jon makes a noise he's terrified to hear as his hand opens involuntarily. Elias holds it like he has held Jon's hand a million times before, like he watched it weather through the years just alongside his own, like he pressed kisses and whispered prayers into his palms. He holds it like he knows it, turning it over towards the dimm light above them.

Jon stares at his own clipper laying now cradled. Elias points a finger, connects the moles on his wrist and draws a thoughtful line to the cheap plastic, eventually tracing the pixelated design. The eye stares back at them.

"Let me drive you home, Jon."

Jon can't breathe for some reason.

"Wha..."

"You seem tired."

#jonelias #pre-canon #tho I'm not sure how far #tagged intense hand holding??#the magnus archives #Spotify

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triscribeaucollection · 7 days

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Hole in the Wall, Part 1

Lyle never needed to wonder ‘how did it come to this’. He could point back to the exact date and time of day, when the door of his small bar swung open, and all conversation between the handful of patrons died a sudden death.

Kid Flash, either bold as brass or too dumb to notice, walked right inside with his bright yellow costume and little red boots. To make matters worse, he dragged along a second, even smaller kid - though at least the boy with a cape seemed to have the good sense to look rightly alarmed. Most of the guys inside wore regular clothes, but off in one corner, Heatwave and Mirror Master were decked out in full gear, weapons obvious on the table between them, both men just as obviously staring at the two pipsqueaks with baffled suspicion.

Didn’t matter to the Kid, though. He came straight up to the bar’s counter dragging his buddy, and put on exactly the sort of great big grin Lyle’s nieces used when they were trying real hard to politely ask if they could break a rule. “Hi! Can we use your phone real quick?”

Lyle blinked. So did half his patrons. “...the phone.”

“Mmhm!” Kid Flash nodded towards the old landline Lyle kept up on the wall. “Our comms kinda got fried and Flash isn’t around, so-”

“KF,” his little friend hissed, casting a quick glance at the nearest guys, who made no effort to disguise how they were glaring right back.

“What? Dude, it’s fine-”

Getting over his shock, Lyle thumped a hand down onto the bar to draw their attention. “Phone’s only for paying customers.” Saying that, he cast a glare of his own around the room, saw how it immediately made most of the patrons ease back down.

Kid Flash winced, turning an apologetic expression on his friend. The smaller boy sighed and grumbled something under his breath, but nonetheless pulled a crisp twenty dollar bill from one of his belt’s little pouches. “Do you have any soda?”

Lyle grabbed them a couple of root beers.

“Thanks. Keep the change.”

And with that, the boys became patrons themselves, and thankfully everybody else inside the bar understood Lyle’s biggest, firmest, ‘broken under no circumstances’ rule: no picking fights with other customers. Now, if someone came in to cause a scene, they either ignored Lyle or he flat refused to serve them, which lit the green light for the rest of the room to ‘escort’ the troublemaker to the door. But once money and drinks changed hands, that was that, everybody enjoyed their beverages in peace Or Else.

In the back corner, Mirror Master and Heatwave scooted their weaponry out of sight, but otherwise went back to sipping and swapping complaints like nothing happened. And slowly, the rest of the bar followed suit.

Kid Flash chugged down his root beer in five seconds flat, before letting out a belch that wasn’t half bad for a middle schooler. “Okay! Can I please use the phone now?”

Lyle tipped one shoulder up in a shrug. He stayed put as the Kid came around the far end of the counter, one eye on the smaller boy still fiddling with his own bottle. “Don’t have bars like this where you’re from, huh?”

“Oh, sure. But I’d get shot full of holes in ten seconds if I tried walking into one,” boy replied flatly. “Or grabbed and tossed into a box until Batman showed up.”

That gave Lyle pause. “You’re the Bat’s kid?”

The child who couldn’t have been more than ten, maybe twelve years old at a stretch, lifted one hand to wiggle his fingers in a wave. “Yep. Robin, nice to meet you.”

What the actual hell.

Following that new train of thought got derailed, though, as Kid Flash’s phone call went through. “Hey, it’s me! Look, I know you guys thought me and D- uh, Robin- were just gonna go do some normal stuff, but we kinda interrupted a bank robbery-” Ah, that was the job Miggen was talking about the day before, “-and we’re fine! But there might have been an EMP emitter around that went off, and our comms kinda aren’t working, and since I can’t carry Rob back and he doesn’t want us to just take a bus in our costumes-”

By this point Robin had dropped his head onto the counter, both hands still gripping his bottle of root beer. Age him up a bit and swap the drink for a beer, Lyle thought he’d fit right in with the usual I’m surrounded by idiots patrons who came in to groan about friends and co-workers at the end of a long week.

“-no, we left the backpack with our regular clothes on the other side of the bridge,” Kid Flash went on. “Well, yeah, I could, but- look, Rob is from Gotham, if I left him alone for ten minutes there’s no telling what would be on fire when I came back.”

“Hey!”

Lyle almost snickered at the insulted expression on Robin’s face when he picked his head back up. A couple of other patrons also listening in did snicker, which just made the boy’s expression twist up even further.

“...where are we? Uh. So- do you, uh, remember that place Flash mentioned? The hole in the wall bar all the Rogues like to hang out at...?” Kid Flash abruptly pulled the phone away from his ear, wincing, and even from three steps away Lyle could hear a very loud voice on the other end.

“You are so dead,” Robin remarked.

“Shut up,” the Kid hissed back, before returning to his call. “I know, I know, but Rob bought us root beers and customers aren’t allowed to fight so it’s fine, we just- oh no. No, wait, you don’t need to-!” Lyle raised an eyebrow at the boy’s sudden panic. And understood it perfectly a moment later, when Kid Flash slumped in place and said in a very small voice, “Uh, hi Mom.”

Several more patrons in the bar snickered, or choked on their drinks, or otherwise looked like Christmas just came early. Robin’s head dropped back down onto the countertop.

“No. Yeah. Yes- I know that, but- yes, ma’am.” From what little of it Lyle could see, the Kid’s face appeared to be turning an even brighter shade of red than the color of his boots. “But I did do my homework!”

In the corner, Heatwave let out a startled bark of laughter, and Mirror Master went ahead and turned in his seat in order to watch the scene with a wide grin.

“That’s not due until next week!” Kid Flash continued to protest. “And it was on my desk, how did- you didn’t need to do that, I would have brought dishes down tonight!” The next pause dragged on, until the boy abruptly burst out, “Three WEEKS?!”

“I should’ve gone to bother Speedy instead,” Robin mumbled into the counter.

---

When I need a break from Inflicting Awful Things on my favorite boys in other fan fic stories, I of course turn around to instead Inflict Awful Things, Humor and Embarrassment Edition xD

#dc #young justice #wally west #dick grayson #central city rogues #fan fiction #pre-canon #I'm enjoying being mean to Wally today #/evil cackle #Nothing worse for a 13yo superhero #than talking to your mom on the phone #in a room full of guys you're supposed to regularly fight

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soulless-angel25 · 8 days

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Ghost's Soft April, Day 18 Prompt- Night Light @ghostsfanficevents

Silver is a tiny little thing, though Lilia doesn't have much room to speak but still. The main point is that his son has been having trouble falling asleep, something quite unusual- and after a bit of further investigation he discovered the cause was his son having developed a fear of the dark and needing light around him to fall asleep.

Once he was out then it was fine if there wasn't any light but there had to be light otherwise he couldn't sleep. Which.. alright Lilia can figure something out.

But it'll have to be something more traditional, there aren't any outlets in the house and those battery-powered night lights would be a pain, especially if it broke randomly one night.

So Lilia sets to work at making a custom night light. It's a small thing but sine he managed to make it so that all he'd have to do is push some magic in to make it glow it'll do a good job.

And good job it does. Within a week of creating the light and presenting it to his son Silver is sleeping much easier, lifting a weight off of Lilia's shoulders.

#ghosts soft april #ghosts soft april 2024 #twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #twst #lilia vanrouge #silver vanrouge #twst silver #pre-canon

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asexual-but · 1 year

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Not While I'm Around

Zhongli x Reader

Here we are! Another whole fic, it has been a while since I actually posted something with substance.

We've actually hit 400 followers! I'm so glad I can bring that much entertainment to people <3 We're also well on our way to 500 so I'll have to do something special for that!!!

Anyway, this is a mildly concerning final bonding session between a young Morax and his God.

Please, please, please consider listening to the many amazing songs out of Sweeney Todd!!! It is my favorite musical!!!!

"You know mum, there's nothing I wouldn't do for you. If there was a monster or an ogre or anything bad like what was after you, I'd rip it apart with my bare fists I would."

Morax was only one of the godlings you had cared for in your time. Countless had come before him and countless would come after him. But, he was different.

Even before you has assigned him a divine domain, making him a true god and therefore no longer under your care, he had been rather keen on protecting and worshiping you. More so than any of those that came before.

But, you were a little guilty of playing favorites with him. The two other godlings who you cared for alongside him just seemed... Less interesting than him. Morax soaked up your affection, and you were all to eager to give him more.

Your little shadow, your bodyguard, your tail. Many names had been given to him by others for just how close he stuck to your side.

So it was unsurprising when he entered the room whilst you rested by the fire. Eyes closed and enjoying the gentle warmth, you didn't need to address him. He knew you knew where he was.

Morax quickly settled in beside you, laying his upper body on you and gently holding onto your plush robe. He looked up at your calm expression with pure adoration. To him you were the picture of perfection.

Power, grace, skill. You had everything he could ever hope for. Including your endless patience and love for lower creatures such as him. Morax could think of no greater deity. So, eyes shining with conviction and a deep love, Morax uttered his first promise.

To protect you from all dangers, to always be at your side and remove such obstacles from your path. Morax meant every word.

He was surprised to hear you chuckle. But the burning embarrassment he would have felt passed as soon as he felt your fingers run through his hair. Closing his eyes, Morax relaxed further, a rumbling purr emitting from his chest.

"How sweet. What an affectionate godling my Morax is." You cooed.

Your Morax?

Morax raised a hand to press yours harder against his scalp. His eyes still closed as your nails lightly scratched at him whilst you pet him. He wasn't sure if it was possible for this moment to become any better.

Perhaps the others worshipped you. Perhaps all those who came before him had know you longer, but had they ever belonged to you? Had they ever had the pleasure of hearing you lay a claim on them? One may assume you owned all things, as The Creator, but when one creates something and then lets it go, do they own it any longer?

Your gentle touch and kind words. The soft body of your form. All of this, from that moment forward, was for Morax to protect and love above all things. He thought he had heard a word before which would define such a thing....

Contract, was it?

You perked up slightly with a more serious look. Curiously you glanced down at Morax, who seemed to be deep in thought whilst still clinging to you. You smiled at him though he could not tell.

"Well then, my Morax. Let this be your first contract." You guided him to sit up.

Slitted eyes widened as the world around him seemed to disappear. You were no longer in front of him, and instead he heard your voice. Morax looked around desperately for the source, but it seemed to surround him.

"Always be my protector, my greatest worshipper, and you shall always be mine."

Morax stood in front of a land he had never known, teeming with life. A beautiful sight indeed. But...

As Morax felt power coursing through him, he wondered what it would be like for you to be there with him. For him to show you exactly what power you had given him.

As with every moment, Morax's determination to uphold your agreement grew. And he could feel his power growing to match.

#genshin impact sagau #sagau #genshin x reader #genshin impact #sagau zhongli #zhongli x reader #pre-canon #concepts that i might use in the future #morax #morax x reader

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giggly-squiggily · 3 months

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Hello squiggly!!!! So excited for your candy heart event, the prompts are so cute <3

Could I request a ler! Genya Lee! Sanemi -be my valentine? I just love their sibling dynamic. If you want you can switch them as Lee and ler.

YES! Hey friend! I freaking love this holy canoli kjarkjearjkeajrj And thank you! :3 I love these siblings so much AHH! I've gotcha covered!

I decided to write this pre-canon/backstory Sanemi and Genya so this takes place before the trama.

Be My Valentine: "I know all your weaknesses!"

“Ah! Nemi!”

“Aww, what’s wrong?” Sanemi cooed down at his little brother, grinning as he pulled him in a headlock and ruffled his hair. “Can’t defeat me, can you?”

They were on their way home after getting the shopping done, their mom and siblings awaiting their return. It became a regular thing since their dad left; them taking care of long shopping trips to give their mom a rest after a long week. Genya loved these days best; it got him away from the usual chaos at home that came with many siblings.

It also gave him a chance to bond with his big brother.

Even if that meant getting bullied.

“I certainly can!” He cried despite the disadvantage he found himself in. “Cause I know all your weaknesses!”

“Uh-huh. Sure you do-Ehehehehehek!” Sanemi all but shouted when Genya grabbed his sides, pressing in rapidly the same way he did to his little brothers and sisters. “Wahahhait, nohohohoho tihihihihickling!”

“Yes tickling! Let me go and maybe I’ll let up!” Genya cried back, the arm around his neck loosening as he kept up kneading along his lower ribs. “I know how ticklish you are, Nemi! You can’t last forever!”

“Ahehahahahaha! S-Shuhuhuhuht your fhahahahhace, Gehehehehni!” Squirming this way and that, Sanemi released his brother, twisting in his arms so he could grab at his shoulders. “Gohohohoohtcha! Nohohohow geheheheht ohohohohohff!”

“Mmmm, no! I don’t want to-OHOHOHO!” Genya all but squealed when Sanemi started tickling his neck, making him scrunch. “Nehehehehemi, wahahahhahit!”

“Yohohohou leeheheht gohohohoho and Iihiihhii wihiihiihll!”

“Nehehehehehhever!”

“Brihihiihng it ohohohohohon!”

Back and forth they went, tickling each other as they swayed this way and that, their groceries temporarily forgotten in their spontaneous tickle fight. At some point they tumbled, crashing into a nearby flower garden and startling the owner so badly they got a bucket of water thrown at them.

They were soaked on their way home, laughing the entire time with both groceries and a box of ohagi to share.

Overall a great day all around.

Send me a candy heart and I'll write a dabble for it!

#Candy Heart Valentine Event #chve2k24 #tickle #tickle dabble #pre-canon #genya shinazugawa #sanemi shinazugawa #fluff #I wanted to write them when they were kiddos cause I could kajrjkeajkrejka

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brigwife · 27 days

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But He Will Not Return: Chapter Seventeen!

“Almost all who come here meet that fate.” Her voice cut through Boromir like a death sentence. The vines continued to crawl across him and tighten, and Théodred stirred beside him. Boromir wished he could reach out and hold his hand. If he was to die here, so far from his home and his beloved brother, he wanted at least to not die alone.

In which Boromir, Théodred and Éomer travel deeper into the Limlight Gorge in search of the arrowreed plant, and Boromir has a very enlightening dream.

Read the latest update on Ao3, or from the beginning!

#boromir #theodred #lotr #fanfic #lord of the rings #pre-canon #longfic #friends to lovers

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fullscoreshenanigans · 3 months

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The true grand chess master of the series; Norman who

#The Promised Neverland #Yakusoku no Neverland #TPN #YnN #TPN Memes #TPN Light Novels #Records of Comrades #Pre-Canon #TPN Two Destinies #TPN Demons #TPN Leuvis #TPN Lewis #Leuvis #Sonju #Mujika #Sonmuji #Demon Royal Family #FSS Shenanigans

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blacktobackmesa · 10 months

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Research Supervisor: Well, his lashing out has decreased significantly lately, so I'd say that your friend has learned his lesson and should be ready to be taken out of detention by tomorrow.

Coomer: Oh, that's wonderful news!

Supervisor: [turning toward Bubby's tube] Keep out of trouble, and you'll be able to think of this as a sort of graduation.

Coomer: Does that make his tube a "graduated cylinder"?

Supervisor:

Coomer: 😃

Supervisor: Actually maybe he needs a few more days.

Bubby: THANKS A LOT HAROLD

#hlvrai #go grandbub go [bubby]#the best character [coomer]#hlvrai boomer #pre-canon

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bioplast-hero · 1 month

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just my luck

2k • teen • satosugu • part 2: February

“Don’t rest your shoes on the wall,” Suguru scolds. “It’s very rude.” Satoru likes the exasperation in his voice a little too much. “Oh?” “I’m serious. Setsubun is about purification.” Satoru knew he would fuss. “My feet aren’t resting on anything except Infinity.” In the beat that follows, Satoru relishes that small, disbelieving scoff. “Leave it to you to disregard tradition.” The wry shape of Suguru’s mouth does something funny to the barometric pressure. Or maybe Satoru’s doing that. Whoops.

Satoru attends Setsubun festival with Suguru, and finds out at the end of the night it’s actually his birthday.

(Set in February, the winter before the Star Plasma Vessel incident. Series part 2 of 12.)

[Read the fic on AO3]

#jjk #SatoSugu #SuguSato #Satoru x Suguru #stsg brainrot #mutual pining #canonverse #pre-canon #stsg #sgst #goge #gego #my fic #fic promo #jjk fic

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rose-tinted-vision · 13 days

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Fic: you're taking my heart by storm

Fandom: White Cat Legend (大理寺少卿游）

Relationship: Qiu Qingzhi/Li Bing, Qiu Qingzhi and Yi Zhihua

chapter 2/? | read it on ao3

Li Bing, Qiu Qingzhi thinks, you would have hated it here.

It is a statement he can say with absolute confidence, because he knows Li Bing– stupidly upright, unfailingly kind and accepting of everyone, no matter their status– a person like him would have detested it here, where Commanders think themselves god and discrimination is the norm.

Despite his friends best interest, he had been sorted into the slave camp, placing him back to square one.

You are not the Li Family's slave, Li Bing had said. It was true, they had treated him as an equal– anything he did, he did because he wanted to– he was not their slave, but before that, he had been someone else's.

Though it has been far too long since anyone has treated him as one, that was for sure. He had nearly forgotten how it had been like to be looked upon with such open disgust, to be spat on, and treated as if he were expendable.

(He is. Expendable, that is. But he had long since decided that he would only let one man command his fate).

Qiu Qingzhi quickly understands that it is no use risking his life while he is in the slave camp. No one ever got their due credits, to ensure that the slaves stayed at the bottom where they belonged, and it was becoming increasingly apparent that they are silently killing them off in batches.

So Qiu Qingzhi waits for his death.

He waits, and he plots his escape route in the meantime.

Sorry, Li Bing. I won't be able to fulfill your dreams.

He would be marked a traitor, a deserter once his escape was reported. He would not be able to return to Shengdu without being thrown to the Death Row.

—

“Don't come back if you're not made General!” Li Bing had playfully called after him.

Qiu Qingzhi’s step falters, and he lets himself fall onto the scorching sand. It sticks onto this sweat soaked skin, sneaking under his clothes, scratching the skin underneath.

It is burns his skin, the desert heat agonizing, but he is too tired to get up.

He writes a mental apology to Li Bing. Tries to remember how the other had looked during that night they drank together.

If he had any regrets, it was that he had not been brave enough to confess his feelings before he left. That he may never see those huge, intelligent, beautiful eyes ever again.

Qiu Qingzhi knows that he is on the verge of death, that he would not survive this day. It has been a while since he last ate, having run out of camps to raid for food and water a while back, and his legs refused to carry him any longer.

But even in the last moments of his life Li Bing continues to haunt him. Dream-Li Bing looms over him and demands that he pick himself up, that he return to Shendu safely, that he live.

(Qiu Qingzhi knows that it must be a hallucination, a sign that he is losing his grip on life– because Li Bing would never physically be able to survive a trip to the canyons, and yet he picks himself up anyway, unable to refuse Li Bing in any shape or form).

So he forces himself back up, drags himself to a crevice nearby, and plots.

He needs something to ensure that he was not branded a traitor or slave upon his return to Shendu. He needs insurance.

—

He had been suspicious about this deployment right from the start– the details did not make sense. Why deploy so many men just for the state of Zixu, whose military might was nothing compared to theirs?

Staring at the lithe demon stretching atop the coffin he had just lain in seconds ago, he can guess why, though he does not quite understand the whole picture.

It was at times like this that he sorely missed having Li Bing around. He would be able to deduce why in a matter of seconds, Qiu Qingzhi thinks.

But for now, he retreats discreetly, while the others are still transfixed by the sight before them.

“Whose blood is this?” he hears the monster snarl, and he hastens his pace. Dying to a cat did not sound like one for the historical records.

—

The monster finds him anyway, killing everyone standing between them as he invades Qiu Qingzhi’s personal space, demanding for his blood.

Qiu Qingzhi takes a slow look at the monster before him. He notes the feral look in his eyes that he usually saw in cornered animals, the tense posture that resembled those fallen from grace who refused to bow, even in their last moments, and can only pity the monster.

That such a powerful being would be degraded to a mere object, thrown around for its abilities and nothing more.

Feels sorry that he is about to do the same.

The monster obviously does not see it coming, overconfident in its own abilities as he mocks Qiu Qingzhi for being so human. Yet here he stands, staring at the demon who had fallen into his trap from his perch on the cliff, a human who has captured a demon.

He stabs the monster once more for good measure, and proceeds to tie it up.

It is nighttime when the monster finally regains consciousness, either due to the scorpion he was roasting, or the gash on his palm he'd gotten from killing the scorpion.

As expected, it immediately bargains to be set free. It offers up his blood, throws around promises of immortality and strength that a lesser man would have given in to. Qiu Qingzhi only recoils at such ideas– what good was immortality if Li Bing– cursed with a debilitating illness– would not live as long as he did?

Strength, maybe. But he was plenty strong enough himself.

His disinterest clearly upsets the monster, who starts screaming in frustration, growing increasingly desperate with his offers.

Qiu Qingzhi simply walks up to it, and breaks its fangs the same way he'd seen interrogators do to criminals. The monster flinches, wailing at his cruelty, and Qiu Qingzhi almost feels bad for it. Almost.

“Where on earth are you bringing me to?”

“Back to Shendu, in the Central Plains” Qiu Qingzhi says. It's a half-truth. The demon and the secrets it carried are the ticket to clearing his name, “someone started a ridiculous war for you, and lied to everyone. I'm taking you back, as the most important piece of evidence.”

“I can't believe there's a day that I'm evidence,” the demon says, half-incredulous, “how interesting.”

The fight in his eyes has not dimmed, however, and the demon’s eyes almost seem to glow as he challenges, “but are you capable of it?”

“I have a powerful friend.”

This time, he is less sure. He does not know how Li Bing would take the news, if he would believe their country's officials capable of such crimes against their own.

“You're annoying. Your friend can't be any better than you.”

Qiu Qingzhi nearly stabs the demon again. Instead he settles for ripping the arrow out of his chest, relishing in the sharp yowl of pain. Insults slung at him, he could take. But Li Bing was off-limits.

“Insult him again and I'll pluck out all your teeth,” he snarls, watching as the demon flinches and finally shuts up.

—

It must be a nightmare, surely.

He had only returned for barely a week, barely settled into his new position as General Qiu before a signal flare lit up the sky above the Li residence, setting the otherwise dark night ablaze– a new invention, they had told him– a call for help.

(How could something that looked so pretty be a signal for danger?)

Qiu Qingzhi’s heart pounds in fear, blood rushing to his ears as he acts on autopilot, barking out orders to set off for the Court of Judicial Review immediately.

He needs to know that Li Bing is okay. Li Bing has to be okay. He has to be.

Qiu Qingzhi has no reason left to live, if Li Bing is not around anymore. He would gladly set fire to this country, raze it to the ground, or better yet– he would set Yi Zhi Hua free and watch as the demon wrecks havoc on Yong’an Pavilion.

(Except– he knows that he would not. Not really, not when this was the city that Mr. Li and Li Bing loved so much).

The estate is too quiet.

His hand trembles as he pushes the gates open– to see a scene out of his nightmares, the entire Li estate guards and servants alike slaughtered in the courtyard, blood soaking into the ground beneath their bodies, and Li Bing– glaring at him with equal parts despair and contempt.

Li Bing, who is still alive but near unrecognisable in his grief. Whose hair had turned as white as the snow that dusted his shoulders, his eyes swollen from crying, his father's blood staining his robes.

It is a sight that Qiu Qingzhi cannot bear to watch any longer, and he turns away.

(Coward, a voice that sounds too much like the damned monster mocks him, weakling).

He drinks himself into oblivion in the relative safety of his new quarters, burning with the need to hunt down those who had put such an expression on Li Bing’s face, to annihilate those who dared to touch his childhood home.

#yi zhihua enjoyers he does not get treated well in this one I apologise #pre-canon #may have taken some liberties with what went on #white cat legend #qiubing #rose writes #i swear im normal about them

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alaspice · 1 year

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𝐒𝐨𝐥 𝟎𝟑

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 : Xavier Thorpe x Fem Reader

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Water is not your friend.

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: almost drowning, blood, language

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1.8K

a/n this starts pre-canon in the school year before Wednesday shows up, This is big time Slow Burn, strap in.

For some who was so connected to the sun, you didn’t enjoy the heat. Heat is sticky and uncomfortable. It’s stuffy and suffocating, snatching any semblance of comfort. Worse of all, heat is harmful. The amount of times you had accidentally burned someone because you couldn’t keep yourself in check was too high for your liking.

It was the insane heat that brought everyone here in the first place. Being the third week of school, the summer air had not yet left New England. With that came the agonizing humidity and scorching sun. Sitting around miserable, it was Divina who had the idea to go out to the lake. No one needed convincing to head down the considerably cooler water.

While everyone was splashing in the murky waters, you stayed in the shallows. If you were heat, then the chill of water was your natural enemy. While it didn’t hurt you to be in it, water was just uncomfortable to you; you were insanely out of your element.

You mindlessly meandered in the shallows as you balanced on the slimy rocks and plants. You had rolled up the legs of your flowing pants to above your knees, though the water didn’t even pass mid shin. The mud felt cooling on your soles as you kicked up clouds of muck, the occasional crawdad scurrying away. The pond smell has already faded into the background.

You leaned down and ran your gloveless hands through the water, a small amount of the steam rising from your skin. A few water bugs danced across the surface, at your disturbance. Your fingers delicately flitted across the smooth stones, finally settling for a flat piece of siltstone. Plucking it up, you flipped it over in your palm before flicking it across the water. It skipped for a few seconds before disappearing into the dark depths.

A sudden yelp brought your eyes up from the fading ripples and further into the lake. It had been Yoko. From her flailing form and the devious look from Kent, she has most likely been thrown. Smiling to yourself, you leaned back over and chose another stone to skip.

Out of your periphery, you saw a mass lazily floating over to you. Xavier was on his back, loose hair floating around his head like a halo. His eyes were closed to his surroundings but he seemed to know exactly where he was going. You grabbed another stone, and skipped it close to his head, a few droplets landing on his skin. One eye opened.

“You could’ve hit me.” Xavier’s words held no intent behind them. You and him both knew that his head was never your target.

“Remember when we used to do this?” while it wasn’t a whisper, but your voice was quiet.

“Hmm?” Xavier kicked his legs so he would drift closer to you. You looked at his hands. His fingers were splattered with the remnants of a deep purple paint.

“We used to see who could skip the furthest…member?” You skipped another rock “We would have Rowan judge.”

Xavier rolled slightly in the water and got on his knees. He began fishing around in the murk, stirring up clouds in the once clear water.

“If I remember correctly...” Xavier pulled his empty hand out, now covered in mud “I was the frequent champion.” He plunged back in

You scoffed “If I remember correctly,” you mocked his words “you were a sore loser.”

He feigned offense, his non busy hand smashing over his heart “Words hurt, (Y/N).” Xavier pulled out a smooth stone. “words hurt.”

Xavier finally stood, and wound up to throw his rock. Letting go, it made one wimpy skip before disappearing under the water with a loud plunk.

“oh.”

Your laughter was barking. It came from deep within you, and pierced the quiet air of the lake. You had to lean over to try and get any oxygen in through the mirth. Xavier stood shocked, his mouth slightly ajar and eyes wide. He had definitely not expected this outcome. You were beginning to calm from your laughter, a slight wheeze in your throat.

“You spoke too soon, Xav.” You took a step deeper into the water.

“I call a mulligan.”

“Nope.” You popped the p “it’s 1: nothin’.” you leaned down to get another stone. Something more slimy than the stones bushed past your fingers. You pulled back fast.

“What?” the humor was instantly gone from Xavier’s voice “What is it.”

“Oh nothing.” You walked to the side a bit “Probably just a plant or somethin’.”

Xavier was still looking around your old spot.

“You’ll have better luck deeper in.” you gestured around you “I got everything good over ther-ahhh-”

Something had wrapped around your ankle and tugged. You could briefly hear Xavier’s “Oh fuck!” before going under.

One second you were screaming above the water, and the next, you were being dragged along the rocks. The luminescence of your skin was getting more evident the further in you went; the murky water glowing a sickly green. You shut your eyes against the long plants of the lake that kept smacking you across the face. You didn’t know how much time had passed, but you had run out of air long ago.

Were you going to die? You could feel the desperation for oxygen go from your lungs down to your toes. Water invaded your mouth and nose and you no longer had the strength to force it out.

You felt it in your stomach first. The hum was warming and it energized you to your core. Was this it? Were you finally passing on? Was this the release of death? The questions were short lived as the feeling reached your fingers. They began to move on their own accord, reaching out to the depths to your left. This wasn’t death you were feeling, it was raw power.

You didn’t have time to think about it as the rush you were feeling was dying off, quickly being replaced by a primal urgency for air. You flailed against the current coming from whatever was pulling you, your hands desperately trying to find something to grip onto. Your limbs began to feel heavy as you began to lose focus on fighting. You could hardly register the new grip upon your shoulders as your head lulled back, unable to stay awake any longer.

Breath.

It was the first thing that came across your mind as you began involuntarily coughing, lake water gushing out of your mouth. You were vaguely aware of a force on your back as you gulped mouthfuls of air. You didn’t care that it burned your throat.

Looking up from the solid ground, you were met with the hazel eyes of Xavier. He was hovering, hands outstretched as if he wanted to touch you. Taking more gulps of air, you looked behind you to see Bianca, her hand running up and down your back. Through the shallow she was still in, you could see the silver scales of her tail.

“Breath (Y/N).” she commanded, her hand still on your back “You need to breath”

You leaned forwards, your forehead landing on the damp ground. You could feel the lakeside mud sticking to your skin, but you just didn’t care.

“What happened?”

“You were pulled under.” Xavier spoke, his voice solemn “B dove in and was able to pull you out.”

“It was some sort of tentacled bottom feeder, I think.” While it wasn’t directed at you, you could still feel the anger radiating off of Bianca.

“Thank you, Bianca”

Getting your breathing more under control, you rolled over so you were resting on your back.

Marcella gasped “(Y/N), your leg!”

You looked to see a dark puddle forming under your right calf. Sitting up to examine it, you found a pretty sizable gash from where the creature had grabbed you. It was the size of your palm and leaking deep red with streaks of gold mixed in. They caught the rays of the afternoon sun and seemed to glow even brighter. Your dampness was not helping stop the flow of blood. Bianca handed you a dry shirt. She examined the blood on her hand as you wrapped the dry cloth around your calf.

“(Y/N), what’s this gold stuff?” Ajax quickly grabbed Bianca’s hand and examined the blood. She scoffed and quickly pulled it back

“Did that thing bite you or somethin?” the swim cap he was wearing was wiggling, the snakes trying to get out “Cause like” he gulped “discolored blood is like a huge sign of venom.”

“No.” you finished tying the cloth “It’s just ichor.”

“What?”

You had said is so casually that the group felt dumb they didn’t know that was. Eyes wide, Bianca swiftly put her hand in the lake. The blood clouded around her hand till it disappeared into the water.

“Ichor.” you hesitantly stood, testing the pressure on your injured leg. “The blood of the gods.”

Everyone nodded their heads, the pieces being put together. Everyone except Bianca

“Why would that be in your blood?”

“Because my dad’s a primordial.”

You took a step forward, stumbling slightly. You fell onto Ajax; he steadied you. As you were beginning to gain your strength back, small tufts of steam began rising from your skin. You took another step forward. While it was with a limp, you were able to stay upright.

“I’m going to head up to the infirmary, see if this needs stitches.” you gestured to your leg

“I’ll come with you.” Marcella stepped forwards, but you held out your hands to stop her

“Nah, it's okay, Marce. You enjoy the lake.” you took another step forwards, wincing slightly “I’ll see you all at dinner.”

You turned, walking up the hill. As you went, you could shake what had happened. Not only could you not fully grasp that you had almost died, but you had definitely felt celestial power.

Only once before had you felt like that, and it had been the only time you had seen your father’s chariot. It was during an eclipse that he had come down to see you and your mother. In all of its golden glory, you could feel its power course through your veins as your child hands brushed over the detailing. The chariot was only slightly younger than time, and a relic of the old world.

Whatever was down there was ancient.

The group watched your retreating form, wincing at the limp you couldn’t quite hide.

By now Bianca had dried off, and walked to be next to Xavier. He slung his hand over her shoulder as she leaned into him.

“So her dad is like a god?” she was genuinely curious

“Titan technically.” Xavier answered “Her dad is Helios.”

“Wait…” it was Kent “Does that mean her mom like… fucked the sun?”

Divina smacked his shoulder “Dude, come on.”

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